Koh Lipe Travel Guide (2026): Beaches, Hotels, Things to Do & Travel Tips
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.
Last updated: January 2026
I’ve visited Koh Lipe multiple times and update this guide each season to reflect ferry changes, hotel openings, and sea conditions.
Plan Your Trip to Koh Lipe
🚤 How to Get to Koh Lipe → Step-by-step routes from Bangkok, Phuket & Malaysia
🌺 Where to Stay in Koh Lipe → A comparison between my two favourite beach hotels in Koh Lipe.
📅 Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe → Weather, sea conditions & ferry seasons
- 🌴 Koh Kood vs Koh Lipe → Two islands in Thailand with stunning beaches, but very different, this is my comparison between the two.
- 🐚 Best Islands to Visit in Thailand → If you are planning a wider Thailand itinerary, check out my favourite islands.
💡 Tip: Stay atleast 5 days in Koh Lipe, this gives you enough time for activities as well as being able to relax on its beautiful beaches.
Getting to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe doesn’t have an airport, so reaching the island usually involves a combination of flight, land transfer, and speedboat.
The most common and reliable route is via Hat Yai in southern Thailand, followed by a minibus to Pak Bara Pier and a boat crossing to the island.
If you’re travelling from Malaysia, there’s also a direct international ferry from Langkawi during the main season, which is often the fastest option overall.
Routes from Phuket, Krabi, and the Andaman islands tend to take longer and may include island-hopping ferries or transfers, making them better suited to slow travel rather than same-day connections.
For step-by-step routes, realistic travel times, seasonal ferry warnings and booking tips, I’ve put everything into my complete How to Get to Koh Lipe guide here.
Which Route Is Best For:
First-time visitors: Hat Yai → Pak Bara → Koh Lipe (most reliable and easiest to manage in one day)
Island hoppers: Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta routes (best if you’re travelling through the Andaman Sea)
International travellers: Langkawi ferry (fastest and simplest border crossing in high season)
Low-season travel: Hat Yai route (shortest sea crossing and least likely to be cancelled)
Your arrival into Koh Lipe
All boats arriving into Koh Lipe land directly on Pattaya Beach, rather than at a traditional pier. It’s a simple but well-organised system, and part of the island’s charm.
The boat crew will usually carry your luggage from the boat onto the beach, so you only need to step off yourself and follow their lead.
Visitors disembark via floating plastic pontoons, which can move with the water. If you have limited mobility or feel unsteady on your feet, it’s worth letting the crew know when you board so they can assist you.
Once on the sand, you’ll need to transport your suitcase to your accommodation. I highly recommend pre-arranging a beach pickup with your hotel or resort, most are happy to meet you on arrival and help with bags, which saves you dragging luggage across soft sand in the heat.
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.
Best Beaches in Koh Lipe (And Where I’d Stay)
Koh Lipe may be small, but each beach has a completely different feel, and where you base yourself really shapes your experience.
After spending time exploring all sides of the island, Sunrise Beach is the one I’d personally recommend for most travellers, especially if you want easy swimming, snorkelling, and a calm, beautiful setting that still feels connected to the rest of the island
Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley): Best Overall & Best Place to Stay
This is my favourite stretch of sand on Koh Lipe. It’s wide, bright, and beautifully calm in the mornings, with glassy water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling straight from the shore.
The atmosphere is relaxed rather than resorty, and it’s an easy walk into the island’s small centre, so you don’t feel cut off.
If you’re only choosing one area to stay, this is the beach I’d pick, it offers the best balance of beauty, location, and quiet comfort.
That being said, there is still a fair bit going on, it's home to Zodiac Ba which is the best sunset beach bar in Koh Lipe, as well as a small handful of restaurants.
The hotels on Sunrise Beach tend to be quieter and more boutique in nature, with many individual bungalows, both luxurious and some budget too!
Ten Moons Beach: Intimate & Peaceful
Tucked along the eastern side of the island, Ten Moons Beach feels small, secluded, and almost hidden. The water here is usually calm, and the setting is ideal if you’re after a quieter, more romantic feel. It’s less about beach bars and activity, and more about soft sand, gentle swims, and switching off for a few hours.
Pattaya Beach: Lively Evenings & Easy Access
Pattaya Beach is where most boats arrive and where the island feels most animated, especially in the evenings.
You’ll find restaurants, beach bars, and a more social atmosphere here, but it rarely feels overwhelming or loud.
This is what makes Koh Lipe so great, so much to do and to enjoy but it never feels in your face or too much.
Pattaya Beach is a great choice if you like having dinner and drinks within a few steps of your room, while still being able to walk to Sunrise Beach during the day.
Pattaya Beach has the easiest access to Walking Street, this is the central hub of the island with small shops, restaurants and street food, and is the easiest place to grab a motorcycle taxi.
I stayed for a few nights on Pattaya Beach and never found it to be too noisy of busy. It is even more brilliant at sunset when I recommend enjoying a sundowner followed by dinner on the beach, and if you're lucky, a fire show!
North Point Beach: Relaxing & Photogenic
My favourite beach in Koh Lipe, North Point is at the far northern end of Sunrise Beach, this narrow strip of sand feels more untouched and windswept.
