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Koh Lipe Itinerary: 4 Days Exploring Thailand’s Tiny Tropical Paradise

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: June 11, 2020  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Asia Travel Blog

Koh Lipe Itinerary: 4 Days Exploring Thailand’s Tiny Tropical Paradise

Koh Lipe is Thailand’s in-vogue slice of tropical paradise, famous for powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. The question is – how long do you need to spend in paradise and what should you do?

This 4 day Koh Lipe itinerary blends exciting things to do with the calm relaxation you’d expect from a tropical island.

Koh Lipe’s charm is centered around laid back vibes and a melting pot of international visitors. The beauty of the island belongs to its beaches, twilight hours and warm waters filled with marine life.

We will walk you through getting to get to Koh Lipe, the best things to do in and around the island, where to eat and where to stay.

Our in depth 4 day Koh Lipe example itinerary will give you the perfect foundation to build your dream trip around.

Why Visit Koh Lipe, Thailand?

Small island on turquoise waters near Koh Lipe Thailand

Well, Koh Lipe is a tropical island! However, it’s not the easiest place to get to. With that being said, why should you go the extra mile to land yourself on the shores of Thailand’s Southernmost island?

Let’s take a brief look at some of the reasons that make this tiny island so popular:

  • Koh Lipe is home to one of those fantasy-like powdery beaches that feels like you’re walking on flour
  • It is the most built up of 51 islands within Tarutao National Park, in which 25% of the world’s tropical fish species can be found in its waters
  • Countless snorkeling and diving areas can be found around the island and within 1 hour boat ride
  • Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets can be enjoyed from different beaches every single day
  • Nearby Koh Adang offers a tough (because of the heat) but rewarding hike to an awesome viewpoint looking over Koh Lipe
  • Snail-like pace of life throughout the day and night creates the perfect chilled atmosphere
  • Koh Lipe is seriously small, so everything is easily within walking distance

Koh Lipe Itinerary Factfile

  • Where is Koh Lipe : Satun Province,  Adang-Rawi archipelago (edge of Tarutao National Marine Park), Southern Thailand – close to the border with Malaysia
  • How to get to Koh Lipe : Ferry / Speedboat (see below)
  • Immigration : Passport control on the beach as you arrive
  • Visa : Same as rest of Thailand – 6 months remaining on passport / 30 day visa – may require onward travel
  • Language:  Thai but English widely spoken across the island
  • Currency: Thai Baht (US$ 1 = 31.50 baht as of June 2020)
  • Cash/ATM: 4 ATM’s but all charge foreign cards, exchanging on island will incur big fee, take enough cash from previous place in Thailand
  • Additional Fees: 200 Baht on arrival for 5 day Tarutao National Park Entrance Fee, compulsory
  • How big is Koh Lipe: Koh Lipe is shaped like the letter L on its side and is only 2.5km long by 1.5km wide.
  • How to get around in Koh Lipe : Walking! You can hire a moped / tricycle but there’s really no need.
  • Koh Lipe High Season: Mid-Nov to Early-May (Peak Jan-Feb)
  • Koh Lipe Low Season: Early May – Mid Nov
  • Weather in Koh Lipe: Dry Nov-Apr (hottest Jan-Mar), Rainy May-Oct (wettest Sept)
  • Best time to visit Koh Lipe : Dec / Mar-Apr
  • Koh Lipe Nightlife: Chilled. Be aware that Koh Lipe is NOT a party island – visit Koh Phi Phi and Koh Pha Ngan for parties!
  • Koh Lipe Restaurants: Plentiful, cheap eats to fine dining
  • Water : Water is not safe to drink from taps. Use bottled water at all times.
  • Annual Visitors : Around 1.5 million

How To Get To Koh Lipe

White speedboat at Pak Bara Pier Thailand

Being a tiny little island 40 miles off the mainland means access can be achieved by one method of transportation alone – boat.  

There are slow boats and speedboats relentlessly marauding around the Andaman Sea, ferrying tourists from one island to the next.

How you approach Koh Lipe will depend on 2 factors:

  • First – the type of trip – ie a slow island hop versus a 1 week blast around Bangkok and Koh Lipe
  • Second – the time of year you are visiting – ie High or Low season (more services in high season)

Our most important advice is not to worry about getting around , there is always a way to transfer between islands and the mainland. You can pick up tickets for ferry’s and speedboats in each town or on each island at travel ticket kiosks.

You can travel to Koh Lipe easily from any part of Southern Thailand in high season. But what if you’re all the way up in Bangkok or Chiang Mai?

You can fly to one of many airports closer to Koh Lipe, before transferring to minibus and speedboat.

  • Be sure to read our ultimate guide on how to find the best flights for travel before booking.
  • We always recommend and personally use Skyscanner’s flight search engine to find best flight times and prices when we travel.

Here are just a few of the more popular routes you might take:

1. Chiang Mai / Bangkok to Koh Lipe

It’s important to note first that Pak Bara (closest airport: Hat Yai) is the only place you can reach Koh Lipe from all year . Many other options are only available in High Season .

To reach Koh Lipe from Chiang Mai and Bangkok, you could take a long bus or a long train, but flights are excellently priced in Thailand so it doesn’t make sense to waste time traveling.

You will need to first fly from Bangkok or Chiang Mai into one of the following airports before transferring to bus and speedboat. If you have time, spend a few days at one of these places first!

1 A. Krabi / Krabi Airport to Koh Lipe

Begin in Krabi / Fly into Krabi, minibus to Klong Jilad Pier (20 mins), high speed ferry [not direct] to Koh Lipe (4h 15m, departs 9am) OR Pickup from Krabi Airport at 10:15, minibus to Krabi Klong Jilad Pier, speedboat to Koh Lipe (departs at 11:00).

Check prices for  Krabi / Krabi Airport to Koh Lipe

1 B. Phuket / Phuket Airport to Koh Lipe

Begin in Phuket / Fly into Phuket, ground transport to Rassada Pier (35 mins), speedboat to Koh Lipe (5 hours, departs 08:30).

Check prices for  Phuket / Phuket Airport to Koh Lipe

1 C. Trang / Trang Airport To Koh Lipe

Begin in Trang / Fly into Trang, ground transport to Hat Yao Pier (50 mins), speedboat to Koh Lipe (2 hours, departs at 1pm).

Check prices for  Trang / Trang Airport To Koh Lipe

1 D. Hat Yai / Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe (Best Option from Bangkok / Chiang Mai)

Begin in Hat Yai / Fly into Hat Yai, ground transport to Pakbara Pier (1h 45m), speedboat to Koh Lipe (2 hours, departs at 11:30 and 14:30 mid-May to mid-Oct / 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30 mid-Oct to Mid-May).

Check prices for  Hat Yai / Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe

Use Skyscanner to find your cheap flights from Bangkok / Chiang Mai, then check prices and times for speedboats on Bookaway to / from Krabi, Phuket Trang and Hat Yai. Note that some speedboat/ferry routes are available only in high season

2. Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe

Depart Koh Phi Phi Ao Tonsai Pier either 09:15 or 11:45, speedboat to Koh Lipe takes 3h 15m.

Check prices for Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe .

3. Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe

Depart Koh Lanta Saladan Pier either 10:30 or 13:00, speedboat to Koh Lipe takes 2 hours on the 10:30 or 2h 45m on the 13:00 with stops along the way.

Check prices for Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe .

4. Koh Muk to Koh Lipe

Depart Koh Muk Pier (East) at 14:15, speedboat to Koh Lipe takes 1h 30m. This is the route we took.

Check prices for Koh Muk to Koh Lipe .

5. Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe

Depart Kuah Jetty (Southeast Langkawi) at 10:00 / 14:30, speedboat takes 1h 30m, arrive 10:30 / 15:00 (gain +1 hour crossing border) OR  depart Telaga Harbor (Northwest Langkawi) at 09:30 / 14:30, ferry takes 2 hours, arrive 10:30 / 15:30 (gain +1 hour crossing border).

Check prices for Langkawi to Koh Lipe .

Koh Lipe Beaches

Pattaya beach.

Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe island white powdery sand just before sunset gorgeous sky

Pattaya is the most commercialized of Koh Lipe’s 3 main beaches and this is where you will arrive in high season. Along the beach front you will find plenty of hotels and restaurants, but also an enormous amount of Thai long-tail boats.

Walking street begins right on this beach and has most of the islands amenities. Pattaya Beach is the only beach on Koh Lipe with powder-like sand – which is why it is also the busiest.

Who is Pattaya Beach for?

Those who like to be in the thick of the action, with amenities close at hand. Also, anyone who can’t get enough of the feeling like you’re walking over a mound of flour!

Sunrise Beach

Sunrise beach Koh Lipe golden sand steep incline to water

Unsurprisingly, sunrise beach is located on the East side of Koh Lipe. This beach has an unobstructed view as the sun rises emphatically over the Andaman Sea each morning. Sunrise beach offers many of the islands SCUBA/snorkelling companies and is where you hop on a long-tail boat taxi to reach Koh Adang. 

There are cool / high end restaurants and hut-like bungalow accommodations along the front. Sunrise offers a less touristy place to set up base, but is still only 5 minutes stroll from walking street.

Who is Sunrise Beach for?

Those who prefer fewer crowds, more tranquility, a cool breeze and higher quality restaurants. The bars have more of a tropical island feel here than Pattaya.

Sunset Beach

Kristen on a wooden rope swing at Sunset beach Koh Lipe with awesome clouds illuminated

Sunset beach is the quietest, most laid back, even secluded part of Koh Lipe. No prizes for guessing why it is popular! Every evening you’ll be able to witness spectacular sunsets over the sea. We’d suggest carrying a head torch at night for walking around this area as it does offer more of a deserted island feel with far fewer tourists.

Who is Sunset Beach for?

Those looking to disconnect for the majority of their visit to the island. It is by far the most peaceful area but you will have (slightly) further to walk back into town and fewer amenities at hand.

Are you traveling further afield around South East Asia? Don’t forget to check out our long list of  Vietnam travel guides .

The Best Things to do on Koh Lipe

For such a small island, there is no shortage of entertainment to keep you busy throughout your visit. Koh Lipe has undergone rapid development over recent years, in a short period it has grown immeasurably. Some might say too much, but g rowth does have its benefits, such as healthy competition and therefore lower prices.

Remember, the best part of Koh Lipe is how accessible everything is. When was the last time you visited a place you could get everywhere simply by walking 10-20 minutes?!

Let’s dig into some of the top things to do in Koh Lipe:

1. Beach Hop

Kristen walking along the shores of the Andaman sea and Pattaya Beach in Koh Lipe Thailand

Koh Lipe’s beaches are the reason most people visit the island. There aren’t many places in the world that have beaches within close proximity, offering something different for each part of the day!

You will find yourself naturally drawn to one of the beaches for the majority of your time on the island. We’d suggest trying each of the 3 beaches to see which vibe you prefer. Just be sure to go to each one at the right time of day.

For the purpose of this Koh Lipe itinerary, we will split your days up efficiently so you can spend time at each beach. But if you quickly establish a favorite, head to that one each day!

This itinerary will keep you busy, but would you prefer to just laze about on the beaches?

One option for you is to start at sunrise beach, before making your way back through town at lunch time, spend the afternoon on Pattaya Beach and finally head over to Sunset beach. Therefore, getting the best out of each beach area.

Personally, we preferred the soft sand and warm, shallow waters at Pattaya. If we weren’t snorkelling, we would spend our mornings on Pattaya Beach. However, we gravitated towards Sunrise beach most afternoons for it’s chilled atmosphere and on-shore breeze – perfect for unwinding.

2. Watch Amazing Sunrises and Sunsets

Long tail wooden boats in Thailand at sunset amazing sky

Easily one of the most popular and best things to do in Koh Lipe is to watch the sun setting over the Andaman Sea. It never get’s old! Sunset beach offers stunning views of bright colors illuminating wispy clouds as the sun disappears each night.

Although to tell the truth, when we visited Koh Lipe, the sunsets weren’t quite as impressive as Koh Lanta. They were something else entirely!

We also recommend waking up extra early – even if just once – to watch the sun rising at Sunrise Beach. One thing we can guarantee is fewer crowds, another is a serene atmosphere.

Check sunrise and sunset times in Koh Lipe so you don’t miss the action .

3. Hike to Koh Adang Viewpoint

Kristen sat at the Koh Adang viewpoint overlooking Koh Lipe island shows the small size of Koh Lipe

Koh Adang is that much bigger island covered in trees across the channel you keep seeing from Sunrise and Sunset beaches .

On Koh Adang – which has very few accommodation options or people – you can hike up a fairly steep trail to an awesome viewpoint looking over at Koh Lipe. From the lookout, you can clearly see Koh Lipe being entirely surrounded by gorgeous turquoise colored water you associate with paradise islands.

Be aware that the hike is a little strenuous because of the intense heat and humidity. It would be a good idea to head over earlier or later in the day. All you need to do is walk over to Sunrise beach, find the taxi area and pay a few hundred baht to cross the channel.

Important : Remember to arrange a pick up time for the return leg and don’t miss it, otherwise you’ll be swimming back! 

4. Snorkelling & SCUBA Diving

Snorkelling trips sign board for program 1 and program 2 on Koh Lipe itinerary

Our advice to anyone visiting Thailand’s Islands is to grab a mask and fins as much as possible! You can literally walk into the sea from the beach and snorkel around the island.

But better yet, go on one of the Koh Lipe snorkeling programs. You can choose between Program A and Program B. As you can see from the photo, Program B is longer, takes in more sites and ventures further from Koh Lipe. We ourselves took Program B and recommend you do the same.

If you’re fortunate enough to have extra cash in the travel fund, why not try SCUBA diving instead? It’s like snorkeling on steroids! If you’ve never dived before, please do yourself a favor and try it whenever you get the next opportunity! You won’t regret it.

Diving can be expensive, but once you’ve experienced it you will understand why it costs a lot more to do. Remember that 25% of the world’s tropical fish can be seen around Koh Lipe.

For snorkelling and diving, head down towards Pattaya Beach on walking street or to Sunrise Beach to find various shops/kiosks running both activities.

5. Trash Hero Beach Clean Up

Trash hero project cleaning up rubbish from Thai islands dozens of filled bags

Trash Hero is a fantastic initiative run every single Monday at 10am starting on Pattaya Beach where anyone on Koh Lipe can help clean up a beach on a nearby island. Sounds cool, right?

It takes up around 4 hours of your day but you get a late lunch provided once you get back to Koh Lipe and is well worth your time.

Our designated beach was almost an hour away by long-tail boat, we had numb backsides but couldn’t wait to get stuck in! The island we landed on was completely deserted, just a long stretch of golden sandy beach … covered in rubbish. Literally, spot the grain of sand covered.

There must have been 30-40 volunteers on our day, everyone got right to work and within an hour or so, the beach had been cleansed! It was amazing to see the difference and the astounding amount of trash bags collected.

You know when you see stories on the news about plastic in the oceans? It’s true.

6. Take a Yoga Class

Yoga Class Sign in Thailand

Koh Lipe is a place where the idea is ultimate relaxation. Yoga fits the ultimate relaxation ideology perfectly.

If you don’t want to pay for a class, head down to one of the beaches, find a secluded spot and work on your downward dog!

We saw tourists working on their yoga / meditation on Pattaya Beach and Sunset Beach on more than one occasion. See the Koh Lipe itinerary below for our yoga recommendation.

7. Unwind With a Massage

Thai massage parlor on walking street Koh Lipe excellent value massages

If yoga seems like too much exertion, opt instead for a massage. You can’t visit South East Asia and not take advantage of excellent massages at – quite frankly – ludicrous prices. You would get a 30 second fingernail massage at home for the same price as a 1 hour full body massage in Thailand.

Are you a massage on the beach during the day or inside an air conditioned room in the evening type?

Did we go for a massage on Koh Lipe? Hell, yes we did. More than one!

8. Wander Up and Down ‘Walking Street’ Like a Pinball

Walking street entrance sign on Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe very popular and busy street

Finding yourself on walking street time and time again is an inevitability on Koh Lipe. Whether you base yourself at Pattaya, Sunrise or Sunset beach, you will visit walking street every day.

It takes roughly 15 minutes to slowly amble up the street from Pattaya Beach to a T junction at the end.

Along the way you will find ATM’s, restaurants, massage parlors, snorkeling/divings shops, bars, fast food, souvenir shops, banana pancakes and the most important amenity on the island – snack heaven  7 Eleven !!

Your life saving 7 Elevens can be found half way along walking street and at the end (opposite side to Pattaya Beach).

Most of the restaurants on Koh Lipe are found along Walking street, it’s many run offs and the street at the top of the T – including our favorite: Bombay Indian restaurant (turn left at the end of walking street, walk 50m).

9. Chill at a Beach Bar

Maya bar lit up in the evening

Remember, Koh Lipe is not a party island. All of the bars are awesome for relaxing, day drinking and unwinding.

  • Along Sunrise beach you can visit On The Rocks  at Serendipity (top recommendation),  Sea La Vie or the Happy Vibe Bar .
  • Our favorite place at Sunset beach is The Hill  who serve awesome cocktails during twilight and sunset.

At Pattaya you can drop into any of the restaurants along the beach, but none come as highly recommended as On the Rocks or The Hill. They charge more for cocktails, but you get what you pay for, right?!

Maya and Corner bar along walking street are a bit more chilled and you can drink longer into the night. Maya has a DJ and feels like a beach bar away from the beach, while Corner serves quality craft beers and cocktails.

In truth, the majority of visitors to Koh Lipe are couples, so it rarely gets rowdy!

Have you remembered to pack everything for your Koh Lipe vacation? Take a look through our Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist  so you don’t forget a thing.

Epic 4 Day Koh Lipe Itinerary

Koh Lipe is the perfect place to put your feet up after weeks of chaotic urban travel, in the likes of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Why else have you traveled 40 miles out into the Andaman Sea if not to hit the beach and unwind?! 

This 4 day Koh Lipe Itinerary begins with your arrival day in the afternoon of day 1, with 3 more full days making up the 4 days. Your fifth day is your departure and onward travel day.

This itinerary is just an example of how you can spend your time on Koh Lipe, but of course modify it to suit your preferences!

If we’re being picky, there is an ‘optimal’ day to arrive on the island. That day is a Sunday. Why?

Because weekends are traditionally busier with regional tourists and as we mentioned earlier, trash hero only operates on a Monday.

Arriving Sunday afternoon means avoiding the busiest days and chipping in to help the environment.

Therefore, we will begin your 4 day Koh Lipe itinerary on a Sunday!

Koh Lipe Itinerary Day 1 – Orientate & Explore

Packed speedboat full of tourists in Thailand

Your first day on the island is of course orientation and finding your feet. By now you’ll be relishing the prospect of getting off the packed-in-like-sardines speedboat!

Here’s roughly how arrival into Koh Lipe will look for you:

  • Speedboat will land on Pattaya Beach high season / Sunrise Beach low season
  • Disembark – you may have to pay 50 baht if traveling with Tigerline Ferry as you transfer to a long-tail boat near the shore
  • Pay 200 baht for your Tarutao National Park entrance fee (valid 5 days) even if you don’t intend to snorkel or dive.
  • Next up is immigration (show passports to prove you came from Thailand and your visa is still valid / pay entrance to Thailand and get your 30 day visa stamp if you came from Langkawi, Malaysia).

Once your admin is all set, make tracks for your accommodation (see our recommendations after the Koh Lipe itinerary)  to check in and drop backpacks off (read our top rated travel backpack recommendation).

Don’t worry about heading straight up Walking Street with your backpack or suitcase in tow, you’ll see plenty of people doing just that over the next few days!

With your backpacks on or suitcases rolling, your walk from Pattaya Beach will take:

  • 10 minutes  – Hotels around Pattaya Beach
  • 15-25 minutes – Sunrise Beach (depending on which end your accommodation is located)
  • 15-20 minutes  – Sunset Beach

If you’d prefer not to walk with a backpack in the blazing heat, you can pay for a speedboat to take you around the island or a moped with sidecar to drive you to your hotel.

First Impressions

4 long tail boats lined up along sunset beach Thailand

The hard work is over, you’ve made it to Koh Lipe, you’ve checked into your accommodation and now you’re ready to begin exploring.  Head straight back out with what’s left of the daylight to discover the tiny island you are now on.

If you have enough time, get a feel for each of the three beaches and the surrounding areas. Begin at your closest beach but be sure to make it to Sunset Beach in time for your first Koh Lipe sunset!

You will notice how distinctive the vibe and people are around each beach area.

When darkness arrives, make your way towards walking street and  Bombay Indian restaurant . Yes, we know you are in Thailand but you have plenty of time for Thai food and you won’t regret it! Finish up in Corner bar or Maya bar for a cocktail or beer before calling it a night.

Koh Lipe Itinerary Day 2 – Trash Hero & Pattaya Beach

Loads of trash along a narrow beach on a secluded Thai island

Day 2 in Koh Lipe begins and ends at a slow pace. Take a stroll down walking street – grab breakfast, coffee and if you’re feeling like you need a treat, try a banana pancake.

Be at Pattaya Beach by 10am so you can take part in Trash Hero beach cleanup.

You will meet likeminded tourists who want to do their part as you board your narrow long-tail boat to an unknown deserted island. You could be on an island close to Koh Lipe or an hour away as we were, but either way you will need sunscreen and water – please do not forget either.

The sense of satisfaction after tidying a beach of its litter is more pleasing than you might imagine. Once you see these beaches lined with everything from styrofoam to plastic bottles and lighters to nets, you will think twice about your usual garbage disposal methods.

After the cleanup you’ll share a celebratory beer with the team, before heading back to Koh Lipe. Once all the trash bags are emptied and onto the back of a garbage truck, you will be invited to a buffet lunch in a beach front restaurant.

Powdery Sand

Mark sitting in speedboat built into Pattaya Beach Thailand with impressed onlookers

Now you finally have chance to spend some serious time lounging around on the only flour-like sand in Koh Lipe. Now is the time to read a book, listen to music or take a snooze. Alternatively, grab a snorkel and hit the warm shallow waters around Koh Lipe in search of playful colorful fish.

Personally, we’re pretty useless at lazying around on the beach, so we bought a spade and built a speedboat into Pattaya Beach instead! It actually got a lot of attention and a group of tourists wanted to take photos in it – we should have charged them!

You could head over to Sunset beach for the big event before returning to Walking Street, or just stick around Pattaya Beach area. This Koh Lipe itinerary ends Day 4 at Sunset Beach so you won’t miss out.

One of the more highly rated restaurant on the island is  Cafe Tropical , who serve excellent healthy, vegan and vegetarian options. Their prices are great and we purposefully put it on Night 2 – because your remaining dinners won’t be cheap, therefore Cafe Tropical counterbalances the budget perfectly.

Koh Lipe Itinerary Day 3 – Sunrise Beach & Koh Adang

Koh Adang viewpoint seen from the taxi long tail boat on the sea

Day 3 is your Sunrise Beach extravaganza. You will begin and the end the day here, with a little independent excursion in the middle.

Grab an early start to watch the sky illuminate with the first rays of the day at the Southern tip of the beach. Koh Lipe is very peaceful at sunrise, notice how much quieter it is compared to sunset?!

If you would like to take part in a yoga class during sunrise, have a look at Keiritas Yoga  – the top rated yoga place on Koh Lipe.

Find a spot for breakfast along the beach (there are options for all budgets) before jumping in a long-tail boat taxi to Koh Adang.

Koh Adang hiking trail is steep and has ropes to hold onto at various points

Koh Adang Viewpoint

The channel will be crossed in about 15 minutes and you’ll be dropped off a few feet from the sand.  Head towards the visitor center (nothing was open when we visited in high season) and look for sign posting to Chado Cliff.

The trail is easy to find as it goes inland and upwards. Be aware that the trail is reasonably steep, with a few places requiring you to hold onto in-built ropes to help with climbing.

By arriving earlier, you will avoid the intense heat around lunchtime and trust us – that is worth getting up early for.

There are 2 viewpoints on the way up, each offering good but not amazing views of Koh Lipe. Many of the signposts are crude or even broken, but it’s difficult to get lost on the trail.

Once you reach the top you will walk out onto a flatter area of rocks and finally get your reward: The best view of Koh Lipe.

Take in the view and you might need to use a towel to wipe yourself down for photos.

Head back down – in time for your pick up. If you’ve given yourself more time than you needed, take a slow walk down the secluded beach and back. The entire time we were on Koh Adang, we saw 4 other people (2 couples).

Take your taxi back to Sunrise and spend another well deserved afternoon resting on the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, sleeping or … in a beachside bar like Sea La Vie .

Koh Lipe island from the summit of Koh Adang viewpoint thin clouds in sky turning slightly purple

Fine Dining

Day 3 works perfectly if you decided to stay on Sunrise beach, but if not you’ll need to head back to your hotel to change into smarter clothes before returning to Sunrise for dinner.

Treat yourself to some of the best food on the island, with arguably the best views on the island at either Ten Moons or On The Rocks by Serendipity . Ten Moons specialize in Mediterranean inspired dishes whereas On The Rocks specialize in Asian flavors.

Personally, we preferred the location and design of On The Rocks as it’s built a few meters above the sea. The food, ambience and cocktails were all excellent, but we will try Ten Moons next time we’re in Koh Lipe so we can compare.

Koh Lipe Itinerary Day 4 – Snorkelling & Sunset Beach

Mark snorkelling diving towards coral near Koh Lipe Thailand

Your last full day in Koh Lipe will be spent mostly on a snorkelling or diving tour before returning to Sunset Beach one last time.

Both snorkelling programs A and B begin around 9am on either Pattaya or Sunrise Beach (depending on who you decide to book with). The cost is 650-700 baht per person but that includes mask, lunch, fruit and water.

You can instead choose to hire a private long-tail boat to do the exact same route the groups will run, but you can time it so your boat arrives before/after the groups. It will cost something like 1500-2000 baht to hire the boat, but you will need to hire mask and fins, plus bring your own food and water.

Note : There is a shorter Program C that runs only in Low Season (mid May – mid Oct).

If you would prefer to dive, you know it will cost a lot more money. But, diving is 100 times better than snorkeling so if you have the cash – do it.

We have to be honest and say – at least when we visited – visibility wasn’t amazing and we didn’t see an enormous amount. We’re confident, however, that diving would be a much better option for spotting sharks without the furore of dozens of long tail boats and snorkelers.

Program B – The Far Islands

We chose program B because it sounded more interesting, more exciting and ventured further afield. Note that program A takes 6 hours, while program B takes 8.

There’s a lot of sitting on hard wooden boards throughout the day so be prepared for NUMB. Could be a good idea to take a towel to sit on.

Long tail boats congregating around a snorkel site in Andaman sea

First stop  – Hin Son; the reef here is pretty colorful and abundant with fish. Being the first stop off meant all the boats were here so it was crowded.

Colorful coral reef and orange fish on Koh Lipe itinerary snorkel trip

Second stop – Bulo; we saw our largest fish of the day, a long thin grey shark-like fish! Far less crowded, one of the better stops.

Mischievous monkeys on snorkel tour program 2 Koh Lipe Thailand stealing food from tourists

Third stop – Koh Dong; lunch can be taken onto the gorgeous beaches of Koh Dong, but beware – there are monkeys on this island and anyone who has been where monkeys run wild knows that spells trouble!

We saw at least 5 people lose their lunches as small groups of monkeys ambushed tourists. Eat lunch on the boat – then walk around the island.

Clown fish snorkelling trip in the Andaman sea

Fourth stop – Koh Lugoi; a lot of boats congregated around this horseshoe shaped beach with shallow waters surrounding.

Most people walked around the island without snorkeling but we found a nice secluded area away from the boats. Our reward? Clown fish.

Snorkel trip Koh Lipe very fast current rope to hold on to lots of fish

Fifth stop – Koh Pung; this stop is in the middle of a channel with a very fast flowing current. Use the rope to hold onto otherwise you’ll be swimming hard against the current.

Strangely, this is where we saw the most fish. Hundreds of fish were swimming against the current but not actually moving anywhere, like a freeze frame, as they fed on plankton.

Enormous blue starfish spread out on a rock in Thailand

Sixth and final stop – Hin Gnam; half way back to Koh Lipe is a black volcanic stone island that can be snorkelled around.

Most of our boat decided against a final snorkel so it was just a quick stop off, while we enjoyed fresh juicy pineapple and watermelon instead.

Sunset & Cocktails

Sunset beach Koh Lipe puffy clouds and gorgeous colors

After the snorkelling tour, you might be a little tired but this is your last night so power through and make it to Sunset beach to watch the sun set over the sea one final time.

But this time, do it from classy The Hill restaurant with fantastic food and cocktails. If you can afford it, this is the best place to spend every sunset on Koh Lipe. Enjoy the romantic sunset with a plate full of the best Italian food on the island.

And that’s the end of your 4 day Koh Lipe itinerary!

When you wake up on day 5 it’s all about checking out, heading down to Pattaya Beach / Sunrise Beach and speedboating on to your next destination.

As you can tell, we go into a lot of depth with our travel guides. We do the same with planning our trips and you can read our  15 step plan a trip process  to learn about how we prepare for our upcoming adventures.

Koh Lipe Interactive Map

Click on the interactive map, zoom in/out and navigate around each area to discover the locations of everything in this Koh Lipe itinerary. This will help you orientate on the island, plus work out which beach you would prefer to stay near.

You will find all of the best hotels, restaurants and bars in Koh Lipe, plus Koh Adang.

Where To Stay On Koh Lipe Island

Hotels on Koh Lipe are more expensive than most other Thai islands. Yes, it is frustrating but it’s worth the extra money from your budget.

At the time, we were quite surprised at just how much more expensive it was, but we did visit in December and we booked just a few days in advance so availability was low.

If you plan your trip further in advance you stand a better chance of snapping up a bargain on Koh Lipe. You can’t just turn up and negotiate a deal like most other places in South East Asia, unless it’s low season.

There are cheap hostels to be found on the island, but being a couple orientated destination, most people are looking for a hotel or private accommodation.

Which area to stay depends on your preference, but for us it’s all about Sunrise Beach. Pattaya is closer to most amenities but Sunrise is cooler – both vibe and temperature.

The perfect place to start is by reading our ultimate guide about  15 ways you can save money on accommodation every time you travel.

We’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Koh Lipe for each area for you to check out. Each recommendation is based on top guest rating, location and price.

Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe Hotels

Pattaya Beach area has the majority of hotels on Koh Lipe. Some are directly on the beach (more expensive) and others are slightly further back off Walking Street (cheaper).

