Are you considering visiting Koh Lipe, Thailand? The main attraction of this southernmost Thai island is its stunning white sand beaches and turquoise seas. If you are wondering if Koh Lipe is worth visiting, this post will share everything you need to know!
Koh Lipe offers unparalleled scenery, rustic bars and shops, plus a relaxed vibe you won’t find on the mainland. Some of its drawbacks include crowds, trash, and a lengthy journey to reach the island. Yet, travelers seeking an authentic Thailand experience will find Koh Lipe is worth visiting.
I’ve traveled the world and explored stunning beach getaways including the Maldives, Seychelles, French Polynesia and Bali. From experience, I can assure you the beaches in Koh Lipe, Thailand are stunning. This post will share the best things to do in Koh Lipe. Keep reading for all the information you need to plan the perfect Koh Lipe getaway!
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Where is Koh Lipe?
Nestled along the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is a remote beach destination in the southwest Satun Province of Thailand. It’s approximately 26 miles from Langkawi, an archipelago within Malaysia. Koh Lipe is about 160 miles from Krabi and approximately 115 miles from Phuket by ferry. Check out the Koh Lipe map below to familiarize yourself with this tiny island.
Best Things to Do in Koh Lipe, Thailand
1. Explore Koh Lipe Beaches
Affectionately known as the “Maldives of Thailand”, the main attraction in Koh Lipe is the beaches. Although I would personally rank the beaches in the Maldives above the beaches in Koh Lipe, the island does have some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
Compared to Krabi and Phuket, the seas surrounding Koh Lipe are a lighter blue color, have better visibility, and the fine sand is a brighter shade of white. Beaches in Krabi and Phuket tend to be more crowded, have seas with deeper green-blue colors and are surrounded by towering limestone karst landscapes.
There are several beaches in Koh Lipe, but I think the best beaches in Koh Lipe are Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each one!
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Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is a large, southernmost beach where you are likely to start your Koh Lipe vacation. This beach is lively with ferries arriving and departing here throughout the day. Its close proximity to shops and restaurants near Walking Street ensure this is a hub of activity and parties. Although Pattaya Beach is beautiful, you might find it a bit too busy.
Sunrise Beach
Next, make your way around to the south eastern side of the island to my personal favorite, Sunrise Beach. I suggest staying near Sunrise Beach because of its serene atmosphere and pristine beauty. You can walk along this beach for about a mile, but rocks along the southeast side prevent you for being able to circumnavigate the island. The best time to enjoy Sunrise Beach, as its name suggests, is at sunrise. We woke early each morning to enjoy the colorful skies and peaceful vibe along this long stretch of sand.
Sunrise Beach is perfect for those seeking relaxation or adventure. During our stay, the surf at Sunrise Beach was calm and we relaxed bobbing on rafts with drinks in hand. Long-tail boats are readily available, for those wanting to snorkel off shore. We also saw visitors kayaking around nearby Ko Usen, a rocky island. Keep reading to learn more about things to do in Koh Lipe!
Bulow Beach
Just a bit north from Sunrise Beach, you will find Bulow Beach. It covers the area between Andaman Resort and Mountain Resort Koh Lipe. Since this is the closest point to Koh Adang, this is the perfect place to hire a water taxi for a day trip to the island.
North Point Beach
The northernmost beach in Koh Lipe is North Point Beach. Visitors stop here to enjoy the sunset or numerous beach bars nearby. Make sure to stop by Ting Tong bar.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Use caution when swimming here, as currents can be strong.
Sunset Beach
At dusk, make your way over to Sunset Beach which is southwest from North Point Beach. Here we found beach-goers relaxing on bean bags while sipping beers purchased from a makeshift wooden shack. Nothing beats digging your toes into the warm golden sand while watching the sun dip below the horizon. This was one of my favorite things to do in Koh Lipe!
Lipe Secret Beach
If you are up for a rugged adventure, you can make your way to Lipe Secret Beach. You’ll have to hike along a small jungle path through trees and over rocks to find this hidden beach. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for the trek. One downside of Lipe Secret Beach is that trash often washes up along its shore. This isolated beach doesn’t have facilities, so make the trip with snacks and drinks if you decide to visit.
Batata Beach
This charming beach on the southeast portion of the island is more off the beaten path. From Walking Street it’s about a 30-40 walk to reach this secluded spot, mostly visited by locals.
Pantai Galah Beach
As you make your way along the southern region of Koh Lipe heading east, you can find another hidden gem in Koh Lipe called Pantai Galah Beach. This beach has a small sandy area to rest, surrounded by jagged rocks and trees. It’s easier to reach by boat or kayak, but you can also hike along a trail for 30 minutes to find it. This is a secluded location without any bathrooms or amenities.
