Koh Lipe Travel Guide: 10 Best Beaches & Things to Do
Everything you need to know about one of Thailand's most beautiful islands, including the best beaches, where to stay and what to do | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
A little paradise
Koh Lipe (sometimes spelled Ko Lipe) is often considered one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands – even earning the nickname the Maldives of Thailand – and it certainly lives up to its reputation.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the island enjoys an ideal climate during the winter months.
During our four days in Koh Lipe, we took the time to settle in and, as always, were moved by the warmth of Thai hospitality.
In this travel guide to Koh Lipe, we share our top tips for making the most of the small island, including the best beaches and things to do, how to get there, when to visit, where to stay and more.
Our favourites: The best hotels in Koh Lipe
- Luxury: Serendipity Beach Resort – Luxury beachfront resort on Sunrise Beach with private pool villas and a secluded beach.
- Value for money: Idyllic Concept Resort – Modern four-star resort on Sunrise Beach with two pools, a pool bar and stylish, spacious rooms.
- Budget (private): Forra Dive Resort Sunrise – Simple bamboo bungalows with a fan and private bathrooms, just 100 metres from Sunrise Beach.
- Budget (dormitory): Walking Street Hostel – Budget-friendly adults-only hostel near Pattaya Beach with stylish dorms, air conditioning and a large pool area.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Koh Lipe here.
Table of contents
An introduction to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is Thailand’s southernmost island – located about 60 kilometres (~ 37 miles) west of the mainland and just 30 kilometres (~ 18.5 miles) from the Malaysian island of Langkawi. It also lies relatively close to Koh Lanta, another popular Thai island we visited after Koh Lipe.
The southernmost and westernmost parts of Koh Lipe are largely covered in jungle.
As a result, island life is concentrated around three main beaches.
Pattaya Beach, the island’s largest southern beach, is where all tourists arrive by boat.
From here, Walking Street, the island’s main pedestrian street, stretches all the way to the long, scenic Sunrise Beach.
The short distance between the two can be covered on foot in 10-15 minutes, with Walking Street lined with the island’s largest selection of restaurants, pancake stalls, tour operators and small supermarkets.
To the northwest lies Sunset Beach – another easily accessible spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful evening views.
Why visit Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe has perfected the art of island life: start the day with sunrise at Sunrise Beach and enjoy the soft white sand, gentle waves and incredible turquoise water.
Spend the afternoon unwinding with a massage before ending the day watching the sun dip below the horizon at Sunset Beach.
Have a drink on Pattaya Beach – and then wake up and do it all over again.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, take a boat trip to one of the nearby paradise islands.
Koh Lipe is a stunning destination for a holiday in Thailand, but it is far from undiscovered. Visiting in winter means sharing the island with plenty of other travellers – we met many Scandinavian families during our stay.
Its remote location keeps visitor numbers lower than on many other Thai islands (especially compared to islands like Phuket and Koh Samui), but Koh Lipe’s small size means it can still feel a bit overrun.
That said, the variety of food options is impressive, and, as always in Thailand, the locals smile warmly and make visitors feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
This is a place for slow, easy days and a truly relaxed holiday.
Where is Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe is located in the Satun Province of southwest Thailand in the Andaman Sea.
It lies approximately 60 kilometres (~ 37 miles) west of the mainland, near the Malaysian border and about 30 kilometres (~ 18.5 miles) from the island of Langkawi in Malaysia.
It’s part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is situated close to other Thai islands like Koh Lanta.
Find the places we have written about in our guide to Koh Lipe on the map below. Click on the icon at the top left to see an overview.
The best beaches and things to do in Koh Lipe
What to do in Koh Lipe?
Well, it’s a fairly small island, so the main activity here is simply embracing island life.
Take a leisurely walk along the beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters and indulge in delicious Thai food.
For many (us included!), Koh Lipe truly embodies the essence of a perfect Thai holiday.
Here are the top beaches and best things to do in Koh Lipe.
1. Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is most visitors’ first introduction to Koh Lipe.
The sand is soft and white and the water is beautifully clear; almost transparent.
As the island’s most lively beach, Pattaya Beach has a vibrant atmosphere, particularly at the northern end, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants perfect for dining with your feet in the sand.
If there’s a party happening on Koh Lipe, it’s likely to be at one of Pattaya’s beach bars.