Here are the best hotels on and around Pattaya. Check availability and prices by clicking on the hotel name

  • Bloom Hostel
  • A+ Deluxe Hotel
  • Lipe Banyan Apts
  • Ricci House
  • Bundhaya Villas
  • Ananya Lipe Resort
  • AKIRA Lipe Resort
  • Chareena Hill

Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe Hotels

In our opinion, Sunrise beach is the best place to set up base on Koh Lipe. It’s mid-range category is strong!

Here are the best hotels on and around Sunrise Beach:

  • Lipe Beach Resort
  • Forra Dive Resort
  • Varin Village
  • Lipe Hostel
  • Castaway Resort
  • Seesun Resort
  • Wapi Resort
  • Idyllic Concept
  • Ten Moons Resort
  • Serendipity
  • Mali Resort

Sunset Beach Koh Lipe Hotels

Sunset beach is the place to stay if you’re looking for an isolated, more off-the-grid experience. There are far fewer options close to Sunset beach, which adds to the tranquility.

Here are the best hotels on and around Sunset Beach:

  • Bayview Sunset
  • Pitiusas Resort
  • Asara Resort

We hope this helped you plan your Koh Lipe Itinerary – Thailand’s paradise island!

Please let us know if you have any questions about this Koh Lipe itinerary or your upcoming trip.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Koh Lipe Thailand Perfect 4 Day Itinerary

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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Graham Bedford

Friday 12th of June 2020

Gorgeous island, I'm buying one just like it when I win the lottery.

Mark & Kristen Morgan

Well let us know when you do and we'll help you pick your island! Koh Lipe is lovely, we'll definitely go back next time we're in South East Asia!

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Asia » Thailand » The Ultimate Koh Lipe Guide (2024 Update)

The Ultimate Koh Lipe Guide (2024 Update)

koh lipe travel itinerary

What's In This Guide?

The ultimate guide to koh lipe.

This Koh Lipe guide will give you a detailed understanding of the island including beaches, snorkeling spots, hotels, bars, and other fun things to do. I’ll also give you some ideas for great day trips around the region like visiting Koh Adang and the other small islands nearby.

Koh Lipe is paradise. I’ve stayed on the island for more than a month. In fact, it’s probably my most visited Thai island now. This island has always been amazing to me, even when it rains.

Koh Lipe is a laid back tropical island in the Andaman Sea where you will find vibrant coral reefs and white sandy beaches. There is more interest in meditation, yoga, and beach clean-ups than in cheap cocktail buckets.

Over the past few years, Koh Lipe has been getting busier as it grows in popularity. If you are undecided whether or not you should go, I’d say GO NOW, before it is too late and it becomes another overdeveloped island like Koh Phi Phi.

There are some amazing beach bungalows like Castaway Resort (my personal favorite) and Bayview Sunset Bungalows but you’ll need to book early as they both book out well in advance.

I’ve also suggested some other great hotels in this article in case these are full, or you have a tighter budget.

Where is Koh Lipe? 

Koh Lipe is a small island in the far south of Thailand. It is about 80km from the coast of Satun Province, and 35km from Langkawi, Malaysia. The nearest point on the Thai mainland is Pak Bara where speedboats depart to the island all year round.

The island is part of the Tarutao Marine National Park which contains 51 islands in total. Some nearby islands are Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Tarutao, which can be easily visited too.

Pattaya Beach - Koh Lipe

Beaches on Koh Lipe

There are three main beaches on Koh Lipe including Sunset Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Pattaya Beach. The following section details each of these beaches such as the vibe, things to do, and places to stay.

There are also some hidden beaches around the island which many visitors don’t know about such as Pitiusas Beach, Secret Beach, and Bulow Beach. Never heard of these? Great, read on.

Koh Lipe is small enough that you can walk to any beach in under one hour. There are some steep hills though, so you can also hop on a motorbike tuk-tuk for a flat rate of 100 THB (USD 3).

Sunrise Beach

As the name suggests, this is the best place to watch the sunrise on Koh Lipe. Sunrise Beach faces east towards the mainland, but you won’t be able to see that far.

In the early morning and late afternoon, the beach is lined with wooden longtail boats. The locals use them for fishing and scuba diving trips around the Koh Tarutao Marine National Park. During the day the beach is mostly empty of boats.

One of our favorite places on Sunrise Beach is Salisa Resort. Their small beachfront bar plays great deep house music, has good cocktails, and really cold beer. It is a great place for a lazy beach day.

Sunrise Beach

Sunset Beach

This is the best place on Koh Lipe to watch the sunset, and is my favorite beach on the island. Even if you don’t stay here, you should definitely visit. There are far fewer boats and a much nicer coral reef to snorkel with lots of tropical fish and even turtles.

With only a few small bungalows, Sunset Beach is far less developed than Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach. My favorite hotel is the Bayview Sunset Resort which has an amazing view of the Andaman Sea.

If you were thinking of making a trip across to Koh Adang, Sunset Beach is the cheapest place to do so.

Sunset Beach

Pattaya Beach

I was quite confused when I heard about Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe. It made me think of the dirty tourist town near Bangkok. However, Pattaya Beach here is much nicer than the one just south of Bangkok.

Pattaya Beach is the island’s main arrival point. There are some speedboats departing in the morning and arriving in the afternoon, but it is otherwise quite relaxed.

There is a range of basic bungalows and upscale resorts here. You will find good seafood restaurants along the beach near the Walking Street entrance.

We also loved the Reggae Bar located on the far eastern end of the beach. The Reggae Bar is the most chilled out bar on the island, perfect for a late afternoon beer.

Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe

Secret Beaches

There are some small secret beaches around Koh Lipe’s north and west coasts.

On the north coast, you will find a small stretch of sand called Bulow Beach. Continue around the headland, over the rocks, and beyond Mountain Resort for a few hundred meters where you will reach a tiny secret beach. Here you will get a great view looking across to Koh Adang. The beach will triple in size at low tide!

There is also another tiny secret beach located on the far west of the island. It is located beyond the end of the road that leads to Sanom Beach Resort. You will either need to take a kayak or longtail boat to this small secret beach.

Koh Lipe Beaches

Top Snorkeling Locations

You don’t have to go far to find the best snorkeling spots on Koh Lipe. The island is surrounded by colorful coral and tropical fish. You only have to swim 50 to 100 meters from the beach and you’ll be floating right over the top of it.

Here are our favorite snorkeling spots. We found these on the Koh Lipe map available at Pak Bara Pier and shops on the island.

  • Koh Usen – a small island located a few hundred meters off Sunrise Beach. You can swim there in 10 minutes, but be careful of the strong currents. We suggest renting a kayak at Castaway Resort or Mali Resort for about 150 THB per hour. Park your kayak in between the rocks on the east side of Koh Usen.
  • Koh Kra – another small island off Sunrise Beach, but further north towards Koh Adang. You can kayak here directly from Koh Usen, but the trip is shorter from Salisa Resort.
  • Sunset Beach – no kayak needed, just swim 50 meters from Bayview Sunset Bungalows and you’ll find a nice coral reef amongst the rocks. You can even walk halfway out here along the rocks, then jump in right by the coral.
  • Pattaya Beach – some people say it is good, but we do not recommend snorkeling here. There are lots of sea urchins which I hate!

Check out some of my favorite snorkeling spots and resorts on Koh Lipe in my video!

Nightlife (Bars)

Koh Lipe has a relaxed nightlife with a few laid back bars. I’ve included all the bars I have been to but I’m sure there are more around.

Remember, Koh Lipe isn’t a party destination, and I hope it stays that way. Big beach parties would kill the small island vibe.

Bars On Walking Street

  • Maya Bar – one of the most lively nightlife spots on Koh Lipe. The bar is intricately designed with bamboo and thatch roof to look like a big bungalow. There are late-night EDM tunes and awesome cocktails, though you will pay a premium here.
  • Corner Bar – a lively bar located further down Walking Street at the top of the hill. Corner Bar plays Deep House tunes on some nights, and hosts live music on others. You will need to drop in to see what’s going on each night.
  • Elephant Bar – a small live music bar with popular Thai songs. The vintage style fit-out reminds me of Tak Su Ra which I mentioned in my favourite bars in Bangkok .
  • The Heaven Bar – located on the second level right where walking street meets Pattaya Beach. Expect live music with country-style Thai songs and Reggae jams on a daily basis.

Beachfront Bars

  • Sea La Vie – Sea La Vie is owned and operated by the same people behind the popular Maya Bar. This small beachfront bar has a very similar vibe to the successful Happy Vibe Bar with deep house tunes playing from lunch through to late at night.
  • Reggae Bar (now closed) – a small beachfront hippie shack located right on the sand on Pattaya Beach. There are cheap cold beers and the occasional smoke. This is about as laid back as Koh Lipe’s nightlife gets.
  • Castaway Resort – though it’s not your typical bar, this is my favorite place to enjoy a strong cheap cocktail right on the beach, made even cheaper by the 2-for-1 deal from 4pm to 6pm. Seriously, where else will you get two Mojitos for $5?!

Where to drink cheap on Koh Lipe? The cheapest place to buy alcohol is the Big Sheep Minimart on Walking Street. Koh Lipe is more expensive than the mainland and other Thai islands. A small beer costs 100 THB in a bar, and 50 THB in a 7/11 store.

Things to do on Koh Lipe 

Although it’s a small island, there are plenty of things to do in Koh Lipe. Here is a quick list of 10 things we did in one week in Koh Lipe:

  • Watch the epic sunsets at Sunset Beach
  • Get a Thai massage or a foot massage. Most places charge 200 THB for one hour.
  • Kayak from Sunrise Beach to Koh Usen or Koh Khra. Kayaks can be rented for 200 THB per hour.
  • Snorkel the coral reef off Sunset Beach
  • Eat at the seafood BBQ shops on Walking Street
  • Have a 2-for-1  Thaijito  at Castaway Resort during happy hour
  • Join a Sunrise meditation session on Sunrise Beach
  • Walk across the island from Sunrise Beach to Sunset Beach in about 45 minutes
  • Clean up ocean trash on the beach solo, or join Trash Hero Koh Lipe for a community clean up
  • Make a day trip to Koh Adang (details below)

Suggested Day Trips

Snorkeling trips.

I mentioned there are 51 islands in the archipelago which make up the Tarutao Marine National Park! That means you really have to get out and explore a few islands in the area.

The best way to explore the region is with a snorkeling trip departing from Koh Lipe. There are four popular snorkeling routes from Koh Lipe. Three of these marked on the map below depart in the morning around 9am. The fourth option is the unique Eco Sunset Tour which departs at around midday.

Koh Lipe Snorkeling Trips

Paradise Tours also offers a snorkeling trip throughout the wet season, while many other companies are closed. Sure, the water isn’t quite as clear in the wet season, but still way better than I’ve seen on many other islands.

First, we visited a snorkeling location called Jabang in the middle of the ocean where the coral was about 10 meters deep and the water was super clear. We then continued on to Koh Yang, about 30 minutes from Koh Lipe. The coral at Koh Yang is quite shallow, only 3 to 4 meters deep.

Koh Lipe Snorkling Trip

Finally, we visited Koh Hin-Ngam which is covered in black stones. It is completely different than the beaches on Koh Lipe. The island’s story says that if you steal the stones you’ll be cursed by the guardian spirit. On the flip side, if you can build a tower of 12 stones or higher, then your wishes will come true.  Personally, I don’t believe these stories, but I still don’t recommend stealing the stones either.

koh Lipe Snorkling Trip Guides

Explore Koh Adang

Koh Adang is the huge island right across the water from Koh Lipe. What may seem like a difficult to explore, uninhabited island, is actually the castaway paradise you’ve been looking for. It is also quite easy to get to!

There are two ways of getting from Koh Lipe to Koh Adang; kayak, or longtail boat. We kayaked halfway until we realized how big the waves were. Although it looks close, kayaking can take around one hour or more if you are unfit.

A longtail boat to Koh Adang is the quicker and easier option. At Sunrise Beach there is a stand of local taxi boatmen. The standard price is 500 THB one way. The boatman won’t wait for you there, so be sure to get his phone number or agree a time to be picked up.

Boat to Koh Adang

On the southern end of the island, you can try hiking up the lookout for an amazing view over the Andaman Sea, or crawl your way through the jungle to a hidden waterfall. The snorkeling is fantastic, the beaches are pristine, and the small kitchen by the National Park makes some great meals for a fraction of the price on Koh Lipe.

Further up the west coast, there are some really secluded beaches with freshwater lagoons in the forest. The snorkeling off the coast here is amazing. A trip up with west coast will costs you 1,200 to 1,500 THB with a taxi longtail boat driver.

Be sure to read my full guide to Koh Adang , which also includes information on how you can camp here, right on the beach!

View of Koh Lipe

What is the Best Time to Visit?

There are two main seasons in the south of Thailand which you should be aware of:

  • Wet Season from May to October. This is the low season. During this period it can rain every day for hours on end. There are much fewer tourists around, many hotels have cheaper low season rates, and many shops and bars are still closed.
  • Dry Season from November to April. This is the high season. Almost every day is sunny with very little to no rain, the ambient temperature is a bit cooler around 25 degrees Celcius. There are more tourists, and hotels will charge peak season rates which can be twice as much as the low season rates.

Most of my trips to Koh Lipe have been in mid-October (shoulder season). The weather forecast showed rain and thunderstorms every day but we’ve had mostly sunny days. There were occasionally thunderstorms at night which bring about a nice cool change when you want to sleep.

I’d say the best time to visit Koh Lipe is mid to late October. The weather can be great, hotels cheaper, and far fewer people. You do run the risk of the wet season kicking on a bit late though.

Best Hotels on Koh Lipe

In my opinion, the best hotels on Koh Lipe are Castaway Resort, Serendipity Resort, and Bayview Sunset Bungalows. The problem is that they are quite often full, so try to book early.

I use Agoda for all my accommodation bookings in Thailand. They have the best prices with great discounts too.

Castaway Resort

Castaway Resort Koh Lipe is located at the southern end of Sunrise Beach. The best way to explain this place is rustic meets comfort. The double-story bungalows line the beach with hammocks out the front, a comfortable bedroom with balcony upstairs, and the bathroom downstairs.

We stayed in Castaway Resort’s Beachfront Bungalows and loved waking up watching the sunrise. The “Breezy” Garden View Bungalows go for about half the price.

The cocktails at Castaway Resort are amazing, and cheap, especially during the 2-for-1 happy hour. My personal favorite is the Thaijito made of; Thai Rum, lime, ginger, brown sugar and soda water. For the food, I highly recommend the Thai style nachos made from deep-fried wontons, a bit of Thai Fusion on the beach.

Facilities: large double bed, double-story bungalow, cold shower, fan rooms, beachfront bar, and restaurant, dive shop

Book it Now on Agoda: Castaway Resort Koh Lipe

Castaway Resort Koh Lipe

Bayview Sunset Bungalows

Bayview Sunset Bungalows is located on Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe’s quieter beach. The oceanfront rooms have a huge view of the Andaman Sea from high up on the mountain. There is seriously no better way to enjoy the sunset on Koh Lipe. We stayed in the ocean view bungalow for two nights and loved the views. You can opt for a garden view room with a fan instead of aircon to save some cash and still enjoy this amazing beach.

The restaurant has some amazing fusion dishes available. You must try the Teriducki, a teriyaki roast duck topped with ripe mango. Wash it down with the signature Gin-and-Thainic, an Asian spin on the classic G&T infused with fresh lime, lemongrass, and chili.

Facilities: beachfront restaurant and bar, aircon rooms, free snorkel hire for guests

Book it Now on Agoda: Bayview Sunset Resort

Bayview Sunset Bungalows

Budget Hotels

Budget Hotels on Koh Lipe.  There are a few budget hostels and hotels on Koh Lipe around Walking Street. Try  The Street Hostel located about 100 meters from the start of Walking Street where dorms start from 490 THB in the low season.

In the low season, you will be fine to walk in and make a booking. However, during high season I’d suggest booking all hotels on Koh Lipe in advance. Hotels are more often than not booked out weeks in advance.

Other Top Hotels

There are a few great beach bungalows and boutique hotels on Koh Lipe. I’ve written this guide on the top 7 hotels in Koh Lipe . There are options on the three main beaches; Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach, but also a few located further around the island in more secluded places. Be sure to check it out and let me know what your favorite option is.

How to Get to Koh Lipe

Bangkok to koh lipe.

We traveled directly from Bangkok to Koh Lipe with a combined ticket which includes:

  • a flight from Don Muaeng to Hat Yai Airport (1.5hrs)
  • a minivan from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier (2hrs)
  • a speedboat from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe (1.5hrs)

You can book the combined ticket on 12GOAsia.

Flights from Bangkok to Koh Lipe depart at 6.45am. It’s an early start, but necessary to get to reach the island in one day. In the low season, you can get a one-way ticket for 1,500 THB. In the high season and public holidays, a one-way ticket can cost up to than 4,000 THB.

Southern Thailand Destinations to Koh Lipe

There are boats from many destinations in southern Thailand to Koh Lipe and vice versa. Most trips are within 2 hours by speedboat.

During the high season, boats are often fully booked in advance . Don’t miss a ticket, book in advance. I highly recommend 12GoAsia (ticket links below).

  • Phuket to Koh Lipe – speedboat tickets from 2,400 THB (USD 80) per person.
  • Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe – speedboat tickets from 1,900 THB (USD 65) per person.
  • Koh Kradan to Koh Lipe – speedboat tickets from 1,250 THB (USD 40) per person.
  • Trang to Koh Lipe – van + ferry tickets from 1,150 TB (USD 38) per person.

If you are coming from elsewhere on the mainland, then you’ll just have to get to Pak Bara Pier in the morning. Speedboat tickets from Pak Bara Pier to Sunrise Beach start from 550 THB per person ( Book tickets online here ). A one-way journey takes about 90 minutes. We normally travel with Bundhaya speedboats.

Langkawi to Koh Lipe

Langkawi is the closest destination in Malaysia to Koh Lipe. If you wanted to island-hop from Malaysia to Thailand, this is the ideal place to do so.

Speedboats run directly from Langkawi to Koh Lipe multiple times each day. A one-way trip taking just 1.5 hours. Book tickets online here.

There is a Malaysian Immigration Office in Langkawi, and a Thai Immigration Office at Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe.

Singapore to Koh Lipe

The quickest way to get from Singapore to Koh Lipe is taking the morning flight from Singapore to Langkawi (1.5hrs) with AirAsia. Then take the early afternoon speedboat from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. Book tickets online here.

You will need to pass immigration first in Malaysia, then again when you reach Koh Lipe.

Nearby Islands to Visit

There are so many amazing islands in this southern Thailand area that you would be crazy not to explore a couple more. Island hopping takes no more than a short ferry or longtail boat trip

I highly recommend visiting Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai for a truly paradise setting with even better snorkeling than Koh Lipe.

If you’re after a bit more Thai culture then both Koh Mook and Koh Libong have local Thai fisherman villages on them. They’re both still super laid back and have nice beaches to explore also.

Got any questions? Message me directly on Instagram

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Getting to Koh Lipe: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for 2024

Koh Lipe is one of the most stunning travel locations in Thailand. It is a tiny island jewel in the Andaman Sea.

Tourists worldwide are awestruck by the abundance of dream beaches and the pristine underwater world that this island offers.

Traveling to Koh Lipe takes a little longer and may be more complex than getting to other vacation islands in Thailand because of its location in the extreme south, close to the Malaysian border.

Travel to Koh Lipe necessitates a combination of transportation and occasionally a lengthy voyage because of its distance from the mainland.

In addition, it might be challenging for many visitors to locate trustworthy information to plan a vacation to Koh Lipe.

This is why we decided to produce this in-depth article on how to travel to Koh Lipe in Thailand.

We provide you with the simplest and most practical ways to plan your vacation to Koh Lipe. We also give helpful advice that will assist you in organizing the ideal trip.

Koh Lipe is located in the extreme south of Thailand

Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling to Koh Lipe

This guide includes directions for traveling to Koh Lipe from all parts of Thailand, including the north, center, and south.

Here are a few things you should be aware of before selecting your route and purchasing your tickets:

  • Koh Lipe is far from Thailand's major cities, so you should reserve your transportation in advance to ensure a seat, especially during the busy season (December to February).
  • You'll combine various kinds of transportation, such as a flight, a van, a bus, and a ferry. Most businesses, including airlines, sell combination tickets, which is a smart option.
  • These businesses will transport you from point A to point B without charging you an extra booking charge or anything else; you buy a single ticket that covers everything. All you have to do is adhere to the directions and always keep your ticket with you.
  • Pak Bara Pier in the Satun area is the nearest pier to Koh Lipe on the Thai mainland. Every day at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM, four speedboats and one ferry travel from there to the island.
  • It costs between 650 and 700 baht to travel from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe, and the trip takes 90 minutes. The 20 Baht pier fee will need to be paid at boarding time. The transit ticket does not include this fee.
  • Koh Lipe is a part of Tarutao National Park. Thus, you must pay the 200 baht entrance charge when you get there. The cost is good for a stay of seven days in Koh Lipe.
  • A floating offshore pier will serve as a dock for ferries and speedboats. You must board a taxi boat (longtail boat) to get to the beach from there. You will be dropped off at a small floating dock, or you may have to walk on water, depending on the tides.
  • Be ready, wear sensible shoes, and make sure your belongings are properly packed. Be ready to spend 50 baht for the ride because only some firms include the taxi boat on their tickets while others do not.

Tarutao National Marine Park in Thailand

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok

Booking a domestic flight to Trang or Hat Yai is the most effective way to go from Bangkok to Koh Lipe. The flight lasts about 1.5 hours, and transportation to both airports is extremely affordable.

You can plan your trip from Bangkok to Koh Lipe in two ways.

First Option

Booking a flight from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport in Bangkok to Hat Yai airport.

After that, you must board a minibus and travel to Satun's Pakbara Pier. The trip from Hat Yai and Trang airports will take about 1.5 hours.

Remember to reserve your transportation from Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe in advance to avoid getting stuck because the bus is full or having to pay more for a cab to drive you to the dock.

A speedboat will take you to Koh Lipe once you get to Pakbara Pier.

The crossing to the island happens four times a day at 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m., and 3.30 p.m. during the major season (about Nov.-May).

Again, you should budget 1.5 to 2 hours for boat travel.

Additionally, plan your trip, so you have enough time to pick up your bags, locate the bus stop, and get to the dock at least 30 minutes before the ferry departs.

Second Option

The second choice is to purchase a combination ticket, which is something that some low-cost carriers like Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, and Nok Air offer.

When purchasing your ticket, select Koh Lipe as the final destination, and the airline will arrange all transportation from Bangkok to Koh Lipe.

The flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai, the vehicle to the pier, and the ferry to Koh Lipe are all included in your ticket.

When flying is not an option, you can go from Bangkok to Koh Lipe by bus, train, and ferry.

Six times every day, from 1 PM to 10:50 PM, trains leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station for Hat Yai, which takes roughly 15 hours.

Up to 1,800 baht can be spent on a train ticket from Bangkok to Hat Yai. You can take a vehicle plus a ferry to Koh Lipe from Hat Yai Station.

Although traveling by land from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is a lengthy process, it can also be the least expensive.

The availability of combination tickets for trains, buses, vans, and ferries is a plus.

Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Phuket

Due to its location in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is easily accessible from tourist hotspots like Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Lanta.

If you enjoy boat trips, you can go directly from Phuket to Koh Lipe by ferry or speedboat.

Remember that there will be multiple departure times during the high season but just one ferry per day during the low season. From Rassada Pier, the Phuket-Koh Lipe ferry and speedboat arrive at Pattaya Beach.

You will take between 5 and 7 hours on the ferry if you travel from Phuket to Koh Lipe.

The boat is highly comfortable with air conditioning, a bathroom, a bar selling snacks and drinks, and amazing views of the Andaman Sea, making it the finest alternative to go from Phuket to Koh Lipe.

A ferry ride from Phuket to Koh Lipe costs between 2,000 and 2,800 Thai Baht.

Speedboat travel is the quickest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe. The journey costs 3,400 baht and takes just 3 hours.

Since the speedboat from Phuket to Koh Lipe leaves at 8:30 AM, lunch will be served on the island. However, people with seasickness must not consider this option.

Alternatively, you can go by bus, van, and boat with just one ticket. The vehicle can proceed immediately to Hat Yai Bus Station or the Pak Bara Pier, depending on the firm you select.

No matter the path, just obey the directions, and they'll deliver you to your desired location. The cost of this journey, which lasts between 7 and 9 hours, ranges from 800 to 1,200 Thai Baht.

The final alternative is flying. Daily flights connect Phuket to Hat Yai, where you can continue using the aforementioned travel advice. The trip to Koh Lipe takes an additional 4 to 5 hours after the hour-long flight.

However, it is only worthwhile to deal with the aggravation of the airport for such a brief journey if you find a good deal because the price of the flights can vary greatly.

Rassada Pier in Phuket

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Krabi

From Krabi, there are four different routes that you can use to travel to Koh Lipe.

The quickest and most cost-effective way to get from Krabi to Koh Lipe is by van + ferry. In a little over 4 hours, the van will take you right to Pak Bara Pier.

You can then board a ferry or a fast boat to Koh Lipe. The combo ticket costs between 1,100 and 1,200 baht if you order it in advance, and they will likely pick you up at the hotel.

The same route can be completed using a private cab or van, but the cost will be higher (4,000–5,000 baht for the boat trip plus the road trip). But in your time, it will undoubtedly be a comfortable journey.

Third Option

You can also take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lipe. There are a few departures each day, and you will need to stop at Koh Lanta to switch boats or add more people to your group. Krabi Klong Jilad Dock is the departure point for the ferry to Koh Lipe, which arrives at Pattaya Beach floating pier.

The trip takes 4 hours and costs between 2,000 and 3,000 baht. Since the journey takes so long, it's not a preferred method of transportation to Koh Lipe.

Fourth Option

You can also fly from Krabi to Hat Yai and take the previously listed itineraries. It will take an hour to fly, followed by 4 to 5 hours in a van, then on a ferry.

In the end, it’s practically the same time as getting the van + boat from Krabi to Koh Lipe, plus you will not have to go through airport security.

Krabi Town in Thailand

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is another great island in Southern Thailand, which is directly connected to Lipe by ferries to make traveling easier.

Depending on your chosen company, the ferry ride from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe takes anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours.

Costs for the ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe range from 1,400 to 2,000 baht. Saladan Pier is the departure point for all ferries between Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe.

In the peak season, there are numerous departures each day.

Plan ahead because the timetable can be quite unpredictable during the low season, and some firms run boats every other day.

Saladan Pier

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Phi Phi Island

A speedboat or ferry leaves from TonSai Pier every day if you want to get to Koh Lipe from Koh Phi Phi.

The journey will take three and a half to four hours. Given that they only stop in Koh Lanta, the ferry travels faster than the speedboats.

The speedboat cost might range from 2,000 to 2,600 baht, compared to 1,950 for the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe.

Three firms run services between the two islands. Therefore it's important to compare the costs.

You can leave early in the day with ferries and speedboats starting at 9 AM or late in the day with ferries starting at 2 PM.

How To Get To Koh Lipe From Phi Phi Island

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi Airport

The ferries departing from Langkawi will take approximately 30km to reach Koh Lipe. There are two main terminals, one is Telaga-Terminal, and another one is Kuah Jetty.

If you want to travel from Langkawi during the low season, you must first go to Satun or Hat Yai for a visa, then from there to Pak Bara, as there is no immigration on Koh Lipe during this time of year.

Langkawi International Airport

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

If you are traveling to Koh Lipe from Northern Thailand, i.e., from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, then the best course of action is to fly to Hat Yai and then travel to the island from there.

Additionally, you can look up flights to Kabi.

Land travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Lipe is possible, but it will take a very long time and won't be relatively inexpensive as flying with a low-cost airline.

Another well-liked travel destination is the Gulf of Thailand, where many tourists like to combine trips to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phagan, and Lipe.

Flying to Krabi (there is one direct flight) is the best choice for traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Lipe.

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

There are two ways to get to Koh Lipe from Koh Tao or Koh Phangan. To fly out, one option is to take a ferry to Koh Samui.

The second option is to purchase a ticket with a ferry, bus, and a second ferry that travels via Krabi, Hat Yai, or Koh Lanta.

They are all lengthy trips, ranging from 11 to 16 hours. The best route is via Hat Yai; plan to spend between 2,500 and 3,000 baht on the journey.

Get Going Already

The city of Koh Lipe has so much to explore. Along with spectacular beaches like Sunrise, Koh Lipe offers a fantastic underwater environment for visitors to explore. Beautiful coral reefs surround the island and are excellent for diving and snorkeling.

It is a diving paradise in Thailand. Diving in Koh Lipe should definitely be on your checklist.

After you are done exploring this gorgeous island, head straight to Phuket, which has another bunch of exciting things that you must try on your trip to Thailand.

To reach Koh Lipe from Bangkok, you'll need to take a flight to Hat Yai, then transfer to Pak Bara Pier and take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Lipe. Flight duration is around 1.5 hours with airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air. It takes approximately 2 hours to get from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier by private taxi, minivan or shared shuttle service, and the boat journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours with 2 or 3 daily departures.

To travel from Phuket to Koh Lipe, you have two main options: air and sea travel or a direct ferry/boat transfer. For the air and sea travel option, you need to book a flight from Phuket International Airport to Hat Yai International Airport, then transfer to Pak Bara Pier and take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Lipe. Direct ferries and speedboats also operate between Phuket's Rassada Pier and Koh Lipe during high season, but not during the low season. Travel time ranges from 5 to 7 hours depending on the type of boat and stops.

Transportation options to get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi: From Langkawi, Malaysia, you can take a direct ferry to Koh Lipe. The ferry journey takes around 1.5-2 hours. Note that the ferries operate only during high season (October to April) and are subject to immigration procedures at both departure and arrival points.

For a 4-day itinerary in Koh Lipe, you can spend Day 1 exploring the beach, Day 2 on a snorkeling or diving trip, Day 3 on an island-hopping tour, and Day 4 relaxing on the beach before departure.

If you have 7 days, you can spend Day 1-2 exploring the beach, Day 3-4 on snorkeling or diving trips, Day 5 on an island-hopping tour, Day 6 relaxing on the beach or exploring the local village, and Day 7 departing from Koh Lipe. These suggested itineraries allow for a balance of adventure and relaxation while taking in the beauty of Koh Lipe.

The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the high season, from November to April. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it perfect for beach activities and island exploration.

The nightlife on Koh Lipe is relatively laid-back, with a few beach bars and restaurants offering live music, fire shows, and a relaxed atmosphere. Walking Street, the main strip on the island, has several bars where you can enjoy a drink and meet fellow travelers.

