Koh Lipe Travel Guide: A Gem in the Andaman Sea
Welcome to my Koh Lipe Travel Guide, an essential handbook for exploring the serene beauty of Thailand's hidden paradise
Nestled in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is an absolute gem. Often hailed as the 'Maldives of Thailand', Koh Lipe is an enchanting island and part of the Tarutao National Marine Park.
Imagine pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and vibrant underwater life. Koh Lipe is the smallest island in the Satun Province, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you're an avid diver, a lover of nature, or simply searching for peace and relaxation, Koh Lipe's enchanting allure promises an unforgettable journey into paradise.
How to get to Koh Lipe
Travelling to Koh Lipe is not straightforward, which is a big reason the island has maintained its charm and natural beauty.
Due to its secluded location, the journey involves a combination of land and sea transport, as no direct flight or road takes you to the island.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach this idyllic destination from various starting points.
How to get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok:
Flight + Ferry
- Step 1: Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai or Trang. Hat Yai is the more common option due to the availability of flights and transfer services to the island.
- Step 2: From Hat Yai or Trang airport, take a private taxi, minivan or bus to Pak Bara Pier. This journey can take 1.5 to 2 hours from Hat Yai and slightly longer from Trang.
- Step 3: At Pak Bara Pier, board a speedboat or ferry to Koh Lipe. The boat trip takes about 1.5 hours by speedboat or up to 3 hours by ferry.
How to get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi (Malaysia):
Direct Ferry from Langkawi (Seasonal)
- During the high season (October to April), you can take a direct ferry from Telaga Harbor or Kuah Jetty in Langkawi to Koh Lipe. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Immigration procedures will be conducted upon arrival at Koh Lipe.
How to get to Koh Lipe from Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi or Koh Lanta
Travelling from the Andaman Coast to Koh Lipe is by direct ferry or speedboat. The islands are well-connected by a network of maritime routes.
The most common starting points in the Thai Andaman region are Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and the Phi Phi Islands. Here’s how you can get to Koh Lipe from these locations:
From Phuket
- By Ferry: From November to April, there are direct ferry services from Phuket to Koh Lipe. The journey can take between 5-7 hours, depending on the service chosen. Some services include a transfer at Koh Lanta.
- By Speedboat: A faster but more expensive option is to take a speedboat.
Services start at £50, if you book via 12Go you can book the full journey from Phuket Airport, with prices starting at £70 per person. The quickest journeys start from Rassada Pier in Phuket.
From Krabi
- By Ferry: Direct ferries from Krabi to Koh Lipe are available in the high season; they take around 4-5 hours. These services often include a stop or transfer at Koh Lanta or Trang’s Pak Meng Pier.
- Via Trang: Alternatively, travel to Trang by bus or minivan and then take a ferry or speedboat from Pak Meng Pier or Hat Yao Pier to Koh Lipe. This is usually more efficient outside the high season.
Services from Krabi to Koh Lipe start at £23 and often include the transfer to Klong Jilad Pier which is just outside of town.
From Phi Phi Islands
- By Ferry: Direct ferries connect the Phi Phi Islands with Koh Lipe during the high season, taking about 3-4 hours.
Ferries depart from Phi Phi to Koh Lipe from Ton Sai Pier, with prices starting at £44 per person.
How get around Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a small island, making it cheap and easy to get around.
Walking
- Walking is a brilliant way of exploring Koh Lipe. The island can be walked end-to-end in about 20 minutes. The only downside to this was walking in the heat, there were times in the middle of the day it was just too hot!
Longtail Boats
- A very popular mode of transport on Koh Lipe and the best way to hope from beach to beach, longtail boats are a quintessential part of the Thai island experience. These boats are readily available for hire along Koh Lipe’s beaches. They offer a picturesque and convenient way to explore different parts of the island, as well as allowing you to visit nearby uninhabited islands, or go snorkelling in remote spots.
- Prices should be negotiated before departure, and it's possible to hire a boat for a half-day or full-day tour. On average we found one journey was 100 THB (£4.50) and an island tour was 700 THB.
Motorcycle Taxis
- Quick and Convenient, motorcycle taxis are effectively just motorcycles with a side cart added for passengers (and their luggage). I felt like I was in a game of Mario Kart when I was zipping around the island in one of these.
- Taxi drivers can be identified by their their brightly coloured vests.
- This mode of transport is inexpensive with almost all fares being a flat rate of 50 THB, but always agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Weather in Koh Lipe
Dry Season (November to April)
- Peak Season: This period is considered the best time to visit Koh Lipe, with sunny days, clear skies, and calm seas.
- Temperature: Average daytime temperatures range from 30°C to 34°C (86°F to 93°F).
