Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Which Thai Island to Visit?
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Which Thai Island to Visit?
December 2025 update:
At the time of writing, some governments have issued precautionary travel advisories for parts of eastern Thailand due to border tensions with Cambodia. Is Koh Kood safe? The islands of Koh Kood, Koh Chang and Koh Mak remain calm and unaffected on the ground, but travellers should check their local government guidance and travel insurance before departure. A ceasefire is in place as of Saturday 27 December and an update to travel precautions are predicted.
The island of Koh Lipe remains completely unaffected my Thai/Cambodian tensions are there are no travel advisories against Koh Lipe
One of the biggest questions I get on social media is whether Koh Kood or Koh Lipe is the better island, and more generally which Thai island to visit. So... the Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe issue persists, but which comes out trumps?
I love both of these islands, in fact, I can't stay away, I seem to make an annual pilgrimage to them both. Whilst I don't necessarily like comparing two islands, I do find it suitable in this instance.
Koh Kood and Koh Lipe are in totally different parts of Thailand, Koh Lipe is in western Thailand in the Andaman Sea, whilst Koh Kood is nestled in the Gulf of Thailand near Cambodia. Visiting both islands in one trip is not for the faint hearted, and it requires a night in Bangkok between and a lot of time spent on buses and ferries. It is possible, but unless you are very confidence in your travelling skills and have a decent amount of time, I wouldn't recommend it.
You can read my guide on how to get to Koh Kood here, and my guide on how to get to Koh Lipe here.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Which island is easier to get to?
Winner: It's a tie
If you are travelling from Bangkok, Koh Kood is the easier island to reach. If you are in southern Thailand already staying in places like Phuket, Koh Lanta or Krabi, Koh Lipe is the easier island to visit.
What your wider Thailand itinerary is will have a huge impact on which island is easier to get to. Koh Kood is in eastern Thailand and is a stone's throw from Koh Chang and Koh Mak, you can read my eastern Thailand island hopping itinerary here.
There are two ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Kood. The quickest option is to fly from Bangkoj to Trat (around 1 hr), and take a 30 minute minibus to the pier. There are a number of ferry options from Trat to Koh Kood, ranging from 1 hr 30 mins to just 30 mins.
The other option is to take a bus from Bangkok Airport to the pier at Trat. This takes between 4 and 5 hours and whilst it sounds horrible, it really isn't that bad! The buses are super comfy and there is a half way stop for refreshments. Check your options here.
To get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe you must fly to Hat Yai, a city on the border of Malaysia. You then take a 1.5 hour minibus to the pier, followed by a speedboat lasting from 3 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can get to Koh Lipe fro Phuket, Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi islands by ferry (not for the faint hearted, people get very sick on this route) and from Krabi you can take a ferry or you can take the land route. Check your options here.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Accommodation options
Winner: Koh Lipe
Whilst Koh Kood is home to one of the most luxury hotels in Thailand, Soneva Kiri, accommodation wise, the island is much less developed than Koh Lipe.
Koh Kood is much larger in size but the island remains relatively undiscovered, there are plenty of beach bungalows, guest houses, and a few resorts such as High Season and Shantaa, but compared to Koh Lipe it just doesn't have the full range of options.
Koh Lipe has a handful of beautiful luxury hotels such as Irene Resort Koh Lipe, Serendipity Resort, and Bulow Casa Grand View Resort.
The island is also home to plenty of hostels small boutique hotels and homestays, making booking accommodation easy for all types of travellers.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: best for beaches
Winner: Koh Kood
As I previously said, Koh Kood is larger than Koh Lipe, it's actually one of the biggest islands in Thailand. The whole island is encompassed by some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
That's not to say Koh Lipe is not good for the beach, far from it, it's one of the best beach destinations in southeast Asia! However, Koh Lipe is so small you can explore on foot, meaning there are just two main sandy beaches - Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach, as well as a more rocky beach - Sunset Beach.
It is harder to 'escape' in Koh Lipe and less options means both of the main beaches offer a similar vibe.
In Koh Kood you have the choice of spending the day on a beach lined with hotels and beach bars, or you can opt for a beach that is totally empty.
My favourite beaches in Koh Kood are Klong Chao Beach (the most popular beach for resorts and it is amazing at sunset!), Bang Bao Beach, and Khlong Hin Beach which is in the far south of the island.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Best for families
Winner: It's a tie
Another tie you say? How can that be!
