Koh Lipe: Where Dreams Come to Life

Thailand turns dreams into reality. Picture golden Buddhas in fancy temples, lots of pad thai, cheap massages, and islands full of palm trees. Indeed, these visions become true experiences in this beautiful country. I recommend for a truly exotic experience that you visit Koh Lipe a pristine paradise island.

Let’s Begin in Bangkok

Start your trip in Bangkok. There, you’ll find the Grand Palace, colourful flower markets, and tall buildings with rooftop bars. Furthermore, the city offers a mix of old and new sights to enjoy. After exploring Bangkok, it’s time to leave the city to visit Koh Lipe for beaches and a change of pace. Visit Koh Lipe to experience the epitome of Thai island beauty.

Northern Temple Temptations

If you have plenty of time and don’t mind the added travelling then head north from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. This city has some of the most amazing Buddhist temples you’ll ever see. Nearby Chiang Mai also offers more temples and, equally important, delicious Thai food to try.

Once you’ve had your fill of northern cuisine, I’d recommend heading down south to visit Koh Lipe for some incredible seafood and a much needed rest.

Best Islands to Visit in Thailand

There are many easy-to-reach Thai islands, each one offering it’s own distinct unique experience. You can find beaches, activities, and places to stay. Some islands, however, are unique. Koh Ngai, for example, has beach resorts but no cars, roads, or houses.

Visit Koh Lipe to experience a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comforts.

If you are curious I have written about what I think are the Most Popular Islands to Visit in Thailand. I hope it helps spark your imagination and ignites your travel desire.

Off the Beaten Track

Consequently I am not talking about the popular or most visited of islands. I am talking about finding paradise. So for a truly special experience, visit Koh Lipe, which offers a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. Let’s start with Koh Lipe, (incidentally, my personal favourite) I will place another link to some of the more popular islands, you should consider, towards the end of the post.

Visit Koh Lipe

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Koh Lipe

As i said, Koh Lipe is my favourite Thai island. It is often called “the Maldives of the Thai islands.” Also people consider it to have some of Thailand’s best beaches. This is your paradise island in the beautiful Andaman Sea.

Quiet and Unspoiled

Unlike busy Phuket, Koh Lipe is far south, closer to Malaysia than Bangkok. This location means fewer crowds and less development. The longer travel time is, therefore, worth it for a more peaceful experience.

A Perfect Mix of Comfort and Nature

Koh Lipe has many hotels and restaurants. It also has untouched natural areas to explore. You can walk everywhere or take a tuktuk. There are no cars or busy roads here.

Small tour companies can help you with water activities and trips to nearby islands. Otherwise you can easily explore on your own.

In my view, Koh Lipe offers the perfect mix. It has just enough for tourists without losing its natural beauty and culture. Moreover, its beaches, clear waters, and scenery might be the best of all Thai islands.

Planning Your Trip to Koh Lipe

Getting to Koh Lipe

Some Thai islands have piers, but many don’t. You might need to walk through shallow water to reach the shore. For example, at Koh Ngai, you’ll find a simple dock instead of a big pier.

Plan for a Long Trip

Reaching Koh Lipe takes time. Plan to stay at least 3 days. You can visit other islands on the way. Furthermore, Koh Lipe is Thailand’s southernmost island. It’s 2 hours by boat from Langkawi, Malaysia. Many backpackers use this route between Thailand and Malaysia.

Getting Started

From Bangkok, fly to Krabi or Phuket. Koh Lipe has no airport. The nearest airports are in Hat Yai or Trang. From there, you can take a boat from the main pier at Pak Bara.

To illustrate here’s how I travelled to Koh Lipe:
1. Flew to Krabi from Bangkok and stayed for two nights
2. Took a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta for a few days
3. Finally, took a speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe

Booking Transportation

I only booked my flights in advance. For other transportation, I waited until I arrived. I asked hotel staff and local tour operators about prices. Then, I compared them to find the best deals. Usually, I bought tickets just one day before travelling.

My Journey to Koh Lipe:

From Krabi to Koh Lanta

One ferry leaves Krabi Town for Koh Lanta each day in late morning. I walked from my hotel to Chao Fah Park Pier to catch it. The boat took me to Khlong Mak Pier on Koh Lanta’s north end. At this point, many tuktuks waited to take tourists to their hotels.

From Krabi Airport

If you’re at Krabi Airport, you have options. You can take a cheap local minibus to town. Alternatively, you could hire a taxi. There might even be vans going straight to Koh Lanta, though these cost more.

Van Service Option

Besides the ferry, you can choose a van service. These vans pick you up from your Krabi Town or Ao Nang hotel. They drive down the coast, take a short ferry ride, and then drop you off at your Koh Lanta hotel. Your hotel or local tour guides can help arrange this.