Since all boats to the island dock at Pattaya Beach, there is quite a bit of boat traffic during the day which can somewhat disrupt the peaceful vibe.
However, at the southern end of the beach, there’s a fenced-off area where you can swim in tranquillity, away from the speedboats and even snorkel.
If you can look past the boat traffic, which is mostly concentrated at one end, Pattaya Beach is truly a beautiful spot to enjoy.
2. Sunrise Beach
If you’ve read about people’s experiences of Koh Lipe, you’ll often find that Sunrise Beach (locally known as Hat Chao Ley) is a favourite. It was ours too!
If you walk all the way through Walking Street from Pattaya Beach, you’ll be greeted by a scene straight out of a Thai postcard.
The sand is soft, the waves are gentle and the views of nearby Koh Adang, as well as the small islands of Koh Usen and Koh Kra, are absolutely stunning.
Although many longtail boats anchor along the beach, the northernmost end (North Point Beach) offers more space between them.
Here, you’ll find the famous “sandbar” and some of the island’s most beautiful water and sand.
At the southern end of the Sunrise Beach, a range of restaurants and cafés provide the perfect spot to enjoy the views of the small islands.
3. Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach on Koh Lipe is just 500 metres long (1,640 feet), making it the island’s least visited beach.
The name, unsurprisingly, comes from the stunning sunsets that can be seen from this spot.
While there are a few bars and restaurants on Sunset Beach, it’s only a 10-15 minute walk to the variety of options available on Walking Street.
If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful stay, Sunset Beach is a great choice. We’ll provide specific recommendations for excellent hotels and resorts further down in the guide.
4. Boat trips
If you’re looking to experience more beautiful beaches, we highly recommend going on a boat trip from Koh Lipe.
Boat trips can be arranged through most hotels and tour operators but you can also speak directly to a boatman on the beach and organise the trip yourself, if you want a private one.
The most popular option is to sail to some of the stunning islands near Koh Lipe to enjoy spectacular sandy beaches and coral reefs.
We visited Koh Ra Wi and Koh Adang ourselves, accompanied by two friends from Copenhagen who were also staying in Koh Lipe for a few days.
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5. Koh Ra Wi
Koh Ra Wi is a larger island northwest of Koh Lipe and it’s a must-visit if you’re on a boat trip.
We docked at a long, lovely beach adorned with hammocks and swings. Pure bliss!
6. Koh Adang
Just north of Koh Lipe is Koh Adang, which is also a large island compared to Koh Lipe.
You can reach Koh Adang in minutes by boat from Sunrise Beach or visit it as part of a boat trip. Alternatively, you can rent a kayak and paddle across the water yourself.
In addition to its beautiful beach, Koh Adang offers a fantastic view of Koh Lipe.
The island offers three amazing viewpoints, cleverly named Koh Adang Viewpoint #1, Koh Adang Viewpoint #2, and, of course, the grand finale: Koh Adang Viewpoint #3 – because why stop at two when you can have three?
The best view of Koh Lipe can be seen from the highest vantage point.
Hiking to the top requires a good level of fitness and a bit of courage. The path is not very well marked and it can be slippery, especially if it has rained.
Victoria did fall on the way down and sprained her foot, so here’s a warning to take extra care on the descent.
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach viewpoint #3. Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen!
7. Massage
After a day of exploring (or relaxing!), a massage can be the perfect way to unwind.
Luckily, the masseurs in Koh Lipe know exactly how to work their magic.
There are plenty of massage spots along the beaches and on Walking Street with prices starting from around 300 baht (~ 8 EUR / 9 USD) for a one-hour massage.
8. Walking Street
Walking Street is in many ways the heart of Koh Lipe and where the island’s lively atmosphere comes to life.
Being the main pedestrian street from Pattaya Beach all the way to Sunrise Beach, we can’t even count how many times we walked up and down it.
It takes just 10-15 minutes to walk the whole length, but there’s plenty to explore along the way.
You’ll find a mix of shops selling beachwear, souvenirs and handmade jewellery as well as numerous restaurants and street food stalls with fresh fruits, pancakes and more. The island’s “bigger” supermarkets are located on Walking Street, too.
Massage parlours and tour operators selling island-hopping and snorkelling trips can be found here as well.
Walking Street is an essential part of the Koh Lipe experience!
