Koh Lipe: Your Ultimate Guide
Explore Koh Lipe: Secrets of the Andaman’s hidden gem with our ultimate Koh Lipe Travel Guide
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Koh Lipe, Thailand’s southernmost island, is often called the ‘Maldives of Thailand’ – and for good reason. With its deserted powdery white beaches and electric blue waters, this tiny paradise in the Andaman Sea is everything romantic, dreamy escapes are made from. Once a hidden gem known only to the most adventurous backpackers, now it’s a sought-after island destination that has retained its calm and laid back vibe. Whether you’re here for the diving, the seafood or simply to laze in a hammock, this travel guide to Koh Lipe will help you experience the very best of this remote Thai island.
How to Get to Koh Lipe, Thailand
Koh Lipe is remote, but the journey is part of the adventure. The nearest airport is Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), best reached as a short hop from Bangkok. From there, take a minivan or taxi to Pak Bara Pier, where ferries and speed boats leave for Koh Lipe. The boat ride takes around 90 minutes to two hours.
During the high season (November to April), ferries also connect Koh Lipe to Langkawi (Malaysia), Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. If you’re coming from Malaysia, you’ll need to clear immigration at the floating station near Pattaya Beach.
Once on the island, there are no cars – just walking trails and motorbike taxis. The island is small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in around 30 minutes. If you want to explore the coastline and nearby islands, you can hop on a traditional long-tail boat.
Ten Moons, Koh Lipe
Where to Stay on Koh Lipe
Ten Moons Lipe – Ten Moons on Sunrise Beach… yes, this is just as romantic as it sounds. Thatched wooden bungalows are tucked away between coconut palms and banana trees, private balconies are strung with hammocks and you’re only a short skip onto the powdery sands of the beach. The bungalows are fresh and modern, cosy and rustic with Thai charm a-plenty.
The Cliff, Koh Lipe
The Cliff – Tucked away on the west of the island, The Cliff is a collection of luxuriously appointed bungalows and villas nestled into the jungle. The waters here are vivid turquoise, the sands are impossibly white and being away from the crowds will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon Thailand’s last hidden gem. Grab a Panorama Ocean View room with linen draped four poster beds and views straight over the Andaman sea.
The Best Beaches in Koh Lipe, Thailand
Sunrise Beach is arguably the most picturesque and peaceful beach on the island, as though it was made for snorkelling and early morning swims. Pattaya Beach is the liveliest beach on Koh Lipe, home to beach bars, restaurants and the island’s gentle nightlife scene. As the name suggests, Sunset Beach is the perfect place to watch the sun dip into the Andaman Sea and for a quiet escape in a hidden cove, you can’t get better than Maricilla Beach.
Diving in Koh Lipe
Best Things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand
Snorkeling & Diving
Koh Lipe is part of Tarutao National Marine Park, home to some of Thailand’s best coral reefs and marine biodiversity. The waters here are alive with colourful fish, sea turtles and even whale sharks. Some of the best dive sites include Stonehenge – a breathtaking underwater garden of soft corals and abundant marine life, and 8 Mile Rock – a deep-sea site where you can spot barracuda, rays and reef sharks.
Kayaking & Island-Hopping
Rent a kayak and paddle around Koh Lipe’s breathtaking coastline, or take an island-hopping tour to explore nearby gems. Koh Adang is a jungle-covered island with breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Koh Lipe. Koh Rawi is a remote island with unspoiled beaches and incredible snorkelling spots, while Koh Hin Ngam has an unusual black-stone beach (not common in Thailand), famous for its smooth, polished rocks.
hand picked tours we love:
Koh Adang
Hike to Koh Adang’s Viewpoint
For panoramic views of Koh Lipe’s turquoise waters, take a boat to Koh Adang and hike to its viewpoint. The trek takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but the rewarding vista makes it worth every step.
Experience Bioluminescent Plankton
After sunset, head to a quiet beach, dip your hands in the water and watch tiny blue lights flicker in the waves. Bioluminescent plankton is a magical phenomenon best seen on dark, moonless nights. Few places in the world are as wonderful as the remote Thai coast to experience this.
Benny’s on the Beach, Koh Lipe
Where to Eat in Koh Lipe
La Luna Italian Restaurant Here you’ll find authentic Italian flavours, with homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The cosy restaurant, decked out in teakwood and red plaid tablecloths, is nearly always full – a testament to the delicious food that is so lovingly cooked here.
Benny’s on the Beach A bit of an institution on the island, Benny’s is a laid back beachfront spot with a prime location on Sunrise beach. Serving up fantastic cocktails and vegetarian fusion cuisine, here you can find classic Thai staples like massaman curry and pad thai, alongside pulled jackfruit tacos and a selection of moreish snacks to nibble while you enjoy a lychee gin fizz cocktail.
Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe has two main seasons:
High season is from November to April, with the best weather, calm seas and peak tourism period.
Green season is May to October, with fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation and occasional heavy rain, but still warm and beautiful. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, visit in November or late March.
Insider Tips
Protect the coral
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid stepping on corals while snorkelling.
Book accommodation in advance
Koh Lipe is small, and the best resorts fill up quickly, especially in high season.
Respect local culture
While Koh Lipe is tourist-friendly, it’s still home to a small Chao Ley (sea gypsy) community. Respect their way of life.
Pack light
There are no cars, so you’ll be carrying your luggage along sandy paths.
Things to Do
things to do