Why I Chose the Ferry to Koh Lanta

I picked the ferry after reading about bad experiences with vans online. Evidently, vans can get very crowded during the 2+ hour trip. Some drivers make many stops to pick up more passengers or even deliver mail. Therefore, the van service seemed less reliable to me.

The Final Speedboat Leg

I was nervous about the speedboat ride. Bad weather can make the journey rough and dangerous. Furthermore, I’d heard that some boat companies have issues like delays, engine troubles, and too many passengers. I prepared for the worst!

Surprisingly, my trip went smoothly. I bought my ticket from a tour company near my hotel in Koh Lanta. After some bargaining, they even offered a free van ride to the pier for the next morning.

The boat arrived on time under clear skies. Our trip lasted about 3 hours. We stopped at a few other islands along the way. Overall, the journey was much better than I had expected.

Sleepy Fellow Travellers

During the trip, I noticed many passengers falling asleep despite the bumpy ride. They probably took motion sickness pills before boarding. Luckily, there were enough empty seats for everyone to spread out and nap comfortably.

Reaching Koh Lipe’s Shore

Koh Lipe doesn’t have a pier. Therefore, our speedboat stopped offshore. Small long tail boats came to take us to the beach in groups.

We landed on Pattaya Beach, near Walking Street. This is Koh Lipe’s busiest area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants here. Also from here you can reach anywhere on the island in about 20 minutes.

Getting to Your Hotel

My hotel gave me a phone number to call for a free pickup. A tuktuk drove me through the island’s walkways. In the event that your hotel doesn’t offer this, don’t worry. You can hire a tuktuk from the beach or walk to your hotel.

Tip for a Smoother Journey

Many passengers seemed to have taken medicine for sea sickness. If you travel during high season, however, you’re more likely to have calm seas and avoid getting sick.

Koh Lipe Travel Tips

The trip to Koh Lipe can be long. But It’s worth the effort.

Be Ready for the Water

Expect to get wet on your trip. Some islands don’t have piers, so you might wade through shallow water or ride in small boats. Speedboats can splash you too. Therefore, keep your valuables safe and prepare for wet clothes and bags.

Watch the Weather

Monsoon season runs from May to October. During this time, boat rides can be bumpier also there are fewer trips available.

Plan According to Season

In high season, book rides and rooms early. In low season, you can usually arrange everything on travel day.

Book Through Your Hotel

When possible, let your hotel arrange your transportation. This way, they can set up pick-ups and drop-offs right to your door. If you think their prices are too high, check with local tour shops first. Consequently, you’ll know what prices to expect.

Ask Locals for Help

Don’t be shy about asking locals for advice. For instance, I told my Krabi Town hotel staff I was worried about getting seasick. They suggested taking a ferry to Koh Lanta instead of a speedboat. Bigger boats are more stable. Most people I met were friendly and eager to help.

Things to do in Koh Lipe

After your long journey, you’ll finally reach Koh Lipe. I promise it’s worth the trip! You can choose to do a lot or just relax. Certainly, there’s a little something for every-body. Here’s what I look forward to when I’m in Koh Lipe:

1. Hit the Beach

If you love island-hopping in Thailand, you probably love great beaches. Koh Lipe has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen! Moreover, each beach has its own special charm.
Here’s a look at the main beaches in Koh Lipe, starting with my favourite:

Bulow Beach

Bulow Beach sits at the northernmost point of Koh Lipe. It’s a small, peaceful beach that’s often uncrowded. The beach is below Mountain Resort Koh Lipe, but you won’t find any bars or restaurants here. Here you can simply enjoy chilling under the shade of palm trees while watching boats sail by.

How to Get There

To reach Bulow Beach, you can either:
i. Cut through the resort property from the road
ii. Walk north along Sunrise Beach

Unique Features

The beach’s coolest feature is a narrow strip of fine, white sand. It stretches into the clear, turquoise sea, forming a shallow pool. The water is also calm and clear everywhere. You can even see fish swimming around your feet!

Why Bulow Beach is Special

Bulow Beach might become your favourite part of Koh Lipe. It’s quiet, remote, and unspoiled. Moreover its calm waters and uncrowded shores make it incredibly beautiful.

Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach covers most of Koh Lipe’s eastern coast. It’s a lively place with romantic resorts, dive shops, and fun beach bars. Surprisingly, you can walk its entire length in just 20 minutes!

How to Get There

To reach Sunrise Beach, you can:
i. Cut through any resort property from the main road
ii. Find a marked path

I found a narrow dirt path leading to Sea La Vie Bar, a cool outdoor spot with perfect island decorations.