Sanom Beach
Sanom Beach, just west of Pattaya Beach, is accessible via a narrow wooden platform. Here you can find the 3-star Sanom Beach Lipe Resort, which is locally owned and operated. It’s a great lunch location with a nearby dive center. This beach is family-friendly and a great place for swimming.
Daya Beach
A few steps away from Pattaya Beach, you will find Daya Beach. Daya Beach Resort is a humble spot for budget-conscious travelers. I heard this is a private beach, so we decided not to make the trek to visit it. However, other travelers reported visiting it and said it was a charming location with a long stretch of sand, a few scattered reports, and a cozy restaurant if you want to grab a bite to eat.
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2. Enjoy Water Sports in Koh Lipe: Snorkel, Scuba Dive & Kayak
Another main attraction of Koh Lipe is its water sports and abundant marine life. I highly recommend taking advantage of the water sports in Koh Lipe.
There’s really no need to make advance reservations for snorkeling- you can easily make reservations the day before with your hotel. Simply rent gear and snorkel at the popular beaches or join an organized tour offshore.
We had plans to snorkel when we arrived, and sadly, we had to cancel our excursions. The first was cancelled due to windy conditions and then our group contracted a violent bout of norovirus. I’ll spare you the details! However locals and tourists both confirmed that the snorkeling here is excellent.
Koh Lipe is also an incredible location for scuba diving. Although I am a certified diver, the gals in my group were not. So, I regretfully didn’t have a chance to go scuba diving in Koh Lipe. If you are interested, there are numerous tours to choose from ranging in price based on location and duration. You can even get your Open Water certification in Koh Lipe. The best diving conditions are from May to November.
Kayaking is also very accessible on Koh Lipe. You can rent a kayak for approximately 200 baht right from the beach.
Seeking Stamps Tip: I highly recommend searching for bioluminescence at night if you get the chance! The best times to see it are November through May! I highly recommend snorkeling tours in Koh Lipe like this one!
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3. Take a Day Trip to Koh Adang Island
Another favorite thing to do in Koh Lipe is take a day trip to Koh Adang island. You can hire a water taxi for approximately 200-300 baht or book a tour to Koh Adang. The trip takes approximately 10-15 minutes by long tail boat. Make sure to confirm a pick-up time with your water taxi for the return back to Koh Lipe.
Once you arrive, enjoy the beach or do the Chao Dao hike 45-60 minutes up to one of three captivating viewpoints. The trek isn’t difficult, but I suggest wearing sturdy shoes. Also bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water to cope with the humidity. I also recommend starting the hike in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
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4. Get Pampered With Thai Massages
Nothing beats a Thai massage (they are seriously the best in the world)! We honestly had some form of massage, either full body or a simple foot massage, daily. Prices are so affordable, why not?! Most of them were about 10-15 dollars per hour and felt incredible.
It’s easy to pop into the family-owned massage shops along Walking Street without a reservation since they are much more casual than ones in the U.S. Most of them consist of numerous chairs in a row, with foot massage patrons in a large room together. Full body massages have more privacy in solo rooms.
5. Explore Koh Lipe’s Beach Bars
Another favorite thing to do in Koh Lipe is go bar hopping. There are numerous lively choices and the best part is the easy walk back to your hotel (if you have a few too many drinks). Some of our favorites were Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar, Sea la Vie , and Maya Bar.
Zodiac Bar
This “must-see” bar in Koh Lipe is perched at the northern point on the island (at Bulow Beach). It’s known for its laid back daytime vibe, exciting nighttime fire shows, and Full Moon parties.
Sea la Vie
This cute seaside bar is adorned with colorful signs and offers a beachfront setting at Sunrise Beach. It’s definitely an Instagram-lover’s favorite!
Jungle Bar
This popular bar in Koh Lipe is a hidden gem along the end of Walking Street. If we hadn’t been staying nearby, we would have missed it. With a thatched roof and rasta-style vibes, this is a great choice if you don’t need an ocean view.
Maya Bar
This is a great local bar with music. It’s super casual with a sandy floor. It’s close to walking street, but not next to the water.
Castaway Bar/Restaurant
Located at the Castaway Resort, this relaxed beachside bar is a great place to grab drinks, have a bite to eat, or enjoy happy hour specials from 4:00-6:00 every day. This is another great bar along Sunrise Beach.
6. Explore Walking Street
After you’ve had your fill of sunshine, it’s time to explore the shops and restaurants of Walking Street in Koh Lipe. Walking Street is a little over a half mile in length and connects Pattaya Beach to Sunrise Beach. It is simple to navigate and only takes about 15 minutes to walk from end to end. Here you will find souvenir shops, massage parlours, bars and restaurants.