9. Snorkelling or diving
Koh Lipe is a fantastic destination for snorkelling and diving with its clear waters and diverse marine life.
You can usually see colourful coral, clownfish, butterflyfish, Moorish idol, parrotfish, giant clams, sea anemones, goby fish and even sea turtles or stingrays if you’re lucky.
Whether you join a boat tour or simply rent a mask and snorkel yourself, there are plenty of ways to explore the underwater world.
Boat trips are the most popular option, taking you to nearby islands (like some of those we mentioned earlier) and various smaller reefs. These trips can be arranged through tour operators or directly with a boatman on the beach.
For those who prefer to snorkel from shore, renting gear from one of the many shops on Walking Street or along Sunrise Beach is an easy option. It’s usually around 100 baht for the day (~ 2.7 EUR / 3 USD).
Some of the best spots are at the northern end of Sunrise Beach as well as at some of the designated snorkel zones on Pattaya Beach or the one on Sunrise Beach.
Be aware of sea urchins.
Diving is also a great way to experience Koh Lipe’s marine life up close with dive centres offering trips to deeper reefs and sites where you might spot barracudas, moray eels and even reef sharks.
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10. Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset on Koh Lipe is an experience that should not be missed.
One of the best spots to catch the colours of the setting sun is North Point Beach, where people gather for the event. The view of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting golden hues over the water, is nothing short of magical.
Of course, if you’re after a classic sunset experience on Koh Lipe, Sunset Beach is the place to be. As the name suggests, it’s the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset.
You can also enjoy a drink at one of the more upscale resorts, such as The Cliff Lipe (adlink), where you’ll be treated to a fantastic view while sipping on your favourite cocktail.
We watched the sunset from their spacious terrace, where the atmosphere was incredibly relaxed and pleasant. Alternatively, you can choose to sit on their private beach and take in the stunning view from the shoreline.
Either way, watching the sunset is the perfect end to a day in Koh Lipe!
How many days to spend in Koh Lipe
We spent 4 days in Koh Lipe taking it easy, relaxing on the beaches, enjoying delicious food and going on a boat tour.
As you may have gathered from our list of the best things to do in Koh Lipe, there’s not an overwhelming amount of activities – but that’s exactly the charm!
Yes, you can snorkel, dive and go on a few hikes, but for more adventure, you’ll want to head to larger islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Lanta, or even cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok on the mainland.
If you find yourself restless after an hour on the beach and don’t count massages or strolling down Walking Street as exciting enough, 2-3 days in Koh Lipe might be all you need.
However, if you can easily spend hours reading a book on the beach, exploring the underwater world and embracing the laid-back pace, you might want to stay in Koh Lipe for a week or more.
For most visitors, 3 to 5 days in Koh Lipe tends to be just right, offering ample time to enjoy the beaches, explore the island and truly relax without feeling rushed.
Where to stay in Koh Lipe
Even though Koh Lipe is a small island, there is no shortage of accommodation.
Whether you’re looking for a simple fan bungalow with a cold shower or a luxury resort with a pool and private beach, there’s something for every budget.
Prices vary widely, so it helps to have an idea of what kind of stay you want.
If waking up to the sound of waves is a priority, staying on one of the island’s three main beaches is the best choice. Each area has its own vibe:
- Pattaya Beach is the liveliest area with plenty of beachfront hotels, restaurants and easy access to Walking Street. If you want to be close to everything, this is the place.
- Sunrise Beach is the most scenic and peaceful beach, with some of the island’s best resorts. The accommodation here tends to be more upscale, with several resorts offering beachfront villas and private settings, especially near North Point Beach (which is also the best beach on the island, in our opinion). It’s a great choice for those who enjoy snorkelling or a quieter atmosphere (and sunrises!).
- Sunset Beach is the most secluded and quiet beach, with fewer accommodation options but a relaxed setting. It’s the best place to watch the sunset (as the name suggests), and it’s perfect for those wanting to stay somewhere peaceful without the crowds.
Booking in advance is a good idea, especially in the high season (between November and April). The best places fill up months ahead – particularly from mid-December to late February.
Check out our suggestions for the best hotels in different price ranges in our guide on where to stay in Koh Lipe.