There are many things to do in Koh Lipe, including snorkeling and scuba diving, island-hopping tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also explore the local Chao Leh village, watch the sunrise and sunset on Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach, and go hiking in Koh Adang National Park. These activities offer a chance to appreciate the natural beauty and unique culture of Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe offers various accommodations ranging from budget-friendly bungalows to luxury resorts. Some popular options are Castaway Resort Koh Lipe, Mali Resort, Idyllic Concept Resort, Akira Lipe Resort, and Serendipity Beach Resort. You can use popular booking websites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb to book your accommodation. These options allow travelers to choose an accommodation that fits their budget and preferences.

Noah

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Koh Lipe Island (2024): The Ultimate Guide to Paradise!

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Welcome to Koh Lipe, Thailand’s hidden gem nestled at the Southern West edge, close to Malaysia. Renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and quaint island charm, Koh Lipe offers an escape to paradise.

From my enchanting journey through Malaysia, the moments spent here were magical. This guide is your key to unlocking the wonders of Koh Lipe, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this tropical utopia.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure  here .

Koh Lipe Island-21

What is Koh Lipe known for?

Koh Lipe is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

It is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Is Koh Lipe worth a visit?

Absolutely, Koh Lipe is definitely worth a visit. Its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and serene island atmosphere make it a paradise for beach lovers, snorkelers, and those seeking a tranquil getaway.

Koh Lipe Island-15

Is Koh Lipe expensive?

Koh Lipe is considered moderately expensive compared to other Thai islands, particularly due to its remote location and growing popularity.

Accommodation, dining, and activities can be pricier, but a range of options are available to suit different budgets.

How many days should I stay at Koh Lipe?

Ideally, a stay of at least 3 to 4 days is recommended to fully enjoy Koh Lipe. This duration allows you to explore the island’s beautiful beaches, indulge in water activities like snorkeling and diving, and experience the local culture without rushing.

If time allows, extending your stay will enable deeper exploration and relaxation in this serene paradise.

Is Koh Lipe a party island?

Koh Lipe is not typically known as a party island. It is more renowned for its tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, making it a preferred destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat rather than a vibrant nightlife scene.

Koh Lipe Island

Top Things to Do on Koh Lipe

  • Explore the Beaches: Koh Lipe boasts several stunning beaches, including Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach. Spend your days sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the soft white sands.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: Discover the underwater wonders of Koh Lipe by snorkeling or diving. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Join a snorkeling tour or get your diving certification at local dive shops.
  • Visit the Walking Street: Explore the lively Walking Street, the main hub of the island. Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and street food stalls. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the island’s culture.
  • Take a Day Trip to Koh Adang: Koh Adang , a nearby island, offers fantastic hiking opportunities and a breathtaking viewpoint. You can also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore its beaches.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around the island’s coastline. You can visit hidden coves, explore caves, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Koh Lipe from the water.
  • Watch the Sunrise and Sunset: Koh Lipe is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets. Don’t miss the chance to witness these natural spectacles, especially from Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach.
  • Relax with a Massage: Treat yourself to a Thai massage at one of the island’s many massage parlors. It’s the perfect way to unwind and indulge in some self-care.
  • Enjoy Beachfront Dining: Koh Lipe offers an array of beachfront restaurants where you can savor fresh seafood and Thai cuisine while listening to the gentle waves.
  • Go Island Hopping: Take a day trip to explore nearby islands like Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, and Koh Kradan. Each island has its own unique charm and attractions.
  • Hike to the Koh Lipe Temple: Embark on a hike to the Koh Lipe Temple hidden in the forest. It’s a peaceful and mystical place with a serene atmosphere.

These activities will help you make the most of your visit to Koh Lipe, ensuring a memorable island getaway.

Koh Lipe Island boats

Getting There: Your Gateway to Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, a serene island paradise, is nestled in the Southern West part of Thailand, near the Malaysian border.

Its secluded location makes it a tranquil escape, but also means a bit more effort is required to reach its stunning shores.

Modes of Transport

From Krabi, Phuket, or Koh Lanta:

  • These popular Thai destinations offer convenient access to Koh Lipe.
  • From Koh Lanta, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.
  • From Krabi or Phuket, expect a longer travel time, usually involving a transfer at Koh Lanta.
  • The ferry ride, while a bit pricey, is comfortable and offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea.
  • Booking through platforms like 12go.asia is an option, but direct bookings at the ferry site might offer better rates.

From Langkawi, Malaysia:

  • A popular route for international travelers, especially during the peak season (October to May).
  • The ferry takes around 1.5 hours and is a straightforward journey.
  • During the rain season (off-peak months), this route is not operational.
  • Immigration procedures are handled efficiently at both Langkawi and Koh Lipe, but expect a short wait upon arrival for passport processing.

Koh Lipe Island

Best Time to Visit

  • The ideal time to visit Koh Lipe is from November to April, with favorable weather conditions – mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
  • The peak tourist season falls between mid-December and April.
  • Visiting outside these months means more affordable accommodation but a higher chance of rain.

Travel Tips

  • Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, ferry tickets can sell out quickly. Advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred travel dates.
  • Health Precautions: If prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before ferry journeys.
  • Luggage Considerations: Ferry rides might have luggage restrictions, so pack accordingly.

Reaching Koh Lipe requires a bit of planning but the journey is part of the adventure.

Whether you’re coming from Thailand or Malaysia, each route offers its own unique experience and stunning views, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay on this enchanting island.

Koh Lipe Island accommodations

Accommodations: Where to Stay in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe’s accommodation scene is a mosaic of options ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels.

Each offers a unique experience, ensuring every traveler finds their perfect island retreat.

Luxury Resorts

AKIRA Lipe Resort

  • A premium choice offering rooms with direct pool access.
  • Known for its elegant design, top-notch facilities, and impeccable service.
  • Ideal for those seeking a luxurious, pampered stay.

Mali Resort Sunrise Beach

  • Features stunning Balinese-style villas.
  • Perfect for travelers looking for tranquility combined with luxury.
  • Offers easy access to the beach and excellent dining options.

Mid-Range Accommodations

Lipe Banyan Apartments

  • Spacious apartments equipped with large beds and fully-fitted kitchens.
  • A blend of comfort and convenience, suitable for families and long-stay visitors.
  • Located close to the sea, offering both relaxation and accessibility.

Zodiac Beach Resort

  • Offers charming beach houses right by the water.
  • An ideal mix of comfort and island vibe, suitable for couples and small groups.
  • Easy beach access and close to local attractions.

Koh Lipe Island

Budget-Friendly Options

Bloom Hostel

  • Located in the heart of Walking Street, yet known for its quiet ambiance.
  • Provides clean accommodations with free essentials like drinking water, coffee, and tea.
  • Great choice for budget travelers and solo adventurers.
  • Offers private rooms at affordable prices.
  • Situated in Walking Street, providing easy access to island activities.
  • A budget-friendly option without compromising on basic comforts.

Booking Tips

  • Advance Reservations: Booking well in advance is crucial, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred accommodation.
  • Consider Your Needs: Think about what’s important for your stay – proximity to beaches, nightlife, or a quiet retreat.

Koh Lipe’s array of accommodations caters to every preference and budget, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

From the lavishness of a beachfront resort to the simplicity and affordability of a hostel, there’s a place for every traveler on this enchanting island.

Koh Lipe Island

Dining and Cuisine: A Taste of Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its natural beauty, offering an array of dining experiences.

From traditional Thai cuisine to international flavors, the island caters to a variety of palates.

Local Culinary Specialties

Thai Seafood:

  • The island’s location makes it a haven for fresh seafood.
  • Local dishes like grilled fish, spicy prawn soup (Tom Yum Goong), and crab curry are must-tries.
  • Restaurants along the beaches often offer dining with stunning sea views.

Southern Thai Cuisine:

  • Known for its bold flavors and spices.
  • Dishes like Massaman curry and spicy minced pork salad (Larb Moo) showcase the region’s unique culinary style.

Top Dining Spots

Sunrise Beach Restaurants:

  • Host to a range of eateries serving both Thai and international cuisine.
  • Ideal for enjoying a meal with a view of the sunrise.

Walking Street Eateries:

  • The heart of Koh Lipe’s dining scene, offering a mix of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls.
  • Perfect for sampling local flavors and people-watching.

Koh Lipe Island

Street Food and Local Markets

Night Market on Walking Street:

  • A vibrant spot to explore Thailand’s famous street food culture.
  • Offers everything from Pad Thai to mango sticky rice, at affordable prices.

Dining Tips

Explore Local Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try street food for an authentic taste of Thai cuisine.

Seafront Dining: For a romantic or scenic meal, opt for restaurants along the beaches.

Koh Lipe’s dining scene is a delightful exploration of flavors, ranging from local Thai dishes to international fare.

Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood by the beach or exploring the bustling night market, the island promises a memorable culinary journey for every traveler.

Koh Lipe Island

Attractions and Activities: Discovering the Magic of Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, a small island in the Andaman Sea, is a treasure trove of activities and attractions.

From its stunning beaches to vibrant marine life, there’s an abundance of experiences waiting for every type of traveler.

Major Attractions

Walking Street:

  • The island’s bustling hub, filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.
  • A great place to experience local culture, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the nightlife.

Island Beaches:

  • Pattaya Beach: The most developed and lively beach, perfect for swimming and beach activities.
  • Sunrise Beach: Ideal for watching the sunrise and snorkeling in clear waters.
  • Sunset Beach: A quieter spot known for its stunning sunsets and relaxed vibe.

Koh Lipe Island

Adventure Activities

Snorkeling and Diving:

  • Koh Lipe is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
  • Many dive shops offer trips and courses for all levels, from beginners to certified divers.
  • Rent a kayak and explore the island’s coastline or nearby islets like Koh Kra.
  • A perfect way to enjoy the serene waters and discover hidden coves.
  • Explore the island’s interior or venture to nearby islands like Koh Adang for hiking trails and stunning viewpoints.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Local Temples:

  • Visit the small temples on the island to get a glimpse of the local Buddhist culture and traditions.

Koh Lipe may be small, but it’s packed with attractions and activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind.

Whether you’re exploring the underwater world, lounging on a beach, or soaking in local culture, this island offers a rich and diverse experience for every visitor.

Koh Lipe Island

Nightlife and Entertainment: Koh Lipe After Dark

While known for its serene beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Koh Lipe also offers a variety of nightlife and entertainment options.

The island’s nightlife is more about enjoying relaxed evenings rather than high-energy party scenes.

Nightlife Highlights

Bars and Beach Lounges:

  • Along Pattaya Beach and Walking Street, find a selection of bars and lounges offering a relaxed vibe.
  • Venues like Sea la Vie Beach Bar and Maya Bar are popular for their cocktails and beachside settings.

Fire Shows:

  • A common and mesmerizing sight at beach bars along Pattaya Beach.
  • These nightly performances are a blend of culture and entertainment, perfect for a laid-back evening.

Entertainment Spots

  • The island’s central hub transforms into a lively area at night with music, dining, and shopping.
  • Ideal for those looking to experience the local atmosphere and enjoy a casual stroll.

Live Music:

  • Some bars and restaurants host live music nights, offering a mix of local and international tunes.
  • Check out places like Castaway Resort for occasional live music events.

Koh Lipe Island

Cultural Shows and Events

While Koh Lipe may not regularly host large cultural shows, local events and festivals do occur, especially during Thai holidays. These can provide a glimpse into the island’s traditions and community spirit.

Nightlife in Koh Lipe is about enjoying the island’s natural beauty and relaxed culture.

Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the beach, watching a fire show, or listening to live music, the evenings here offer a peaceful yet engaging experience, reflective of Koh Lipe’s overall charm.

Koh Lipe Island

Shopping and Souvenirs: Exploring Koh Lipe’s Retail Scene

Koh Lipe, though a small island, offers a delightful shopping experience. From local markets to boutique shops, the island caters to those looking to take a piece of paradise home.

Best Places for Shopping

  • The main shopping artery of the island, bustling with shops and stalls.
  • Offers a range of products from clothing and beachwear to handmade crafts.

Local Artisan Shops:

  • Scattered around the island, these shops sell unique, locally-made items.
  • Look out for handmade jewelry, traditional Thai fabrics, and artisanal souvenirs.

Local Crafts and Unique Finds

Handcrafted Souvenirs:

  • Local artisans sell beautifully crafted items that reflect Thai culture and the island’s spirit.
  • Popular picks include hand-painted sarongs, wooden carvings, and custom-made jewelry.

Beachwear and Accessories:

  • Ideal for those who want practical souvenirs, many shops sell stylish beachwear and accessories.

Koh Lipe Island

Tips for Bargaining and Shopping

Bargaining:

  • In local markets and street stalls, it’s common to bargain. Start by offering a lower price than asked, but do so respectfully.

Quality Check:

  • Examine the quality of products, especially when purchasing handmade items or beachwear.

Shopping in Koh Lipe is an enjoyable experience that complements the island’s laid-back charm.

Whether you’re searching for unique crafts, stylish beachwear, or traditional Thai souvenirs, the island’s shops and markets offer plenty of options to find something special to remember your trip by.

Koh Lipe Island

Sample Itineraries

Sample itinerary 1: relaxing beach getaway (4 days), day 1: arrival in paradise.

  • Arrive on Koh Lipe via speedboat or ferry from Pak Bara or Langkawi.
  • Check-in to your beachfront bungalow or resort.
  • Spend your afternoon lounging on Sunrise Beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Enjoy a beachfront dinner at one of the island’s seafood restaurants.

Day 2: Island Hopping and Snorkeling

  • Take a day trip to explore the nearby islands, such as Koh Adang and Koh Rawi.
  • Snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs, home to a variety of marine life.
  • Picnic on a secluded beach and enjoy the natural beauty of the archipelago.
  • Return to Koh Lipe in the late afternoon for a sunset cocktail at a beach bar.

Day 3: Water Adventures

  • Try out water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking.
  • Visit the Walking Street for some shopping and to sample Thai street food.
  • Explore the island’s southern beaches like Pattaya Beach and Sunset Beach.
  • Savor a Thai dinner at a local restaurant with live music.

Day 4: Farewell to Koh Lipe

  • Spend your last morning on the island with a relaxing beachfront breakfast.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Walking Street for any last-minute souvenirs.
  • Check out from your accommodation and catch your ferry back to the mainland or your next destination.

scuba diving in Panama (2)

Sample Itinerary 2: Scuba Diving Adventure (7 Days)

Day 1: arrival and orientation.

  • Arrive on Koh Lipe and check-in to a dive resort.
  • Meet with your dive instructor to plan your diving itinerary.
  • Relax on the beach in the afternoon and get acclimated to the island.

Day 2-6: Dive Exploration

  • Embark on daily dive trips to explore the underwater wonders.
  • Dive sites include famous spots like Hin Takorn Dhuwakan, Stonehenge, and Yong Hua Shipwreck.
  • Experience the diverse marine life, including colorful coral reefs and various fish species.
  • Enjoy evenings at beachfront restaurants with fellow divers.

Day 7: Farewell Dive and Departure

  • Start your day with a memorable farewell dive.
  • Return to Koh Lipe and spend your final afternoon on the island.
  • Depart from Koh Lipe with unforgettable diving memories.

Malpelo Island

Sample Itinerary 3: Nature and Adventure (5 Days)

Day 1: arrival and tarutao national park.

  • Arrive on Koh Lipe and check-in to a nature resort.
  • Explore Tarutao National Park, which includes lush rainforests and hiking trails.
  • Enjoy a tranquil evening surrounded by nature.

Day 2: Jungle Trekking

  • Embark on a guided jungle trekking tour in Tarutao National Park.
  • Discover the park’s unique flora and fauna, including monkeys and exotic birds.
  • Return to Koh Lipe for dinner and relaxation.

Day 3: Snorkeling and Beach Time

  • Spend the day snorkeling around the island, including spots like Jabang and Hin Son.
  • Relax on secluded beaches and enjoy a picnic lunch.
  • Watch the sunset from Sunset Beach.

Day 4: Sea Kayaking

  • Go on a sea kayaking adventure to explore the hidden coves and caves.
  • Enjoy the serenity of Koh Lipe’s lesser-visited areas.
  • Have a beachfront barbecue dinner.

Day 5: Farewell to Nature

  • Spend your last morning at leisure, perhaps with some bird-watching.
  • Check out and return to the mainland, taking with you the memories of Koh Lipe’s natural beauty.

These sample itineraries offer a glimpse of the diverse experiences Koh Lipe has to offer, whether you’re seeking relaxation, underwater adventures, or immersion in nature.

Customize your visit based on your preferences and the length of your stay on this beautiful island.

Koh Lipe Island

Practical Information: Essential Tips for Visiting Koh Lipe

Before embarking on your journey to Koh Lipe, it’s important to be aware of some practical aspects that will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the island.

Weather and Climate

  • Best Time to Visit: November to April, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
  • Monsoon Season: May to October, characterized by more rain and rougher seas.

Health and Safety Tips

  • Medical Facilities: Limited on the island, so it’s advisable to bring essential medications and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Water Safety: Always exercise caution when swimming or partaking in water activities, and heed local advice on sea conditions.

Currency, Language, and Communication

  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB). ATMs and currency exchange facilities are available, mainly around Walking Street.
  • Language: Thai is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes, but it’s a good idea to have a local SIM card for better connectivity.

Visiting Koh Lipe is a dream for many, and being well-prepared can make your trip even more enjoyable.

Understanding the climate, staying health-conscious, and being aware of the local currency and language will help you navigate the island effortlessly and enrich your overall experience.

Koh Lipe Island

A Comprehensive History of Koh Lipe

Ancient inhabitants and maritime traditions (pre-20th century).

Koh Lipe, a small island located in the Andaman Sea, has a rich history that dates back centuries.

The island’s earliest known inhabitants were the Chao Leh, or sea gypsies, who were skilled fishermen and maritime nomads.

These indigenous people lived on the island and in the surrounding archipelago for generations, relying on the sea for their livelihoods. Their unique culture and reliance on the ocean played a significant role in shaping the island’s heritage.

Colonial Influences and Trading Hub (19th Century)

During the 19th century, the region that includes Koh Lipe was part of the Sultanate of Kedah, which is now part of Malaysia.

The island served as a strategic trading post and stopover for traders, fishermen, and travelers navigating the waters between Thailand, Malaysia, and neighboring countries.

The influence of British colonialism in the region during this period also contributed to its role as a trading hub.

Koh Lipe Island

Modern Discovery and Early Tourism (Late 20th Century)

Koh Lipe remained relatively unknown to the world until the late 20th century when intrepid travelers and backpackers began to explore Southeast Asia in search of untouched paradises.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, word spread about the island’s pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. This newfound attention marked the beginning of Koh Lipe’s emergence as a tourist destination.

Sustainable Development and Conservation Efforts (21st Century)

As tourism continued to grow, there was a concerted effort to balance development with environmental preservation.

Local and international organizations collaborated to protect the fragile coral reefs surrounding the island, implementing strict regulations to minimize the impact of tourism.

This included restrictions on fishing and the anchoring of boats near the reefs.

Koh Lipe Island

Infrastructure Development and Accessibility

Over the years, infrastructure on Koh Lipe improved significantly. The island now has a range of accommodations, restaurants, and activities to cater to various types of travelers.

Transportation options, including speedboats and ferries, make it easier for visitors to reach the island from the mainland, including locations like Hat Yai and Pak Bara.

Diverse Cultural Influences

Koh Lipe’s history is also shaped by the diverse cultural influences of the Chao Leh sea gypsies, Thai culture, and the various international visitors who have made the island their temporary home.

The island’s population consists of people from different backgrounds, creating a unique blend of traditions and languages.

Present-Day Koh Lipe

Today, Koh Lipe is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and as a gateway to exploring the Tarutao National Marine Park.

It attracts travelers from around the world, including divers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts.

While the island has experienced significant development, efforts are ongoing to ensure sustainable tourism practices and protect the natural beauty that has made Koh Lipe a sought-after destination in the Andaman Sea.

The island’s history is a testament to its evolution from a remote fishing outpost to a tropical paradise that continues to capture the hearts of travelers seeking an unspoiled natural environment.

Koh Lipe Island

Sustainable Tourism: Traveling Responsibly in Koh Lipe

As a pristine island paradise, Koh Lipe faces challenges due to increasing tourism. Responsible travel practices are essential to preserve its natural beauty and support local communities.

How to Travel Responsibly

  • Choose locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators to ensure your money benefits the community.
  • Avoid single-use plastics, dispose of waste properly, and be mindful of your environmental impact, especially in natural areas and underwater.
  • When snorkeling or diving, admire marine life from a distance without touching or disturbing them.

Local Conservation Efforts

  • Many local businesses and organizations are involved in conservation efforts like beach cleanups and coral reef preservation.
  • Participating in these activities or supporting these businesses can contribute positively to the island’s environmental health.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices

  • As a traveler, your choices can influence broader change. Opt for eco-friendly tours and activities that prioritize sustainability.
  • Educate yourself about the local ecosystem and cultural norms to be a more mindful visitor.

Sustainable tourism in Koh Lipe is not just a choice but a responsibility.

By traveling mindfully, respecting the environment, and supporting local initiatives, visitors can help preserve the island’s natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

Koh Lipe Island

Local Customs and Etiquette: Respecting Koh Lipe’s Culture

Understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette is crucial for a harmonious visit to Koh Lipe.

This small island, with its unique traditions and practices, requires mindful interaction from its visitors.

Understanding Local Culture

  • Religion and Temples: Buddhism is predominant, and visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting temples.
  • Interaction with Locals: Thais are known for their friendliness. A polite, respectful manner, including the traditional greeting, the ‘wai’, is appreciated.

Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove shoes when entering someone’s home or certain public places like temples.
  • Don’t touch anyone’s head, as it’s considered the most sacred part of the body.
  • Avoid showing anger or frustration; maintaining a calm demeanor is valued in Thai culture.

How to Be a Respectful Visitor

  • Environmental Respect: Keep beaches clean, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect protected areas.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Learn about local customs and traditions to avoid unintentional disrespect.

Visiting Koh Lipe is not just about enjoying its natural beauty but also about immersing in its culture respectfully.

By understanding and adhering to local customs and etiquette, you contribute to a positive atmosphere and a mutually respectful relationship between visitors and locals.

Long-tail boat on a boat

Day Trips and Excursions: Exploring Beyond Koh Lipe

While Koh Lipe itself is a wonder, its surrounding areas offer a plethora of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Day trips and excursions to nearby islands and attractions are not to be missed.

Nearby Islands and Attractions

  • Just a short boat ride away, known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
  • The viewpoint on top of Chado Cliff offers breathtaking views of Koh Lipe.
  • A cluster of uninhabited islands offering pristine natural environments.
  • Ideal for snorkeling, diving, and appreciating untouched marine ecosystems.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Exploration

  • Convenient for those who prefer a structured itinerary with guided experiences.
  • Often include snorkeling trips, island-hopping, and meals.
  • Renting a long-tail boat for a personalized adventure can be more flexible.
  • Ideal for those wanting to explore at their own pace and preference.

Planning Day Trips

  • Advance Booking: For organized tours, book in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Check Weather Conditions: Ensure favorable weather for a safe and enjoyable excursion.
  • Essentials: Bring sun protection, water, and snacks, especially if venturing out independently.

Day trips and excursions from Koh Lipe are as enriching as the island itself.

Whether through an organized tour or an independent journey, the surrounding areas beckon with their untouched beauty and offer a deeper glimpse into the region’s natural splendor.

Conclusion: Embracing the Enchantment of Koh Lipe

In conclusion, Koh Lipe is more than just a destination; it’s a captivating experience that stays with you.

From its pristine beaches to its rich cultural tapestry, every aspect of the island promises an unforgettable journey. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, Koh Lipe warmly welcomes all, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of those who wander its shores.

FAQs about Koh Lipe Island

1. do i need a visa to visit koh lipe.

  • Most visitors can enter Thailand without a visa for stays up to 30 days. However, check your specific country’s requirements before traveling.

2. What is the currency in Koh Lipe?

  • The Thai Baht (THB) is the currency used. ATMs and currency exchange services are available, primarily around Walking Street.

3. Is there an airport on Koh Lipe?

  • No, Koh Lipe does not have an airport. The nearest airports are in Hat Yai and Langkawi, followed by a ferry ride to the island.

4. Are there ATMs on Koh Lipe?

  • Yes, there are ATMs on Walking Street, but it’s advisable to carry some cash as some places might not accept cards.

5. Can I rent a scooter on Koh Lipe?

  • There are no cars or scooters for rent due to the island’s small size and environmental policies. Walking and boat taxis are the main modes of transportation.

6. Is Koh Lipe safe for tourists?

  • Yes, Koh Lipe is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, exercise common sense regarding personal safety and belongings.

7. What language is spoken in Koh Lipe?

  • Thai is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

8. What should I pack for a trip to Koh Lipe?

  • Essentials include beachwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and basic medical supplies.

9. Are there medical facilities on Koh Lipe?

  • There are small clinics for basic medical needs, but serious cases may require transfer to the mainland.

10. Is Koh Lipe suitable for families with children?

  • Yes, the island is family-friendly with various activities and accommodations suitable for children.

11. Can I use my mobile phone on Koh Lipe?

  • Yes, mobile coverage is generally good. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity and rates.

12. What are the best activities for adventure seekers in Koh Lipe?

  • Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and trekking are popular activities for adventure enthusiasts.

13. What is the best season to visit Koh Lipe for snorkeling and diving?

  • The best time is from November to April when the sea is calmer and visibility is better.

14. How can I contribute to sustainable tourism in Koh Lipe?

  • Support local businesses, participate in environmental conservation efforts, respect local customs, and minimize your ecological footprint.

15. Are there vegetarian or vegan food options available?

  • Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Privacy Overview

World Wide Honeymoon

5-Day Koh Lipe Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Koh Lipe Thailand

By: Author Kat

Posted on November 15, 2023

Categories Destinations , Relax , Thailand

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here .

A Koh Lipe itinerary may be the perfect way to see Thailand’s paradise.

Picture the clearest blue ocean water slowly lapping up on the shore, bright and colorful coral reefs you can snorkel to right off the beach, and a laid-back atmosphere where the only thing on the agenda is to plant your “toes in the water, ass in the sand.”

It’s everything you need for a relaxing and romantic getaway. Consider this your ultimate Koh Lipe guide.

In this Koh Lipe guide, we’ll be breaking down all you need to know before you go including how to get to Koh Lipe, when to visit Koh Lipe, getting around Koh Lipe, where to stay at on Koh Lipe, best things to do on Koh Lipe, where to eat and drink on Koh Lipe, and even a perfect 5 day Koh Lipe itinerary!

Rewind to several months prior to our little island getaway, and we were debating on which beach to choose for our three-week honeymoon across Southeast Asia .

And while we had already planned on visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay , Siem Reap , Chiang Mai , and Bangkok, we couldn’t decide which beach was the best beach in Thailand. When I say it took me months to decide, I mean it. But, one day, I stumbled across some information about Koh Lipe, and I knew that we had to come here.

So today, I want to give you the details on everything you need to know about Koh Lipe including a Koh Lipe itinerary to give you all the wanderlust and help you plan your ultimate romantic getaway.

Check out our podcast episode all about Koh Lipe: 

photos of the beautiful clear waters of Koh Lipe and the island a little ways out as well as a view overlooking the beach from the hotel in this guide to Koh Lipe Pin

Best Things to Do On Koh Lipe, Thailand

Let’s talk all about the things you can do on Koh Lipe.

1.Snorkel Tour

If you’ve got $40 you can rent a long-tail boat for the day and a captain to take you wherever you’d like to go. The Tarutao National Park is open until 5 pm, so bear in mind that you cannot stay out on the water or visit the islands after that time in order to protect the area. But you can go to various islands, or even select a snorkel tour that’ll take you out to some of the best reefs around.

There are currently a few great snorkel group tour options you can book:

Snorkel Discovery :

  • Stay close to Koh Lipe and witness stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life
  • Witness the island made of black stones that is Koh Hin Ngam
  • Cost: 782 baht ($22) per person
  • Includes mask, snorkel, water, lunch, fruit, and life jackets
  • Departs at 9:30 am at Phataya Beach
  • Ends at 4 pm

Book it here! 

Far Island Explorer:

  • Visit some of the best snorkeling spots further from Koh Lipe
  • Also, visit neat areas like the strange rock formations at Koh Hin Sorn, see monkeys on Monkey Beach, and the island made of black stones, Koh Hin Ngam
  • Cost: 888 baht ($25) per person
  • Departs at 9:30 am from Reggae Bar At Pattaya Beach

Book it here!

Island across from Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand

2. Snorkel Off the Beach

Grab some snorkel gear from your hotel and just snorkel right off the beach! There are corals everywhere and we found so much just by snorkeling here.

Orange and white clownfish just bobbing between sea anemones, sea urchins tucked under coral, bright angelfish with scales that shone in the sun, and more! We loved spending the afternoons just exploring off our own beach.

3. Go Diving!

If you’re a diver, this is the place to do it. With reefs that are still abundant and healthy, it is a treasure to be able to dive deep into these clear blue waters. Whether you want to go with a professional and try a fun dive or get full-on PADI certified, this is the best place to do it!

Some great dive shops include:

Sunrise Beach : Castaway Divers, Satun Dive Resort, and Adang Sea Divers

Walking Street : Forra Dive and Liveaboard (3 locations including Sunrise and Pattaya beach) and Koh Lipe Diving

Pattaya Beach : Pura Vida Diving, DJL Diving Koh Lipe, and Dive Shop Lipe

Home Bar, Koh Lipe, Thailand

4. Explore the Island

Koh Lipe may be tiny, but there is plenty to explore! Try out all the amazing restaurants and bars, or wander the streets, finding tucked-away places.

5. Get a massage

If there is the perfect place to get a massage, this is it. Get beachside couples massages and feel utterly relaxed while listening to the sounds of the ocean during your massage.

The prices for this are the same across the island and range from 300-500 baht ($10-16) per person based on what kind of massage you’re getting (feet, whole body, etc.).

6. Koh Adang Viewpoint

Across from Koh Lipe is Koh Adang. Take a boat there and go hiking! Head up to the viewpoint and see this gorgeous marine park laid out before you. See Koh Lipe from above, and enjoy this slice of paradise.

Sunny day overlooking sea on Koh Lipe, Thailand

7. Beach Hop

Koh Lipe is highly walkable, meaning you can spend a day just exploring the beaches of the island. Start out the day on Sunrise Beach, taking in the gorgeous sunrise, snorkel near Ten Moons, and enjoy a great breakfast. Then, head to Pattaya beach for day drinking and beach lounging in the afternoon sun before popping over to Sunset Beach for a sundowner cocktail and a gorgeous sunset.

