Koh Madsum is an island gem off the coast of Koh Samui. With an outstanding stretch of sand and fantastic clear water, making Koh Madsum popular among snorkelers, the island recently became famous for another reason. Rebranded to Pig Island, Koh Madsum welcomes daily visitors with a myriad of semi-wild pigs, who stroll around the island. Here, you can beach comb among piglets, snorkel, or kayak along the shore.
There are two main beaches on Koh Madsum – Sandy Beach with beautiful and elegant sands, as well as Coral Beach interspersed with coral stones. If you’re looking for the best snorkeling spots in Koh Madsum, head over to a northern tip of the island and enjoy the beautiful coral reefs, the abundance of fish, and warm waters. Thus said, if you are looking to interrupt your stay on Koh Samui for a half-day, then Koh Madsum “Pig Island” tour can throw up surprises. Luckily, Koh Madsum tour has all the excitement packed in just 3-4 hours.
Why take Koh Madsum tour
- Beachcomb with semi-wild pigs on Koh Madsum “Pig Island”
- Best snorkeling and kayaking in clear waters close to Koh Samui
- Deserted, a paradise-like island of Koh Taen offers abundant coral reefs
- Sandy Beach on Koh Madsum with beautiful and elegant sands promises Instagram-perfect photos
- A picnic on a deserted beach with a view
- Extend your trip to explore the intriguing, five bird’s nest soup collecting islands located on south west of Koh Samui
- And for the real adventures, explore the southernmost island of Koh Rap. Located 30 minutes boat ride from Koh Samui, this uninhabited island is a real gem.
Best time to visit Koh Madsum
Arguably, the best time to visit Koh Madsum and Koh Taen is from March to late September. That period is known as a high season with sunny and stable weather, warm and calm waters, and lovely snorkeling spots. Avoid October to December since these three months experience the highest level of rainfall and windy weather that sometimes makes it impossible for boats to reach these islands.
Koh Taen
Near Koh Madsum lies Koh Taen island. It is undeveloped but offers coral reefs tucked away in secret lagoons only accessible by boat. Since there are not many snorkeling spots left on Koh Samui, Koh Taen serves a popular half-day escape alongside Koh Madsum. Undamaged reefs around Koh Taen offer outstanding snorkeling opportunities. The eastern coast, pointing to Koh Madsum, features a massive coral reef that inhabits various fish species, sea turtles, and stingrays. Kayaking excursions through clear inshore waters in Koh Taen are terrific.
Koh Taen is also famous among locals as the island with no dogs. According to a local legend, any dog that has been brought to live there has quickly gone insane, but luckily, the locals seem not to suffer the same fate. However, the majority of the local population didn’t stay either and migrated to a neighboring Koh Samui, leaving the island to be explored by you alone. The west side of Koh Taen has a beautiful trek to explore a mangrove forest filled with thousands of fruit bats that take to the skies at dusk.
Koh Rap
Koh Rap is the southernmost island of the Samui archipelago, which we recommend to visit alongside Koh Madsum and Koh Taen. Just 30 minutes boat ride from Koh Samui, this uninhabited island is a real gem. Covering over 4 km and 80% of the island’s length is white, unspoiled, sandy beach, while coral reefs on both sides of the island protect it from the strong waves. With such a name attached to it, you will likely hear more about Koh Rap soon.
How to reach Koh Madsum
Koh Madsum, Koh Taen, and Koh Rap are only three islands within Koh Samui archipelago that comprises around 60 islands. Located 5km off the southern shore of Koh Samui, Koh Madsum is the smaller island next to the big neighbor Koh Taen. A private boat from Koh Samui will take less than 15 minutes. Still regarded as off the beaten path, both islands pack a punch when it comes to snorkeling, unusual beachcombing, and kayaking in clear waters and bays. “Pig Island” Koh Madsum tour is a perfect getaway for the whole family.