Our favourites: The best hotels in Koh Lipe
- Luxury: Serendipity Beach Resort – Luxury beachfront resort on Sunrise Beach with private pool villas and a secluded beach.
- Value for money: Idyllic Concept Resort – Modern four-star resort on Sunrise Beach with two pools, a pool bar and stylish, spacious rooms.
- Budget (private): Forra Dive Resort Sunrise – Simple bamboo bungalows with a fan and private bathrooms, just 100 metres from Sunrise Beach.
- Budget (dormitory): Walking Street Hostel – Budget-friendly adults-only hostel near Pattaya Beach with stylish dorms, air conditioning and a large pool area.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Koh Lipe here.
Restaurants and cafés in Koh Lipe
Restaurants and cafés are plentiful on Koh Lipe, and the island’s small size means you’re never far from your next meal or snack.
Walking Street has the widest selection but for dining with a view, head to Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach where many restaurants and bars offer seating right in the sand.
Liking Thai food makes life easier, but Koh Lipe also has plenty of alternatives if you’re after something other than rice, noodles or soups.
Thai food
Southern Thai cuisine has strong influences from Malaysia and Indonesia, which in turn have been shaped by China, India and the Middle East – creating a diverse mix of flavours.
Bold spices, plenty of chillies (watch out!), various types of curries and sour notes dominate the dishes, while sweetness tends to take a backseat.
That said, Koh Lipe caters primarily to tourists, so you’ll find all the well-known Thai classics.
If you come expecting pad thai, mango sticky rice and coconut-based curries, you won’t be disappointed.
Some standout Thai meals included flavourful curry soups at Family Restaurant and Tonkow. Café Lipe served up a great rice dish with tofu and cashews and the sweet papaya salad from Thai Pancake Lady 2 was a favourite as well.
Main courses generally cost 100-150 baht (~ 2.7-4 EUR / 3-4.4 USD) but on the street behind Sunrise Beach, you’ll find some cheaper spots.
Snacks and street food
Especially in the evening, Walking Street buzzes with life and you’re never far from street noodles, fresh juices, coconut ice cream and other snacks.
One sound that’s hard to forget is the chant of the man selling small, spongy coconut donuts: “Coconut donut, 10 baht, 10 baht!”.
Coconut ice cream is a popular treat available in a waffle, in a cup or served in a coconut. You can top it with roasted peanuts or colourful sprinkles, depending on your mood.
Vegetarian and vegan
Being vegetarian or vegan in Koh Lipe is generally easy.
Most restaurants and cafés offer vegetarian options as standard and many dishes can be made vegan by asking for soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Understanding of veganism is widespread in Thailand and saying “pom gin jay” (for men) or “chan gin jay” (for women) makes it clear that you eat plant-based. You might also imply that you don’t eat onion and garlic, though.
Fresh fruit is everywhere – from juicy mangoes to dragon fruit, pineapples, coconuts and bananas. All are available fresh or in juices and shakes.
If you’re cooking yourself, Patt Market in the middle of Walking Street stocks a good selection of groceries (though prices are a bit high).
Even if you don’t need anything, stepping inside for the air conditioning when the sun is blazing isn’t the worst idea.
Check out Happy Cow for an updated list of vegan options in Koh Lipe.
How to get to Koh Lipe
There’s no airport on Koh Lipe. The island is simply too small.
It can only be reached by boat, and the most common way to get there is from Pak Bara Pier on the Thai mainland. It’s also possible to travel from nearby islands (see below).
From Bangkok
If you’re arriving in Bangkok, you’ll need to travel quite a way south before catching a boat to Koh Lipe.
The quickest option is to fly to Hat Yai International Airport (about 1.5 hours). From there, a minivan ride to Pak Bara Pier takes around two hours, followed by a speedboat to Koh Lipe.
The speedboat from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe takes 1.5-2 hours.
Find the cheapest flights to Thailand on Momondo (adlink).
To and from Koh Lipe from other places in Thailand
Koh Lipe is well connected to other islands and mainland Thailand by boat and minivan routes.
Whether you’re coming from Phuket, Krabi or even Malaysia (like we did), there are several options to reach the island.
- Koh Lanta, Phuket or Koh Phi Phi: Speedboats operate from these islands, usually with stops along the way. The journey takes 3 to 5 hours (depending on the island).