- Sea Conditions: The sea is usually calm, offering excellent visibility for underwater activities, this is the best time for families with children to visit.
- Crowds: Expect higher prices and more tourists, especially from December to February.
Wet Season (May to October)
- Off-Peak Season: The wet season brings heavy rainfall, especially from June to September, which can affect ferry schedules and limit outdoor activities.
- Temperature: Temperatures remain warm, averaging between 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 89°F), with high humidity.
- Sea Conditions: Rougher seas can impact diving and snorkelling visibility.
- Advantages: Accommodation prices are lower, and the island is less crowded. It’s an ideal time for budget travellers.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May and October-November)
- These months mark the transitions into and out of the rainy season, offering a mix of weather conditions. You might experience sunny days with occasional showers.
Accommodation in Koh Lipe
From luxurious beachfront resorts to cosy guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels, there are all types of accommodation on Koh Lipe island.
Here's a comprehensive guide to accommodation in Koh Lipe, spanning luxury, mid-range, and budget options:
Luxury Hotels in Koh Lipe
Serenity Resorts & Spa
Nestled on a rocky outcrop above Sunrise Beach, Serenity Resort & Spa is a beautiful escape offering individual villas that blend into the hillside.
Well known on the island for its 'On The Rocks' restaurant, guests can enjoy incredible views over the turquoise sea that crashes below.
Each villa boasts private pools, panoramic sea views, and state-of-the-art amenities.
Bulow Casa Grand View Resort
Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel on a prime stretch of Sunrise Beach. Facilities include spacious bedrooms and living spaces, as well as outdoor pool terraces, and Jacuzzi bathtubs in all villas.
Due to its location, guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the resort. Beach bars, cafes and local restaurants are all within walking distance from the hotel.
Irene Pool Villa Resort
Located on a sandy stretch of Sunrise Beach, Irene Pool Villa Resort is one of the newest 5* hotels in Koh Lipe.
Individual pool villas offer guest access straight onto the sand, whilst the treehouse villas offer more privacy, set back into the island's lush vegetation.
Mid-range hotels in Koh Lipe
Ten Moons
A stay at Ten Moons is nothing short of magical, nestled on the shores of Sunrise Beach.
The resort's location is unbeatable. Situated on the quieter end of Sunrise Beach, Ten Moons offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist spots, yet it's just a stone's throw away from the Walking Street with its restaurants and bars.
Wake up in your bungalow to views over the Andaman Sea and watch the sunrise from your private balcony.
Akira Lipe Resort
Perfect for travellers who want to be in the thick of it, Akira Lipe Resort is a beachfront hotel on Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe's livliest beach.
Akira Lipe Resort is home to a range of accommodations from swim up rooms to private villas, all at a very reasonable price. Friendly staff serve delicious cocktails around a sparkling beachfront pool, ensuring a relaxing stay for guests.
Things to do in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a paradise for beach lovers, divers, and anyone looking to escape to a tropical island. The island is small in size so aside from the beach and the ocean, its pretty relaxing, but here is a list of things to do in Koh Lipe:
Beach Hopping
- Pattaya Beach: Pattaya beach is the most popular and vibrant beach in Koh Lipe, known for its soft white sand, nightlife and longtail boats.
- Sunrise Beach: Offers stunning sunrises and a long stretch of beautiful coastline, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Sunrise Beach is lined by the only 5* hotels in Koh Lipe.
- Sunset Beach: A quieter option, ideal for watching breathtaking sunsets and unwinding.
Snorkeling and Diving
- Koh Lipe is surrounded by over 25 dive sites suitable for all levels, including the famous 8 Mile Rock and Stonehenge. Many dive shops offer PADI courses and fun dives, making diving in Koh Lipe accessible to all.
Visit Nearby Islands
- Go island hopping from Koh Lipe on a day trip to explore the surrounding islands such as Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and the uninhabited Koh Hin Ngam.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
- Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to explore the island's beaches and nearby islets at your own pace. Many hotels offer kayaks to their guests, the island is small making it easy to beach hop.
Hiking on Koh Adang
- Take a short boat ride to Koh Adang and hike up to the viewpoint for stunning views of Koh Lipe and the surrounding islands. The island is largely undeveloped and offers pristine natural landscapes.
Watch a Fire Show
- Many bars along Pattaya Beach host nightly fire shows, which are a dazzling display of skill and artistry. There is also a fire show at Zodiac Bar on sunrise Beach every Saturday night.
Visit the Chao Ley (Sea Gypsies) Village
- Learn about the indigenous culture of the Urak Lawoi people, who have lived on the Andaman coast for centuries. Their village is located towards the eastern end of Pattaya Beach.
Sustainable Tourism Activities
- Participate in beach clean-ups or coral reef restoration projects if available.