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7. Tarutao National Marine Park
Hopefully your ferry will make a pit-stop at Tarutao National Park along your journey to Koh Lipe like ours did. The national park consists of 51 islands with gorgeous beaches and interesting wildlife. Entrance fees are 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children.
8. Take a Yoga Class on the Beach in Koh Lipe
Another fun thing to do in Koh Lipe is take a yoga class on the beach! Classes are offered at sunrise and sunset from Castaway Resort and local yoga studios. Prices start at 400 baht. I can’t think of a more relaxing location for your savasana!
9. Watch a Fire Show in Koh Lipe
Try to see a thrilling fire show when you visit Koh Lipe. I was honestly a little nervous with the pyrotechnics and kept my distance, but the skill of the performers is pretty mesmerizing!
10. Visit Koh Lipe’s Hantalay Temple
Although Koh Lipe doesn’t have large temples like you would find in Bangkok, you can visit one tiny Buddhist temple. Hantalay Temple (Wat Hantalay) is a modest monastery located between Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach. If you are looking for a bit of culture in Koh Lipe- check it out.
Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting?
With gorgeous scenery, incredible beaches and numerous things to do in Koh Lipe Thailand, it is definitely worth visiting. I recommend the island for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxed island vibe. Families with young children and luxury travelers may find it less than ideal because it lacks infrastructure.
When to Visit Koh Lipe
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the dry season from November to April. Peak travel season brings higher prices during the months of December to February. Fortunately, Koh Lipe is more moderately priced than other islands in Thailand.
Getting to Koh Lipe
It’s no small feat to escape the crowds of Phuket and Krabi. Although the serenity you find in Koh Lipe is worth the hassle, the less developed infrastructure of the island makes it more difficult for tourists. It takes a combination of plane and ferry, but I will outline everything you need to know to make the trip.
Fly to Hat Yai
We opted to fly from Phuket to Hat Yai International Airport in southern Thailand. The airport serves routes to and from Singapore and Malaysia, but is a humble establishment by U.S. standards.
Drive to Pak Bara Pier
Once you arrive in Hat Yai, you need a taxi to drive you to Pak Bara Pier for the 1.5 hour journey. I recommend you arrange your transfer to the pier and secure boat tickets to Koh Lipe in advance. There are multiple departures from pier ranging in price from approximately $40-$140.
Speedboat From Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe
We opted for the fastest and most expensive speedboat option from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe which took about 1.5 hours. Our journey was very bumpy and I highly suggest taking sea-sickness medications if you are prone to it.
How Many Days is Enough in Koh Lipe?
Due to its size, you don’t need a lot of time to explore Koh Lipe. In contrast to cities such as Krabi or Phuket, there aren’t countless attractions. However, due to the lengthy travel time to reach Koh Lipe I suggest staying at least 4 nights. It’s simple to let the hours slip by basking in the sunshine with a drink in hand!
Getting Around Koh Lipe Island
Once you arrive in Koh Lipe, getting around the island is easy. What it lacks in infrastructure it makes up for with simplicity. The humble town is easily walkable- it’s a mere hour to walk the entire island. For most travelers, you can plan for a 10-15 minute walk from the town to either Sunrise or Pattaya Beach. If you tend to over pack (like me), you can arrange a tuk-tuk pick up from your hotel that can help transport your luggage.
Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe feels like more of a relaxed paradise than one with numerous luxury hotel options. We chose to stay at Idyllic Concept Resort, a 4-star resort along Sunrise Beach. We were very happy with the location, food quality, service and location. I also recommend nearby Serendipity Beach Resort.
Koh Lipe Restaurants
Some of our favorite restaurants on Koh Lipe were On the Rocks Restaurant at Serendipity Hotel, The Season by The Cliff Lipe Resort, The Cove at Idyllic Concept, and Ten Moon’s restaurant.
What to Pack for Koh Lipe
You definitely want to leave your dressy clothes and heels at home. Koh Lipe is very casual. I recommend wearing sundresses, shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. Most of the island has a rustic and bohemian vibe. Of course, don’t forget a few bathing suits, a rash guard to protect your back while snorkeling and lots of reef-safe sunscreen. Shops have a limited selection, so make sure to bring any essentials you might need for home.
Find some great travel dress recommendations here to keep you cool and comfy in Koh Lipe!
Things to Do in Koh Lipe: Conclusion
Koh Lipe has so much to offer the traveler looking to get away from the main tourist destinations in Thailand. Our group absolutely loved Koh Lipe, but I wouldn’t recommend a visit for those short on time because it is cumbersome to reach the island. If you have room in your Thailand itinerary, there are amazing things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand!