What to Expect

Sunrise Beach is busier than Bulow Beach. You’ll see many long tail boats anchored along the shore. Nevertheless, you’ll still enjoy:
i. Perfect turquoise, calm ocean
ii. White sand
iii. Views of cool islands and rock formations like Koh Usen and Koh Tarutao

Why Sunrise Beach is Special

The beach bars here have an amazing, relaxed vibe. There are many great ones to choose from. Furthermore, Sunrise Beach offers a perfect mix of activity and beauty.
Don’t Miss It!
Make sure to visit Sunrise Beach during your stay. It’s a must-see part of Koh Lipe!

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach stretches along Koh Lipe’s southern coast. It’s a busy place where all speedboats to Koh Lipe stop. Small long tail boats then bring people to shore. Like Sunrise Beach, Pattaya Beach is full of activity.

What You’ll Find On Pattaya Beach:

Resorts
Bars
Restaurants
What’s more, it’s directly connected to Walking Street, the main road on the island.

Fun Fact: Walking Street got its name because there are no cars on Koh Lipe. You’ll only see tuktuks and people walking!

Night-time Entertainment

At night, Pattaya Beach comes alive. I even saw fire twirlers performing for dinner guests! It’s the most exciting place on Koh Lipe after dark.

Pattaya Beach is also the closest you’ll get to the party atmosphere of bigger islands like Phuket or Koh Phangan. However, it still keeps Koh Lipe’s relaxed island vibe.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is on Koh Lipe’s western coast. It’s ideal for watching sunsets. Certainly the best time to visit is obviously just before sunset.
Unlike the busier beaches, Sunset Beach is more remote.

What You’ll Find On Sunset Beach:

i. A few scattered resorts
ii. Mostly lush plants and trees
iii. A more off-the-beaten-path feel

How to Get There

To reach Sunset Beach, you’ll need to:
i. Take some jungle paths
i. Follow wooden signs
Along the way, you might pass cool-hippie-style-bars hidden in the woods. You can stop for a drink, and friendly locals will point you in the right direction.

Why It’s Special

Sunset Beach offers a quieter experience compared to other Koh Lipe beaches. Moreover, its western location makes it ideal for watching beautiful sunsets.

Top Tip: Try seeing sunrise and sunset in one day on Koh Lipe. Start at Sunrise Beach. End at Sunset Beach. It’s a magical experience.

2. Explore Underwater Wonders

Koh Lipe is ideal for diving and snorkelling. It has many affordable dive shops. The island has amazing coral reefs to explore. You can see colourful fish and interesting sea creatures up close.

3. Paddle Round the Island

Another fun activity is kayaking. Many dive shops and resorts rent kayaks. This gives you a different view of Koh Lipe. You can also explore small coves and beaches that are hard to reach by walking. Consequently, you’ll discover hidden spots that most visitors don’t see.

4. Take a Stroll Down Walking Street

Walking Street is Koh Lipe’s main road. It’s one of two main streets. You can walk its length in under 10 minutes.

It has many interesting places. Shops sell souvenirs. Restaurants offer delicious meals. Street vendors serve tasty snacks. Bars invite you with drink specials. Tour offices help plan adventures.

You’ll share the narrow road with tuktuks and other walkers. In essence Walking Street is lively and exciting. It’s Koh Lipe’s heart, full of energy and charm.

Furthermore, Walking Street connects two popular beaches. It starts at Sunrise Beach and it ends at Pattaya Beach

5. Treat Yourself to an Authentic Thai-Massage

Try a Thai massage in Koh Lipe. It’s a must-do in Thailand. A full-body massage costs about 500 baht. It helps you relax after exploring. Remember to tip your therapist. Don’t miss this experience in Koh Lipe!

6. Explore Neighbouring Islands

Koh Lipe is in the Tarutao National Marine Park. Many beautiful, uninhabited islands surround it. These pristine places offer even more adventures for curious travellers.

From Koh Lipe, you can take exciting day trips to nearby islands. For example, some popular destinations include Koh Adang, Koh Hin Sorn, and Koh Lugoi. You can explore other islands too. Furthermore, they offer hiking in lush forests. You can snorkel in clear waters. Additionally, there are remote beaches away from crowds.

How to Get There

There are two main ways to visit these nearby islands. First, you can join a group tour organized by a local tour company. They’ll plan your day and show you around. Also, you can chose to rent a private long tail boat. This gives you more freedom to explore. Moreover you can choose how long to stay at each spot. Both options let you see Thailand’s natural beauty.