Where to Eat and Drink in Koh Lipe, Thailand

Something that surprised us was how much good food and drinks there were on Koh Lipe. While more expensive than mainland Thailand, the food was still fairly cheap and the drinks were amazing. Here is where to eat and drink on Koh Lipe:

Where to Eat on Koh Lipe

Ten Moons Lipe fried rice

1.Ten Moons

Aside from its amazing breakfast including fresh juice, fried rice, eggs, fresh fruit, banana pancakes, and even more choices, it has great meals for lunch and dinner too.

Since we stayed here, we did eat here often, but the food was really tasty! We ordered the paella the last night and it was divine and perfect for splitting as a couple. We also enjoyed their pizzas during the day, and they have a great buy one/get one half off happy hour special.

2. Castaway

Also on Sunrise Beach, we loved their veggie burger and crab pad Thai. We ordered the papaya salad too, and it was good but extremely spicy! We washed it all down with some Chang beers and enjoyed the views of the sea while eating.

3. Madame Yoohoo

This little restaurant on Walking Street has an extensive menu full of traditional Thai cuisine. We loved the shrimp pad Thai with an egg wrap and her famous crepe/roti pancakes! We ordered the banana and peanut butter pancakes and enjoyed each bite.

Banana and Peanut Butter roti pancake at Madame Yoohoo's Koh Lipe

4 . Benny’s On the Beach Koh Lipe

For a vegetarian restaurant along the beach, look no further! Enjoy anything from salads and pasta to garlic pepper tofu and pad thai.

Tom yum soup at Sunrise Beach restaurant

5. Bombay India

If you start getting sick of Thai food, a thing we did not think was possible until we ate nothing but Thai food for two weeks straight, this place is fantastic. Start with the samosas then get all the fresh made traditionally garlic naan. Pair it with one of their curry dishes and you’ll be so thankful you took a break from all of the Pad Thai.

Where to Drink on Koh Lipe

1.Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar Koh Lipe

For delicious drinks with a delightful bartender, head to Zodiac See Sun Beach. This bar is a whole vibe complete with driftwood and breezy umbrellas made from palm fronds.

Order any tropical drink you’d like and have a chat with the bartender. While the island has changed over time, this is a place to slow down.

Home Bar Welcome Sign

2. Home Bar

This was our absolute favorite bar on Koh Lipe. Located on the way to Sunset Beach, this bar is tucked away in what little jungle there is on the island. You definitely have to search for it, but it is so worth it.

This open-air bar is full of junk that the owner and bartender, Nor, found around the island. Nor is a legend who has seen and done it all it seems. He will sit and tell you stories for hours in between making his killer cocktails. Learn some life lessons and advice from a man who was the third person on the island.

3. Serendipity Resort’s On The Rocks

While most of this place seemed overpriced, especially the subpar dinner, it is the best place for a drink and to take in the views. Order a few beers and watch the daylight turn into dusk while perched upon the hillside of the island.

4. Islanders Sea Sport Bar

For a tiki bar with amazing drinks and on the beach, this is the place to go. Enjoy a drink during the day or party it up at night here.

The Perfect Koh Lipe Itinerary for 5 Days

Now let’s lay out a perfect Koh Lipe itinerary:

Day 1 : Arrive on Koh Lipe Thailand

  • Depart Bangkok or your prior destination and arrive in Koh Lipe mid-afternoon
  • Take a boat to your hotel
  • Enjoy a good happy hour cocktail, dip your toes in the sand, and have a lovely evening taking in the sights from your hotel
  • Stroll along the beach
  • Dinner at your hotel or Ten Moons

Day 2 : Explore Koh Lipe and Snorkel

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Borrow some snorkel supplies and start snorkeling right offshore! We loved the area by Ten Moons and Serendipity, as there were so many little fish to see!
  • Explore Walking Street for a tasty lunch at Madame Yoohoo’s or Bombay India
  • Head back to the beach for some sea kayaking and exploring the islands close by (perhaps visit Koh Adang Viewpoint)!
  • If time, get an afternoon beach massage
  • Happy hour at Ten Moons
  • Drinks at Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar Koh Lipe
  • Dinner at Benny’s On the Beach Koh Lipe
  • Drinks after dinner at any tiki bar on the beach

Day 3 : Snorkel or Dive Tour

  • After breakfast, head out on a snorkel tour or dive tour
  • Arrive back mid-afternoon, in time for a little beach exploring
  • Head to the interior of the island to Home Bar for drinks before dinner
  • Dinner at Castaway
  • Get some final drinks at your hotel before turning in

Day 4: Beach Hop

  • Today is all about relaxation
  • Grab another beachside massage
  • Beach hop around the island
  • Happy hour on Sunrise Beach
  • One last dinner at your hotel or Ten Moons
  • An early night prior to departing

Day 5 : Head Back to the Mainland

  • Enjoy one last gorgeous sunrise
  • Get one more banana pancake
  • Board your speedboat back to the mainland and off to your next destination

Ocean view from Grand View Bungalow, Ten Moons Lipe Resort, Koh Lipe, Thailand

Who Shouldn’t Visit Koh Lipe

Before we discuss the basics like where to stay, I want to lay it out there that Koh Lipe is not for everyone. It is a relaxing island and it is meant for… well, relaxing.

Most bars on Koh Lipe do not stay open past 1 am, with many closing before that. There are no full or half-moon parties, no beach bonfire parties, and it is calm and quiet at night for the most part. It is truly bliss if you like relaxing, but if you’re looking for a huge party, this is not your island .

boats along the shore in Koh Lipe Itinerary

Also, if you’re looking for trekking, renting a scooter and getting around, and hiking to waterfalls, this may not be for you. Again, this is a small island.

And, while you may find scooters to help you get to your hotel, there aren’t many roads to scoot on and no places to truly hike for a long period of time. There are larger, remote islands you can rent a boat to and hike around, but as far as the island itself, you won’t find much hiking.

Who Should Visit Koh Lipe

Okay, now that you know who should not come to Koh Lipe, let’s talk about whom this island is perfect for. If you’re looking to relax, swim, snorkel or dive around some AMAZING coral reefs and incredible marine life, this is your island.

Koh Lipe is low key, but there is certainly adventure to be found, particularly in the water. It is the perfect place for couples, whether for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon.

It is also fantastic for families as it is a safe island with a few family-friendly hotels (keep in mind that it is a rough ferry to get there, though). It is the place to enjoy the beach and all the things that come with it. So sit back, grab a piña colada, and enjoy this island paradise.

Ko Lipe Guide: shoreline with rocks

When to Visit Koh Lipe Guide

Like all places in Thailand, Koh Lipe has a dry and rainy season. This also correlates to the high and low season. The dry season is between December and April , where rainfall is very little, but prices are a little higher as more tourists come in.

Wet Season is June through October with some days having heavy rainfall or multiple days of rainfall. It won’t rain every single day, but it is much more likely to rain than the dry season. However, you can get great deals on hotels during this time of year.

Waves coming to shore, Koh Lipe Itinerary

Shoulder season, or November and May , will have less rain than the rainy season but may get a few showers here and there. If you go during this time you’ll have fewer crowds, prices are slightly lower than the high season, and the weather is pretty good.

We went in November and noticed that it did rain for an hour or two in the morning, but cleared up before lunch. There were hardly any crowds too!

Getting to Koh Lipe, Thailand for Your Koh Lipe Itinerary

Koh Lipe isn’t the easiest island to get to, but it is definitely worth it once you’re there. It is a process, typically including a flight, shuttle bus, and/or ferry and takes half a day.

Therefore, if you’re planning to visit Koh Lipe, I highly recommend spending at least 3 days here to make the trip worth it. Here are the many ways to get here for your Koh Lipe itinerary:

Pro-Tip : For booking airport shuttles and the ferry to Koh Lipe, or ferries from other islands, use 12GoAsia . They have all the ferry times so you can book accordingly. And for flights from Bangkok to Hat Yai or Langkawi, we love checking Skyscanner for the best deals!

Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand boat

Fly/Shuttle/Speedboat Ferry From Pak Bara

  • ONLY OPTION DURING RAINY SEASON
  • Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai using Nok Air or Air Asia and land around 8 am. The flight is around 1.5 hours from Bangkok. (Note: Chiang Mai has flights here too, but none that land you with enough time to make the ferry). Cost is typically less than $100 per person.
  • Shuttle departs from the airport between 8:30-9:30 am, depending on which one you book
  • Arrive at Pak Bara Pier around 11 am
  • Depart for Koh Lipe around 11:30 am-12 pm
  • Koh Lipe’s high-speed ferry takes about 1.5-2 hours and will make a couple of stops on other islands along the way
  • Arrival time between 1-3 pm
  • You will arrive at Pattaya Beach during the dry season and Sunrise Beach during the rainy season
  • Cost for shuttle & ferry : $22 per person each way , plus 200 Thai baht (approx. $6) each for entrance into the Tarutao National Park, where Koh Lipe is located, and 50 baht (Approx. $1.60) per person for a long tail boat to take you to your hotel from the ferry

Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry

  • Depart from Langkawi to Koh Lipe via the Kuah Jetty or Telaga Harbor Marina, with Kuah Jetty having an immigration desk
  • Speedboat ferries depart between 9 am and 2:30 pm and arrive between 10:15 am and 3 pm, based on when you leave
  • Total travel is about 1.5 hours to get there
  • You gain an hour going from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
  • You will have to go through customs on Pattaya Beach once you arrive
  • This is NOT an option during the rainy season
  • Typically only operates between November and March .
  • Cost : $36 per person each way , plus 200 Thai baht (approx. $6) each for entrance into the Tarutao National Park, where Koh Lipe is located, and 50 baht (Approx. $1.60) per person for a long tail boat to take you to your hotel from the ferry.

rocks on the beach, Koh Lipe Guide

Train to Hat Yai from Bangkok  

  • Take Thai Railways going to Hat Yai, then transfer to shuttle and ferry to Koh Lipe
  • Departs around 4:30 pm from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok
  • Arrives at 7:45 am into Hat Yai the following day
  • Transfer to shuttle and ferry like in #1
  • Cost : $64-86 per person , plus 200 Thai baht (approx. $6) each for entrance into the Tarutao National Park, where Koh Lipe is located, and 50 baht (Approx. $1.60) per person for a long tail boat to take you to your hotel from the ferry.

Ferry from Other Islands in the Andaman Sea

  • Available from Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Libong, and Koh Bulon
  • Open between November through March/April
  • For the ferry schedule, check here !

Pattaya Beach Boats During a Koh Lipe Guide

Navigating Around Koh Lipe, Thailand

Once you arrive for your Koh Lipe itinerary, you can pay 50 baht ($1.60) to get to your hotel via speedboat, have your hotel pick you up (if they offer this service), pay for a scooter to take you to your hotel, or just walk.

We ended up walking and probably should’ve taken a boat, as we got lost and it’s too hot to carry around luggage while finding your hotel. But if you feel like stretching your legs after the long journey to get to Koh Lipe, you can walk to your hotel, especially if it is on Pattaya Beach.

The most common way to get around Koh Lipe is walking. The main street, appropriately called “Walking Street” winds its way across most of the island, with many guesthouses, restaurants, and bars located on this street. There are a few, smaller alleys that branch off from it, but it is easy to walk around this island.

The other option is hailing a motor scooter and having them take you around. It is easy to find them on Walking Street or Pattaya Beach.  

Walking Street, Ko LIpe

Where to Stay in Koh Lipe Thailand Guide

For an island that is relatively small, there are a lot of options for places to stay. From beach huts to luxury hotels, Koh Lipe has something for everyone.

There are three main beaches on Koh Lipe: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach . They all have their own personalities and features to enjoy.

Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe Guide

Pattaya Beach has the most bars and restaurants, but it is also the busiest beach. It is right off the main drag of Walking Street, and it is where all the ferries come in during the high season.

This is a popular beach with a lot of options for accommodation and has late-night bars. So if you want to party, this is your beach, but if not, it can get noisy here. We did notice, however, that prices are more reasonable here per night than other parts of the island.

Where to Stay on Pattaya Beach

Budget: family song bungalow.

If you just want the basics: clean bed, air conditioning, coffee maker, and fridge, this is your place. While certainly not luxurious, for under $30 a night and 350 feet from the beach, it’s not a bad deal.

Read reviews and book on Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Mid-Range: Mali Resort Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe  

Enjoy your own private villa on the beach here in Koh Lipe. The on-site restaurant includes free breakfast, and you have air conditioning, wifi, and you’re on the beach for some amazing snorkeling. The bungalows are also gorgeous with large beds, cute artwork, and lovely, traditional, dark-wood floors.

Luxury: Bundhaya Villas

Near the quiet part of Pattaya Beach, these villas have wifi, air conditioning, a pool with a bar, fitness center, free breakfast at their restaurant, a spa, and beach umbrellas to cool off under. For luxury in paradise, this is a great place to start.

Early evening with swing and beach on Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe

Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe Guide

Sunrise Beach is our favorite. We stayed here during our honeymoon and loved how relaxing it was with the tiki bars near the beach, the soft sands, and the stunning sunrises each morning.

You can also witness the two little islands just off the shore, perfect for kayaking to and exploring. It’s much more laid back and quiet on this part of the island, but the hotels are a little pricier.

Where to Stay on Sunrise Beach

Budget: castaway resort koh lipe.

If you’d like a beach bungalow on a budget, this is the place for you. While lacking in air conditioning, it is a two-story hut with the bed on the second floor, perfect for catching the midnight sea breeze. It also has a restaurant and bar and offers all of the comforts of home. They also have a dive shop and offer good discounts for divers who book through them and are staying at the resort.

Inside room at Ten Moons Lipe

Mid-Range: Ten Moons Lipe Resort  

We loved Ten Moons Lipe Resort during our Koh Lipe itinerary. They offer bungalows that are directly on the beach and ones that overlook the whole scene and are built into the hillside. We stayed in both and couldn’t decide which was better. The breakfast was amazing each morning, along with the cocktails that are buy one/get one half off during happy hour. They also had things for snorkeling, beach mats, and whatever we needed to play on the beach all day. It’s also located on the quietest part of the beach, on the softest sand we felt.

Mid-Range: Idyllic Concept Resort

Another great option for a mid-range budget would be Idyllic Concept. More hotel than beach bungalow, but the rooms are spacious and have stunning views of the water. There is also a pool overlooking the beach with a bar, another pool off the beach, a beach bar, and a restaurant to enjoy. They also have beach chairs and umbrellas for lying out, and luxurious suites with a balcony to relax on.

Luxury: Serendipity Beach Resort  

Built into the hillside and next to Ten Moons on the quietest and softest part of the beach, this resort has some of the best views overlooking the water and adjacent islands. They offer spacious bungalows with plunge pools off the balcony, and even huge bungalows that are perfect for a family get together. They also offer room service and have an excellent, yet overpriced, bar. The breeziness of the hillside bungalows is perfect after lying on the beach all day.

Kat & Chris on the beach in Thailand

Sunset Beach Koh Lipe Guide

As they have a Sunrise Beach, they also have an appropriately named Sunset Beach. Located west of the island, this is the smallest and most remote beach. If you want to stay off-the-beaten-path where it is quiet, this is the place for you.

The only issue with this part of the beach is that you’ll have to walk a lot for bars and restaurants (unless you are fine with the same few during your stay), and there aren’t a ton of options for accommodation. But if you really want to disconnect, this is a great spot.

Luxury: Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa

Enjoy views of the sea and gardens from one of the luxurious villas here. Enjoy a dreamy bungalow either facing the garden or even a villa with easy pool access. Run out of your villa straight to the pool or ocean! This place also has a spa and offers things like floating breakfasts.

Read reviews and book on TripAdvisor | Booking.com

Budget for Koh Lipe Guide

Koh Lipe may not be a budget backpacker destination, but it certainly is perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway. With that being said, let’s break down a perfect budget for a 5-day (4 days/4 nights plus getting to/from the island) trip to Koh Lipe, Thailand.

  • Transportation to/from Island : $80-$200 per person depending on just getting ferry or flight/ferry/shuttle round-trip.
  • Hotel : $50-250 per night
  • Activities : $25 per person per day
  • Food and Alcohol : $25 per person per day

Per Day Cost: $150-350 with a hotel for two people.

Total Cost with Round-trip to/from the island : $760-$1,800 for two people, with $760 being on a budget, $1,200-$1,400 more mid-range, and $1,800 for luxury.

Some of these costs depend on what time of year you visit as well. If you visit during the rainy season, chances are the hotel and maybe even food prices will drop versus high season. The costs above are about average during that time.

Cloudy sunrise over Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand

Other Items to Note About Koh Lipe

The biggest thing to note about Koh Lipe is while there are amazingly abundant coral reefs, they are also super delicate and vulnerable. Please follow the instructions on the beach and do not snorkel with fins during low tide, do not touch the corals, and just be careful around corals in general.

Pick up your trash, and limit single-use plastics. Many hotels no longer provide plastic straws and also have drinking water provided in your room that you could fill up a water bottle with.

It is so important to have reef-safe sunscreen that doesn’t harm coral reefs. Also, you’ll want an all-natural mosquito repellant for when mosquitos come out at night!

Also, don’t forget about travel insurance. We love World Nomads for its easy-to-understand plans and covers a wide variety of activities! We don’t travel internationally without it.

Koh Lipe has a lot to offer. If you’re a fan of snorkeling or diving, or just lying on the beach all day, this is the perfect place for relaxation and enjoying the ocean.

So whether you’re coming here for a honeymoon or couples getaway, definitely add Koh Lipe to the top of your list. Rather than waste months trying to figure out where to go, go here. This slice of paradise is perfect for your dreamy island getaway.

Have you been to Koh Lipe? What questions do you have about it? Would you visit here? Let us know in the comments!

Love this post or want to save for later? Pin it here!  

The Best 5 Days in Koh Lipe - Koh Lipe Itinerary - Koh Lipe Guide

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Thursday 7th of December 2023

Is the shuttle to the pier from hat yai airport free and on a first come first serve basis? And you pay for the shuttle service and ferry when you arrive at koh lipe?

Hi Lee! No, it is not free, but you can book it all together with 12GoAsia. That is what we did and we made sure it was both the shuttle from the airport and ferry. As you'll book it, you'll have space in the shuttle. Have fun!

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Koh Lipe Travel Guide

Things To Do in Koh Lipe Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on March 14th, 2024

The ultimate Koh Lipe Travel Guide includes the perfect itinerary for your holiday gateway. We will show you how to get to Koh Lipe from various transportation options, things to do, what to eat, and where to stay in this Koh Lipe travel blog. Stay tuned!

Located 60 km from the mainland, Koh Lipe is the most southern island in Thailand . It is popular among beach lovers and is known as the Maldives of Thailand. Every year, thousands of international travelers and locals are flocks to the island to enjoy the sunshine, crystal clear turquoise waters, and pristine beaches.

Compared with other famous islands in Thailand, Koh Lipe’s atmosphere is not as happening as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Krabi. But Koh Lipe has some great things that make the island unique in its own right. The tropical island is calm and surrounded by laid-back vibes. With clear-crystal waters and white sand beaches, beautiful sunrises at the beginning of the day, and a great sunset to end your day, Ko Lipe is the best place for an island gateway.

While in Koh Lipe, there are many relaxing things to do and areas you can consider visiting depending on what you’re interested in. Below I’ve picked out some of the highlights and best beaches that are frequently visited by visitors when traveling to Ko Lipe. Here is our in-depth Koh Lipe Travel Guide.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Ko Lipe

Best Time To Visit Koh Lipe

Ko Lipe is great to visit all year round. However, the best time to visit Koh Lipe is between November and April. During this time, the weather is pleasant with good sunshine and calm warm water. It is very ideal for beach activities, such as swimming, boating, and sunbathing.

From December to February , these few months are the peak season for Koh Lipe. We recommended booking your ferry ticket and accommodation in advance, especially on weekends and the public holidays in Thailand and South East Asia. Many locals and tourists will flock to Ko Lipe for the beach holidays and weekend gateway.

From June to October , these few months are the low season for Koh Lipe. It is also the monsoon season with more rainy days during these few months. It is less crowded with cheaper accommodation prices. But be aware that some shops and ferry arrangements will be temporarily closed due to fewer visitors and rough sea.

How To Get To Koh Lipe

Ferry from and to Koh Lipe

Honestly, it is not that easy to get to Koh Lipe due to the weather and season. Depending on where is your departure location, there are various transportation options available to get to Koh Lipe. Once you arrive for your Koh Lipe itinerary, you can get to your hotel by just walking, paying 50 baht for a speedboat, a scooter ride, or arranging for pick-up from the hotel.

We had listed down the best way to get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok, Hatyai, Phuket, Krabi, and Langkawi at different seasons in the below section of the Koh Lipe Travel Guide.

All Seasons

From Bangkok, Hatyai to Koh Lipe:

The nearest airport to get to Koh Lipe is Hatyai Airport. Travelers can take the domestic flight from Bangkok and to the Hatyai airport, and next take a shuttle bus to Pak Bara Pier which takes you around 120 minutes at 250 baht. Finally, take the ferry to Ko Lipe at 650 bath. You can use the Skyscanner to find the best flight times and prices when looking for a flight ticket to Hatyai, or anywhere around the world.

Use Skyscanner to find the Best Flight Deal

While the ferry to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara is at 11:30 all year-round and arrives at Ko Lipe at 13:00. The ferry fare usually costs you around 650 baht for an adult and for children (ages 3-10) is 350 baht. Usually, you can buy the combination ticket which combined the flight + shuttle (van) + ferry ticket all together in one joint ticket.

Ko Lipe Travel Guide Tips : Pak Bara is the only place where you can get to Ko Lipe at any time of the year. Certain other places are closed during the monsoon season. Please make sure to arrive at Pak Bara Pier before 11:30, else you will miss the daily ferry to Ko Lipe.

How To Get To Koh Lipe

Only During High Season

From Langkawi to Ko Lipe:

Due to the strategic location of Ko Lipe which lies at the border between Malaysia and Thailand, travelers also can get to Ko Lipe from Langkawi, Malaysia by ferry during the high season. You can first fly to Langkawi International Airport, and then take the boat to Koh Lipe.

From Langkawi, you can choose to depart from Telaga or Jeti Kuah. Both offer two daily ferries with departing times where you can depart at 9:30 or 14:30 and arrive at Koh Lipe at 10:00 or 15:00 respectively per local time. The ferry takes you 150 minutes with a 1-hour time zone difference between Malaysia and Thailand.

From Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Krabi to Ko Lipe:

If you are doing island hopping, you can also get to Ko Lipe easily by those islands in the Andaman Sea tied with Koh Lipe. You can book the shuttle and ferry combination ticket from a local agent when you get there, or reserve with an island hopping tour.

The journey takes approximately 5-7 hours at costs from ฿2000 to ฿4000 to Koh Lipe, varied by transportation.

Where To Stay

Trip to Koh Lipe

Next, let’s talk about that where is the best places to stay when visiting Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe. Being one of the island paradises, Koh Lipe has all kinds of accommodations for all budgets. The prices fluctuate greatly based on the season and they can double or triple during the peak season, especially when the rooms running out. So it is best to reserve your stay in advance.

I’ve been to Koh Lipe and my favorite place to stay in Koh Lipe is Sunrise beach. It is considered the most beautiful beach on the island and has the most stunning sea view I’ve seen! Alternatively, you can use an accommodation guide to find your best stay – Where To Stay in Koh Lipe: Top 4 Best Places On Island .

Our suggested accommodations in Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe :

Staying in  Ten Moons Lipe Resort means features the arguably best views on the island each morning and the softest sand on the island.

Cabana Lipe Beach Resort is a perfect, small sea view front resort. Laid-back atmosphere, comfy accommodations, friendly staff, and everything you need for a relaxing gateway.

Lipe Beach Resort is for those who want to be close to a quiet, beautiful beach with a gorgeous coral reef out front. Great value for money and definitely recommended for a stay in Koh Lipe!

Best Beaches on Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Best Beach

Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. Located in the southernmost of the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is the place you can dream about island holidays in Thailand. The tiny island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters well-preserved with underwater life. 

Koh Lipe has a remote, island charm vibe for your perfect island escape. It has three main beaches, named Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, and Pattaya Beach , and also many small beaches and private beaches. At the same time, Koh Lipe is developed and well-built with all of the amenities that you need to have a comfortable vacation. Various budget hostels, hotels, and resorts are available for you to stay on the Koh Lipe island.

Sunrise Beach

As the name said, Sunrise Beach is the best place for watching the sun rising on Koh Lipe. It is the longest beach on Koh Lipe and this is also where most of the beachfront resorts are located.

We really like Sunrise Beach very much. The beach is particularly stunning during the sunrise. You can enjoy the beach by swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, or doing nothing but just relaxing on the beach.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach - Koh Lipe Itinerary

Sunset Beach is where you can enjoy the amazing views and the best sunsets at one of the quiet secluded hotels. White sandy beach with turquoise blue waters. Sunset beach is truly a relaxing beach that will give you a calm island vibe. The location is slightly away from the main action where you will need around 15 minutes to the walking street. Alternatively, get a quick scooter ride at 50 baht.

Pattaya Beach

The lively Pattaya Beach is the busiest beach on the island. It has several resorts and affordable accommodation if you want to stay in the lively area of Koh Lipe. The main pier, immigration office, and many beachfront bars and restaurants can be found in the area. It is also where Walking Street started from, making it easy to look for food and activities on the island.

Pattaya Beach is slightly noisy for people, boat boarding during the daytime. But this area is nice for a drink or dinner on the beach

Koh Lipe Walking Street

Koh Lipe Walking Street

The “Koh Lipe Walking Street” is basically the only business street in Koh Lipe, lined with guesthouses, shops, eateries, bars, 7-elevens, pharmacies, and massage parlors. It connected Pattaya beach and Sunrise beach, which takes you around 10 to 20 minutes from one-end walk to another end. 

At night, the walking street is alive and many visitors will come here for food, drink, and massage.

Best Seafood Restaurant in Koh Lipe

If you are looking for what and where to eat in Koh Lipe, we highly recommended The Rak-Lay Restaurant . Located in the middle of Lipe Walking Street, Rak-Lay is the most popular restaurant in Koh Lipe, serving the best seafood in Thai style at a reasonable price. We enjoyed the barbeque and grilled fish, and Thai salad here.

Take note that Pak-Lay is a Halal eatery with no alcohol served. Long queue always and be ready to wait.

Things To Do in Koh Lipe

Things To Do in Koh Lipe Travel Guide

Without a doubt, all the best things to do in Koh Lipe are fully enjoying the tropical island paradise. Here you can swim, sunbathe, kayak, snorkel, dive, or do nothing but lie comfortably on the white sandy beach . It gives you the unwinding time to enjoy the amazing sand, water, and beach.

Snorkeling or diving – If you love the ocean and underwater life, you can choose snorkeling or diving. There are many dive sites and dive centers if you enjoy diving or plan to take a driving license. Alternatively, you can rent snorkeling gear to snorkel at the nearby beach or join a snorkeling tour to see the beautiful coral reefs closer.

Koh Lipe Island Hopping Tour

Kayaking or paddle-boating – Many beach bars and resorts do offer kayaks or paddleboats for rent for very reasonable prices per hour or per day. It is very adventurous. But please make sure you are experienced and check the weather and currents before doing this.

Watching sunrise and sunset on the island – It is so nice to kick start your day in Koh Lipe. Simply walk to Sunrise Beach or stay right at the beachfront resort to welcome the sunshine. In the evening, watch the sun going below the horizon at Sunset Beach. Sunset beach is slightly isolated and harder to get there. But it is worth checking out at the beach.

While in Koh Lipe, day trips to the surrounding islands are popular and recommended. Crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling or just swimming about. One of the must-do for every

More Koh Lipe Travel Guide Tips

Looking for more quick travel tips for Koh Lipe? Read our easy tips at this Koh Lipe Travel Guide here!

At least 3 days! It is not easy to get to Koh Lipe you might as well stay for at least three days.

We recommended staying either in Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach. These two places have more accommodation options and a perfect mix of excitement and an island vibe.

Locals are very friendly in Koh Lipe. We feel safe when walking around in island even at night, or waiting for sunrise at the beach before the dawn. But still, always be a precaution when traveling to other countries.

We recommended first flying to the Hatyai airport and then taking a shuttle bus to Pak Bara Pier which takes you around 120 minutes of road journey. From there, take the speedboat to Koh Lipe.

From Langkawi, you can choose to depart from Telaga or Jeti Kuah. The journey takes you around 150 minutes. However, it only operates during the high season, which is October to June.

Is Koh Lipe Worth the Visit?

Koh Lipe Travel Blog

Koh Lipe is the best place for a relaxing gateway and the whole island has a very relaxed feel to it. However, Koh Lipe getting more commercialized which has rather spoilt the Island. Litter was an issue where you can see the rubbish and plastic that washes up on beaches. Longtail boats make getting to Koh Lipe easier and more convenient. But it also makes swimming and snorkeling become dangerous.

Aside from these, Koh Lipe is still worth a visit. Be prepared for stunning sea views, and laidback vibes island gateway in Koh Lipe!

Overview: A Trip to Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Itinerary

All in all, a trip to Koh Lipe is the best way to experience the tropical island paradise. From the beautiful pristine bays and emerald blue water, Koh Lipe is just as beautiful as you see in the pictures. It is not a party island, but a place for relaxing. We enjoyed our stay at Cabana Lipe Beach Resort with a great sea view. A great place to kick back and relax. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to come back again soon!

Are you planning your trip to Koh Lipe? We hope our Koh Lipe travel guide blog is able to help you get prepared for your trip to this tropical island. Thanks for reading.

Looking for accommodation in Koh Lipe? Here is our quick and easy guide.

  • Where To Stay in Koh Lipe: Top 4 Best Places On Island

Island Holiday in Phuket:

  • How to Plan Your Phuket Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
  • Island Hopping Tour to Koh Phi Phi: A Travel Guide Blog
  • Where to Stay in Phuket: Top 7 Areas on Island

Travel to Bangkok:

  • Bangkok Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
  • Where To Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels

Koh Lipe Travel Guide Blog

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Koh Lipe: A Guide to Thailand’s Paradise Island

Koh Lipe: A Guide to Thailand’s Paradise Island

Koh Lipe is where the ‘paradise’ dream becomes a reality. A real-life utopia of green palm trees, leaning over white-sand beaches, adjacent to crystal clear waters. Koh Lipe is a small tropical island located in Thailand’s deep south, not far from Langkawi, Malaysia . It is a bit harder to reach due to its location, hence why it is still slightly under the radar of ‘must-sees’ in Thailand . Get ready for beach days with a coconut in your hand because Koh Lipe is the place to have your laidback holiday in Thailand.

5 Things To Do in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is far less crowded than other places like Krabi or Bangkok . It is not a party island and therefore attracts a different kind of tourist. The small tropical island can be explored within 30 minutes on a bicycle and is all about beaches. These are the things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand.