- Trang or Krabi: First, take a minivan to Pak Bara Pier (about 2–3 hours from Trang or 4–5 hours from Krabi), then continue by speedboat. The speedboat from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe takes 1.5–2 hours.
- Langkawi (Malaysia): Direct ferries operate between Langkawi and Koh Lipe. It takes about 1.5 hours.
Boat schedules depend on the season, but usually, there are several departures per day.
During the monsoon season (the low season from May to October), some routes have fewer departures or may not operate at all.
In the high season, there may also be routes between Koh Lipe and islands like Koh Kradan, Koh Bulon, Koh Mook, Koh Jum, Koh Libong, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Ngai.
As far as we know, Pak Bara is the only place from which there are boats to and from Koh Lipe all year round.
What we did
We arrived in Koh Lipe by boat from Langkawi in Malaysia, which meant going through a short immigration process upon docking at Pattaya Beach.
Getting a Thai visa was slightly confusing but ultimately straightforward. You just have to have a little patience (and trust that you will get your passport back).
Before boarding in Langkawi, passports are collected. Upon arrival in Koh Lipe, passengers wait to be called at the immigration office, where entry stamps are issued. Right next to the office, there are ATMs and currency exchange services.
Travellers coming from other Thai islands or the mainland do not need to go through immigration, of course.
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How to get around in Koh Lipe
Getting around Koh Lipe is relatively easy due to its small size, and most travellers (us included!) just walk everywhere.
Most places are within walking distance, especially the beaches and Walking Street.
If you prefer not to walk, you can hop on a motorbike taxi. These are commonly available and inexpensive for short trips between beaches or to your accommodation. If you have a lot of luggage when arriving, that may be a good option to get to your hotel.
Renting a bicycle is another option for exploring Koh Lipe. Some hotels offer free bike rentals, but you can also rent one from local shops.
At last, longtail boats can be used to reach the island’s beaches if you want a more adventurous and scenic mode of travel. You can negotiate a price directly with the boatmen or join a group boat tour.
When to visit Koh Lipe
Seasons and weather
What is the weather like in Koh Lipe, and when is the best time to visit?
First of all, weekends and national holidays tend to attract many visitors from Thailand and Malaysia, so expect more crowds during these times.
Koh Lipe enjoys warm temperatures year-round, averaging around 28°C (~ 82°F). However, the island experiences two distinct seasons: the high season and the low season.
High season (from November to April)
High season in Koh Lipe is in November, December, January, February, March and April.
In that period, the weather in Koh Lipe is usually perfect.
Most days, the sun is high in the sky, the water is warm, it rarely rains, and there’s just a gentle breeze.
This period offers the best conditions for beach activities and boat trips, which makes it the most popular time to visit.
From mid-December to the end of February, the island is at its busiest, and the weather is typically at its best.
Hotel tip: Many hotels are fully booked months in advance, so it can be a good idea to arrange accommodation early if you plan to visit in the high season.
Low season (from May to October)
From May to October, Koh Lipe experiences frequent rainfall.
Many showers are short but intense.
The island is quieter, the beaches are less crowded and the surroundings are lush and green.
Travelling during the low season usually means lower accommodation prices, but fewer ferries operate and some hotels and services may be closed.
Our best tips for visiting Koh Lipe
- Koh Lipe is a beautiful island. Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- Wifi in Koh Lipe is surprisingly good for a small island in the middle of nowhere. Several restaurants and hotels have wifi, and if you need internet access elsewhere you can consider buying a local SIM card or eSIM with data. We’ve previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success.
- Koh Lipe is very safe to visit.
- The electrical outlets in Koh Lipe generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
- There are two 7-Eleven shops on Koh Lipe, perfect for quick purchases (and a refreshing blast of air conditioning).
- If you get injured, there is a small clinic on Koh Lipe. Bigger hospitals can be found on the mainland or other islands like Koh Lanta.
- There are several ATMs on the island, but it’s a good idea to bring some extra cash just in case.
- Save money by skipping a trip to Koh Lipe in December, January, and February. November and March offer lower prices while still bringing good weather.
- If you travel during the high season, it’s highly recommended to book accommodation in advance.
- The sun is strong. Remember your sun protection and stay in the shade during the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
- Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Koh Lipe. We hope it has been useful!
What do you think of the Maldives of Thailand?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been to Koh Lipe yet. We are happy to help.
And if you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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