When To Visit Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, like many islands, has two main seasons. The high season brings better weather and more tourists. Conversely, low season has more rain and fewer people. As a result, your experience can change based on when you visit.

Low Season: May-October

Low season in Koh Lipe runs from May to October. This time matches the monsoon season, bringing lots of rain. Consequently, fewer tourists visit during these months.

If you choose to visit in low season, keep a few things in mind. Some hotels, shops, and restaurants might be closed or under construction. Fewer boats travel to Koh Lipe, so check schedules carefully. They might not run every day. Furthermore, the sea can be rougher during this time.

Additionally, the sea can be rougher during this time. This might cause seasickness for some travellers. Nevertheless, low season has its benefits. You’ll find lower prices and fewer people. It may feel like you have the island to yourself.

Overall, visiting Koh Lipe in low season can be an adventure. Just be prepared for rain and plan your trip carefully. On balance, the peaceful atmosphere and slightly lower costs possibly make it worth braving the wetter weather.

High Season: November to April

High season in Koh Lipe spans from November through to April. During this time, the island sees more sunshine and visitors. If you plan to visit then, book your transportation and hotel early. Many places fill up quickly this time of year.

Furthermore you’ll find larger crowds and higher prices in high season. However, remember that Koh Lipe is still a fairly remote place. Even with more people, it’s not as busy as bigger tourist spots. Additionally, prices in Thailand are generally cheap compared to many other countries.

I visited Koh Lipe in early December, which is part of the high season. I booked my speedboat ticket just a day before, and the boat was only half full. For my hotel, I made a reservation well in advance to be safe.

During my visit, I noticed most crowds were on Walking Street. Surprisingly, I could still easily find empty stretches of beach to enjoy. December was a good time to visit. The weather was sunny. The island felt lively yet relaxed.

Where to Stay in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is small. You can cross it in 10-20 minutes on foot. Consequently, your location doesn’t matter much. Beaches and restaurants are always nearby. Furthermore, the island has small roads for people walking, motorbikes, and tuktuks. You’ll see signs showing the way to different places. As a result, this makes it easy to get around, no matter where you’re staying.

However, if you want to stay right on the beach, you have some choices to make. Sunrise Beach offers the most beach front resorts in Koh Lipe. If you go further north towards Bulow Beach, the resorts become more private. These places often have beach huts, chairs, and umbrellas for guests to relax under.

Pattaya Beach is another good option for beach front stays. You can find many resorts here too. Also there are some budget-friendly places right on the beach, though not as many as on Sunrise Beach.

Overall, where you stay depends on what you want. If you like being in the middle of things, stay near Walking Street. On the contrary, for a quieter time, choose a resort on the north end of Sunrise Beach. You’re always close to Koh Lipe’s beaches and atmosphere. For savings, stay inland. It’s cheaper but still near beaches. You can walk to any beach in 5-10 minutes. Koh Lipe also has many hostels.

During my visit, I stayed at The Reef Hotel. It’s a modern place in the centre of the island with many comforts you might find at home. I paid about $50 per night during high season. This price included a tasty European breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

So… Should You Visit Koh Lipe While Island-Hopping in Thailand?

The short answer is: YES!

Koh Lipe is definitely worth a visit. It has beautiful beaches and clear waters. The island also has a relaxed feel. In addition It’s less busy than other famous Thai islands. Koh Lipe offers both adventure and relaxation.

Is Koh Lipe Worth the Extra Travel?

If you’re already in Thailand, it’s also worth taking time to visit Koh Lipe. This amazing place is special. You might miss out if you only go to the popular islands.
When picking which Thai islands to visit, think about what you want. Do you like lots of things to do? Or do you prefer natural beauty? Your answer will help you decide if Koh Lipe is right for you.

What Makes Koh Lipe Unique

Koh Lipe is small and not very developed. It takes longer to get here than to other well-known Thai islands. However, these things are what make Koh Lipe special.
Because it’s harder to reach, Koh Lipe is simpler and less touristy. You won’t see big crowds here. Instead, you can slow down and relax. The island is small enough to walk around, and you can easily find quiet, pretty spots to enjoy nature.

People love Koh Lipe for its peaceful, unspoiled feel. You can escape and enjoy Thailand’s natural beauty here. In essence,Koh Lipe offers a unique island experience away from tourist spots.

Our Guides to Thailand

Travel Planning Guide for Visiting Koh Lipe

Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Thailand

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Thailand stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in Thailand

Indeed, renting a car in Thailand is easy and is a great way to explore. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

When it comes to lodging, the best time to visit Koh Lipe can affect your accommodation options and prices. The best way to book your accommodation in Thailand is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to Thailand

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the best of Thailand.