Well, Koh Kood is perfect for families seeking a laid back, quiet holiday. The best place for families in Koh Kood is to stay on Klong Chao Beach where the water is great for paddling and safe swimming.
High Season Resort is particularly good for families with its huge pool, beachfront location, and well equipped villas, there is also a a Kids Club, with games and play facilities.
Meanwhile, Koh Lipe feels busier, with more facilities. There are more restaurants and the beaches are amazing for families too. There are some great hotels that offer a resort feel with all the facilities you could need for children.
Check out Akira Lipe Resort, located on Pattaya Beach the hotel boasts a huge swimming pool with a sea view Kids Club.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Best for honeymooners
Winner: Koh Kood
For me, Koh Kood is the clear winner, I would say Koh Kood is the best island in Thailand for honeymoons, slam dunk!
It's quiet nature, relaxing vibe, and intimate boutique hotels with private villas with pools makes Koh Kood the ultimate honeymoon destination in southeast Asia.
Days are mainly spent on the beach, laying under a coconut tree with a book, enjoying a sundowner cocktail, and taking a dip in your own private pool.
If you have the money, Soneva Kiri is one of the best romantic hotels in Thailand, even offering a dining experience in the trees. If £1000+ a night is too much, you can save a ton of money by choosing one of the pool villas at Hideout Koh Kood. Whilst the hotel might not offer such polished service or facilities, it is an amazing hotel to hide away.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Best for foodies
Winner: Koh Lipe
Thailand has one of the most recognisable and popular cuisines in the world, making it a huge foodie destination.
As much as I loved Koh Kood, I was really disappointed in the food options. The island is still pretty undeveloped which is amazing in some aspects, but it does mean there just isn't the range of restaurants as there is in Koh Lipe.
I struggled to find many restaurants in Koh Kood at all, and when I did, they didn't blow me away.
However, Koh Lipe was the opposite, for an island so small it really packs a punch with its choice of places to eat and drink.
Head to Walking Street (this links Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach) for authentic street food - make sure you try the famous banana and nutella rotis!
Meanwhile, On the Rocks Restaurant was a real highlight.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Best for nightlife
Winner: Koh Lipe
Whilst neither island offers the level of nightlife than Koh Samui or Phuket, Koh Lipe has a great vibe with some really nice bars and a small number of beach club style hotels.
Walking Street in Koh Lipe is the most bustling area. Here you will find street food stalls and restaurants that are open until the late hours. Meanwhile, down on Pattaya Beach there are fire shows, vibey bars, and a great range of restaurants.
Pattaya Beach is not crazy, don't get me wrong, but it is the most vibrant spot on the island. Sunrise Beach is quieter and whilst it does offer some beach bars these are super relaxed, more for talking and drinking rather than listener to loud music and dancing.
Koh Kood on the other hand is an extremely sleepy island where its not uncommon to be in bed by 9pm. I struggled to find many restaurants, let alone bars or clubs (although Koh Lipe does not offer 'clubs' as such either).
The closest thing you will find to night life in Koh Kood are one or two beach bars where everyone is still in their swimwear, enjoying a beer at sunset.
Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe: Conclusion
Koh Kood for relaxation, beaches and romance
If you are looking for a super relaxed holiday on a relatively undeveloped island, Koh Kood should absolutely be your first choice. Not only are the beaches beautiful, but the island is home to a gorgeous green interior, great for hiking and viewing waterfalls.
Klong Chao Beach is the main beach, followed by Bang Bao Beach. However, if you want somewhere totally secluded, there are plenty of other options.
A holiday in Koh Kood feels like you're going back in time, reconnecting with nature.
Read my Koh Kood travel guide here, or my wider Koh Kood, Koh Chang and Koh Mak island hopping itinerary here.
Koh Lipe for accommodation options, food and nightlife
Koh Lipe is great for families, as well as younger backpackers, couples and groups of friends. The island is very small but the beaches are amazing and the sea is the bluest in Thailand!
You will never go hungry here or get bored. there is nightlife without it feeling too 'party', with plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax.
Read my Koh Lipe travel guide here.
How to Get from Koh Kood to Cambodia (2026): The Ultimate Travel Guide
Oh my, these both look absolutely lush 😍