REVIEW · SURAT THANI
Private Half Day Trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan by Long Tail Boat
Book on Viator →Operated by Koh Samui Tour & Transportation · Bookable on Viator
Pigs, sand, and clear water in four hours. This private half-day trip from Thong Krut Pier pairs two very different island moods: relaxing on Koh Mudsum (Pig Island) and snorkeling around coral at Koh Tan. The whole day stays refreshingly short, with a quick 20–30 minute boat ride out to the islands.
I love the simple rhythm here: swim, sunbathe, play with the friendly pigs, then switch gears to underwater viewing. I also like that the boat time is not long, which makes this a realistic outing if you’re traveling with kids or you just don’t want a long time on the water. The main drawback to think about is that food isn’t included, and there may be an entrance fee you’ll need to pay (it’s not listed as included), so plan your budget accordingly.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away
- Long Tail Boat Timing: Why the Short Ride Matters
- Koh Mudsum (Pig Island): Swimming, Sunbathing, and Friendly Pigs
- What you can do on the sand
- The tradeoff: it’s fun, but it’s not a long stay
- Koh Tan Snorkeling: Coral Reefs and Fish You Can Actually See
- What snorkeling is likely to feel like
- A consideration: wear-ready gear beats perfect gear
- What Your $109.82 Covers (and Where Costs Can Add Up)
- Included value
- Not included costs to plan for
- How to think about value
- Logistics Made Simple: Start at Thong Krut Pier, End Back There
- Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
- What to Pack for a Smooth Half-Day at Pig Island and Koh Tan
- The Guide Factor: Why the Day Can Feel Better Than Expected
- Should You Book This Private Half Day Trip?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the private trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is this a private tour or a shared group?
- What islands will we visit?
- What do we do at Pig Island (Koh Mudsum)?
- What do we do at Koh Tan?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is food included?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

- 20–30 minute boat ride keeps the trip from dragging and helps most people stay comfortable.
- Koh Mudsum (Pig Island) offers a stretch of sand, clear water, and a fun pig-feeding moment.
- Koh Tan snorkeling focuses on coral reefs and colorful fish.
- Private long tail boat (4 hours) means you’re not stuck waiting on strangers.
- Drinking water + travel insurance are covered so you can travel light.
- Return to Thong Krut Pier keeps your logistics easy.
Long Tail Boat Timing: Why the Short Ride Matters

The big practical win on this tour is the timing. You start at Thong Krut Pier, then head out on a traditional long tail boat for about 20–30 minutes before you reach Koh Mudsum (Pig Island). That may sound minor, but in real life it changes how you experience the day.
If you’re traveling with children, or anyone in your group tends to get uncomfortable on the water, shorter boat segments make the whole outing feel manageable. You’re not signing up for a half-day that turns into a long travel day. Instead, you get more time where it counts: in the sand and in the water.
Also, the day is built around two stops, so you get a mix without feeling rushed from island to island. You can keep a slower pace on the beach at Pig Island, then move on to snorkeling at Koh Tan when you’re ready.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Surat Thani
Koh Mudsum (Pig Island): Swimming, Sunbathing, and Friendly Pigs

Koh Mudsum is often called Pig Island, and the nickname is the point. Here, you’ll find a fine stretch of sand and clear water that makes swimming feel easy and inviting. The island vibe is laid-back: this is the kind of place where you can do very little and still have a great time.
What you can do on the sand
At Koh Mudsum, you’ll have options that fit different energy levels in the group:
- Swimming in the clear water
- Sunbathing on the beach
- Relaxing with a simple island pace
- Playing with and feeding the pigs
That last one is why many people book in the first place. The pigs are described as friendly, so it’s not just a photo stop. It’s an actual activity that adds personality to the island. Just keep expectations grounded: this is a small island setting, so it helps to be calm and gentle, and treat it like you’re sharing space with wildlife rather than running a backyard petting zoo.
The tradeoff: it’s fun, but it’s not a long stay
This is a half-day. So while Koh Mudsum is the main “character” stop, you won’t be there all day to explore every inch. If your group dreams of hours of beach wandering, you might feel the time crunch. But if you like short, sweet island time with clear water and a fun twist, Koh Mudsum hits the mark.
Koh Tan Snorkeling: Coral Reefs and Fish You Can Actually See

After the Pig Island time, you’ll head toward the coast of Koh Tan. This stop is built around snorkeling and exploring the underwater world with many fish and corals.
The value here is that Koh Tan is described as famous for snorkeling. That matters because snorkeling quality is one of those things you can’t fully guess from photos. In this case, the tour is specifically targeting reef and fish habitat, so you’re not just wearing a mask for the sake of it.
What snorkeling is likely to feel like
Even with the basics covered, snorkeling satisfaction depends on conditions and your comfort level in the water. The tour description emphasizes plentiful coral reefs and colorful fish, which suggests you’ll have something to look at rather than open-water drifting.
If you’re booking for kids or non-swimmers, the best-case setup is that you’ll still get beach time and relaxed viewing, even if snorkeling becomes a choose-your-own-adventure. The tour’s half-day format also helps here: you’re not spending the entire day in the water.
A consideration: wear-ready gear beats perfect gear
The data doesn’t list snorkel gear as included, so you should assume you may need to bring your own or handle it at the island. If you rely on renting, it’s smart to plan ahead so you’re not waiting around once you arrive. Quick reality check: the best snorkeling experiences come from having the basics ready on your first try.
What Your $109.82 Covers (and Where Costs Can Add Up)

