Pig Island Thailand (Koh Madsum) With Kids – Family Guide 2026

Is Pig Island Worth Visiting With Kids?

Pig Island, also called Koh Madsum, is a tiny island near Koh Samui where pigs roam freely on the beach. It’s a must-do for families, short boat ride, calm water, and free-roaming pigs who are genuinely happy to see you (especially if you’ve got food).

We’re a family of four living in Thailand since 2019, and we’ve visited Pig Island twice already, loving it both times. So: everything about visiting Pig Island with kids. How to get there, what it actually costs, safety tips, and what to expect when a herd of piglets descends on your toddler.

Save

Quick Tips
🐷 How to Get There: From Thong Krut Pier on Koh Samui, 30 min by long-tail or 15 min by speedboat.
💰 Cost: Private tours start from THB 3,500 (100 USD); island entry THB 50 (1.50 USD), kids free.
🕒 Best Time: Visit after 3 p.m. to avoid the crowds.
🎒 Bring: Sunscreen, hats, towels, snacks, and some cash.
🏨 Favorite Samui Family Hotels: Hyatt Regency Koh Samui • Anantara Bophut • Outrigger Samui

Getting to Koh Madsum

You can reach Pig Island primarily from Koh Samui. At Thong Krut Pier, on the southern part of the island, you’ll find one tour operator after another lined up. The tour companies offer both private and joint boat tours, either on a longtail boat (a 30-minute ride) or a speedboat (depending on the number of engines, the trip takes only 10-15 minutes).

The tours usually run twice a day: at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some operators also offer sunset tours at later times.

One thing to note is that these tours almost always include a stop at Koh Tan (or Koh Taen). There, you can either visit the beach or go snorkeling along the coastline from the boat and watch coral reefs and plenty of fish. The tour operators provide snorkeling equipment, including life vests.

Save

Costs

Feature	Long-Tail Boat (Private)	Speedboat (Private)
Travel time	~30 minutes	10-15 minutes
Price (1-2 people)	THB 2,700 (~77 USD)	THB 6,800 (~194 USD)
Price (8-10 people)	THB 4,500 (~128 USD)	THB 9,000 (~257 USD)
Best for	Budget travelers, slow pace	Families with young kids, time-limited
Snorkeling included	Usually yes	Usually yes
Can skip snorkeling	Yes (arrange with operator)	Yes (arrange with operator)

For a private long-tail boat, prices start at THB 2,700 (77 USD) for 1-2 people, increasing to THB 4,500 (128 USD) for groups of 8-10. If you prefer a private speedboat, a one-engine option ranges from THB 6,800 (194 USD) for 1-2 people up to THB 9,000 (257 USD) for 9-10 people.

In addition, there’s an admission fee of THB 50 (1.50 USD) per person to enter Koh Madsum, a standard practice in Thailand. Kids are free.

Save

Booking Tips

Tour Operators: Our first tour in 2021 was with Kohtantour & Transport. Back then, our 4-year-old daughter even joined in on the snorkeling. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal, so the snorkeling experience was a bit disappointing. The entire tour lasted 4 hours.

Our second tour in August 2024 was with Smile Samui. This time, we had our 3-year-old and our now 7-year-old daughters with us. Since our youngest was too small for snorkeling, we arranged with the tour operator to skip the snorkeling part. The price remained the same, but we had plenty of time on Pig Island.

We had other things on that day, so we pushed the boat tour from 2 to 3 p.m. That flexibility? Fantastic.

If you’re planning to explore more islands with little ones, check out my Thailand with a Baby guide for tips on what works best for toddlers.

Snorkeling or Not: Honestly, the snorkeling spot is not the best, so I’d always skip it. Especially if your kids are not yet comfortable with snorkeling.

👉 Book your private tour to Pig Island right here!

Save

What to Expect on Koh Madsum

Koh Madsum, aka Pig Island, is a small and mostly untouched island about 0.4 square miles (1 sq km) in size, easy to explore on foot in about an hour. Expect soft sandy beaches, clear water, and plenty of palm trees.

The main spot is the simple Mad Sum Bar, where the pigs like to hang out. It serves drinks, Thai and basic Western food, and sells pig and dog food. You’ll also find public toilets, shady bamboo seating, and kayak rentals for those who want to get on the water.

Save

The Best Part: Meeting the Pigs

Now, let’s talk about the highlight: the pigs.

I have to say, the development over the last few years has been extreme! While there were only about five pigs in 2021, there are now easily over 100. There are a few larger pigs, but mostly lots of little piglets running around everywhere.

The best part? The pigs are completely free to roam and can escape the tourist crowds if they want to. Most of them hang out in the shade near the restaurant kitchen or wallow in the mud in front of the sinks by the toilets. They look healthy and well taken care of.

💡 Just a heads up: You probably won’t come across the famous swimming pigs here. In all my visits, I’ve never actually seen a pig in the water.

Save

Most of the pigs are friendly and enjoy interacting with people. You can slowly approach them, extend your hand, and pet them. Your best chance of winning a pig’s affection is by buying food or bringing them water. We didn’t do this on our last visit, but it was still a great experience.

My daughters had a blast petting the little piglets. They spent ages in the sand, playing with the babies.

The three dogs on the island were also very friendly and enjoyed the attention.

Here’s what we told our kids for safety:

• Don’t pick up the baby pigs.
• Always be respectful to the animals, and don’t try to chase or catch them.
• Approach the dogs only if they clearly show they want to be petted.

