Where to stay in Koh Lipe: Best Hotels in All Price Ranges
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Koh Lipe from budget to luxury | 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. |
Escape to paradise
Koh Lipe is a small tropical paradise that offers crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs and beautiful beaches.
We visited this stunning island for four days, and with its laid-back atmosphere and walkable size, it’s one of our favourite islands in Thailand.
Check out our travel guide to Koh Lipe with the best beaches and things to do if you need to be convinced!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Lipe, you’re in the right place.
While the island is quite small, there’s actually a variety of accommodations – from backpacker hostels and budget-friendly options to boutique hotels and beachfront resorts.
Whether you’re travelling as a family with children, on your honeymoon, or simply looking for the best hotel with a pool to unwind, Koh Lipe has a range of hotels to suit every traveller.
In this guide to where to stay in Koh Lipe, we share recommendations for some of the best budget stays, great value mid-range hotels and luxury options. Hopefully, it helps you make the most of your time on the paradise island.
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
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 travel guide to Koh Lipe on the map below. Click on the icon at the top left to see an overview.
Good to know before visiting Koh Lipe
As we mentioned, there’s no shortage of accommodation options despite Koh Lipe’s small size.
It’s important to note that prices tend to be higher than in the rest of Thailand, but budget travellers can still find affordable stays – especially if you’re open to simple fan bungalows or even dormitory-style rooms to really keep costs down.
There’s something for every budget, so you’ll also be able to find charming mid-range hotels and even luxury resorts.
With such a wide range of prices, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of what type of experience you’re looking for.
Even from the centre of Koh Lipe, the beach is never far away (usually less than a kilometre), so proximity to the sea doesn’t always need to be a top priority.
That said, there’s no denying that staying close to the beautiful beaches is still the most desirable option!
PS: 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.
Where to stay in Koh Lipe
When choosing where to stay in Koh Lipe, it’s worth considering what atmosphere you’re looking for.
The area you select will shape your experience, but keep in mind that no matter where you stay, everything is within walking distance.
You can easily explore the entire island and enjoy different parts of Koh Lipe during your stay.
Here’s a quick look at the island’s three main beaches and Walking Street:
- 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.
- Walking Street and the surrounding area are ideal if you prefer staying close to restaurants, street food, shops and entertainment. This is also your best bet for cheap hostels, affordable guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
So, where to stay in Koh Lipe? Scroll down to find our suggestions for the best hotels and resorts in different price ranges.
Best hotels and resorts in Koh Lipe
Best luxury resorts in Koh Lipe
Serendipity Beach Resort
If you’re ready to indulge, Serendipity offers a stay in luxurious surroundings. It’s one of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe.
This beautiful resort sits at the southernmost end of Sunrise Beach, with access to a private stretch of sand.
If budget isn’t a concern, we highly recommend one of the spacious villas with a sea view and a private pool.
Families of four can opt for the 200-square-metre Grand Deluxe Pool Villa, which also comes with its own private pool.
All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, wifi, a TV, a desk and a fridge. The resort even features a restaurant serving international cuisine à la carte, and guests can borrow kayaks free of charge.
See pictures, prices and availability at Serendipity Beach Resort (adlink).
Mali Resort Sunrise Beach
Mali Resort sits right on Sunrise Beach, offering spacious, beautifully designed Balinese-inspired cabins.
Each room includes air conditioning, a TV, a desk, a refrigerator and a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. The resort also features a restaurant and bar.
While Sunrise Beach can have quite a few longtail boats, guests can always retreat to the resort’s large pool area in the lush tropical garden.
See pictures, prices and availability at Mali Resort (adlink).
The Cliff Lipe
The Cliff Lipe is a stunning resort set on the peaceful Sunset Beach.
The decor is elegant and romantic, with rooms featuring air conditioning, a TV, desk, fridge, and, of course, wifi.
The spacious restaurant serves Thai dishes and drinks with a breathtaking sunset view over the sea. We enjoyed a sunset drink at their restaurant one evening and loved the view!
If you’re looking for something extra special, you can even book a room with a private pool or jacuzzi overlooking the ocean.
See pictures, prices and availability at The Cliff Lipe (adlink).
