Koh Madsum is a small island three to four kilometres off the south coast of Koh Samui, next to the larger and quieter Koh Tan. It became famous for a herd of pigs that live on the main beach, sometimes wade into the shallows and take fruit from visitors, and today nearly every boat that leaves Thong Krut or Bang Kao pier stops there.
You will see the name spelled Koh Madsum, Koh Mudsum and Koh Matsum. They are the same island, and this guide uses Pig Island because that is what people search for.
South of Koh Samui, ten to twenty minutes by boat from the south coast piers. Not near Phuket, not in Krabi, and nothing to do with the Bahamas or Greek islands with the same nickname. Map and directions.
Not wild. They are looked after by the family who run the beach bar and are fed every day whether or not tourists arrive. Visitors can feed them under the staff's direction. About the pigs.
No ferry, no public boat. Every visit is a shared or private boat from Koh Samui. How to get to Pig Island.
The snorkelling happens next door. Koh Tan and what you see under water.
February to August has the calmest sea. Best time to visit.
Landing fee and what to pack.