Exploring Koh Lipe, Thailand 🌴 A Tiny Island Paradise
If you’re looking for the ultimate tropical getaway, then look no further than Koh Lipe, Thailand.
Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is a small island paradise that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and vibrant marine life in the region.
Join us as we explore this breathtaking destination, from the crystal-clear waters to the powder-sand shores, and everything in between.
Highlights
- Getting to Koh Lipe
- Buy Ferry Tickets to Koh Lipe
- Getting through Customs
- Accommodation in Koh Lipe
- Book the Mountain Resort
- Koh Lipe’s Beaches
- Diving, Snorkeling & Kayaking
- Shop & Eat on Walking Street
- How Much will a Short Visit Cost?
- All Hotel Options in Koh Lipe
- Useful Accessories for the Beach
Getting to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe may be a secluded island paradise, but it’s still relatively easy to reach. The closest airport is in Hat Yai in Southern Thailand. From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to the Pak Bara pier. From the pier, you can take a ferry to Koh Lipe. The ferry ride takes around 90 minutes.
While it may seem like a long journey, trust us – it’s worth it.
If you’re travelling from Malaysia, you can also take a boat from Langkawi. This costs around RM 160 each way, and also takes around 90 minutes.
There is no permanent jetty in Koh Lipe for embarking and disembarking. Instead there’s a reasonably stable floating jetty. Getting on and off the boat can be a little challenging if the sea isn’t calm, so not ideal for the infirm or elderly.
Koh Lipe arrival/departure jetty, Thailand
Getting through Customs
You may be arriving in a tropical paradise, but customs regulations still apply. As chaotic as the outdoor customs ‘office’ initially appears, the process is surprisingly efficient and we’ve never had to wait longer than a half hour.
Most nationalities are given a visa on arrival. After this you will also have to pay 200 Baht for a Tarutao National Park entrance fee that is valid for 5-days. Keep this Entrance Ticket with you at all times, even when you’re laying out on the beach.
If you booked a hotel in advance, there is usually somebody waiting to transport you to the hotel directly after you’ve cleared customs.
Koh Lipe Customs – Not as chaotic as it appears
Koh Lipe Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation on Koh Lipe, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly bungalow, there’s something for everyone on this island.
Koh Lipe is a small island with limited resources. While there are plenty of accommodations to choose from, it’s a good idea to book well in advance to get the best possible deal.
Some of the most popular places to stay include:
- Mountain Resort
- Kathalee Beach Resort and Spa
- Serendipity Beach Resort
- Castaway Resort
- Ten Moons Lipe Resort
Koh Lipe Accommodation
Koh Lipe Mountain Resort
At the Mountain Resort, each bungalow is separate (not connected, 2-in-1). The bungalows are clean, with most things you need, including toiletries, fridge, air conditioner, outdoor balcony with seats, and decent bathrooms with showers.
You even get bathrobes and slippers!
There’s a really small TV, with poor reception and only Thai channels. Most of the bungalows are surrounded by gardens, so there are plenty of mosquitoes around. We found no mosquito coils or plugs in our bungalow, so you need to bring these with you or buy them yourself at one of the local stores.
Our bungalow only had Thai 2-pin plugs, so bring an adapter if you need one. You can also buy adapters at some of the shops in Walking Street for around 50 Baht.
A nice touch is that each morning the staff leave refills of coffee, tea and water on your balcony – whether you’re in or out.
The Mountain Resort offers a big and varied buffet breakfast, including fresh salmon and beef bacon! There’s also a really good selection of Asian dishes.
The coffee is excellent, but with only 1 coffee machine you need to get there early or be prepared to queue. If you want an outdoor balcony table, there are only around 12, so you need to get to the restaurant at 7 am, when they open.
I would give the breakfast a solid 9/10. It would be 10/10 if they offered baked beans 😋 (ok… so I’m a Brit).
The resort does not include complimentary use of snorkeling gear or kayaks. You can rent a mask and snorkel for 50 Baht a day. You can also rent a double kayak for 250 Baht per hour.
We’ve stayed at several different places in Koh Lipe, but when we return we will book the Mountain Resort again.
Kathalee Beach Resort and Spa
Kathalee Beach Resort and Spa offers a serene retreat on Sunrise Beach, with rooms that provide direct ocean views. We liked the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise from our balcony.
The resort features comfortable accommodations and amenities including air conditioning and private balconies, making it a great choice for relaxation. Its proximity to the beach allows you to indulge in activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Kathalee Beach Resort & Spa
The resort’s location at the quieter end of Sunrise Beach ensures a tranquil experience, away from the bustling areas of Koh Lipe. The staff is known for their friendly service, and the resort provides a shuttle to Walking Street for added convenience.
Kathalee Beach Resort and Spa is ideal for those seeking a laid-back atmosphere with easy access to the natural beauty of Koh Lipe.
Kathalee Beach Resort Apartment
Serendipity Beach Resort
Serendipity Beach Resort is situated at the southern end of Sunrise Beach, offering panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and nearby islands. The resort’s accommodations are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, providing a unique experience for guests.
Its “On the Rocks” restaurant is a highlight, serving a mix of Thai and European cuisine with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Serendipity Beach Resort
Castaway Resort
The Castaway Resort captures the essence of Koh Lipe with its rustic wooden bungalows and relaxed atmosphere. Located on Sunrise Beach, the resort features spacious accommodations with large decks that overlook the ocean.
Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
The resort’s restaurant and bar offer a variety of Thai and international dishes, making it a favorite spot for dining.
