Koh Madsum and Koh Tan on a longtail boat are a quick change of pace. You get pig island time, then a short hop to snorkel over coral and fish, with lunch built in—usually with a smooth half-day rhythm that’s easy to plan around.

I especially like the private setup. It’s only your group, so the pace stays comfortable, and you’re not stuck waiting on strangers. I also like the practical inclusions: snorkeling gear, a life jacket, bottled water, and lunch are all part of the package, which keeps this from turning into a chain of extra costs.

One thing to plan for: the meeting point can feel confusing at first if you arrive without a clear plan for where to check in at Thong Krut Pier. If you’re even slightly unsure, message ahead and give yourself a little extra buffer.

Quick Hits on Koh Madsum and Koh Tan by Private Longtail

• Private longtail boat feel: only your group, so you control the downtime between stops
• Koh Madsum pig time: 2 hours on the island, great for photos and relaxed wandering
• Koh Tan snorkeling window: about 2 hours with gear included, plus lunch during the stop
• Lunch is actually scheduled: not an afterthought, it’s built into the Koh Tan portion
• Short transfers by water: the ride from Koh Madsum to Koh Tan is around 7–10 minutes
• Thong Krut Beach start and finish: a simple loop with return transfers to your hotel or the pier

Why This Half-Day Longtail Route Works in Samui Time

This tour is built for people who want island variety without losing the whole day. You start at Thong Krut, do pig island first, then shift into sea time with snorkeling and lunch at Koh Tan, and finally head back. It’s a tight itinerary that still gives you enough time on land to feel like you actually visited somewhere, not just passed by.

There’s also a smart rhythm to it. Pig Island is more about being there—walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the oddball vibe. Koh Tan is more about water: put on the gear, see what’s right in front of you, and then recharge with lunch before you go back.

The value here is that the tour doesn’t make you assemble the day yourself. With life jackets, snorkeling equipment, water, and lunch included, you can focus on enjoying the stops rather than tracking what’s missing.

Getting to Thong Krut: Start Point, Timing, and What to Expect

Your tour begins at Thong Krut Pier area, listed as 3, Tong Krut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand. The schedule starts with a quick transfer or a meet-up step depending on your option, and the first stop is only about 10 minutes.

That short first segment matters. It sets the tone for the day: you’re not spending an hour commuting while the rest of your half-day slips away. If you have hotel pickup, it’s meant to get you to the pier area directly. If you’re meeting at Thongkrut Pier, think of it as a straightforward start—show up, check in, and you’ll be moving soon.

Do note one practical wrinkle. Since the meeting instructions have been described as unclear by some people, I’d treat arrival like a small project: confirm your check-in time, double-check the exact pier wording, and keep your contact details handy. That way, you avoid the “waiting around and second-guessing” feeling.

Stop 1: Thong Krut Beach for a Quick Pier-to-Boat Transition

Thong Krut Beach is basically your launchpad. Expect a brief on-the-ground moment before you head to the islands by longtail boat. The itinerary lists that time as around 10 minutes, with admission ticket free.

This isn’t the main event, so you shouldn’t go expecting a long scenic walk or a big beach setup. But it’s still useful. You get oriented to the pier area, settle into the plan, and move on while your energy is fresh.

If you’re the type who likes to have a few minutes of breathing room before water time, this stop gives you exactly that. If you hate standing around, it’s quick enough that it won’t test your patience.

Koh Madsum (Pig Island): 2 Hours of Photos, Shade, and Island Vibes

Koh Madsum is the star for the “only on this boat tour” portion of the day. You’ll head over for about 2 hours, and the island is known for pigs that greet visitors, creating an instantly memorable scene.

What I like about the structure here is the time block. Two hours gives you room to do the basics without rushing: walk around, grab photos, hang out in the quieter patches, and just enjoy the odd charm of it all. If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group where not everyone is eager to snorkel right away, this stop usually keeps everyone happy.

There’s also a simple logic to doing pigs first. Your snorkeling later at Koh Tan is more physically involved (even if it’s not extreme). Starting with land time helps you get the fun novelty out early.

A consideration: pig island can be playful, loud, and chaotic-looking at times depending on conditions and how the day is running. If you prefer calm, slow scenery over active photo moments, you may want to focus on the calmer corners rather than trying to compete with the busiest angles.

Koh Tan Snorkeling + Lunch: The Part You’ll Actually Remember

This is where the tour turns from sightseeing into sea life. The boat ride from Koh Madsum to Koh Tan takes about 7–10 minutes, and then you spend about 2 hours at Koh Tan.