Here are all your hotel options in Koh Lipe.

koh lipe island ultimate guide

1. The Best Beaches of Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe has some truly stunning beaches to relax on. There are three main beaches and a few smaller less-visited ones. The beaches are wide, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of space. 

Sunrise Beach (west) is obviously best for sunrises and has the best beach bars. Visit the small secret beach opposite Ten Moons Lipe Resort. 

best things to do koh lipe beaches

Sunset Beach (east) is the best spot to see the sun go down into the ocean. It is a little less attractive, as it isn’t as clean and white as the others, but great for sunset while sipping a fresh coconut. Go a little further down the island for the picturesque Pitiusas Beach. 

koh lipe thailand

Pattaya Beach (south), where the port is located, is a long stretch of white sand merging into the lesser-known Sanom Beach. 

Also read: Best things to do in Phuket

pattaya Beach koh lipe

2. Snorkeling or Kayak 

Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are great things to do in Koh Lipe. The clear water makes for perfect conditions for snorkeling or diving ( book a tour here ). Colorful fish and corals can be found around the island but due to global warming and our standard (toxic) sunscreens, the corals are slowly disappearing.

Read: Traveling with reef-safe sunscreen .

things to do koh lipe kayaking

Kayaking is most popular at Sunrise Beach, especially at the northern tip where you can kayak to a tiny island named Ko Kra . The price for renting a kayak on Koh Lipe ranges from 150 – 250 baht per hour. 

Also read about: Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

3. Koh Adang Day Trip

Koh Adang is Koh Lipe’s much bigger neighboring brother. It is easy to reach by longtail boat transfer, which can be found at Sunrise Beach.

Koh Lipe: A Guide to Thailand’s Paradise Island

Apart from a small restaurant and resort, Koh Adang is uninhabited and perfect to spend a day visiting the viewpoint, beach, and small waterfall.

blue ocean

When weather conditions are optimal, kayaking can be another way to reach the island but be prepared for quite the paddle. It’s also possible to visit Koh Adang on a multi-stop boat tour .

4. Beach Bars

Although it is definitely not a party island, there is a great selection of beach bars to spend your days in Koh Lipe. Drinks are a bit more expensive when comparing it to other hot spots like Koh Tao or Bangkok , but the stunning sunsets will easily make up for that.

Spend your afternoon at:

  • Sea la Vie beach bar
  • Castaway Resort

best-things to do koh lipe beach bars

5. Walking Street

Directly after sunset, the road going from Pattaya Beach all the way down to Sunrise Beach daily transforms into a pedestrian-only street. Countless great restaurants and good handicraft shops (like Munay Designs) are based on this 600-meter-long street.

Must-read: Krabi Travel Guide – Best Things To Do

walking street koh lipe

Local Thai cuisine, like freshly caught fish, can be found here at the ‘market-like’ eateries. The walking street is a great thing to do on Koh Lipe.

shopping koh lipe

How to Get to Koh Lipe, Thailand

Being the southernmost island of Thailand, Koh Lipe is a bit harder to get to. There is no airport on Koh Lipe since it’s far too small for it. Nevertheless, you can get there via a few different ferry routes. 

Please note that Koh Lipe is part of Tarutao National Park. An entrance fee of 200 Baht is required, and you need to keep this ticket with you at all times.

ultimate travel guide koh lipe thailand

Langkawi to Koh Lipe

Langkawi is a beautiful island in Malaysia , and popular to combine together with a visit to Koh Lipe in Thailand. The ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe is about 2 hours long. Departure and arrival times might change due to weather conditions. Please note that this ferry only runs in high season from mid-October to June.

Get your Bundhaya ferry tickets here

ferry langkawi koh lipe thailand

Immigration

When you arrive at Koh Lipe, you have to go through a quick immigration process for you to enter Thailand. The ferry operator collects all passports and gives them to the immigration office. You will get your passport back at the immigration office in Pattaya Beach. There is no payment required at immigration apart from the national park fee. 

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local thailand

Krabi to Koh Lipe

Getting from mainland Thailand to the island can be done in a few ways. From Krabi , either take a minivan (5 hours) to Pak Bara Pier or a ferry (2 hours) to Koh Lipe.

Get tickets from Pak Bara here

Alternatively, take the ferry (7 hours) from Krabi Town (Klong Jilad Pier) to Koh Lipe. The waters are known to be rough, so if you’re uncomfortable with that, the first option would be best. 

Get tickets from Krabi here

Bangkok to Koh Lipe

From Bangkok, fly to Hat Yai Airport, which is located in the Songkhla province about a 4.5 – 6 hour journey from Koh Lipe.

Once you’ve landed at Hat Yai, you can take the ferry from Pak Bara pier.

Book your transport from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe in advance

guide thailand saltinourhair

How to Get Around Koh Lipe

The small island can be fully explored on foot in under one hour. There are almost no cars on this island; the main motorized transport is a tuk-tuk that you will most likely only use when going from the harbor to your hotel with your luggage. 

ultimate travel guide koh lipe island

Koh Lipe Hotels

There are hotels on the island for all kinds of budgets, but prices really go up and down depending on the season.

Hotels in Koh Lipe 😴

AKIRA Lipe Resort

The best area to stay on Koh Lipe is Sunrise Beach, as it is the most beautiful area of the island, away from the harbor where the boats dock and close to many good restaurants.

ten moons resort thailand

Stay in the perfect blend of nature and luxury at Ten Moons Resort . The resort is almost entirely secluded at the southern corner of the island, featuring a beautiful sundeck, a great restaurant, a tropical beach, and wonderful staff.

Book your stay at Ten Moons Resort

best hotel koh lipe thailand

Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe

The best time to visit Koh Lipe is from November to April when temperatures are at a comfortable 25-30 degrees, and there is little rain.

The low season runs from May to October. Expect to have a mix of rain and sunshine during this period. However, although hotels are much more affordable, some shops and restaurants may be closed.

koh lipe travel guide

Best Places to Eat

There is a good variety of food options on the island. A good tip is to always check reviews before going into a restaurant.

  • Cafe Tropical
  • On the rocks
  • Ten Moons Resort

cafe koh lipe

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Doi Inthanon National Park: Best Things to do on Your Visit

10 best things to do in pai (2024 travel guide), khao sok national park and the floating bungalows.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Amazing island, we plan to stay 3 days and we stayed 2 weeks. Some tips from our Travel Diary. 1. Take private boat for visiting the national park, cost only 1500/2000 baht (full day) and you can decide where to go without share a boat full of people. You can anyway share the costs and go with some friends, for save money. The snorkelling points are amazing. 2. You can take taxi-boat in front of the school (100 baht/person) and go in Koh Adang national park area, beautiful beach always empty, there is a restaurant for have lunch, you can Hiking to the View point or go to the waterfalls. 3. Avoid beach bar with fire show, if you try to smell the sand the day after you will understand why, they spill Diesel all night, is very bad for the environment and deadly for coral. 4. We travel from Kuala Lumpur and go to Lipe from Langkawi island (Malaysia), we found this Itinerary convenient and not stressful. where to eat: THAI FOOD: Nee papaya (good BBQ fish and papaya salad) Fino restaurant Barracuda Restaurant (island local food from the Sea Gipsy)

WESTER FOOD Capriccio Italian restaurant, for us absolutely the best, Amazing food, we ate there 5 times. Ten Moon. located in one of the best beaches, it’s very good for lunch with amazing view. Tropical. Good for lunch and salads. Passion bar. Limited menù but well made (It’s bar, good for drinking evening).

We slept at Akira resort, for our opinion lack in service, there is better choices for this price.

Thanks for your tips Mariella! How good is Ten Moons? We loved it!

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Ko Lipe Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

An empty beach in Ko Lipe, Thailand with small boats anchored out offshore

Located in Southern Thailand, this semi-off-the-map island is one of my favorite places in the world. A tiny island in the southwest of the country close to the Malaysian border, Ko Lipe was virtually untouched when I first arrived. It saw few visitors (the ferry boats didn’t even run here year-round) so I came for three days to relax and enjoy quiet island life.

I ended up staying for a month .

In the last few years, more people have started traveling to Ko Lipe as the island has developed a lot (boats run all year round now). It’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand.

On Ko Lipe, the locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, with warm water and stunning views, and the pace of life here is slow and laid-back.

And, if you venture off Ko Lipe to the nearby national park, you’ll find the pristine beaches that attracted people to the area in the first place.

There’s some impressive snorkeling near the island, a few hiking trails, and plenty of lovely beaches. The island is so small that it only takes a few hours to walk around it too.

This Ko Lipe travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this tropical paradise!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Ko Lipe

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ko Lipe

An empty beach in Ko Lipe, Thailand with small boats anchored out offshore

1. Visit Ko Adang

Taking a boat to this nearby island is a lot of fun. Sit back, have a drink or two, and enjoy the scenery. The island is home to Pirate Falls and Chado Cliff, both of which are great, moderate hikes where you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Ko Lipe at the top. A round-trip boat ride is around 200-400 THB.

2. Go snorkeling

Since you are bound to get into the water anyway, you might as well strap on a bit of equipment and explore what’s below the surface. The water along the beaches is often calm, clear, and shallow. You can rent equipment for around 100 THB or take a day tour that includes equipment and lunch for 700-800 THB.

3. Get a massage

There are several places throughout the island to get a relaxing massage. In the center of the island, there is even an offshoot of the well-known Wat Po Massage School. The massages here are much cheaper than in other parts of Thailand. Massages usually run about 400-600 THB.

4. Explore Tarutao National Marine Park

Taking a day trip, or even a multi-day trip, around the islands is super fun and relaxing. Most tours offer day trips with snorkeling, beach time, a beautiful sunset sail, and endless fruit, snacks, and drinks. The park costs 200 THB to enter.

5. Relax on the beach

The beaches here are the main reason people visit Ko Lipe. The sand here is unlike anywhere else and the sunsets are amazing, especially from mid-spring through early summer. Pattaya Beach is the most well-known, however, there’s also Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, and Karma Beach

Other Things to See and Do in Ko Lipe

1. go hiking.

This beautiful island paradise is a great place for some light to medium hiking. The forest/seascape combination is beautiful, and there is lots of wildlife to observe. The hike to Chado Cliff is one of the best, offering incredible views from the top. It takes around 45-60 minutes and is pretty steep, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

2. Hit the bars

In a place like this, it’s hard to do anything more than lie in a hammock, take daily naps, and drag your feet to a local bar to grab a drink and mingle with locals and travelers alike. There are plenty of bars to visit, with a much more chill vibe than other islands in Thailand. There are lots of small bars all around the island, though some of the most popular bars are Benny’s on the Beach, Elephant, and Zodiac.

3. Take a Batik course

The Lipe Resort offers a unique course in Batik painting. Batik is a traditional textile technique that uses wax and dye to create art. Research has shown that this method dates to the 4th century in Egypt. It is really neat to learn and a fun way to spend some time. You can take a class at the Lipe Art Garden for 1,500 THB.

4. Eat your heart out

There are lots of delicious little places to eat all over the island. Thai Pancake Lady is a popular breakfast spot, offering a huge variety of pancakes, from fruit-based to Nutella-filled. Banana Tree is a great dinner spot where the drink prices are super cheap. Both of these spots are located on Walking Street, the main thoroughfare on the island and where you’ll find plenty of other eateries as well.

5. Check out the Buddhist temple

In the center of the island lies the tiny Hantaly Buddhist temple. It is located on a hill in the jungle, on the road from Sunrise Beach to Sunset Beach. Unlike some of the grand and gleaming gold temples that you might find in other parts of Thailand, Hantaly is small. Just a few monks live here, along with a bunch of dogs and cats. There is a donation box, which helps keep up the temple as well as take care of the animals so give generously if you can.

6. Kayak the island

Kayaking is a great way to check out all the beaches on the island, as it takes just 2-3 hours to kayak around the island. Alternatively, you can kayak to Ko Adang in less than an hour. Just be sure to play it smart and ask locals about the water conditions before heading out. You can rent sea kayaks from some of the dive shops, and many of the resorts also offer kayaks to take out. One-hour rentals are 150-200 THB while daily rentals cost around 400-500 THB.

7. Go fishing

If you’re an avid fisher, you can arrange fishing trips in the waters around Ko Lipe. If you are in Tarutao National Park, fishing is prohibited, so make sure you find a guide that takes you to where fishing is permitted. There is great deep-sea fishing not too far from Ko Lipe, where you can catch mackerel, barracuda, grouper, snapper, sailfish, and more. You can arrange a tour from your accommodations or at the pier.

8. Sail or boat around the island

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sailor, there’s something for everyone on Ko Lipe. Sign up for a sailing course or simply enjoy a day trip out around the islands and soak up the sunshine and the views. In addition to sailing, you can also take a speedboat or longtail boat tour or hire one out for a day to cruise around on your own terms. Hiring a longtail boat and driver for a day costs around 1,200-1,500 THB.

9. Island hop

Ko Lipe is a great destination for your first or last stop in Thailand, due to its proximity to many other smaller islands. You can take a boat to Pak Bara, Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, and even Malaysia, which is only a 90-minute journey away. There are several ferry and speedboat options to reach any of them. Ticket prices and schedules vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to check if the route is still running as sometimes availability is limited in the off-season. In high season, a one-way ticket from Ko Lipe to Langkawi in Malaysia is 1,000 THB.

10. Stroll down Walking Street

Walking Street is the center of town and where you’ll find everything from restaurants and street stall vendors to little shops and massage spots. Everything here is fairly cheap and it’s a good place to book excursions as well. Anything else you might need, from ATMs and 7-Elevens to a health clinic and hospital, is located here.

11. Go diving

As a protected site, Tarutao Marine National Park offers pristine waters with tons of marine life to see on an underwater adventure. Some of the most popular dive sites are Stonehenge, Yong Hua Wreck, and 8-Mile Rock. There are a ton of dive shops and schools on the island, with Castaway Divers, Ko Lipe Diving, and Adang Sea Divers all offering a huge array of diving trips and courses. A two-dive trip costs 2,800-3,000 THB while a three-day PADI course is 13,500-14,500 THB.

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

  • Bangkok Travel Guide
  • Chiang Mai Travel Guide
  • Ko Chang Travel Guide
  • Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
  • Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
  • Phuket Travel Guide

Ko Lipe Travel Costs

An isolated beach on Ko Lipe, Thailand

Hostel prices – Unfortunately, there aren’t many hostels on Ko Lipe as most people tend to stay in bungalows. During high season, beds in 4-6-person dorms cost 450-850 THB. There aren’t any hostels with large dorm rooms here. Private hostel rooms aren’t cheap, costing around 900-1,500 THB per night.

In the low season, a dorm bed costs 250-425 THB, while private rooms are 700-859 THB per night. Amenities are basic at hostels on Ko Lipe as the focus is on getting out and enjoying the natural surroundings. Most have free Wi-Fi but do not include breakfast.

There are no campgrounds on Ko Lipe, but you can camp on nearby Ko Adang for 350 THB per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – In the high season, you can find cheap bungalows that sleep two for around 850 THB per night. Rooms at larger hotels start at around 1,350-1,800 THB per night and usually include free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and air-conditioning.

In the low season, basic bungalows can be found for 650-800 THB per night, while resort rooms or nicer bungalows are 1,200-1,500 THB.

On Airbnb, entire homes/apartments (usually a bungalow) cost around 1,500-1,800 THB per night. Private rooms aren’t as common and start around 1,200 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Thai cuisine is aromatic and flavorful, with a wide selection of spicy salads, creamy curries, soups, and stir-fries. Thailand’s neighbors, including Malaysia, Laos, and Myanmar, have all left their mark on the country’s cuisine.

Thai cuisine uses a wide variety of ingredients in each dish, with common spices and fresh herbs including garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. In central and southern Thailand, coconut milk is commonly used in curries and desserts. Being an island, there’s a lot of fish and seafood in the dishes on Ko Lipe.

Rice and noodles are both central to Thai cuisine. Popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Food is cheap on Ko Lipe, except during the year holiday season. Eat at the street stalls where the food is cheap and utterly delicious. You can find grilled skewers for 10-20 THB, a pancake for 20-50 THB, pad thai for 60 THB, and other takeaway meals for around 60-85 THB.

A meal at a casual restaurant on the beach costs 90-120 THB for a traditional Thai curry, while a seafood dish is 200-350 THB. Restaurants on Walking Street are generally on the more expensive side, costing 120-150 THB for a stir fry dish.

Western cuisine is more expensive on Ko Lipe, costing 200-450 THB for a pasta dish, nachos, or burger.

When it comes to drinking, going to bars can become pricey, with the cheapest beers costing about 60 THB each, though they can be higher on the beach at 80-100 THB each. Cocktails are 150-220 THB on the beach. Keep in mind that you can save money by buying beers from convenience stores and then drinking them on the beach.

For non-alcoholic drinks, a cappuccino is 70 THB while a fruit shake, which are everywhere on the island, is around the same.

There’s no point cooking your own meals here as the food stalls are so cheap!

Backpacking Ko Lipe Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, expect to spend about 1,125 THB per day. On this budget, you’ll stay in a hostel dorm, eat at food stalls for all of your meals, walk around the island, enjoy a few drinks from the convenience store, and stick to mostly free activities like swimming and enjoying the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 2,400 THB a day, you’ll be able to stay in a private room or bungalow, eat at food stalls and the occasional local sit-down restaurant, enjoy a few more drinks, and do more paid activities like diving or kayaking.

On a “luxury” budget of 4,775 THB per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, drink more, hire a boat, get massages, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Ko Lipe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ko Lipe is one of the most affordable islands in Thailand. However, as it’s become more popular in recent years, costs have risen a lot. It’s easy to splash out here now. Here are some tips to help you save money during your stay:

  • Avoid the holidays and peak season – Prices triple around Christmas and New Year’s. Avoid this time of the year if you’re on a budget.
  • Stay longer – A lot of places on Ko Lipe give a discount if you plan to stay between 3-5 days. Ask for discounts if you extend your stay.
  • Hit happy hour – Many bars and resorts on the beach offer happy hours where you can get cheaper drinks. Stick to drinking during happy hour if you want to go to the bar.
  • Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Ko Lipe, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up — pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe has some great places to stay. Here are some suggested accommodations on the island:

  • The Street Hostel
  • The Chic Lipe
  • Deco Hostel

How to Get Around Ko Lipe

Aerial view of a line of longtail boats docked on a beach on the island of Ko Lipe, Thailand

Ko Lipe is small enough to walk around. You don’t need anything else other than your own two feet. You can walk the length of the entire island in about an hour.

Boat – Longtail boats can take you from any point on the island to any other point on the island for 100 THB.

When to Go to Ko Lipe

November to April is peak season in Ko Lipe, with nearly constant warm temperatures and endless sunshine. The temperature averages 29°C (85°F).

Keep in mind that Ko Lipe isn’t as developed as other islands, so you’ll want to book your accommodations in advance if you’re coming during peak season as places can sell out.

The low season is from May to October. These months see a lot of rainfall and cooler temperatures, averaging around 25°C (78°F). Some tour operators and hotels close during this time and ferries from the mainland are greatly reduced. Some routes are not operational in the off-season so be sure to plan ahead.

There’s no wrong time to visit Ko Lipe but try to avoid the rainy season. The sea can be quite rough and when the weather is bad, it’s bad .

How to Stay Safe in Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. It’s much more relaxed compared to other places in Thailand. It’s a great place for solo travelers, including solo female travelers.

As in any destination, keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe. When out at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink and avoid walking home at night intoxicated.

Scams are rare here, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid .

Nature is your biggest concern here. If you’re going to be enjoying lots of water sports, make sure you ask a local about water conditions before you head out.

If you go hiking, bring a hat, water, and sunscreen just to be safe.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more information about safety in Southeast Asia, check out this article .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

booking_resources_seasia country=”Ko Lipe”]

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Ko Lipe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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Koh Lipe, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do

Home » Blog » Thailand » Koh Lipe, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do

If you’re seeking white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid back vibes, look no further than Koh Lipe, Thailand’s southernmost island. We put together this ultimate guide with everything you’ll need to know when planning a visit, including how to get there, things to do, and essential tips.

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Long Tail Thai Boat

Traveling to the Thai islands can conjure images of gap year kids slurping on buckets of Thai whiskey and Coke on a beach packed with Westerners and chains like McDonalds just meters from the ocean.

Head to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Phangan if that sounds like your type of beach vacation.

But if you are seeking an island vibe that’s more laidback and would like to get away from the crowds , consider a trip to Koh Lipe.

The southernmost Thai island, Koh Lipe, boasts clear turquoise waters and less development than many of its overcrowded counterparts. While Koh Lipe is getting more well known year after year, it is still far less touristy than most other islands in Thailand .

A trip to Koh Lipe has been on our bucket list for quite some time, and our visit to this island was everything we hoped for and more : powdery white sand beaches, epic sunsets with cheap mojitos, and an overall chilled out atmosphere.

We fell in love with this little slice of paradise and can pretty confidently say you will too.

In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know to plan your trip. From epic things to do in Koh Lipe to how to get there and where to stay.

Koh Lipe Travel Guide

  • Best time to visit
  • How to get there
  • Getting around
  • Things to do
  • Where to eat
  • Where to stay
  • What to pack

Best time to visit Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe Thailand

The best time to visit Koh Lipe (and the rest of the islands in the Andaman Sea – Thailand’s southwest coast) is during the dry season from November – April. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and diving. 

The high season, when the island experiences the most visitors, is from December to February. So keep that in mind as you book your accommodation and know that prices and crowds may be up during these months. 

Monsoon season is May – September in this region, so you will likely want to avoid visiting Koh Lipe island during this time.

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Thailand . 

How to get to Koh Lipe

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Sunrise Beach

Being that Koh Lipe is a bit further from the mainland than some of Thailand’s more popular islands, some travelers are deterred. But honestly, it’s not all that hard to get to.

By airplane

There is no airport on Koh Lipe as it’s much too small for that, so you’ll have to fly into nearby airports on the mainland. This usually includes a shuttle transfer and a ferry. 

We actually went from Chiang Mai to Koh Lipe using Air Asia’s Island Transfer. We flew from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai Airport, got a van transfer to the Pak Bara port and the two hour ferry to Koh Lipe all for around $100 USD each in March. 

Another option is to fly into Krabi (or if you’re already staying in Krabi Town) and take a long 7-hour ferry, or shuttle down to Pak Bara Pier and take the 2-hour ferry from there. 

The nearest mainland port to Koh Lipe is Pak Bara Pier . From there, the ferry will take about 1.5 hours (on a speedboat ferry) or 2 hours (on a regular ferry). 

  • Ferry from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe

If you are already in the southern islands, you can easily get a ferry from one island to the next. 

  • Ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe
  • Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe
  • Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lipe
  • Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lipe
  • Ferry from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe

Finally, if you are traveling to Loh Lipe from Langkawi, Malaysia, you’ll take the ferry from the Kuah Jetty. The ride takes about 2 hours and there will be immigration to clear when you arrive in Koh Lipe. 

  • Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe

Note: We typically use 12go.asia for booking transportation around Southeast Asia. However, when we were leaving Koh Lipe to go to Koh Lanta, we noticed the prices online were more expensive than the prices on the island. If you are able to be flexible, we would recommend booking your ferry when you’re in Koh Lipe. But if it gives you more peace of mind booking ahead, we fully trust 12go.asia for all our transportation .

Psst! If you are continuing on to Langkawi, our friend Veronika has a great list of where to stay in Langkawi that you’ll want to check out. If you are traveling in Malaysia, head to our Malaysia country page for more articles.

Getting around Koh Lipe

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Taxi

Koh Lipe is so small that you’re able to walk just about anywhere and there are no cars on the island. The main form of transportation here are tuk-tuk taxis. 

These unique vehicles are a bench seat connected to a motorbike, and they are a great way to get your luggage to your hotel instead of carrying it in the heat. They are nice if you want to make it to the beach in time for sunset! 

The cost of a tuk-tuk taxi ride on Koh Lipe is typically 100 baht ($3.20 USD) to go anywhere on the island.

Top things to do in Koh Lipe

For being such a small island, we were surprised by the amount of things to do on this island paradise.

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Koh Lipe, here are our top recommendations. 

  • Watch the sun come up on Sunrise Beach
  • Kayak to a tiny island
  • Go snorkeling
  • Day trip to Koh Adang
  • Participate in a beach cleanup

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand.

1. Watch the sun come up on Sunrise Beach

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Sunrise Beach

I’m not exactly a morning person, but nevertheless, I’ve never regretted waking up for sunrise. And the sunrises on Koh Lipe did not disappoint.

Head to none other than Sunrise Beach for the best place to watch the sun peek above the ocean waters. Bring a sarong to sit on and a camera to capture the moment.

2. Kayak to a tiny island

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Kayaking

From the north end of Sunrise Beach, you can see the small rocky island of Koh Kla not too far from shore. Rent a kayak (about 200 baht per hour) and paddle across turquoise waters to a little secluded beach on the north side of the island for swimming and sunbathing.

Another option is paddling across to Koh Usen from the southern side of Sunrise Beach. This island (only slightly larger than Koh Kla) has a nice white sand beach and viewpoint. 

3. Go snorkeling

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Snorkeling

While there are plenty of snorkeling tours from Koh Lipe ranging from about 550 baht to 950 baht, you can do it yourself and save a lot of money!

There’s a nice coral reef on the south end of Sunrise Beach that is perfect for snorkeling. You’ll find all kinds of marine life like sea anemones, cute little clown fish, colorful parrot fish and puffer fish!

You can rent a mask and snorkel from one of the many shops on Walking Street or along Sunrise Beach. We rented ours for the day from Captain Yut’s Huts for 50 baht each. (Right next door, Castaway Beach Resort was renting them for 100 baht each.)

4. Day trip to Koh Adang

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Long Tail Thai Boat

Get away from Koh Lipe for the day and take a long tail boat to Koh Adang, the large island north of Koh Lipe.

The boat taxi stand is at the north end of Sunrise Beach and there will be long boat drivers waiting for you. The cost one way per person is 100 baht ($3.20 USD) and just let the driver know when you would like to be picked up from Koh Adang.

Once you arrive on Koh Adang, you should visit the visitor center and pay the 200 baht per person entrance fee for Tarutao National Park. 

There are a few cool things to do on Koh Adang:

Relax on Koh Adang Beach

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Koh Adang Beach

Koh Adang is really nice because it is so open and a lot less busy than Koh Lipe. You can head down to the beach and be the only one in sight. We rented snorkel gear on Koh Lipe (50 baht each for the day) and swam around the corals that were close to shore.

Note: Be careful at low tide when snorkeling because you will be extremely close to the ocean floor and might come in contact with the reef. 

Hike to the Koh Lipe viewpoint

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Viewpoint Hike #3

Another popular thing to do on Koh Adang is to hike to the viewpoint up on Chado Cliff that overlooks Koh Lipe. There is a simple map at the visitor’s center that says the hike takes 45 minutes one way . 

Be sure to have decent shoes because it is a pretty steep climb up the hill. At some points there are ropes to hold on to, so don’t try this hike in flip flops . 

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Viewpoint Hike #3 Chacos

There are 3 viewpoints up the Chado Cliff hike: 

  • Viewpoint #1 is only about 10 minutes up hill and is an okay view but you only get to see half of Koh Lipe because part of the mountain is in the way. 
  • Viewpoint #2 is a much better view and is only another 15 minutes hike uphill.
  • Once you see the blue ropes, you’re almost there. For us it only took us 35 minutes from the ranger station to Viewpoint #3, but that is because we were hiking in our Chaco sandals and not flip flops. 

Hike to Pirate Waterfall

If you have lots of time on Koh Adang, you can make the trek to the Pirate Waterfall. It’s about 90 minutes (3 km) one way from the ranger station and looks pretty in pictures, but unfortunately we didn’t have enough time on the island. Be sure to get directions from the visitor center if you want to go, because we heard the path can be pretty tricky. 

Set up camp and stay the night

If you want to really relax and soak up some island vibes, you can rent a tent on the beach. There’s only one restaurant, so come prepared with some of your own food and snacks.

And if a tent isn’t your style, you can stay in one of the few comfortable bungalows instead.

5. Participate in a beach cleanup

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Trash Hero Beach Clean up

If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you know that we are passionate about traveling sustainably . We love finding companies, organizations or projects along our journey that are making this world a better place, and Trash Hero is one of them!

Join in their weekly beach clean up (all around Thailand!) and you will not be disappointed.

Every Monday at 10 a.m. , Trash Hero leads a cleanup of one of the islands near Koh Lipe. It’s free to join and you don’t need to sign up in advance. Just show up to the entrance to Walking Street on Pattaya Beach and you’ll see volunteers wearing bright yellow Trash Hero shirts.

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Trash Hero Beach Clean up

All those who are interested in the cleanup will board a longtail boat and head to a nearby island chosen by the Trash Hero team. The particular beach changes each week depending on the tides and where a cleanup is needed.

It took us roughly one hour in the longtail boat to reach the beach on our cleanup day. After disembarking, we were given brief instructions, one glove and a trash bag. We spent the next hour and a half or so searching the sand and jungle for garbage.

We found straws, plastic in all shapes and sizes , water bottles, ropes, shoes, balloons and lots and lots of Styrofoam.

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Trash Hero Beach Clean up

There were roughly 50 volunteers, and together we collected about 20 large garbage bags that were stuffed completely full of waste. The beach we were cleaning was on an uninhabited island in Tarutao National Park, so all the waste we found was washed up on shore after somehow ending up in the ocean.

The last half hour was spent swimming in the clearest turquoise waters I think I’ve ever seen. When we returned back to Pattaya Beach, all volunteers were treated to a free lunch in exchange for helping out. This was one of our favorite things to do in Koh Lipe!

Tip: Be sure you’re on time, as you will board longtail boats that depart just after 10 a.m. If you’re late, the boats will have left. We saw a couple people that were left behind on the beach.

6. Go scuba diving

Things to do in Koh Lipe Scuba Diving

Koh Lipe is a fantastic spot to go diving, and there are plenty of reputable companies on the island to choose from. 

Since Koh Lipe sits in the middle of the Tarutao National Marine Park, there are plenty of dive sites to explore. You can go on fun dives or get your Open Water Certification with any of the local dive shops.

If you want a more unique experience, check out diving liveaboards in Thailand . You get to sleep onboard a ship and dive up to four times a day. Ummm, sign us up!

We go over all the details in our review from when we stayed on a liveaboard in the Similan Islands . 

7. See bioluminescent plankton at night

If you’ve seen the movie “The Beach”, you likely remember the scene where Leo and his lady interest are in the ocean at night and the water is aglow with blue glittering lights. 