Castaway Resort is suited for those who enjoy a laid-back vibe and want to experience the natural beauty of Koh Lipe in a comfortable setting.
Ten Moons Lipe Resort
Ten Moons Lipe Resort is located on Sunrise Beach, offering a blend of luxury and tranquility. The resort’s bungalows are designed to provide guests with breathtaking views, whether they are situated by the beach or on a small hill.
Ten Moons Lipe Resort
The resort features a restaurant that serves delicious meals, and guests can enjoy activities like snorkeling right in front of the property.
Charming Lipe Villa
Charming Lipe Villa, located on Pattaya Beach, offers a peaceful retreat with its well-appointed rooms and direct access to the beach.
The accommodations include air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators.
Charming Lipe Beach Resort
Guests often highlight the convenience of its location, which is within walking distance of local attractions like Walking Street and Sunset Beach. The resort also provides a variety of activities, such as snorkeling and diving, for those looking to explore the vibrant marine life.
The resort features a restaurant serving a mix of local and international dishes.
With its proximity to the beach and thoughtful amenities, Charming Lipe Villa provides a well-rounded experience for visitors to Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe’s Beaches
One of the main draws of Koh Lipe is its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Koh Lipe, Thailand has three main beaches: Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong), Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley), and Pattaya Beach. The beaches are known for being calm, clear, and ideal for snorkeling.
Pattaya Beach is the most popular beach and is the main landing point for boats to the island. It has soft white sand, turquoise waters, bars, restaurants, and accommodation. Sunrise Beach is a good place to watch the sunrise and is lined with wooden long tail boats in the early morning and late afternoon.
From Sunrise Beach to Sunset Beach, there’s no shortage of sandy shores to explore. But perhaps the most popular beach on the island is Pattaya Beach – a favourite among visitors.
Personally, we prefer the more chilled out Sunrise Beach.
Zodiac Sun Resort – Posh Hippie Rendezvous
Dive, Snorkel & Kayak
Koh Lipe is known for its world-class diving and snorkeling spots. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, there’s something for everyone in the waters surrounding this island.
The most popular spots include Koh Adang and the Koh Tarutao National Marine Park.
You’ll be blown away by the vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine life that call these waters home.
Kayaking from Sunrise Beach
We’ve tried snorkeling on both sides of the island, with better results from Sunrise beach.
Stingers? When swimming or snorkeling from Pattaya Beach, you may become aware of tiny stingers in the water. Nothing serious – not like a live jellyfish sting – but a little uncomfortable nevertheless.
We understand this can be from microscopic jellyfish larvae (sea lice) or detached jellyfish stingers.
If you enjoy kayaking, some hotels – such as the Kathalee Beach Resort and Spa – provide complimentary use of their kayaks (and snorkeling gear) to their guests. From Sunrise Beach there are some picturesque small island that you can reach by kayak.
Note however that the sea conditions here change unpredictably day by day, and some days the water is too shallow and rocky for comfortable kayaking, or even snorkeling.
Snorkeling Day Tours
Half day tours cost 5000 to 6000 Baht for around a 5-hour shared tour including 5 locations – the small islands west and north of Koh Lipe (and lunch, snorkeling equipment and insurance).
If you are a group of 5 or more, it may be more relaxing and cost effective to book a private snorkeling tour.
Exploring the Island
While the beaches and underwater scenery are certainly impressive, there’s more to Koh Lipe than just that. Take a walk through the island’s small back streets or a morning stroll along the beaches. The island is small, so you can easily explore it in a day.
A visit to the nearby Koh Tarutao National Marine Park is highly recommended. After all, you’ve already paid for your entrance ticket.
Shop & Eat on Walking Street
One of the highlights of Koh Lipe is its vibrant Walking Street, which is located in the heart of the island. Not so much ‘Walking Street’, as ‘Motorbike Alley’, this bustling pedestrian street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an alternate place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Walking Street is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. From handmade jewelry and clothing to traditional Thai crafts, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Walking Street’s wide selection of restaurants and street food vendors. From traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine, there’s no shortage of options.
Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the spicy green papaya salad or the fresh seafood.
As the sun begins to set, Walking Street comes alive with a bustling nightlife scene. Many of the bars and restaurants offer live music and entertainment, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the island.
Since the legalization of Marijuana in Thailand, you’ll also find plenty of coffee shops where you can indulge in your favourite weed.
Sustainable Tourism
One of the great things about Koh Lipe is that it’s still relatively unknown to many travelers.
But as more and more people discover the island, it’s important to consider sustainable tourism. This small island paradise is home to a fragile ecosystem, and it’s up to us to help protect it.
When visiting Koh Lipe, be sure to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the local government and marine parks, and do your part to help preserve this beautiful destination for generations to come.
One of the small islets north of Koh Lipe
Unlike other popular destinations in Thailand, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, Koh Lipe has managed to maintain its charm and authenticity, making it a great place to escape the crowds and truly unwind.
How Much will it Cost?
Most visitors don’t spend longer than a few days in Koh Lipe. The longest stay we had was for 6 nights, which is great if you just want to relax and take everything at a slow pace.
A more typical 3-night trip will cost around 17,000 Baht (€450) in total for 2 people, including the return boat trip, a good hotel with breakfast, and sufficient cash for eating out.
Early morning at Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe
So what are you waiting for?
Koh Lipe is a highly affordable tropical destination, and a great addition to your visit to Thailand or Malaysia.
If you enjoyed Exploring Koh Lipe Thailand, take a look at our other Tropical Travel Plans. You may also like:
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