Save

👉 You might also like:
– Best Family Resorts in Koh Samui
– 1 Week in Koh Samui with Kids: Best Family Itinerary
– Where to Stay in Koh Samui? 5 Best Areas for Families

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

These are our family’s favorite Samui hotels (tested and approved by my girls):

Best Time to Visit

Generally, you’ll find the best weather during the high season from December to March. It’s cooler, and the rainy season is over. However, I personally recommend visiting during the mid or low season, between April and October. It might be hotter, and there’s a higher chance of rain, but there are also fewer tourists.

As for the time of day, you’re usually tied to the tour operator’s schedule. Most tours run at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. During these peak times, the small island can be overrun with tourists. The whole beach is full of long-tail boats with captains waiting for the tourists to go back.

If you book a private boat, try to arrange a more personalized schedule with the tour operator, before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. works well. We started our tour at 3 p.m., but I think 4 p.m. would also be a great option.

What to Bring to Pig Island

Essential Items:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Swimwear
• Something to cover your shoulders during the boat ride
• Towel or blanket to sit on or dry off with
• Camera
• Cash for food and the admission fee
• Maybe some beach toys

👉 Check the whole packing list for Thailand here!

Save

Dealing with Other Tourists

Pig Island is a major tourist attraction, and that’s both its charm and its biggest challenge.

The other tourists on Koh Madsum were the biggest challenge for us, both in 2021 and 2024. There are too many people, and too many of them do not respect the animals or watch their kids around the pigs. This often led to me getting really upset, even with grown adults.

The large tourist crowds are another reason why booking private tours and going at unconventional times is so important. Early morning or late afternoon makes a genuine difference.

The Story of Mr. Kitt and Pig Island

Even though you shouldn’t believe everything you hear at tourist hotspots, the story of how Pig Island came to be is truly adorable. This is what they say:

Mr. Kitt, who runs a small beach bar on Koh Madsum with his family, discovered a pair of pigs at a market in Surat Thani. He saw the pigs huddled together, scared and about to be sold to farmers and butchers. Realizing they were a family, he decided to buy them and take them to Koh Madsum, where they became the island’s famous pigs.

Mr. Kitt had never owned pigs before, but with the help of Gojo Tours, they created the Pig Island Experience. This tour allows visitors to feed the pigs and learn their story, with a portion of the tour proceeds going back to the local community.

I don’t believe it, but it’s a cute fairytale, right?!

Save

Is Pig Island Safe for Kids? What We Tell Ours

Yes, visiting Pig Island with kids is safe, but a few ground rules make the difference between a great experience and a stressful one.

The pigs are accustomed to people and generally very calm. That said, they’re still animals, and the population has grown a lot. When we went in 2024, there were easily over 100 pigs on a small beach. Most are piglets, which makes them absolutely irresistible to little ones.

Here’s the shortlist of rules we stick to:

• Don’t pick up the piglets. Even small pigs can bite if they feel trapped or startled.
• No chasing. Running at animals stresses them and can cause a startle reaction.
• Let them come to you. Crouching down and being still is the fastest way to make a pig friend.
• Food from the island only. Buy pig feed from the restaurant at Mad Sum Bar. Don’t bring snacks from outside.
• Supervise near the mud area. The wallowing spot near the toilets is a hit with pigs and toddlers alike, but it’s slippery.
• Dogs, too. The three dogs on the island are friendly, but approach them calmly and only if they invite it.

My 3-year-old was absolutely fine. She just needed to be close to us when the pigs gathered around the feeding area, which can feel overwhelming when twenty piglets are suddenly very interested in your hands.

Pig Island Thailand vs Pig Beach Bahamas: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve searched “Pig Island” and seen photos of pigs swimming in turquoise water, that’s likely the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas, not Thailand.

They’re completely different places. Here’s the quick version:

• Koh Madsum (Thailand): Small island near Koh Samui. Pigs roam the beach and hang out near the restaurant. Family-friendly, easy half-day trip, affordable. Pigs here don’t really swim.
• Pig Beach Bahamas (Big Major Cay): Remote island in the Exumas, accessible only by private boat or tour from Nassau or Staniel Cay. Famous for pigs that swim out to boats. More expensive and logistically complex.

For families based in Koh Samui, Koh Madsum is the one. It’s easy, cheap, and the pigs are just as fun, even if they prefer the shade to the sea.

Key Takeaways

• Pig Island (Koh Madsum) is a tiny island near Koh Samui with free-roaming pigs, one of the most unique family day trips in southern Thailand.
• Boat ride: 30 minutes by long-tail or 10-15 minutes by speedboat, departing from Thong Krut Pier.
• Entry fee: THB 50 (about 1.50 USD) per adult. Kids are free.
• Book a private boat so you can skip the snorkeling stop and avoid the worst of the tourist crowds.
• Timing matters: Go before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for a much quieter experience.
• Animal rules: Don’t pick up piglets. Crouch down and let the pigs come to you.
• Best weather: December to March. Fewer tourists: April to October. Skip November, it’s peak rainy season in Samui.

👉 You might also like:
– Koh Samui with Kids: 25 Super Fun Things to Do
– Red Baron Sunset Cruise in Samui
– Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary Ethical?

Final Thoughts on Visiting Pig Island With Kids

Koh Madsum, or Pig Island, is a genuinely unique attraction and offers so much fun for families. We all loved interacting with the friendly pigs, and my daughters would go back again tomorrow if I let them.

That said, the growing number of tourists can make the visit feel a bit overwhelming if you show up at peak time. To make the most of your trip, book a private tour, time it right, and let the pigs come to you. It really does make all the difference.

👉 Book your private tour to Pig Island right here!

Are you planning to visit Pig Island? Or have you been there already? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu.

Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/884746289433327815