This is bioluminescent plankton. And as unreal as it seems, this is not just a special effect for Hollywood. That’s right – you can actually see this magical phenomenon yourself!

A couple years ago, we went on the Maya Bay Sleep Aboard tour (and spent the night at the actual beach where the movie was filmed!), and we were able to experience the water light up with plankton. It was pretty spectacular. But you can experience this phenomenon in Koh Lipe too!

There are plenty of tour companies selling half-day tours that end with a night swim with these special plankton. Just wander down Walking Street and find the company with the best vibe and prices.

UPDATE: As of 2019, we’ve heard that these plankton tours are not running at the moment due to environmental preservation.

Do it yourself: The good news is, you don’t need to go on a tour to see the bioluminescent plankton. If you’d prefer to save some money, wander down to the beach at night, away from the florescent lights of the beachside restaurants, and look for the sparkling blue dots washed up on the sand. They’ll look like little glowing beads in the sand. 

8. Take a yoga class

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Yoga on the beach

If you’re feeling a little stiff after the bumpy speedboat ride to the island, get your downward dog on at one of the island’s two yoga studios:

  • Castaway Beach Resort offers yoga classes on Sunrise Beach at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Classes last one hour and are 400 baht each and a package of 3 classes is 1,000 baht. 
  • Keirita’s Yoga is another studio that has classes daily at 6:00 a.m., 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. One drop in class is 400 baht and a package of 3 classes is 1,000 baht. Classes need to be pre-booked to reserve your space. 

Also, can we all just take a moment and admire Ben’s tree pose?! *Crying tears of laughter…*

9. Visit the temple

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Buddhist Temple Buddha

While it’s not necessarily worth going out of your way for, Han Talay Monastery is located in the center of the Koh Lipe and makes a nice little stop if you’re walking from one side of the island to the other.

This tranquil temple is surrounded by jungle and makes a nice escape from the sun and people for a bit. You might see the monks doing their daily chores or overhear their morning and afternoon chants. 

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Buddhist Temple

When we visited Koh Lipe, we had just come from a meditation retreat at Wat Pa Tam Wua in northern Thailand , and immediately felt at peace on the grounds of this small island temple.

10. Art Garden Batik Workshop

Take a break from the beach and head to the Lipe Art Garden. The laid-back vibe and colorful art is what drew us in.

They have art workshops throughout the week and this is a great place to bring the family. They also have a small kitchen on site that can whip up a yummy meal. The Art Garden is near the temple and you can check out their website here . 

11. Get a massage on the beach

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Sunrise Beach Longtail Boat

Island life is all about relaxation, and what better way to chill out than getting a massage while hanging beachside. There are plenty of massage places to choose from, but our pick are the open-air places right on the sand.

There’s even one place near the north-central end of Sunrise Beach with massage beds on the rooftop, overlooking the ocean.

Prices seem to hover around 300 baht for an hour-long Thai massage and 400 baht for an hour-long head, neck and shoulder massage.

12. Explore Walking Street

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Walking Street

You can’t really miss Walking Street while in Koh Lipe. Honestly, it is a lot more developed than we were imagining, but it’s still worth a stroll. This street really comes alive at night when the seafood restaurants are bustling and the fresh catch of the day is being grilled right next to where you’re walking.

Most of the restaurants on the main drag have pretty steep prices for the fresh fish (a few of the places we asked said their fish starts at 500 baht each).

Get off walking street if you want seafood dinner on a budget, or head to King Crab Restaurant and order the BBQ skewer. You’ll get a grilled kebab with your choice of fish (or other meat) and vegetables, and it is served with a baked potato and small salad for 150 baht.

13. Relax on the beach

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Sunset Beach

Koh Lipe is the perfect place to just unwind under the sun (or shade, if you burn as badly as Ben!).

Be sure to check out Sunrise Beach on the east coast, Sunset Beach on the central north coast, and Pattaya Beach on the south central coast for the most popular beaches on the island. If you want to get off the beaten path a bit, check out North Point Beach and Bulow Beach next door on the north coast, or Sanom Beach and Secret Beach on the south coast.  

Whether you prefer a hammock or the sand and whether you want to nap or read a good book, you’ll surely find your bliss on this island.

14. Catch a sunset with cocktails in hand

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Mojitos

While in Koh Lipe, you should make it a goal to see the sunset every night – it is breathtaking.

We’re sharing 2 great spots to take in the view:

Bila Beach Decho Bar

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Bila Beach

This was our favorite sunset spot as the view is spectacular and we were only one of 3 couples there. The drinks aren’t cheap (my mojito was 200 baht and Ben’s small Leo beer was 100 baht), but the secluded view is totally worth it.

Sunset Beach

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Sunset Beach

As the name implies, this is a great spot for taking in sunset views.

Whether you choose to enjoy the sky change from blue to orange to pink from the sand or at Happy Mojito Beach Bar with a 100 baht mojito in hand is up to you. And even though this is a popular spot for watching the sunset, it doesn’t feel too crowded.

15. Enjoy the nightlife in Koh Lipe

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Couple Nightlife

Once the sun hits the horizon, everyone seems to leave Sunset Beach, head home for a shower, and then slowly make their way to Pattaya Beach for the party. (And when we say “party,” it’s pretty tame compared to other islands.)

There are plenty of fancy bars on the island like Maya Bar right on walking street or the Art Beach Club or Sea la Vie right on Pattaya Beach.

And after the sky turns dark, the fires comes out. Pattaya Beach is the place to be to see a fire show. They won’t be as wild or interactive like the shows in Koh Phi Phi, but you can sit back and relax with a cocktail as the performer nearly singes his eyebrows off. 

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Fire Show

Psst! For help finding authentic experiences at a great price, get personalized recommendations from actual locals in Thailand when you plan your trip with  ViaHero .

ViaHero+Travel+Planning

Where to eat in Koh Lipe

There is no shortage of restaurants on Walking Street, though many of them blend together and serve the same overpriced food. We ate a couple meals on Walking Street and they were alright; but we mostly tried to get off the main street to find our food.

Cheap Local Food

Where to Eat in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Forever Restaurant

Forever Restaurant : This sweet little mom and pop restaurant is well out of the way of the popular parts of town, but that’s part of its charm. We ordered beef and potato curry as well as cauliflower curry, both of which were delicious.

The family who owns this small restaurant is super sweet and we felt like we had discovered a hidden gem. The prices are some of the more reasonable on the island, and I was pleasantly surprised with a great gin and tonic.

Little BBQ Restaurant: One of our favorite restaurants in Koh Lipe isn’t on the map. This no-name restaurant is right across the street from the Green Hotel . It’s a tiny family-run four-table restaurant where the mother cooks in an open air kitchen and the elementary age sons serve the meals. Adorable!

We had a veggie pad Thai for 60  baht, tom yum gai soup for 100 baht and the cheapest grilled fish meal we could find for dinner for 200 baht. 

Western Food

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Elephant Coffee House

Elephant Coffee House and Bar : There are signs all over the island for this place, and it is one of the more popular establishments on the island (plus, it’s open all year long, while some restaurants close during low season). We had breakfast at Elephant Coffee House one day, and it was decent. 

The coffee was good, the Western options were nice and the decor is adorable. The food was good — nothing super special and you’ll be paying high island prices — but no complaints really.

Bonus points for their free water fill-up station (if you have a Trash Hero water bottle available for purchase for 200 baht).

Time to Chill Resort : We ate breakfast at Time to Chill twice, mostly because it was just a short walk from our hotel. The breakfast set is a little expensive, at 200 baht, but comes with fresh squeezed juice, coffee/tea, and your choice of an omelet or pancake. We got one of each and split. Both were good!

Where to stay in Koh Lipe

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Castaways Resorts

The hotels in Koh Lipe seemed to be a lot more expensive (and overall not as nice) as the selection on nearby Koh Lanta . We started searching for hotels in Koh Lipe just a week before our trip, and we were having a hard time finding anything within our budget that got decent reviews.

We were visiting during high season (November to March), which meant the average rates we were seeing hovered around $80 USD per night. For us, this was a bit high, especially since the reviews were far from raving.

We landed on Baanpeangpor Hostel , which cost $26 USD per night on Agoda during high season. It was okay.  

If we were to go back to Koh Lipe with a slightly higher budget, we would try to stay on Sunrise Beach .

Bloom Cafe & Hostel (Booking)

Budget-friendly stay: Bloom Cafe & Hostel

Situated in town, his place offers a vibrant and budget-friendly accommodation option for travelers. With its cozy dormitories and inviting communal spaces, the hostel provides a social atmosphere, complemented by the on-site cafe serving delicious Thai and international cuisine.

Castaway Beach Resort Koh Lipe (Booking)

Mid-range/couples stay: Castaways Resort  

The location of this popular resort is great, the accommodation looked really nice when we had a peak, and they have an onsite restaurant, yoga classes and offer diving and other excursions.

Ten Moons Resort (Booking)

Mid-range/couples stay: Ten Moons Lipe Resort

Traditional Thai-inspired bungalows and villas on the shores of Pattaya Beach, the resort offers a serene escape. The resort features modern amenities, a private beachfront, and stunning sunset views.

Mountain Resort Koh Lipe (Booking)

Mid-range/couples stay: Mountain Resort

Featuring comfortable bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens, this resort offers a serene ambiance, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat while still being within easy reach of the island’s vibrant atmosphere and beaches.

Idyllic Concept Resort (Booking)

Splurge stay: Idyllic Concept Resort

A luxurious beachfront retreat on Sunrise Beach, known for its contemporary design and upscale amenities. The resort offers stylish villas with private balconies, a beachfront pool, and an onsite restaurant. 

ASARA Private Beach Resort (Agoda)

Splurge stay: Asara Private Beach Resort  

If you’re looking for luxury and don’t mind being a bit out of the way, this gorgeous resort, with its infinity pool overlooking a private beach, looks absolutely heavenly. 

How much does Koh Lipe cost?

Things to Do in Koh Lipe Thailand Island Mojitos

After living in  Chiang Mai  for 5 months, we knew the islands would be more expensive than what we were use to spending in Thailand.

When you consider that all food and supplies need to be brought to the islands, it’s easy to understand why things just cost more. But in exchange for spending time in paradise, the prices aren’t out of hand.

Here are some examples of prices we found around the island during the end of high tourist season:

  • Pad Thai at a local (non-Western) restaurant: 60 baht
  • Thai massage: 300 baht for one hour
  • Bungalow: 700 baht per night (for 2 people during the end of high season)
  • Mojito on Sunset Beach: 100 baht during happy hour

You can certainly find higher prices (or lower too if you search!), but hopefully this gives you an idea for a starting point.

What to pack for Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe Thailand

Here are some specific items we’d recommend packing for Koh Lipe, Thailand:

  • reef safe sunscreen
  • insulated water bottle
  • bug repellant (solids are the way to go)
  • dry bag or waterproof phone case
  • reusable straw & reusable bag
  • loose, lightweight clothes & layers
  • microfiber travel towel
  • Chaco sandals (we’d recommend these for Thailand instead of hiking boots as they are less bulky and are good for walking through water) or other sturdy shoes

Be sure to download our complete packing list for SE Asia ! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely FREE , so why not!?

SE Asia Packing List PDF download | Two Wandering Soles

Are you planning a trip to Thailand?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Thailand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

  • Best Time to Visit Thailand: When to Go & When to Avoid
  • How to Travel Sustainably in Thailand and Why You Should Care
  • Khao Sok National Park & Floating Bungalows Travel Guide
  • 17 Amazing Things To Do in Koh Lanta, Thailand

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Koh Lipe Thailand | Two Wandering Soles

We want to hear from you!

Have you been to Koh Lipe, Thailand? What were your favorite things to do in Koh Lipe? Are you planning a trip and still have more questions? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments (19) on “ Koh Lipe, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do ”

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I just came back from Koh Lipe and I have to be honest I have really mixed reviews and personally wouldn’t go back! I traveled 3 hours from Koh Lanta. I was island hopping and had heard mixed reviews but wanted to see for myself. As I arrived I really was amazed by the clear water and white sand however as you approach Pattaya beach the water becomes murky and unclear. When I asked about diving I was told by multiple dive schools that it was impossible to see longer than 2 meters due to the pollution and natural erosion of the coral reefs, so I gave it a miss as it is more expensive here then Koh Tao. I stayed on Pattaya beach in a beautiful little bungalow so I could be close to the action ( be so careful of the fire shows as an event manager back in London I was so shocked by the health and safety and the danger aspects tourists walk way to close to inexperienced performers and can be badly hurt so sit back! never walk behind the performer either! ) ill be honest the food wasn’t great at all in my hostel but I generally found that about the entire island. I have been to a few places in the south of Asia and I thought it was more expensive. Walking street was really crowded and disappointing. The mainland is really dirty and there are stray dogs everywhere. The people are kind and welcoming and the sunsets are dreamy. I personally think there are better places to visit if you are quite far away don’t stress yourself to get there but if your close have a look it wasn’t a terrible experience.

thank you for the info! very useful. tomorrow i’m headed to koh lipe!

We are heading here for Christmas and can’t wait!

Hi! I am planning my honeymoon and have 10 days. I am planning on starting in Chiang Mai and then going down to the islands. Do you think it would be too much to do Chiang Mai, Kah Sak national park, and Koh Lipe?

Hi Ben, This is so helpful as i am planning a trip there(yay!!) what time of year did you go? i am trying to understand the weather patterns

Me and my friend are currently chilling in Koh Lipe and this post helps us so much to plan out what to do around the island! Thank you so much for useful tips!!

You’re very welcome Yumiko! We’re happy to help you plan your travels in Koh Lipe. Enjoy!

hey guys, Since you have been to both Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta, which one do you recommend for 2-3 days ? I only have time to visit one of the two, and I can’t decide which one to go to. Krabi is also an option, have you been to that?

Hey Valeria, All 3 are great options. I know it’s not an answer you probably want to hear, but it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Koh Lipe is more relaxed, and maybe has the least amount to do. But beautiful beaches and less touristy. Also, it takes the longest to get here so being that you have limited time it might not be the best choice.

Koh Lanta has a ton to do, but it can be difficult to get around if you don’t drive a motorbike.

Krabi has lots of caves and rock cliffs. A really great place to try rock climbing, and there is a really nice lookout hike. Easy to get to and no need for a motorbike.

Hope that helps! Happy travels ☺

Hi guys, i love your blog! Just one question : i am planning to go to Koh Lipe in beginning of March. I saw that you went the same Time this year. Is it Busy? Or still you get the feeling for laying back.

Hey Manuel, March in Koh Lipe was not too busy. The island wasn’t deserted and it wasn’t over crowded either. I think it was a pretty good time to visit because high season is just slowing down. Enjoy your time in Koh Lipe!

Hi guys! I have loved reading your guides to Thailand (Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta + Ko Lipe). Planning a trip there in March. Will have 7 nights for islands and we are thinking Koh Lanta + Ko Lipe. Any advice on getting to and away from those islands (i.e is it better to fly into Karbi and out of Hat Kai or v. versa?) We will be coming from Chiang Mai and then have to depart to Bangkok. Thanks for the tips and blogs.

I spend One Month in Koh Lipe, Slept in 3 different resorts, the best for quality/price is Gecko Lipe Resort. Eco-friendly resort near the walking street, site in the Lipe natural Original forest where you smell the nature and the freedom of Thailand. Recommended Restaurant: Thai restaurants: "Fino restaurant" and "nee Papaya". wester restaurant: "Capriccio" Italian mediterranean cuisine. Indian restaurant: "Bombay"

Hey Marino! Thanks so much for you additional tips on what to do in Koh Lipe! Sounds like you had a great time!

we are planning a trip to Thailand and want to spend 6-7 nights in the islands? which is your favorite? Right now we are thinking a few nights in Ao Nang to do some day tours and a few nights in Koh Lanta?

We were first leaning towards Phuket but the more I have read the more we are less interested?

Hi Mary, we really loved Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, and Railay Beach (near Ao Nang). I would plan doing at least two of those three for your 6-7 nights. To be honest, Phuket gets a lot of hype for what it really is. Some beaches are nice, but you have to travel far on busy streets to get to them. It feels more like a city than an island. I would stick with what you are planning. Let us know if you have any more questions. We are happy to help.

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14 Best Things To Do koh Lipe in 2024

14 things to do koh lipe; the complete itinerary.

Table of Contents

Looking for the best Things To Do koh Lipe? You’ve come to the write place!

oh Lipe is a beautiful island in the Andaman sea just off the coast of Thailand. It is about 10km long by 4km wide with palm covered beaches, jungle, mountains and corals. The snorkelling here is great, you can see all kinds of fish and coral close up. At night if you are lucky you will see fireflies in the jungle at the south end of the island.

There are lots of things to do on Koh Lipe, diving, snorkelling, island hopping or just chilling at one of the many beach bars. There are no ATMs on the island so bring enough cash to last you for your whole stay.

The best places to stay are on Sunrise Beach at the northern end of the island or Discovery Beach at the southern end. These two beaches are also where most of the dive shops are located. You can dive almost anywhere along this tiny island but I would recommend staying in one spot otherwise you will be paying for transport all over the place! Koh Lipe is tiny so everything is pretty close together.

Koh Lipe is one of the most stunning lush destinations in Thailand!

1. Pirate Waterfall Hike

If you have plenty of time on Koh Adang, you can take a boat ride out to the pirate waterfall. It’s about 80 minutes (3 kilometres) one way from the ranger station and seems beautiful in images, but we didn’t have enough time on the island to do it justice. If you want to go, make careful to seek directions from the tourist centre, as the path is said to be quite difficult.

2. Set up Base Camp

You may rent a tent on the beach if you want to truly unwind and soak up some island feelings. Because there is only one restaurant, bring some food and snacks with you.

You can even stay in one of the few comfortable bungalows if a tent isn’t your style.

3. Go to the Temple

While it’s not worth making a special trip for, this temple is located in the heart of Koh Lipe and makes for a pleasant pit break if you’re travelling from one side to the other. This peaceful shrine is surrounded by greenery and provides a welcome respite from the sun and crowds.

In the morning or afternoon, you could observe the monks doing their daily work or hear their chants.

We’d just returned from a meditation retreat at Wat Pa Tam Wua in northern Thailand, and the grounds of this small island temple made us feel instantly at ease.

4. Take a Bird’s-Eye Look at the Island

Climb the mountain on Koh Adang, the island in front of Koh Lipe, for a birds-eye perspective of the – Maldives of Thailand – if you enjoy breathtaking vistas and want to get some exercise. It takes about 20 minutes to go to Koh Adang by boat. The route that leads to three viewpoints may readily be found from the starting location. Hiking Koh Adang takes between 30 and 40 minutes each way, is ideal for all levels of hikers, and is mostly shaded.

The views from the perspectives are breathtaking, and once you’re here, you’ll understand why Koh Lipe is known as Koh Lipe. But, because it can get very hot later in the day, I’d recommend starting the hike early in the morning and bringing plenty of water, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and, of course, your camera.

5. Maya Bar is a great place to go dancing

The nightlife on Koh Lipe is quite quiet, with most pubs closing about midnight. Maya Pub, located in the heart of the Walking Street, is the coolest bar on the island if you want to meet people, listen to good music, and dance. Maya Bar is split into two levels, each featuring a dance floor, lounge chairs, beautiful décor, delectable cocktails, and a terrific environment.

The crowd is diverse, and live music is occasionally performed. Happy Hour is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the majority of people arriving between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. I had a great time at Maya Bar, and there was no better way to end my day in Koh Lipe for me.

6. In one of the beach bars or restaurants, grab a drink.

There are numerous excellent beach bars and restaurants all across Koh Lipe, but the best are on Sunrise Beach, in my opinion.

Sea la Vie, in my opinion, is the place to go. The ambience is quite nice, with sand chairs and even a swing that overlooks the beach.

Furthermore, the music is enjoyable, the audience is pleasant, the food and drink are reasonably priced, and the view is breathtaking.

7. At OMG! Sports Bar, you can watch a movie

Because the island is far too small for a movie theatre, seeing a movie is one of the island’s more unusual tourist attractions. If you want to watch a movie on a screen larger than an iPad, OMG! has you covered. The movie starts at 7 p.m. on any given night.

There are no promises as to what the film will be like, but does it really matter? Just remember to bring insect spray because mosquitos can be vicious.

If you don’t want to watch the movie, you can relax and enjoy the environment by playing billiards or darts. The meal is excellent. If you’re homesick or desiring a big, juicy burger, Western food is the best on the island. It may not be as wonderful as traditional Thai food, but it’s the best on the island.

OMG! It isn’t immediately on the beach, and you have to search for it. From Sunrise Beach, walk west on Walking Street and make the first right.

A few minutes’ walk ahead, on the left, lies the sports bar. You’ll be able to hear it once you’re close enough.

8. Koh Lipe Snorkelling Adventures

I noted that the Tarutao Marine National Park is made up of 51 islands in the archipelago! That means you’ll have to get out and explore a few of the nearby islands.

A snorkelling tour departing from Koh Lipe is the finest way to see the region. From Koh Lipe, there are four popular snorkelling routes. Three of these, as seen on the map below, leave around 9 a.m. The unique Eco Sunset Tour, which departs about midday, is the fourth choice.

While many other companies are closed during the rainy season, Paradise Tours offers a snorkelling trip. Sure, the water isn’t as clear during the rainy season, but it’s still nicer than many other islands I’ve seen.

9. At Castaway Beach Resort, take a yoga class

A Yoga Class at Castaway Beach Resort is one of the best things to do in Koh Lipe if you prefer to relax. Start your day right on the ocean with a morning meditation or a slow-paced Hatha yoga class.

Every day except Sunday, classes are one hour long. They’re available three times a day at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. for 400 baht (US $13). Classes can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so book early if possible. Pre-registration and payment are required for the 7 a.m. session, while it is highly suggested but not required for the others.

10. Go on a Boat Tour

You should not skip out on an island-hopping excursion by boat when visiting Koh Lipe. You’ll explore a few beautiful islands with fascinating rock formations, observe animals such as lizards and monkeys, and marvel at the spectacular bioluminescent planktons while snorkelling and swimming. If you’re lucky, you might even come across your own private beach. Yes, in Thailand, it is still feasible!

Programs A and B are by far the most popular of the four island hopping itineraries offered by Koh Lipe (Program A, B, Sunset Trip, and Plankton Trip). Tour B was my favourite, and it turned out to be the highlight of my trip. The islands, beaches, and marine life are breathtaking and will take your breath away!

The snorkelling tour on Koh Lipe takes you to the greatest spots without the stress of organising everything yourself.

11. Koh Lipe’s beaches

Pattaya Beach is a lovely wide sheltered cove with pure white sand and excellent swimming “pools.” The majority of ferry services dock here, and it provides convenient access to the Walking Street’s bars and restaurants. In this area of Koh Lipe, there are numerous places to stay.

Sunset Beach is a small bay on the island’s west side, complete with rocks, calm ocean, and a few low-key bars and restaurants. There’s also a camping area, which lends it a slightly hippy vibe, and it’s the ideal site to watch the sunset, as the name says.

If you get up early enough, you may see the sunrise from Sunrise Beach, which runs the length of the island’s eastern side. This is the most gorgeous beach on Koh Lipe in my opinion. It’s a terrific site for snorkelling and water sports because there’s a gentle breeze all day. I liked that I didn’t have to rent a car or a motorcycle to go around Koh Lipe, and that I could easily tour the entire island on foot.

12. Walking Tour on the Island

Koh Kipe is a little island, approximately 2 km long and 1 km wide, and walking from one beach to the next takes less than 30 minutes, therefore I recommend it. The three primary beaches are Pattaya, Sunset, and Sunrise, while the main street is known as “Walking Street.” There are numerous restaurants, massage parlours, and businesses along Walking Street.

13. Attend a firework display

The fires come out when the sky darkens. If you want to see a fire spectacle, go to Pattaya Beach. They won’t be as crazy or engaging as the shows on Koh Phi Phi, but you may relax with a beverage while the singer nearly singes his brows off.

14. Embark on a Sea Kayaking Adventure to a Small Island

The little rocky island of Koh Kra may be seen not far from shore from the north end of Sunrise Beach.

Rent a kayak for 200 baht per hour and paddle through turquoise waters to a small hidden beach on the island’s north side, where you can swim and sunbathe.

Where to stay Koh Lipe?

Easy, check out my guide on where to stay Koh Lipe .

Booking.com

Koh Lipe is not like other Thai islands. It is not one of those islands where you can do everything in a day. It is not like the islands in the Similan Islands National Park either. Koh Lipe is different. It has an atmosphere of its own. The island has many beaches. The beaches on the west side are quite famous for their white sand and clear waters with great visibility allowing snorkeling and diving

. But this is not what makes koh Lipe special; we also have amazing beaches at home near Krabi and Phuket, without having to go far away from civilization and development like the island of Koh Lipe.

The beach on the east side is much quieter and less crowded than the west side, but it’s still quite popular among local people and foreigners alike; especially when it comes to enjoying sunset at The Beach Bar. You’ll find really nice restaurants serving mouthwatering Thai food like fresh seafood, fried rice, yellow curry with chicken or pork, pad Thai or beef broccoli.

You’ll find shops selling souvenirs, clothes, jewelry and many other things we usually take for granted when we travel to a new place.

What is the best way to get to Koh Lipe?

Some travellers are put off by the fact that Koh Lipe is a little further from the mainland than some of Thailand’s more popular islands. But, to be honest, getting there isn’t all that difficult. We took Air Asia’s Island Transfer service from Chiang Mai to Koh Lipe. In March, we flew from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, took a bus to the port, and then took the two-hour ferry to Koh Lipe for roughly $100 USD apiece.

You may easily get a ferry from one island to the next if you are already in the southern islands.

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe ferry From Phuket to Koh Lipe (also check out how to get from Langkawi to Koh Lipe ), take the ferry. Krabi to Koh Lipe ferries Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe ferry (check out my Phi Phi island guide ).

How To Get From Ao Nang or Krabi To Koh Lipe

From Ao Nang – Depart from Ao Nang bus station at 8am – arrive at 5pm

Depart from Ao Nang Jolly Travel Office by 630am arrives at 130pm

From Ao Nam Mao Pier -Departures from 930AM-Arrivals at 430PM

If you want to depart from Krabi guest house at 6 am and arrive at Koh Lipe by 3 pm, then leave from Krabi and get off

Two direct flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport depart daily at 6:50am and 9:10am arriving in Phuket at 2pm and 5:15pm respectively.

The ferry runs between November 1st and April 30th every year. The ferry doesn’t run during these months: May through October.

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DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

There are three major beaches in Koh Lipe: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Pattaya Beach is the busiest beach among the three beaches especially in High Season. The area gets crowded the whole day, as tourist lined up for their ferry boats, and tourist swimming and sun bathing in the white sands to get tanned. Nightlife in Pattaya beach is set in front of the resorts and most of the restaurants and bars are open until 2PM.

Related Articles:

  • Ultimate List of Best Hostels in Thailand – From $6
  • Best Luxury Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand

DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

For sunset lovers, Sunset beach is the best area, but with the shortest sand bar and rocky beach front in the both corners of the beach. Tourist like me who loves the sunset sits in the beach front and waited for the stunning sunset.

Visa Requirements:

The immigration office in Koh Lipe from tourist coming from Malaysia near the Bundhaya Beach Resort during High Season (November to April) and the speed boat arrival is in Pattaya Beach. During Low Season, immigration will be thru Satun province and the arrival of speed boat will be in Sunrise Beach near the Baan Koh Adang School.

12go Asia

Travel Tips/ Things to Remember/ Things to Bring during your trip:

From Langkawi, Malaysia: Buy a ferry ticket at Kuah Jetty Pier or in Telaga Harbor Park. There are ferry ’s going to Koh Lipe in the morning and in the afternoon, usually at 9AM, 11AM and 2PM. You have to be at the ticket office 1 hour ahead for Visa processing.

From Krabi, Phuket , Koh Phi Phi: There are regular ferry boats from Krabi, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi going to Koh Lipe.

There’s no pier in Koh Lipe, the speed boats will stop near the beach area, and long tail boats will transfer passengers to get to the beach front. There are no cars or taxis in Koh Lipe. There are motorbikes taxi with side car in the Walking Street (the main street) and Taxi Boat station in the beach if you want to transfer to the different area in the island. The best way is also on foot on the small concrete roads.

Recommended Accommodation: I stayed at Seaside Resort at the heart of Pattaya Beach. I booked thru Agoda earlier. There are so many resorts but you should book ahead especially during high season, because they said that finding an accommodation is not easy if you don’t do it in advance. Seaside Resort has a beach feeling because of the bungalow with a veranda and a hammock outside.

You can also check our list of cheap backpacker hostels in Thailand including Koh Lipe here.

Daily Budget:

DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

Itinerary Details:

I arrived in Kuah Jetty Port, Langkawi Malaysia at 8AM. At 9AM, I rode a speed boat one and half hours travel to Koh Lipe. Upon arrival to Koh Lipe, we were transferred to a long tail boat to reach the shores of Pattaya Beach.

After immigration I checked-in at Seaside Resort. I explored Walking Street and had lunch. I ate the street foods found in the area. I also checked the small roads going to the Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. For the rest of the afternoon I stayed at Pattaya Beach.

I was craving for pasta so I looked for an Italian Restaurant called Capriccio during dinner along Walking Street.

I went to Walking Street and entered a private resort going to Sunrise Beach after breakfast. I went to the far end of the sand bar going right to Kathalee Beach Resort. The far end of the beach has rock formations. I went back and stayed for 2 hours in Sea La Vie Beach Bar and enjoyed the fruit shakes and scenery. Then I walked again and found different resorts along the beach including the taxi boat station at the middle of Sunrise beach. I stopped and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the wide and long beach of Sunrise Beach going in the Mountain Resort. I had a late lunch in Thai Lady Pancake and rested for awhile in the resort. Before the sun goes down I went to Sunset beach.

I had a Thai massage on the third day. Since I love the Sunrise Beach, I went back to the Sea La Vie Beach Resort, enjoyed swimming and the fruit shakes during a hot afternoon. I had a late lunch again in Pooh Restaurant. I enjoyed the Pattaya Beach for the rest of the afternoon. I had dinner with Family Song Beach resort near Seaside and enjoyed the evening with other foreigners in the area.

DIY Travel Guide Series 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

I checked-out at the resort. I waited for the immigration in Bundhaya before going back to Langkawi. I had coffee at Harmony Café in buddha Beach Resort. while waiting for the Speed boat.

DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries , Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!

About the Contributor:

DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

I am Kristine Agustin, 36 years old a graduate of University of Santo Tomas and a Licensed Chemist. I am a freelance writer; a poet and novelist; a scientist. I love Italian cuisine, a bacon and potato addict; a beach bum; loves the moon, the stars, catching sunrise and chasing sunset. I’d been travelling since 2001 – 46 provinces in the Philippines and 7 countries in Asia.