Snorkeling is the big activity. You’ll have snorkeling equipment and a life jacket included, so you aren’t scrambling to rent gear or figure out sizing on the fly. The plan is to snorkel in front of Koh Tan to see colorful fish and coral.

A practical tip: with included gear, use it like a pro. Get your mask adjusted before you hit deeper water, and keep an eye on where you started so you don’t drift too far. Since you’re snorkeling in relatively calm tour-style conditions, you should be able to enjoy it at an easy pace—just don’t treat it like an endurance sport.

Then comes lunch, and it’s worth calling out. Lunch is included during the Koh Tan stop, and it’s served in the tour’s private restaurant. In other words, it’s not a vague snack situation. Plan for it as part of your main break, ideally after you’ve had your fill in the water.

One more balancing note: snorkeling quality depends on the day and weather. The tour is weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t right, plans can shift. But when the sea is cooperating, this is the part that gives the day its postcard feeling.

Stop 4 Back at Thong Krut: Wrapping Up Without Stress

After your Koh Tan time, you return back toward Samui. The tour loops back to Thong Krut Beach, with the day ending back at the meeting point listed at the start.

You’ll either get transferred back to your hotel or dropped at Thongkrut Pier. The finish is short—about 10 minutes for the final leg described in the itinerary—so you aren’t stuck in a long, drawn-out return.

I like tours like this because they end where you started. It keeps your last-hour stress low. You can plan dinner without guessing how long the logistics will take.

Price and Value: Is $73.64 Worth It?

At $73.64 per person, this tour sits in a midrange price zone for a private longtail experience in the Samui area. The best way to judge the value is to look at what’s already covered.

What you get for your money:

• Private tour for your group (so no mixing with strangers)
• Life jacket and snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Thai driver guide
• All fees and taxes

What you may still need:

• Private transportation isn’t listed as included, even though pickup is offered. In practice, pickup is part of how the tour is described, but it’s smart to confirm the exact pickup arrangement for your hotel.

So is it a good deal? If you’d otherwise pay for boat rental, snorkeling gear, and lunch separately, it likely adds up quickly. This package reduces the “extras tax” that often sneaks up on half-day tours.

Also, because the schedule is compact (around 4–5 hours), you’re buying time back. That matters if your vacation day is tight and you don’t want to lose a huge block of your schedule.

Who This Private Boat Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong match for:

• Couples who want a scenic half-day with both land and sea
• Families who need an activity that works for different energy levels (pigs first, snorkel after)
• Small groups who like planning with a private pace instead of joining a crowded boat
• People who want snorkeling gear included and a scheduled meal

It may not be the best fit if:

• You dislike animal-focused attractions. Koh Madsum is built around pig encounters, and that’s the main emotional hook of the island.
• You hate any uncertainty around meeting points. If your travel style is rigid and you don’t like “meeting instructions,” I’d double-check details before you go.

Overall, it’s built as a calm, half-day escape rather than a nonstop adventure day.

Small Planning Tips That Make This Day Smoother

Here are a few things I’d do before you go, based on how the tour is set up and what can cause friction.

• Arrive early to Thong Krut Pier area. Even a short buffer can save you from confusion.
• Bring a basic swim kit plan. You’ll be snorkeling, so think about swimwear and quick-dry clothing.
• Use the gear promptly. Snorkeling equipment is included, so don’t wait until you’re already in the boat to adjust everything.
• Plan your lunch expectations. Lunch is part of the day and served at a private restaurant during the Koh Tan section, so eat like it’s your main break.

Also, the tour allows service animals, and most travelers can participate, which is helpful if you need a little flexibility in how you manage the day.

Should You Book This Koh Madsum and Koh Tan Tour?

Book it if you want a private-feeling half-day that mixes pig island fun with real water time. The inclusions matter here: snorkeling gear, life jackets, bottled water, and lunch are part of the package, and the Koh Tan section is where you’ll likely get the best memories from the day.

Hold off or ask more questions first if meeting instructions might be a problem for you, or if you prefer snorkeling-focused tours over animal-themed stops. In that case, verify exactly how pickup and check-in work for your specific starting point near Thong Krut.

If the sea is calm and you’re okay with a playful island stop, this route is a solid use of a few Samui hours.

FAQ

How long is the private longtail boat tour?

The tour runs about 4 to 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 3, Tong Krut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is offered, but private transportation is not listed as included. It’s best to confirm the exact pickup arrangement for your hotel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets.

Do we get lunch during the tour?

Yes. Lunch is included, served during the Koh Tan stop at the tour’s private restaurant.

Are admission tickets included for each stop?

Admission is free for Thong Krut Beach and Koh Madsum, and admission ticket is included for Koh Tan.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time, and the tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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