At $109.82 per person for a private half-day (about 4 hours), you’re paying for convenience and a private boat setup. This isn’t a “budget shared tour” price point, and that’s okay—because this experience includes several items that protect your day.
Included value
You get:
- Private long tail boat for 4 hours
- Drinking water
- Travel insurance
That matters because it reduces small stress costs. Water is one of those essentials that makes island time smoother. Travel insurance is another quiet benefit—it’s not the kind of thing you notice until you need it.
Not included costs to plan for
Not included:
- Food
- Private transportation
- Entrance fee (listed as not included)
So even though the main price is set, you should budget for what you’ll eat and any entrance-related charges at the island. Food can be the biggest missing piece, especially with kids who get hungry fast.
How to think about value
This tour makes the most sense when:
- You want a private long tail boat, not a crowded schedule
- Your group includes kids or anyone who prefers shorter travel time
- You care about both a beach-and-pigs stop and a reef snorkeling stop in one outing
If you’re traveling solo and on a tight budget, you may feel the price is steep. But if you have a small group, splitting the experience across family members can make it feel much more reasonable for what you get: two island environments, one boat, and a clear half-day plan.
Logistics Made Simple: Start at Thong Krut Pier, End Back There

You’ll start at Thong Krut Pier 79, 1 อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip setup is practical for two reasons.
First, it limits the “where do we go next?” stress that can happen after island trips. Second, it helps you keep the rest of your day organized. You’re not left guessing about transport from a distant dock.
The tour also uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking time. If you like showing up prepared and keeping paperwork to a minimum, this helps.
Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a good fit if you want:
- Kid-friendly island time with pigs and swimming opportunities
- Snorkeling at Koh Tan without committing to a long, all-day boat journey
- A simple, relaxed half-day plan with a short ride and clear water time
The tour description specifically recommends it for travelers with children and for anyone not comfortable with a long boat journey. That’s the core identity of this trip.
Who might skip it? If your group is looking for a long, multi-island “see everything” day or expects a full-day beach itinerary, you may feel the time is too short to go deep into either island.
What to Pack for a Smooth Half-Day at Pig Island and Koh Tan

Since the tour includes water but not food, you’ll want to bring basics that keep you comfortable between swim sessions. A smart packing list for this kind of day usually includes:
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen (island sun can hit fast)
- Reef-safe sunscreen if you have it (helpful for snorkeling trips)
- A change of clothes for the ride back
- Any snorkel gear you prefer to use
Also, plan your timing and snacks. Food isn’t included, so if you know your group gets hungry, bring something easy so you’re not scrambling on the island.
The Guide Factor: Why the Day Can Feel Better Than Expected

One highlight that shows up in the experience feedback is the role a guide can play in turning a nice trip into a memorable one. The feedback you shared notes a guide who was funny, friendly, and knowledgeable, and it sounds like that kind of personality helped smooth the day and keep the mood light.
Even if you’re not expecting a guide to join, it’s a good sign that the operator can provide friendly support. On a water-and-islands half-day, a good guide can help with the flow: when to move, where to focus, and how to keep things calm with kids around pigs and boats.
Should You Book This Private Half Day Trip?
If your priority is a short, private island break with two big experiences—Pig Island beach time and Koh Tan snorkeling—this tour is a strong choice. The half-day length, the quick 20–30 minute boat ride, and the included water and insurance make it feel practical, not complicated.
I’d book it if:
- You’re traveling with kids or you want an outing that doesn’t start to feel like a long boat day
- You want the beach-and-pigs fun plus real snorkeling time
- You prefer a private group setup over crowded logistics
I’d think twice if:
- You need food included and don’t want to plan meals
- You’re chasing an all-day adventure with lots of extra stops
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the private trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan?
It’s about 4 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at Thong Krut Pier 79 and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is this a private tour or a shared group?
It’s private, so only your group participates.
What islands will we visit?
You’ll visit Koh Mudsum (Pig Island) and then Koh Tan.
What do we do at Pig Island (Koh Mudsum)?
You’ll have time to swim, sunbathe, relax on the beach, and play with and feed the pigs.
What do we do at Koh Tan?
You’ll have snorkeling time and time to explore the underwater world with fish and corals.
What’s included in the price?
A private long tail boat for 4 hours, drinking water, and travel insurance are included.
Is food included?
No, food is not included.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.