Name of the Country: Thailand

Date/s of your Travel: March 21 – 24, 2016

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DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

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5 thoughts on “ DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand ”

Thanks for the info, I went also to Capriccio for dinner was great food and atmosphere.

thank for your blog about koh lipe! for me , I like sunrise beach the most. not to busy and not too quiet if you guys want to come there are few ways to come to koh lipe such as hatyai airport, hopping along andaman islands, or langkawi

have a good day

Hi thank you for reading my article. you can check my website http://ajourneywithmeblog.com

Thank you very much for the article!

Throughout this blog I came to know more travel tips about Koh Lipe. Ko Lipe has three main beaches: Sunset Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Pattaya Beach. It’s the best ferry destination in Thailand. The scuba diving and make your day with your day with mouth-watering seafood is just amazing. Last year I visited Koh Lanta with my family through the well know ferry shuttle provider “Andaman Ferry Service”. Their services are just fantastic.

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Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand

Practical Guide to Koh Lipe: Hidden Gem of Thailand

So, first of all, Koh Lipe is absolutely amazing. If you’re a beach person or just wants to see the best sights in Southeast Asia, we’d definitely recommend this one. Here’s an extensive travel guide to Koh Lipe.

Koh Dong or Monkey Beach, Thailand

For a bit of a background, Koh Lipe is an island in southern Thailand. It is also known as “Paper Island”, “Maldives of Thailand” or one of the remaining secrets of Thailand.

When to visit Koh Lipe

From bangkok, thailand, from langkawi, malaysia, where to exchange money, how to get around koh lipe, walking street, beaches in koh lipe, 1. beach bumming, 2. island hopping tours, 4. kayaking and trekking, 5. get a thai massage, 6. join a batik workshop, where to eat, budget-friendly rooms, recommended stays in koh lipe, budget and expenses, what to read next:.

The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the high season, which runs from November to April . The weather is generally sunny, with few rains. During the low season, from May to October, you’re more likely to experience more rains. On the upside, rates are visibly lower during this time and crowds are few.

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A fellow backpacker vouches about going here in October, which is a little in-between period. The weather is okay and you can have the beaches for yourself. (Then again, the weather is a fickle thing, so I urge you to proceed at your own risk.)

How to get to Koh Lipe

If you’re going during low season, the only way to reach Koh Lipe is through Pak Bara (accessible from Bangkok). During high season, you can get to Koh Lipe from other islands in Thailand (such as Koh Lanta, Pak Bara, Phi Phi, Trang) via ferry or speedboat or its neighboring country Malaysia .

Pro Tip : Because it is a popular tourist destination, people in Thailand have some knowledge of English and you can get by easily by speaking English to locals. However, it will be easier to learn Thai language as this will help you with finding transport to and from many of Thailand’s islands.

You have 2 options: go via land (bus/train) or air travel.

Bus or train ride takes 12-15 hours. Flights are of course relatively faster, and airline companies AirAsia and Nok Air offers Fly n’ Ferry packages, which include flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai, shuttle to Pak Bara pier and then ferry/speedboat to Koh Lipe.

During high season (November to May), it is possible to cross to Koh Lipe from Langkawi, Malaysia. From the airport in Langkawi, take a taxi (or Grab) to Kuah Jetty port (about RM25/P310/$6.25). Ferries to Langkawi have schedules twice daily (9AM and 2PM). It’s advisable to be in the port 1.5 hours before departure time.

This was our route since we were staying in Kuala Lumpur.

We booked via Tropical Charters . Once at the office of Tropical Charters, you will be given arrival and departure cards to fill up and a boarding pass for the ferry. You also need to hand over your passport. About 30 minutes before departure, all passengers will be led to the immigration and onboard the ferry.

Travel time from Langkawi to Koh Lipe is 1.5 hour. Ticket is RM110 (P1370, $30) per way. You will be arriving in Pattaya Beach, where you have to give your arrival card and get your passport stamped at the immigration.

Take note that the time in Langkawi is advanced by an hour compared to Koh Lipe, so adjust your watch accordingly.

From our experience, when the staff at Tropical Charters saw that we are Philippine passport holders, we were asked to check with the immigration office first. There, we were asked some basic questions and we handed over our passports. After a few minutes, it was given back to us (no additional stamp since we were not exiting Langkawi yet), and we were told that we can proceed in buying tickets.

I’m not sure what this is about; the rest of the tourists didn’t seem to have any problems. Previously, I was advised that getting to the port 90 minutes before departure is excessive, and it must be true for most tourists. But for good measure, in case there is an issue with your passport, you might want to follow this precaution.

If you’re coming from Langkawi, you can exchange your money to baht in the airport (Maybank) or Kuah Jetty. You can also wait until arrival in Koh Lipe, where there are money changers in the island especially in Walking Street.

Immediately after arrival, you will be asked to pay for environmental fee either in ringgit or baht.

Koh Lipe is a small island, and you can get around by foot. In fact, you go from end to end in just 30 minutes.

After arrival, especially if you’re not familiar with where you accommodation is located, it’s best to hire a taxi service (50 baht per person). What we did is we tried to look for our hostel on our own since we knew that it is walking distance from Pattaya Beach. We got lost and locals weren’t able to help; our hostel also wasn’t listed in the tourist maps. We spent a solid hour lugging our backpacks, and while we’d gotten a glimpse of the whole stretch of Sunrise Beach, it wasn’t fun at all. The taxis know every commercial establishment in the area and will get you there in no time.

What to see in Koh Lipe

In Koh Lipe, here are the places you should know about:

Bar in Koh Lipe

Walking Street is a long road that connects Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach. It has shops, restaurants and bars, money changers and travel agencies — basically everything that you need while on the island.

There are 3 main beaches in Koh Lipe: Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach and Pattaya Beach.

Pattaya Beach is the port used by ferries going in and out the island. It’s the busiest beach, though we wouldn’t discount it as a place to stay nearby. There are dedicated swimming spots in Pattaya Beach and has espasol -like white sands.

Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand

Sunrise Beach is in our opinion the best beach in Koh Lipe. There are still boats moored here but relatively few. The water is perfect for swimming!

Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand

As its name implies, Sunset Beach is the best location to view the sunset. However, the forest surrounding the beach is alive with mosquitoes from about 4PM to 7PM. If swimming here, better arrive early.

Best things to do in Koh Lipe

Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand

I know that us Filipinos aren’t used to not doing anything when out traveling (I guess because of limited leave credits at work) and would rather hop from one location to the next (5 provinces in 5 days!), but honestly, have you tried just lying on the sand for a whole afternoon? Get up to buy a smoothie and then dip in the water for several minutes until you’re ready to lie down again. Take a nap, read a book or just look at the beach surroundings. It’s fantastic.

Island hopping in Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe offers 2 main island hopping tours: Program A and Program B. Program A explores the nearby 5 islands, and there is more time to chill and snorkel. Program B goes much further and stops at 7 destinations.

There are also additional tours called Sunset Trip and Plankton Trip. Both cover similar locations as the first two; the difference is Sunset Tour offers a barbecue dinner and Plankton Trip includes a night trip to see glowing planktons in a beach.

These are the Koh Lipe island hopping rates ( Updated as of 2019 ):

For the tours, the following are also included: lunch, water bottle, equipment (lifevest, snorkel, fins).

Make sure to bring your ticket for the environmental fee ticket (200 baht), which is collected after arrival in immigration, during the tours. This is valid for one week.

Koh Adang, Thailand

We kept to programs A and B. Program B is the better one, in my opinion, in terms of beaches and snorkeling activity. Program B also includes Koh Dong, which is also known as the Monkey Beach. Here you can swim and observe the monkeys in the island — eating lunch is strictly on the boat, as the monkeys might grab your lunch!

Koh Dong, Thailand

The Plankton Trip seems appealing, but Hali wasn’t keen on it as we’d already seen our fair share of glowing planktons back in the Philippines.

It is also possible to charter a private boat instead of joining a group tour. Boat rental costs 2500 baht for a whole day (P3900, $80), excluding rental for equipment (e.g., lifevest, snorkel) at 50 baht each (P50, $2).

Koh Lipe is also a popular location for divers. According to Wiki , 25% of the world’s tropical fish species can be found here.

If you haven’t got a diving certificate yet, you can get a beginner’s certificate starting at 2500 baht (P3900, $80), for 2 days. There are different courses available for more experienced divers, and diving shops also offer packages that include both diving sessions and accommodation. June to September is considered the green season for diving .

Kayaking in Koh Lipe, Thailand

You can rent a kayak for a day and visit the nearby small islands. It can be rented per hour or whole day (300 baht/P460/$10). You can also kayak your way to Koh Adang and then trek to its viewpoint (30 minutes). Make sure to ask about weather or sea conditions beforehand.

Most would say that it’s a crime not to treat yourself with a massage in Thailand. Rates start at 300 baht (P460, $10) for an hour.

Batik workshop in Lipe Art Garden, Koh Lipe

We found this really cool gallery called Lipe Art Garden , which offers batik-making workshops. For the uninitiated, batik is a form of wax-resist dyeing to fabrics. This process creates elaborate designs, and batik is often used in traditional clothes in Southeast Asia or currently in clothes, sarong or handbags.

Sessions start at 10AM in the morning and cost 1000 baht (P1550, $30).

Before we went to Koh Lipe, I had a list of restaurants suggested by friends and other backpackers. But when we arrived, we found that there are actually a lot of good restaurants in Koh Lipe that I urge you to try and sample what appeals to you best. You’ll get good value even in ordinary eateries outside Walking Street.

That saying, we frequented Lady Thai Pancake Shop in Walking Street for the fruit pancakes (strawberry-banana with chocolate or coconut-raisin with milk); this one has 4 branches but the best for me (in terms of service and quality) is the one in front of Madam Yohoo pancakes.

Thai pancake

Sunrise Beach Restaurant along Sunrise Beach is also a good budget-friendly option.

Pad thai

Seafood such as prawns and crabs is abound in Koh Lipe, but expensive. In one restaurant, we paid 400 baht for curry with crabs and were served 2 small crabs swimming in chili leaves. We were so disappointed that instead of ordering another dish, we simply got up and moved to another location. If you want to have a seafood dinner, it is more sulit to just go in a seafood buffet — there is one in Walking Street for 490 baht per person.

Where to stay in Koh Lipe

There are about 30+ accommodations in Koh Lipe. The best ones are, of course, right beside the beaches. For budget travelers, there are also hostels and even camping tents.

We stayed in Lipe Hostel for 4 nights. At first, I was dismayed with the small room (three-fourths is literally taken up by the queen-sized bed) but have grown fond of it. It was cheap and it was evident that the management is giving their best with what they have. The rooms are air-conditioned and there are small things that we appreciate (towels and water bottles, clothesline inside the room, free shower gel and shampoo in the shared restroom, water cooler in the lobby). Everything is clean as well.

Moreover, Lipe Hostel is conveniently located near Sunrise Beach and Walking Street.

We transferred for an overnight stay in Lipe Camping Zone . We had a bungalow with fan. It was okay but won’t recommend it unless there are no other cheaper options available. There are mosquitoes at night and early in the morning, so an insect repellent is a must. The showers weren’t working, nor are the bathroom lights. It’s near Pattaya Beach and Sunset Beach, but a bit of walk from Walking Street and Sunrise Beach. Also, Agoda shows different listings for bungalow and bungalow with bathroom so we availed of the latter (a bit more expensive), but when we got there we found that all bathrooms are shared.

Please note that prices may vary per season.

  • Lipe Hostel | Book here
  • The Street Hostel | Book here
  • Lipe – Bloom Cafe and Hostel | Book here

From resorts with beachfronts to other accommodations with high guest ratings:

  • The Noi Guest House and Restaurant | Book here
  • Satun Dive Resort | Book here
  • Captain Yut’s Bangalows | Book here
  • Salisa Resort | Book here
  • Bayview Sunset Resort | Book here

Haven’t seen what you’re looking for? You can also search via Agoda . We’re recommending Agoda has the best prices and most options in Southeast Asia.

From what I’ve read, the rates in Koh Lipe are higher than in other parts of Thailand, more so during peak season. As it was the holidays during our visit, rates for accommodations are doubled.

Couple shot in Koh Lipe, Thailand

We went here in 2017 and we spent about P30000 ($600) for 2 people for 6 days/5 nights — including ferry tickets, accommodation, food and tours (as well as other purchases).

For reference, here is the breakdown of our budget:

  • Meal : 300-350 baht for 2 people (P450-550, $10) (including 1 fruit juice or shake)
  • Accommodation : 1000 baht per night for 2 people (P1500, $30)
  • Tours : see prices above

Again, take note that we went during holiday season and markups were higher. We also booked tickets and accommodations a month before our trip. From mock booking, it seems that some accommodations are twice cheaper in low season. That is, you can find hostel rooms at 600 baht only.

Did this travel guide to Koh Lipe help you? 🙂 Bookmark or share to your friends!

Here are other readings about Thailand and other popular attractions here:

  • 3 Days in Bangkok
  • Best things to do and see in Phuket
  • Best books to read while traveling to Thailand

Here are other readings about the food in Thailand:

  • Homegrown craft chocolate culture in Thailand

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Travel guide to Koh Lipe || best beaches in Southeast Asia || off-the-beaten path in Thailand

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Katherine author profile

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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ELENA MAY GARALDE

Hi. I plan on going to koh lipe via langkawi and make my way from there to the rest of thailand. My problem is i’m not sure if i will be allowed 30day or 15day visa free entry. I couldnt see anything from the embassy website. Do you have knowledge on it? Thanks.

Katherine Cortes

Filipinos get 30 days stay via international airport or 15 days via land border crossing with a neighboring country, so it’s 15 days.

Nan Kaouthai

Really informative blog, Koh Lipe is guarded by the unspoiled islands of Butong Archipelago. The climate is stable all the year except during the monsoons. I found a ferry service provider Andaman Ferry Service presents excellent service for Ferry to Koh Lipe.

I have been to Thailand many times but only in Bangkok and nearby Cities. I know that some of their beaches are similar in looks with Philippines so I didn’t explore them. Good to see your post about it as if I am already there.

The beaches in the Philippines are definitely one-of-a-kind and it’s hard not to compare! However, every place still offers a different experience particularly with regards to culture, food, activities and sustainable tourism efforts. 🙂

What a lovely destination. I would love to visit the monkey beach and enjoy the seafood there!

Wow! This is an amazing, detailed guide. I’ve always wanted to explore Thailand and love discovering new places to add to my list. The photos are absolutely stunning! Love it.

Amazing guide! Koh Lipe sounds great. Unfortunately, I missed that island during my thailand itinerary.

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Island Guide: Koh Lipe, The Maldives Of Thailand

Koh lipe may sound like a dream, but it’s as real as a paradisiacal island can get for those willing to make the effort to get there..

By: PEARL YAN Published: Dec 29, 2022 07:19 PM UTC

Island Guide: Koh Lipe, The Maldives Of Thailand

When you picture a Thai island, you’re probably thinking of somewhere like Koh Lipe. In fact, ask any of the in-the-know locals where are the most beautiful island they’ve ever been to and the name Koh Lipe would come up almost every time. Don’t be surprised when they talk about the island like how you’d describe the Maldives; white sandy beach, crystal clear turquoise waters, colourful coral reefs — Koh Lipe may sound like a dream, but it’s as real as a paradisiacal island can get for those willing to make the effort to get there.

Where is Koh Lipe?

Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is the southernmost island in Thailand , 60km from the Thai mainland and only 30km from Langkawi, Malaysia. As one of the 51 islands that make up Tarutao National Marine Park and part of the Adang Archipelago, the island offers fantastic marine and reef life for underwater enthusiasts. While you can tie in Koh Lipe in your island hopping itinerary, we’d recommend spending a few days on this untouched tropical paradise to discover its charm before it becomes overcrowded with tourists.

The Scenic beaches of Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe’s beaches provide the ideal setting for relaxing at one of the many beachside cabins or hotels, discovering the diverse marine life, or just enjoying the breathtaking sunrise and sunsets. Here are a few of Thailand’s most alluring Koh Lipe beaches that are definitely worth visiting the next time you plan a trip to this exotic location.

1. Sunrise beach

Sunrise Beach in Koh Lipe, which is located on the island’s eastern side, is a short distance from Chao Ley, the sea gypsy village. As you float across the azure waters, the incredible marine life and schools of fish just off the coast will stun you. It also goes by the name Hat Chao

2. Pattaya beach

The largest and busiest beach on Koh Lipe is Pattaya Beach, which is found in the southernmost region of the island. In the peak tourist season, ferry boats dock at picturesque Pattaya Beach, where arriving travellers from Langkawi must go through immigration. There are some excellent snorkelling locations close to the headlands at either end of the beach’s 1.1 km-long, gently curving, fine-white sand beach. In addition, there are numerous hotels, restaurants, and pubs.

3. Sunset beach

On a secluded lagoon in western Koh Lipe, you may find Sunset Beach, also known as Hat Pramong in the local language. It’s perfect for taking in breathtaking views, unwinding on the soft, fine sand, and swimming in the water. This Koh Lipe beach has all you need for a relaxing day by the sea, including a few eateries that serve food and beverages and kayaks that can be rented.

Book your stay at Akira Lipe Resort

Top snorkelling locations in Koh Lipe

Nearby Koh Kra and Koh Usen are two little islands where snorkelling is at its best. You will be able to witness a wide diversity of marine life because of the deeper water surrounding the two little islands. Since the corals can be quite shallow, high tide is the ideal time to visit. You may hire a mask and fins for about 50 THB per component at a number of locations along Sunrise Beach.

2. Sunset beach

The snorkelling locations remain excellent all around Sunset Beach. When looking at Sunset Beach from the water’s edge, you will notice that the beach abruptly transforms into a sheer cliff. This is where you can enjoy some fantastic snorkelling. High tide is the ideal time to visit because the coral is very shallow and begins just off the beach. Wearing fins is also advised because there may be considerable current in this location.

3. Pattaya beach

The landscape is stonier here, which provides the coral with a better living environment. Zanom Beach is a small beach that can be reached by leaving from Pattaya Beach’s northernmost point (in front of Site Resort) and following the rocky shore on your right. Additionally, there is fantastic snorkelling nearby, just on the beach.

Here are the best bars in Koh Lipe to experience the nightlife

1. reggae bar.

It’s a favourite beachside bar on Pattaya Beach. Bob Marley’s soothing music is playing in the background, and it is tastefully decorated with all types of lovely ornaments. All guests can unwind and take in the flickering fire show while sitting on comfortable beach mats and cushions that have been put out on the sand. For a refreshing treat, try a piña colada.

2. Elephant coffee house and bar

The Elephant, a restaurant and bar with live music on Koh Lipe’s Walking Street, is arguably the greatest and most distinctive bars’ there. They feature the broadest selection of food on their menu, which includes Thai food, vegetarian dishes, and even a kids’ menu. One of the main highlights is that they also prepare unique drinks created with local rum or whisky and flavoured with Thai flavours.

3. OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant

One of Koh Lipe’s most distinctive & well-liked hangouts, OMG is a sports bar. Since it primarily shows Western films and live sporting events in the evening, this bar is frequented by western tourists. Along with a wide range of beers, cocktails, and delectable finger food, it also features a pool table, table soccer, board games, and amazing live music.

What to do in Koh Lipe

Koh adang excursion.

koh lipe travel itinerary

From Koh Lipe’s Sunrise and Sunset Beach, you’ll most likely find yourself looking over at Koh Adang, the second-largest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park. Best known for its hiking trail leading up to the Chado Cliff, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Koh Lipe, Koh Adang is an island paradise perfect for light to moderate hikes. To get to Koh Adang from Koh Lipe, you can either hire a taxi boat (15 minutes) or a kayak (less than an hour), which can be arranged on Sunrise Beach. No matter which option you take, you’ll end up hopping off on the sand of Laem Son on Koh Adang, where you’ll find basic bungalows, a restaurant and a visitor centre.

The hiking trail to Chado Cliff begins a few hundred metres east of the visitor centre past the restaurant. There are three viewpoints on Koh Adang, with the third one affording the best view of Koh Lipe. The 45-minute hike to the third viewpoint is so challenging but involves some ropes, and uneven surfaces, and can be slippery and muddy after the rain, so be sure to wear shoes (no flip-flops) and bring enough water with you. Viewpoint 1 is only about 10 minutes uphill but you only get to see half of Koh Lipe as the mountain is in the way. As you go further up for another 15 minutes, you’ll see Viewpoint 2 clearly marked on a sign. The view is decent from here, but if you can continue for another 10 minutes, you’ll be rewarded by an unobstructed, picture-postcard vista to Koh Lipe and the smooth blue waters.

Explore the Tarutao National Marine Park

koh lipe travel itinerary

Alternatively, you can also hire a private longtail boat for the day to take you around the islands. Private boat tours usually offer two main routes: Jabang, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Yang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Adang; and Koh Hin Saun, Koh Lok Goi, Koh Dong, and Koh Pung. Both programmes include a lot of beach, snorkelling and hiking time, but we’d recommend the latter as it goes to the farthest islands in the Adang archipelago, which provides better snorkelling opportunities. The corals in the national marine park are well-protected and in superb conditions, with Koh Pung offering the best underwater adventure, where you’ll get to spot giant pufferfish, porcupine fish, clownfish, yellow cornetfish, moray eels swimming nearby the pristine soft coral reefs.

Another island worth mentioning is Koh Hin Ngam, a mysterious island made out of beautifully polished grey stones of various sizes and shapes, which are formed by the waves hitting the shores year after year. The stones are so smooth that you can enjoy a pleasant walk with bare feet. Whichever route you choose, the prime location of Koh Lipe makes a great starting point to explore the surrounding archipelago.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Whether you’re a first-timer or a certified diver, Ko Lipe is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Thailand for all experience levels, with several dive companies on the island offering everything from fun, discovery dives to PADI certification. 8 Mile Rock, Talang and Stonehenge are popular dive sites in Koh Lipe, with the latter being the most popular due to its unique topography of soft coral garden and massive granite pinnacles. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to spot an impressive school of yellow snappers, mackerel, tuna, devilfish, seahorse and ghost pipefish. Adang Sea Divers located on Sunrise Beach is highly recommended for its knowledgeable dive masters and speciality diving courses, such as underwater digital photography, underwater naturalist and night diving.

Book your stay at Ananya Lipe resort

Day trips for the perfect Island experience

1. island tour.

Tarutao National Marine Park includes Koh Lipe, which is located precisely on the Andaman Sea. One of the nicest things to do when on vacation is to stroll around the island and take in its beauty and scenery. It takes around 30 minutes to stroll down this lively street and check out the cafes, stores, eateries, and massage places that are there.

2. Hiking to Koh Adang Mountain

It is a difficult hike to the Koh Adang Viewpoint.  While the hike is thrilling and difficult, the reward is the breathtaking vista that awaits you at the summit. You can reach Koh Adong mountain by ferry from Pattaya Beach to Koh Lipe in less than 30 minutes, and from there, you may climb a gradual incline for about 45 minutes to get the best and most beautiful scenery.

3. Kayaking

Koh Lipe is one of the coral islands that make up Marine Park. Kayaking is unquestionably among the most thrilling activities in Koh Lipe. As you cruise between islands, get ready to be mesmerised by the karst rock formations, fauna, corals, and bioluminescent planktons among the many things that make Koh Lipe a tourist favourite destination.

What is the best time to visit Koh Lipe?

From November to April, when temperatures are at a pleasant 25 degrees and there is little rain, is the perfect time to explore Koh Lipe. May through October is considered the off-season. The weather during this time will probably be a combination of rain and sun. Although hotels are substantially more reasonable, certain stores and restaurants might be shut.

How to get to Koh Lipe?

koh lipe travel itinerary

Getting to Koh Lipe is not difficult, but requires extra time and effort compared to mainstream islands that can be accessed via direct flights from international airports — the main reason why it still remains one of the most unspoiled islands in Thailand. To reach the island in one day, you will need to catch a morning flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai International Airport. From there, take a taxi or minibus to Pak Bara pier.

The journey takes two hours and this ground transport can be easily arranged from the airport. During the low reason from May to October, there is only one ferry to Koh Lipe which departs daily at 11:30am, and arrives on the island at 1pm. The whole journey takes around 5-6 hours, and to save you from the hassles of finding the right transfers between cities and haggling, Nok Air and  AirAsia offer an all-inclusive ticket package, which costs just about the same if you were to book everything separately. During the high season from November to April, speed boats and ferries connecting Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta, Krabi, Phi Phi and Phuket are also available.

The best hotels in Koh Lipe

There are three main beaches on Koh Lipe: Pattaya Beach, the busiest of the beaches where Koh Lipe ferries arrive and home to most of the island’s nightlife; Sunrise Beach, a quiet, secluded beach where most luxury resorts are located; and Sunset Beach, a small, aptly named patch of sand perfect for romantic sunsets. While there is no five-star property on Koh Lipe (yet), the island has no lack of high-end accommodation options that can rival top hotels.

Idyllic Concept Resort

koh lipe travel itinerary

Nestled on Koh Lipe’s pristine Sunrise Beach overlooking the azure waters, Idyllic Concept Resort is set amidst a lush tropical backdrop in 16 villas reflecting a sophisticated, contemporary design. Offering a wealth of world-class facilities, the resort’s beachside pool is luxuriously designed with a swanky teak pool bar and a built-in jacuzzi. The Cove bistro is an all-day dining venue where the delicious breakfast buffet is served daily, and fresh local catch of the day is readily available throughout the day. The property has 62 rooms to choose from, and we’d recommend staying at i-Beach Front, i-Breeze or i-Sky, as these room types have direct access to the powdery white sand beach, with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea from this Island.

Book your stay at Idyllic Concept Resort

Idyllic Concept Resort, Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand +6688 227 5389

Related: 5 Heritage Bangkok Hotels With Interesting Histories

(Hero image: Pinterest ; Featured image:  Idyllic Concept Resort)

(This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok )

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer: Idyllic Concept Resort, Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa, Andaman Beach Resort, Mountain Resort

Answer: Thai cuisine, Seafood soup and salad, Crepes, Noodles

Answer: In the very South of Thailand, there is a tiny island called Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe is a well-liked destination for divers and snorkelers alike, especially because of the vibrant underwater environment and the nearby coral reefs. The island itself is gorgeous, too. This oasis has gained the nickname "the Maldives of Thailand" mostly because to the turquoise blue sea colours and the powder sugar soft snow-white sand. The Koh Lipe Walking Street is a small street lined with hip bars, mouthwatering eateries, cafés, shops, travel agencies, diving schools, street food, massage parlours, hostels, and a tonne of other things.

Answer: Koh Lipe is well-known for its adventure sports, and scuba diving and snorkelling are two of the most popular water activities there. The Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach have become popular snorkelling locations due to the abundance of corals and marine life there.

Answer: Reaching the Island requires a process. Normally requires a half-day when travelling by airline, shuttle, and/or ferry. Therefore, it is strongly advised to stay at least 3 days in Koh Lipe if you intend to visit.

Answer: Koh Lipe has the finest beaches and exudes a sense of seclusion. Koh Lanta is more developed, has better family resorts, and has a considerably lively nightlife. Although Koh Lipe is more difficult to get to, it offers some of the best snorkelling locations in the country. The latter offers a wider selection of resort options and is very simple to reach. If you want to experience the pristine underwater world, Koh Lipe is your go to place and Koh Lanta should be in your plans if you wish for an active nightlife on an island.

  • best beach getaway in thailand
  • best beaches in thailand
  • luxury accommodations

PEARL YAN

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Best Things to do in Koh Lipe Thailand: Ultimate Guide

This guide to the best things to do in Koh Lipe will show you how to experience the best of Thailand far from the crowds!

Koh Lipe is located in the southernmost region of Thailand. Part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, it attracts travelers looking for a bit of the Maldives in the Andaman Sea.

The crystal-clear water offers amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities and the remote location is sure to provide some chill vibes!

After spending two weeks in Malaysia , I decided to travel to Koh Lipe next to kick off my 10-day Thailand itinerary since it’s located just a 1.5-hour boat ride from Langkawi. And being far from the main tourist destinations in Thailand really helps to keep the crowds to a minimum, so I had to visit!

In this Koh Lipe travel guide, I’ll show you all the top things to do in Koh Lipe Thailand and tips on how to get there, the best places to stay, and more.

Boats on sunrise beach - Top Things To Do in Koh Lipe Thailand

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

Table of Contents

What to do in Koh Lipe Thailand?

Despite being a tiny island there are so many things to do in Koh Lipe! Below you will find all the info on what to do in this tropical paradise!

Sunrise Beach 

Whether you want to witness the sunrise along the beach or dive into the crystal-clear water or if you’re only looking for a nice relaxing spot, Sunrise beach is the place to be! Hanging out on Sunrise beach is one of the best things to do in Koh Lipe since it’s less crowded than Pattaya beach.

The waves can get a bit rough but it gets calmer at the tip of Sunrise beach near Mountain Resort. Here, you can also enjoy the sunset in a larger and less crowded setting. 

Views from Sunrise Beach in Koh Lipe

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya beach is the spot where all the boats drop off their passengers and for this reason, it’s the busiest and most crowded beach on the island. The whole beach is lined with hotels and bars and although the water is almost completely covered with long-tail boats, you can find a few empty spots to swim. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Lipe at night, you can watch live music and fire shows on Pattaya beach. Alternatively, if you’re looking for somewhere quieter, head over to either Sunrise or Sunset beach. 

Sunset Beach

Sunset beach is quite under-developed but still features a few hotels and bars. As its name suggests, it’s the main spot to watch the sunset but the bay is small so it can get crowded.  

Since the path leading to the beach goes through the jungle, you’ll find lots of mosquitoes in the area. Your best bet is to either watch the sunset at the tip of Sunrise beach or bring enough mosquito repellant! 

Sunset beach on Koh Lipe attraction

Related post: 10 days in Thailand: Island hopping adventures

Day trip to Koh Adang

Another top thing to do in Koh Lipe is taking a day trip to Koh Adang. For 100 baht (US$ 3.25) one way, per person, you can take a taxi boat to the deserted beaches of Koh Adang.

You’ll find only one resort and a park ranger station on the island. Camping grounds are also available with bathroom facilities. So, it’s the perfect getaway from the busy beaches of Koh Lipe. 