The beach overlooks the nearby island of Koh Adang, it is also quieter than Sunrise Beach, especially when it comes to longtail boats.
The beach is wide and beautiful, with just one hotel so never feels too busy. North Point is particularly stunning during golden hour.
It’s a lovely place for a slow walk or sunset photos but it's also a great day base, with sun loungers available and a lovely cafe with great views!
Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong) — Quiet & Off the Beaten Path
Sunse Beach is is the calmest and most tucked-away beach on Koh Lipe.
It’s perfect for sunsets and peaceful afternoons, but the sand is a little rougher and the access is less straightforward, often involving a longer walk (including down some steep, wooden steps), or boat ride.
It suits travellers who really want to disconnect and don’t mind being a little removed from the island’s centre. You can walk here if you don't mind a bit of a longer walk (although nowhere is ever far in Koh Lipe), or you can take a motorcycle taxi up the hill,
There is a cafe on the beach that serves chilled beer and basic cocktails, which is all you need really when you get such a beautiful sunset view here.
This isn't a beach I would laze on all day, but it's definitely one I would spend atleast one sunset at.
Best Beach in Koh Lipe by Travel Style
Best overall & best place to stay: Sunrise Beach — calm water, great swimming and snorkelling, and an easy walk to the island’s centre
Best for views & chilling: North Point Beach — Grab a sun lounger, a chilled drink, and enjoy your day in the sun!
Best for couples & quiet stays: Ten Moons Beach — intimate, peaceful, and softly sheltered. The beach is smaller but it's beautiful.
Best for restaurants & evenings out: Pattaya Beach — social, lively after dark, but still relaxed
Best for switching off completely: Sunset Beach — quiet, secluded, and perfect for slow sunsets
Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting in 2026? A Quick Answer
If you’re looking for a Thai island that balances beautiful beaches, clear water, and a genuinely relaxed pace, then yes, Koh Lipe is still very much worth visiting in 2026.
Who it’s best for:
Couples, families, solo travellers, friends, and backpackers who want a laid-back beach holiday with enough to do without feeling rushed.
What to expect:
A mix of budget hostels, mid-range stays, and luxury beachfront resorts
Calm, swimmable beaches and easy snorkelling from the shore
Walkable island with restaurants, cafés, and small shops close together
A social but not party-heavy atmosphere
Things to know:
The island is busier in peak season (December–March)
It’s becoming more popular each year, especially around Pattaya and Sunrise Beach
Step a little further along the sand or visit early mornings for a quieter feel
Bottom line:
If you value clear water, soft sand, and slow, beach-focused days over nightlife and big attractions, Koh Lipe remains one of Thailand’s best island escapes.
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. Read my full review here.
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.
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.
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.
Typical Costs in Koh Lipe (2026)
Longtail boat: 50–100 THB
Ferry transfers: 800-1000 THB from Pak Bara Pier, 2500 THB from Phuket
Snorkel rental: 100 THB/day
- Taxi: 250-300 THB
Mid-range hotel: £150-£250 per night
- Luxury hotel: £400-£600 per night
Dinner beachfront: £20 (with drink)
The above are some rough, typical pices in Koh Lipe that you can expect. As with all destinations, prices change depending on the season you travel.
Koh Lipe vs Other Thai Islands
If you’re deciding where Koh Lipe fits into a wider Thailand trip, it helps to compare it with a few islands that offer a very different style of travel.
Koh Lipe vs Koh Kood
Koh Kood and Koh Lipe are often compared because both are known for clear water, soft sand and a quieter, more “escape” style of travel. but they feel very different once you arrive.
Koh Kood is larger, greener and far more spread out, with waterfalls, jungle roads and secluded beaches that often feel almost empty. It’s a great choice if you want space, privacy and a slower, resort-style stay where most of your time is spent at your hotel or exploring by scooter.
Koh Lipe, on the other hand, is smaller, flatter and much more walkable. The island feels more social, with beaches, restaurants and Walking Street all close together. If you want turquoise water but still enjoy being able to wander out for dinner, book boat trips and explore on foot, Koh Lipe usually feels more lively and convenient.
Read my full comparison of Koh Lipe vs Koh Kood here
Koh Lipe vs the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lipe sit at opposite ends of the Thailand travel spectrum.
Phi Phi is dramatic, iconic and heavily geared towards boat tours, viewpoints and nightlife. It’s a brilliant choice if you want social energy, day trips to famous limestone cliffs and a lively evening scene.
Koh Lipe is calmer and more beach-focused. While it still has a social side, the emphasis here is on swimming, snorkelling and relaxed beachfront dining rather than late nights and large-scale tours.
If you’re after postcard scenery with atmosphere and buzz, Phi Phi delivers. If you want clearer water, quieter beaches and a slower pace, Koh Lipe tends to feel more rewarding.
The Phi Phi Islands are situated much closer to Phuket and Krabi making them more popular and easy to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Are there ATMs on Koh Lipe?
Yes, there are several ATMs on Koh Lipe, mainly around Pattaya Beach and Walking Street.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
How to Get to Koh Lipe (2026): All Routes from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi & Malaysia
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