Best mid-range hotels in Koh Lipe
Idyllic Concept Resort
The modern four-star Idyllic Concept Resort sits right on the beach at the southern end of Sunrise Beach.
Guests can enjoy two pools (one with a pool bar) and an on-site restaurant.
The spacious, spotless rooms are individually styled with a minimalist design and come equipped with air conditioning, wifi, TV, fridge and complimentary breakfast.
If the aesthetic suits you, this resort offers excellent value for money.
See pictures, prices and availability at Idyllic Concept Resort (adlink).
The Green Hotel
The Green Hotel may not offer a remarkable view, but it’s just a minute’s walk from Pattaya Beach.
The pool is simple yet long, and it has a child-friendly section at one end.
Rooms are clean and well-maintained with air conditioning, TV, desk, fridge and wifi.
It’s a solid choice – especially with both air conditioning and a pool.
See pictures, prices and availability at The Green Hotel (adlink).
Serene Resort Lipe
During our stay in Koh Lipe, we chose Serene Resort, located at the eastern end of Walking Street – just a five-minute walk from Sunrise Beach.
We had a simple but decent double room with air conditioning, a small desk, wifi and a private bathroom. Since the room was set back from the street, we weren’t disturbed by any noise.
Serene Resort was a practical choice for us, though nothing particularly memorable.
The location was ideal, and the price was reasonable by Koh Lipe standards.
That said, the bedding was just a large towel, the wifi worked best near the reception, and the decor felt quite dated. Don’t expect too much.
As we spent most of our time at the beach and in restaurants, these details didn’t bother us much, and we were overall satisfied with our stay.
See photos, prices and availability at Serene Resort here (adlink).
Best budget hotels in Koh Lipe
Walking Street Hostel
If you’re travelling alone or with friends and don’t mind sharing a room, Walking Street Hostel is a great choice.
This adults-only hostel is located on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach, offering bunk beds in dorms at a budget-friendly price.
The decor is surprisingly stylish for a hostel, and the dorms come with air conditioning. Free wifi and drinking water are available, along with an on-site restaurant.
However, the real highlight of Walking Street Hostel is the spacious pool area!
You can choose between women’s, men’s or mixed dorms.
See pictures, prices and availability at Walking Street Hostel (adlink).
Forra Dive Resort Sunrise
Forra Dive Resort Sunrise is a great budget-friendly option just 100 metres from the northern part of Sunrise Beach, close to some of Koh Lipe’s best snorkelling spots.
The resort offers simple yet authentic bamboo bungalows set in a tropical garden.
Each bungalow comes with a fan, mosquito net, private bathroom and hot shower.
There’s also a shared lounge where guests can relax, as well as an on-site restaurant. Families will appreciate the small kid-friendly play area, and for those interested in diving, the resort has its own dive shop.
See pictures, prices and availability at Forra Dive Resort Sunrise (adlink).
Family Song
Family Song is a solid budget hotel in Koh Lipe, offering basic but comfortable bungalows with private bathrooms and a great location right on the lively Pattaya Beach (close to the pier).
Each bungalow has either a terrace or a balcony, and the hotel has a nice little garden.
While the cheapest bungalows only have a fan, they are a great budget option if you’re used to the heat or don’t plan on spending much time indoors. For those who prefer more comfort, air-conditioned options are available.
Wifi is provided, and there’s an on-site restaurant, though you’ll also find plenty of dining options within walking distance along the beach or on Walking Street.
See pictures, prices and availability at Family Song (adlink).
The best beaches and things to do in Koh Lipe
When you have found out where to stay in Koh Lipe, the next step is to explore everything the island has to offer.
In our guide to the best things to do in Koh Lipe, we share our favourite spots on the island – from the best beaches in Koh Lipe to snorkelling, boat trips and other great activities.
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 3-5 hours (depending on the island).
- Trang or Krabi: First, you should take a minivan to Pak Bara Pier (about 2-3.5 hours) and 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 guide on where to stay in Koh Lipe.
Hopefully, it has provided some inspiration for the best hotels on the paradise island.
What are your thoughts on where to stay in Koh Lipe? Which area would you choose?
Feel free to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been to Koh Lipe yet. We are happy to help.
If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks for accommodation or the best areas to stay.
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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