Koh Adang Beaches

There are only a few beaches on Koh Adang but luckily most of them are nearly empty. The boat will drop you off at the main beach where the park ranger station is found. To get to the other beaches you’ll have to charter a boat or it’s usually included as the last stop of most snorkeling tours in Koh Lipe.

girl standing next to a fallen tree on Koh Adang beach

Koh Adang Viewpoint (Chado Cliff) 

One of the main attractions on Koh Lipe is hiking to Chado Cliff viewpoint for the best view of Koh Lipe and the Andaman sea. Go to the park ranger station to take a picture of the map for directions. The trailhead is found on the right side of the camping grounds, just behind the bathrooms.  

It’s very easy to get to the top. Just follow the signs pointing to the different viewpoints and it should take about 45 minutes to complete the hike.

Tip : Don’t forget to bring enough water since you’ll have to pay 40 baht (US$ 1.30) for one big bottle at the restaurant on Koh Adang compared to 26 baht (US$ 0.85) on Koh Lipe. 

Koh Adang viewpoint of Koh Lipe' best attraction

Pirate Waterfall

The trail entrance to Pirate waterfall is located on the left side of the park ranger station. Look carefully for the signs and follow the black pipes all the way to the waterfall.  

The hike takes about 1 hour one-way and at some point, near the end of the trail, you’ll have to jump over a set of big boulders and walk over a fallen tree.

The island has some other waterfalls, but they seem quite hard to reach. You can download the maps.me app for an offline map of the hiking trails. 

Go on a snorkeling tour

This list of things to do in Koh Lipe wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t suggest taking a snorkeling tour. Most boat companies will offer more or less similar snorkeling tours in Koh Lipe . The most popular ones are programs A and B which include lunch, fruit, water, and snorkeling equipment. 

  • Time: 9.30 am – 3.30 pm  
  • Islands visited: Japang, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Yang, Koh Rawi and Koh Agang 
  • Time: 9.30 am – 4.00 pm 
  • Islands visited: Koh Hin Sorn, Koh Bulu, Koh Lugoi, Koh Tong, Koh Pung, Koh    Hin Ngam, and Jabang 

There are also half-day tours of programs A and B with visits to fewer islands as well as sunset tours and fishing trips. Make sure you bring your national park ticket as you would need it to enter the islands.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A KOH LIPE SNORKELING TOUR

snorkeling in koh lipe thailand

Yoga class at Castaway Resort

Wondering what to do in Koh Lipe? Why not take a yoga class? There are a few places where you can practice yoga in Koh Lipe but the most popular one is at Castaway Resort .

They offer yoga classes three times a day except on Sundays for 400 baht (US$ 13). They run 2 morning sessions starting at 7 a.m and 9 a.m and another one in the afternoon at 4.30 p.m. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A YOGA CLASS

Castaway Resort on Sunrise beach Koh Lipe

Beach clean-up with Trash Hero Project

Another great thing to do in Koh Lipe is to help clean up the island with Trash Hero. For those who want to travel more sustainably and give their time for a good cause, you can join the Trash Hero Project every Monday on Pattaya beach at 10 a.m.    

Tip : You can also join the Trash Hero Project on Koh Lanta island !

Koh Lipe Walking Street

If you’re looking for some of the best attractions in Koh Lipe, you have to visit the Walking Street! This is the main road that goes through Koh Lipe and connects Pattaya beach to both Sunrise beach and Sunset beach.

Here you’ll find restaurants, massage parlors, hotels, and shops selling everything from souvenirs to beachwear and accessories.  

clothing stores on walking street in koh lipe

Uncover the secret beaches

Due to Koh Lipe’s small size, it can be hard to find some secluded spots. This is why I recommend wandering away from the walking street to uncover some secluded beaches and viewpoints.

For instance, if you walk towards the west side of Pattaya beach, you find three hidden beaches – Patai Galah beach , Svedo beach, and Lipe Secret beach (exact locations on Google Maps)!

Best Places to Stay in Koh Lipe

Most accommodations are usually fully booked well in advance and tend to be on the pricier side compared to the mainland, so it’s best to book a few weeks or even months in advance.

Below are a few recommendations for budget to mid-range hotels in Koh Lipe: 

  • Sangchan Hostel – From 400 baht (US$ 13) for a bed in a dorm room and 1200 baht (US$ 39) for a private room. The hostel is clean and provides free water and coffee.  
  • Decho Hostel – From 225 baht (US$ 7.30) for a bed in a dorm room. 
  • Lipe Inn – From 1400 baht (US$ 45.50) for a standard double room. 
  • Harmony Bed and Bakery – From 1600 baht (US$ 52) for a double room. 
  • Castaway Resort – From 2400 baht (US$ 78) for a bungalow. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KOH LIPE

How to get to Koh Lipe Thailand?

Now that you know about all the best things to do in Koh Lipe and where to stay, let’s go through all the different ways of getting to Koh Lipe.

From Bangkok

If you’re traveling from Bangkok to Koh Lipe , you can book tickets through Air Asia to Hat Yai airport and from there take a coach and a Ferry to Pakbara Pier to finally arrive at Koh Lipe. Buses and trains are also available to Hai Yai.  

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRANSFER FROM BANGKOK TO KOH LIPE

From Koh Lanta

If you’re coming from Koh Lanta, you can take a speedboat for about 1,700 baht (US$ 56.35). The journey lasts for about 3-4 hours and honestly isn’t the most comfortable but by far the quickest way to get from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe . 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRANSFER FROM KOH LANTA TO KOH LIPE

If you’re traveling during the low season (May to October), the speedboat won’t be available so you’ll have to take a minivan to Pak Bara pier and then a ferry to Koh Lipe . 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A FERRY FROM PAK BARA TO KOH LIPE

Longtail boats on Koh Adang beach

From Langkawi, Malaysia

To get from Langkawi to Koh Lipe , take the high-speed Ferry from either Telaga or Kuah Jetty which departs two times a day at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm. The boat ride lasts for about 1.5 hours and costs about 850 baht (RM 110 or US$ 25.95). 

Tickets can be purchased anywhere along Cenang beach just a few days before departure (even during high season). So, no need to book in advance and haggle for the best price. Just bear in mind that the Ferry operates only from mid-October to the end of May ( check the ferry schedule here ).

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRANSFER FROM LANGKAWI TO KOH LIPE

Note: When you enter the island, you’ll have to pay a National park fee which costs 200 baht (US$ 6.50) and is valid for one week. Keep it with you if you plan to visit the neighboring islands or you’ll have to pay the park fee again.

How to get around?

Being a small island, it doesn’t take long to visit some of the best Koh Lipe attractions. The island is very walkable and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get from Pattaya beach all the way to Sunset beach. 

You can get a tuk-tuk for 50 baht (US$ 1.60) per person per trip if you don’t want to drag your luggage around. They are essentially motorbikes with a sidecar that can accommodate up to three people.  

Alternatively, scooters are also available for rent for about 500 baht (US$ 16.25) per day. 

The epic view from Koh Adang viewpoint

Best time to visit Koh Lipe

If you want to have the best weather conditions, the best time to visit Koh Lipe is between November and April. December to February is the peak season and prices tend to be higher. May to October is the low season, so you’ll end up with better hotel deals, but do expect some rainfalls.  

Koh Lipe Travel Tips

  • Food to try: Tom Yum, Green Curry, Pad Thai, coconut ice cream, Thai pancake, coconut donut. 
  • Book hotels well in advance if you’re traveling during the high season. 
  • There are only three ATMs on the island, all located along the walking street. 
  • Scout out the bioluminescent planktons at the more secluded and darker beaches during nighttime. 
  • You can now get a visa on arrival in Koh Lipe. 

Have you visited Koh Lipe before? If you have any recommendations about other things to do in Koh Lipe, please share them in the comment below!

Read more about Thailand:

  • 18 Epic Things to do in Koh Lanta
  • How to plan a Thailand itinerary for 10 days
  • The perfect Krabi itinerary for first-timers
  • Krabi Island hopping guide: 11+ islands to visit
  • What to do in Railay beach?
  • 15 most beautiful beaches in Krabi
  • 12 best Koh Lanta beaches
  • Ultimate guide to Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill: Krabi’s most epic hike
  • Complete guide to the underrated Pai Plong Beach in Ao Nang
  • Bangkok travel itinerary
  • How to take a 1 day trip to Ayutthaya

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Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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3 Days in Koh Lipe Trip: Budgets, Hotels, Food & Attractions

Author's Profile Picture

by Trip.com

December 19, 2022

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Location: Ko Lipe, Satun, Thailand

Koh Lipe belongs to the Tarutao National Park in the south of Thailand, close to Malaysia. The island of Koh Lipe with well-preserved original marine environment is known as the Maldives of Thailand. The beaches of Koh Lipe are soft and white, with colorful marine life, and the water quality is comparable to that of Phuket PP 10 years ago. Great for snorkeling.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Preaw: There probably no more island that will be as famous and hottest in Satun as Koh Lipe again. With clear blue sea Still complete coral And a variety of big fish like an aquarium Plus it is not difficult to go. It takes only an hour and a half. Plus, there are many restaurants on the island. There is a walking street for shopping. Shopping local items The atmosphere is lively but not busy. Guaranteed not lonely

ใบโพธิ์: "Koh Lipe" Satun Province, Koh Lipe on Koh Lipe has 3 beaches: 1. Pattaya Beach (Bandaya Beach) 2. Sunrise Beach (Chao Le Beach), one of the most beautiful sunrise viewing spots in Andaman ever and 3. Sunset Beach (Fishing Beach), each beach can be connected to each other, about 1 minute walk together.

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa

The Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa offers a pleasant stay in Koh Lipe for those traveling for business or leisure.

There's plenty to do nearby, with Koh Lipe Walking Street, Ocean Pro Divers and Castaway Divers Koh Lipe all within a short distance.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city.

Check Availability

Day 2 | Morning

Sunrise beach.

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: Sunrise, Ko Lipe, Thailand

Sunrise Beach has a view of the sunrise. The turquoise water is clear and transparent, with soft and delicate white sand under the feet. The seabed is full of colorful corals and tropical fish, which is very suitable for snorkeling. Walking on the beautiful beach in the morning, waiting for the magnificent sunrise at sea, is very comfortable.

Allison Rich: This was a beautiful beach, although there are many boat taxis coming and going there is still more than enough space to swim. The water is a beautiful pale blue color and makes for some amazing photos.

owie juan: this got to be the coolest and chillest place i went to. a laid back vibe is what captures my heart the most not to mention the very helpful and friendly locals.

Day 2 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Sunrise Beach, don’t forget pay a visit to Pattaya Beach.

Pattaya Beach

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Tambon Ko Tarutao, Amphoe Mueang Satun, Chang Wat Satun

Pattaya's beach attracts international visitors, weekender's from Bangkok, as well as expatiates. Jet-skiing and para sailing are popular activities at Pattaya's beaches.

ลูกกล้วย: Night, light and sound Suitable for chilling

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Pattaya Beach, Akira Lipe Resort nearby is the best place to stay.

Akira Lipe Resort

Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, AKIRA Lipe Resort is 500 metre from Lipe Floating Pontoon. It features cozy accommodation with air conditioning and free WiFi access. The accommodation will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV, a DVD player and a sofa seating area. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries. At AKIRA Lipe Resort you will find a tour desk and luggage storage.

Swimming pool

Day 3 | Morning

Sunset beach.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Sunset Beach, 91000, Thailand

Sunset Beach is located on the west side of Koh Lipe. It is smaller than Sunrise Beach, but it is a great place to watch the sunset. The water here is clear, the location is relatively remote, there are few people, and it is very quiet. In the evening, sit on the wooden plank road by the sea and capture the beauty of the sunset, which is spectacular and charming.

INDY: Quiet and clean, even if it rains, it cannot destroy the beauty of the sea.

Trip.com User: all i can say perfect

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Sanom Beach.

Sanom Beach

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Ko Lipe, Thailand

Sanom Beach has beautiful scenery, clear blue water, and soft sandy beaches. It is a good place to relax.

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Ananya Lipe Beach Resort is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Ananya Lipe Beach Resort

Ananya Lipe Beach Resort features 2 outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and a children's pool. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants. The property also offers a snack bar/deli. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's 3 bars/lounges. A complimentary breakfast is offered each morning. A computer station is located on site and wireless Internet access is complimentary.

Airport pickup service

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

  • Day 1: Ko Lipe
  • Day 2: Sunrise Beach, Pattaya Beach
  • Day 3: Sunset Beach, Sanom Beach

Find What to Do in Koh Lipe in 3 Days Tour

17:00pm beachfront seaview yoga class at keirita’s yoga shala, koh lipe island hopping tour (join trip) by longtail boat 【yepee tour】.

  • Koh Lipe Island Hopping Tour (Join trip) by Longtail Boat

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Thailand Island Hopping: Krabi to Koh Lipe (Route & Tips)

Thailand island hopping: krabi to koh lipe (route & tips).

Island hopping in Thailand is becoming increasingly popular. Numerous travelers and backpackers from all over the world come every year to explore the beautiful islands in South Thailand . An itinerary for an island hopping in Thailand trip can be easily put together by yourself and is a great choice to explore the most beautiful places of the countries islands world. The accommodations are good and cheap, and the transport from one island to another is easy to organize. Especially popular are the amazing islands of the Andaman Sea, with the tour from Krabi to Koh Lipe being one of the most spectacular. But what are the best highlights for Thailand island hopping, what are the insider tips, and which islands are a must on any itinerary?

In this travel guide you will find all the important information about island hopping in Thailand. We give you plenty of tips to plan your itinerary, great recommendations and show you one of the absolutely best routes for your individual tour.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Good to know!

The best time for island hopping in the Andaman Sea is from December to the end of April. Then the rainy season is over, and you can enjoy a lot of sun and hardly any rain!

2 weeks of island hopping is just enough to explore some of the best islands in Thailand . However, if you want to see a bit more, 3 weeks or 4 weeks is the perfect amount of time.

Getting between the islands is uncomplicated by speedboat, ferry or longtail boat. Tickets are available locally, but also online , for example easy on 12go.asia .

Under “ Packing list Thailand ” you will also find a packing list for island hopping! Especially, a waterproof backpack is really practical to protect important valuables from moisture.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Thailand Island Hopping: Your Perfect Itinerary

Island hopping in Thailand gives you the opportunity to experience some of the absolute most beautiful highlights and beaches of the country. Here you virtually hop from one tropical island pearl to the next, and you will get the chance to visit real dream islands off the typical routes. Here you will find a recommendation for a perfect island-hopping route through the Andaman Sea.

Krabi Province is one of the most scenic areas in southern Thailand and Krabi Town is the ideal starting point for island hopping tours to the breathtaking island world. Also we suggest starting your itinerary from Krabi. Krabi Town does not have beaches, but the night market, the nearby Tiger Cave Temple and the Emerald Pool are definitely worth a visit. Moreover, this small town is located only 13 kilometers from Krabi airport and 4 kilometers from the ferry. Another point why you should start your island hopping trip here.

Tip : In Krabi Town, we can recommend the beautiful Family Tree Hotel . This affordable design hotel is centrally located and also offers a delicious breakfast.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a peninsula , but since the bay is separated from the mainland by deep jungle and can only be reached by longtail boat from Krabi town or Ao Nang, you immediately get a real island feeling . In addition, many small offshore islands await you here, which you can reach via a short trip with the longtail boat on a 4 Island Tour. The gigantic limestone rocks, the jungle, the breathtaking Phra Nang Beach and the beautiful Railay Beach offer an unbeatable ambience. A real paradise for beach lovers, but also for climbers!

Tip : Really ingenious is the Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa . It is located very romantically, directly on the sea and the modern pool area is an absolute highlight.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Koh Jum (Koh Pu)

Koh Jum is, still, one of the absolute insider tips among backpackers and individual travelers, and moreover, a real highlight of any Thailand island-hopping itinerary. This island is located on the west coast of Thailand, and it is still really tranquil, the locals are extremely hospitable, and the beaches are wonderful for swimming. If you like it very quiet, and you enjoy being part of local life, then you should definitely put Koh Jum on your Thailand Island Hopping list.

Tip : On Koh Jum you can still find the typical bungalows directly by the sea! Really lovely is the inexpensive Sun Smile Beach , but also the luxurious Koh Jum Beach Villas are a great choice.

koh lipe travel itinerary

The island of Koh Lanta has always inspired and is in any case a place that you must have seen and experienced when going on an island hopping trip in Thailand. You can explore the sights of the island best with a scooter, which you can borrow at every corner. Beautiful quiet beaches in Koh Lanta can be found everywhere along the coast, up to the end of the national park. Really great are the quaint hippie bars , which give this island a really chill flair and from where you can enjoy probably the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.

Tip : If you are looking for really great places for where to stay in Koh Lanta , we recommend taking a look at the unique and yet quite affordable Lanta Casa Blanca !

koh lipe travel itinerary

Koh Ngai (Ko Hai)

Koh Ngai is one of those dream islands where you would like to be stranded. The white, fine sandy beach lined with palm trees and the crystal clear water are simply breathtakingly beautiful. There are no roads, no stores, no noisy tuk-tuks, only peace and relaxation. The island is absolutely paradise and therefore a real insider tip of every island hopping route. Backpackers stay here best and cheapest in a tent hotel , directly on the beach. Of course, you will also find some more luxury hotels with pools and restaurants on this island.

Tip : Really recommendable is the Thanya Beach Resort , which convinces with dreamlike bungalows, pool and excellent location on the most beautiful beach section of the island.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Koh Mook is an island that shouldn’t be missed on any island route through South Thailand. Much of this island pearl consists of deep jungle and intact nature, but you will also find small, charming villages and beaches that are lined with palm trees. In addition, you will find here probably the most famous sight of the Trang region! A real highlight is the Emerald Cave , a sea cave that leads to a pirate bay. Beautiful and another celebrity is the Sivalai Beach , most likely one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Tip : For an exceptional stay, we recommend the Sivalai Beach Resort , a dreamlike hotel at the island’s most beautiful beach. For backpackers, we can recommend the lovely Mook Montra .

koh lipe travel itinerary

Koh Kradan is a true dream island and a must when Thailand island hopping! The turquoise blue sea and velvety soft light sandy beach conjure a tropical backdrop like from a picture book. If you like snorkeling, Koh Kradan is the right place for you. At the offshore reef , you have the opportunity to explore a colorful underwater world. You can definitely spend a few relaxing days on this island pearl as well. If you don’t have that much time, the best way to visit this beautiful place is to take a longtail boat trip from the neighboring islands of Koh Mook or Koh Ngai.

Tip : Koh Kradan has only a few accommodations, these should be booked in advance . Especially recommended is the fantastic The Reef Resort with its house reef!

koh lipe travel itinerary

Koh Bulon is probably one of the most stunning islands in Thailand and for many travelers an absolute highlight on every island hopping route. The mini island is undoubtedly still a real insider tip , and you can expect a postcard idyll at its best. Absolutely spectacular are the gorgeous white beaches, the turquoise blue sea and the breathtakingly quiet flair that surrounds Koh Bulon. In addition, the island is tiny, and so you walk from one end of the island to the other just 20 minutes. Many people skip this beautiful paradise on their way to Koh Lipe. Actually, it’s a pity, this island should definitely be seen.

koh lipe travel itinerary

The famous island of Koh Lipe , with its beautiful white sandy beaches and the still intact coral reefs, attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Despite the many vacationers, you should absolutely have seen this island jewel once. Especially when diving and snorkeling, you get your money’s worth! Koh Lipe is the last stop on this island hopping route. If you still haven’t had enough, you can travel on to Malaysia/Langkawi or head for the great islands on the east coast.

The more comfortable way back is by speedboat to Pak Bara Pier in Satun on the mainland, and further by minibus to Krabi.

Tip : A unique stay guarantees the Ten Moons Lipe Resort , which is a really popular place to stay and therefore often fully booked.

koh lipe travel itinerary

Thailand Island Hopping Tips:

  • Travel Time : The best travel time for island hopping on the west coast of southern Thailand is from November to mid-April . During this time, the rainy season should be over, but it can rain occasionally from time to time. In the rainy season, like in Mai, July, August and September, you have to expect limited ferry connections and plenty of hotels and restaurants will be closed! On the other hand, you will find some amazingly cheap hotel deals. More about the best travel times in SEA check out here – best time to travel to Southeast Asia .
  • How long : For a complete tour, we suggested planning at least 3 weeks, better even 4 weeks ’ time. If you only have 2 weeks for island hopping, then just think about which island in the south of Thailand you really want to see and skip some other islands. For one week of island hopping, we would recommend visiting the islands Koh Mook , Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan .
  • Cost : Prices for Island Hopping can be very varied depending on if you are traveling on a budget or if you prefer luxury travel. Plan for your trip as a backpacker with a budget of a minimum of 45 euros per day. Of course, for luxury also in Thailand, there are no price limits. Generally, the food in Thailand is quite cheap. For local dishes such as Phat Thai, Green Curry or Fried Rice, you can count on about 1.00-3.00 Euro per dish. Simple beach huts are available from around 500 baht.
  • Where to stay : Generally, you will find on each island mentioned above a selection of different accommodation in every price range. The prices vary depending on the season, and you often get cheap bargains in the low season. Higher prices will be charged around Christmastime and holidays. Best to compare the hotel ratings and rates on booking.com .
  • Rent scooters : Exploring an island by scooter is a fantastic way to see all the amazing beaches and small villages. We did that on Koh Lanta and Koh Jum, and it was a great adventure.
  • Getting around : On each of the islands described above, you will find hotels and agencies that will be more than happy to organize your onward transport. If you want to organize your transport ticket in advance, you should use 12go.asia . You usually travel between the islands by speed boat, ferry or longtail boat. Comparing the prices before booking is always a good idea because there are a variety of providers and variants.

Find the best accommodation in South Thailand:

Read more about thailands paradise islands:, koh lipe: ultimate thailand island experience, koh ngai: the paradise island travel guide, koh kradan: a travel guide to paradise, koh mook island: paradise found in thailand, koh jum (koh pu) guide: get lost in paradise, top 15 unique things to do in koh lanta.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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The photos are stunning! Hope, I’ll be there one day…

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Thanks for a detailed post on some of the best islands in Thailand. I have been to some of these islands – Krabi, Phuket and Phi Phi and they were gorgeous. We also did 4-islands tour from Krabi and that took us to Railey and some other beautiful beaches. Thailand is so amazing, isn’t it? Your post makes me want to go back.

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Thanks for your nice words Medha! Oh yes Thailand is really amazing, I always love to come back there, it never gets boring 🙂

Have a nice day Martina

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Wow, beautiful spread of photos! The beaches look so clean and perfect. This is my dream vacation right here.

Thanks Melanie, Thailand is really amazing, we would love to go back there soon. Have a lovely day,

Martina and Jürgen

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WOW what beautiful pictures and so well organized, I have been to Thailand a number of times, though never did visit any islands, next time I am there will try Island Hopping in South, thanks to your post!!

thank you so much for your great words. We are happy that we cold give you some more Thailand inspirations – Where have you been to Thailand before?

Have a nice day Martina and Jürgen

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Honesty, I had no idea Thailand has so many islands. Definitely, a dream come true! 🙂

hahaha – yes there are so many places to explore in Thailand. We will go back one day to travel some more Islands – thats for sure 😉

have a nice day Martina and Jürgen

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English

IMAGES

  1. Koh Lipe Itinerary: 4 Days Exploring Thailand's Tiny Tropical Paradise

    koh lipe travel itinerary

  2. Koh Lipe is the perfect Thai island paradise. With clear blue water

    koh lipe travel itinerary

  3. Ko Lipe

    koh lipe travel itinerary

  4. 21 Incredible Things To Do In Koh Lipe Thailand for The Ultimate Vacation

    koh lipe travel itinerary

  5. 5-Day Koh Lipe Itinerary

    koh lipe travel itinerary

  6. Koh Lipe

    koh lipe travel itinerary

COMMENTS

  1. Koh Lipe Itinerary: 4 Days Exploring Thailand's Tiny Tropical Paradise

    3. Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe. Depart Koh Lanta Saladan Pier either 10:30 or 13:00, speedboat to Koh Lipe takes 2 hours on the 10:30 or 2h 45m on the 13:00 with stops along the way. Check prices for Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe. 4. Koh Muk to Koh Lipe. Depart Koh Muk Pier (East) at 14:15, speedboat to Koh Lipe takes 1h 30m.

  2. The Ultimate Koh Lipe Guide (2024 Update)

    Flights from Bangkok to Koh Lipe depart at 6.45am. It's an early start, but necessary to get to reach the island in one day. In the low season, you can get a one-way ticket for 1,500 THB. In the high season and public holidays, a one-way ticket can cost up to than 4,000 THB.

  3. Getting to Koh Lipe: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for 2024

    A ferry ride from Phuket to Koh Lipe costs between 2,000 and 2,800 Thai Baht. Speedboat travel is the quickest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe. The journey costs 3,400 baht and takes just 3 hours. Since the speedboat from Phuket to Koh Lipe leaves at 8:30 AM, lunch will be served on the island.

  4. Koh Lipe Island (2024): The Ultimate Guide to Paradise!

    Explore Koh Lipe: Uncover the beauty of Thailand's pristine island with tips on travel, stays, activities, and more in our comprehensive guide. ... with travel times varying: From Koh Lanta, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. ... Sample Itineraries Sample Itinerary 1: Relaxing Beach Getaway (4 Days) Day 1: Arrival in Paradise ...

  5. 5-Day Koh Lipe Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Koh Lipe Thailand

    Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry. Depart from Langkawi to Koh Lipe via the Kuah Jetty or Telaga Harbor Marina, with Kuah Jetty having an immigration desk. Speedboat ferries depart between 9 am and 2:30 pm and arrive between 10:15 am and 3 pm, based on when you leave. Total travel is about 1.5 hours to get there.

  6. Things To Do in Koh Lipe Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

    The ultimate Koh Lipe Travel Guide includes the perfect itinerary for your holiday gateway. We will show you how to get to Koh Lipe from various transportation options, things to do, what to eat, and where to stay in this Koh Lipe travel blog. Stay tuned! Located 60 km from the mainland, Koh Lipe is the most southern island in Thailand. It is ...

  7. Koh Lipe Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    3.Go on a Day Trip to Koh Adang (Hike Koh Lipe Viewpoint) If you like spectacular vistas and want to get some exercise, you can climb the mountain on Koh Adang, the island in front of Koh Lipe, to get a birds-eye view of the "Maldives of Thailand". The boat ride to Koh Adang takes about 20 mins.

  8. Koh Lipe: A Guide to Thailand's Paradise Island

    Krabi to Koh Lipe. Getting from mainland Thailand to the island can be done in a few ways. From Krabi, either take a minivan (5 hours) to Pak Bara Pier or a ferry (2 hours) to Koh Lipe. Get tickets from Pak Bara here. Alternatively, take the ferry (7 hours) from Krabi Town (Klong Jilad Pier) to Koh Lipe.

  9. Ko Lipe Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    One-hour rentals are 150-200 THB while daily rentals cost around 400-500 THB. 7. Go fishing. If you're an avid fisher, you can arrange fishing trips in the waters around Ko Lipe. If you are in Tarutao National Park, fishing is prohibited, so make sure you find a guide that takes you to where fishing is permitted.

  10. Koh Lipe, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 15 Can't-Miss Things to Do

    When we visited Koh Lipe, we had just come from a meditation retreat at Wat Pa Tam Wua in northern Thailand, and immediately felt at peace on the grounds of this small island temple. 10. Art Garden Batik Workshop. Take a break from the beach and head to the Lipe Art Garden.

  11. 14 Best Things To Do koh Lipe in 2024

    4. Take a Bird's-Eye Look at the Island. Climb the mountain on Koh Adang, the island in front of Koh Lipe, for a birds-eye perspective of the - Maldives of Thailand - if you enjoy breathtaking vistas and want to get some exercise. It takes about 20 minutes to go to Koh Adang by boat.

  12. DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand

    By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor August 17th, 2022 Posted in Asia Travel Blog, DIY Travel, Travel Blog 5 Comments. DIY Travel Guide Series: 4 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand. There are three major beaches in Koh Lipe: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Pattaya Beach is the busiest beach among the three beaches especially in High Season.

  13. 12 Awesome Things to Do on Koh Lipe, Thailand

    Koh Lipe is the definition of a tropical island paradise and the powdery beaches, mesmerising turquoise water, and colourful underwater world are just some of the reasons that make it worth adding to your Thailand itinerary! I hope this Koh Lipe travel guide has helped you plan your island adventure!

  14. Practical Guide to Koh Lipe: Hidden Gem of Thailand

    You have 2 options: go via land (bus/train) or air travel. Bus or train ride takes 12-15 hours. Flights are of course relatively faster, and airline companies AirAsia and Nok Air offers Fly n' Ferry packages, which include flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai, shuttle to Pak Bara pier and then ferry/speedboat to Koh Lipe.

  15. Island guide: Koh Lipe, The Maldives Of Thailand

    Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is the southernmost island in Thailand, 60km from the Thai mainland and only 30km from Langkawi, Malaysia. As one of the 51 islands that make up Tarutao National Marine Park and part of the Adang Archipelago, the island offers fantastic marine and reef life for underwater enthusiasts.

  16. Best Things to do in Koh Lipe Thailand: Ultimate Guide

    After spending two weeks in Malaysia, I decided to travel to Koh Lipe next to kick off my 10-day Thailand itinerary since it's located just a 1.5-hour boat ride from Langkawi. And being far from the main tourist destinations in Thailand really helps to keep the crowds to a minimum, so I had to visit!

  17. Koh Lipe: Ultimate Thailand Island Experience!

    The best time to travel to Koh Lipe is the dry season from late November to May. Less recommended are the months of June to September because at this time you can expect a lot of rain and strong waves. ... so don't miss this jewel on your Koh Lipe itinerary! Tip: At the bottom of Pattaya Beach, a small wooden walkway leads over to Sanom Beach ...

  18. 3 Days in Koh Lipe Trip: Budgets, Hotels, Food & Attractions

    Guaranteed not lonely. ใบโพธิ์: "Koh Lipe" Satun Province, Koh Lipe on Koh Lipe has 3 beaches: 1. Pattaya Beach (Bandaya Beach) 2. Sunrise Beach (Chao Le Beach), one of the most beautiful sunrise viewing spots in Andaman ever and 3. Sunset Beach (Fishing Beach), each beach can be connected to each other, about 1 minute walk together.

  19. Thailand Island Hopping: Krabi to Koh Lipe (Route & Tips)

    Thailand Island Hopping: Krabi to Koh Lipe (Route & Tips) Island hopping in Thailand is becoming increasingly popular. Numerous travelers and backpackers from all over the world come every year to explore the beautiful islands in South Thailand.An itinerary for an island hopping in Thailand trip can be easily put together by yourself and is a great choice to explore the most beautiful places ...

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    All the best things to do in Lyubertsy. Know the popular attractions & nearby tourist places to visit. Pro tips for food, stays, activities, transport & shopping.

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