Nightlife in Koh Lipe
The nightlife in Koh Lipe is not as crazy and loud as Thailand's larger tourist spots, but there are plenty of places to enjoy the end of the day with a laidback vibe.
The beach bars on Pattaya Beach offer amazing views at sunset, and once dark offer fire shows, music and delicious drinks. There are all different types of beach bars so you can party or sit back and chill, depending on what you want.
Generally quieter, Sunrise Beach hosts a few bars that offer a more laid-back atmosphere, ideal for those looking to relax under the stars. It’s perfect for enjoying a quiet drink while listening to the waves.
Bars and Pubs
Walking Street
- The Hopping Pig: A favourite amongst visitors for its selection of craft beers and ciders. Its a popular place to start the evening.
- Pooh's Bar: Known for its friendly vibe, pool table, and selection of cocktails and spirits. It’s a good place to meet other travellers when you're feeling sociable.
- Reggae Bar: Super chilled out with reggae music, hammocks, and a selection of Thai and Western food for moments you feel peckish.
Parties and Live Music
- During the high season, various beachfront venues host parties with DJs or live bands. These events are advertised via flyers and social media closer to the dates
Chill and Relax
- This was my favourite part of staying on Koh Lipe. Nightlife doesn't have to be a big party, for a more serene evening, opt for a beachfront restaurant on Pattaya or Sunrise Beach.
- One of my favourite places for sunset drinks was Ananya on Pattaya Beach, and Zodiac Beach Bar on Sunrise Beach.
Bars and Pubs
Walking Street
- The Hopping Pig: A favourite amongst visitors for its selection of craft beers and ciders. Its a popular place to start the evening.
- Pooh's Bar: Known for its friendly vibe, pool table, and selection of cocktails and spirits. It’s a good place to meet other travellers when you're feeling sociable.
- Reggae Bar: Super chilled out with reggae music, hammocks, and a selection of Thai and Western food for moments you feelpeckish.
Parties and Live Music
- During the high season, various beachfront venues host parties with DJs or live bands. These events are advertised via flyers and social media closer to the dates
Chill and Relax
- This was my favourite part of staying on Koh Lipe. Nightlife doesn't have to be a big party, for a more serene evening, opt for a beachfront restaurant on Pattaya or Sunrise Beach.
Day trips from Koh Lipe
Koh Adang
The closest island to Koh Lipe, Koh Adang offers beautiful, less crowded beaches and excellent snorkelling spots. You can also hike to the island's viewpoint for spectacular views.
Koh Rawi
Another nearby island, Koh Rawi is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Koh Hin Ngam
This unique island is known for its shiny black stones polished smooth by the sea.
Koh Tarutao
One of the largest islands in the national park, Koh Tarutao offers visitors the chance to explore old prison ruins, dense jungles, and quiet beaches.
Snorkelling and Diving Trips
Numerous snorkelling and diving spots surround Koh Lipe, which is known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Popular spots include the reefs around Koh Yang, Koh Pung, and the 8 Mile Rock.
Sunset Cruises
You can book a sunset cruise from Koh Lipe, which usually includes a tour around nearby islands with stops for swimming and snorkelling, finishes off by watching the sunset from the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Koh Lipe?
Visa requirements by country vary, but EU and UK passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa under the Visa Exemption Rule for a stay of up to 30 days, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Their passport must be valid for at least 6 months when entering Thailand.
- They must have a confirmed return ticket to show they will be exiting Thailand within 30 days.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay (at least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family).
How do I get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok?
The most common route is to fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai, then take a shuttle to Pak Bara Pier and a ferry to Koh Lipe. During high season, there are direct speedboat services from Langkawi, Malaysia.
What is the best time of year to visit Koh Lipe?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to March.
Are there ATMs on Koh Lipe?
Yes, there are several ATMs on Koh Lipe, mainly around Pattaya Beach and Walking Street.
What kind of accommodation can I find in Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and bungalows to luxury resorts. Early booking is recommended, especially during the high season.
Is Koh Lipe suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Koh Lipe is family-friendly, with safe beaches and activities suitable for children, such as snorkelling and beach games.
Can I rent a scooter on Koh Lipe?
Scooter rentals are not common due to the island's small size and the availability of walking paths. Walking, bicycle rentals, or hiring a taxi boat are the best ways to explore the island.
What should I pack for my trip to Koh Lipe?
The island is very laid back, make sure you bring plenty of swimwear, lightweight clothing, flip flops and sturdy shoes if you want to do the hike on Ko Adang.
Hi Hannah, lovely photos! would you recommend Koh Lipe over Koh Samui?
Personally, I preferred Koh Lipe. However if you are looking for a bigger island with more to do then Koh Samui may suit better