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Koh Lipe or Ko Lipe is a comparatively undiscovered paradise, located within the Andaman sea, 60 km from the Thai mainland and solely 30 km from Langkawi, Malaysia.
It’s the southernmost Thai island and one in all greater than fifty that type the Adang archipelago.
Located within the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is understood for its lovely seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance.
Koh Lipe is roofed with lush vegetation, has lovely quiet sandy seashores which can be surrounded by crystal clear, calm turquoise water – the proper place for snorkeling and diving.
And it’s no marvel as Koh Lipe is correct on the border of the Tarutao National Marine Park, one of many first National Parks created in Thailand in 1974.
Koh Lipe isn’t as simply accessible as another common islands in Thailand, and due to this fact additionally not as crowded as Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, for instance making the proper island getaway!
Keep on studying our full journey information to Koh Lipe.
How to Get to Koh Lipe
To get to Koh Lipe, the closest airport is positioned within the metropolis of Hat Yai, which is an extended bus journey from Bangkok. From there, you possibly can catch a ferry or speedboat to the island.
The journey takes about an hour, and the surroundings alongside the way in which is breathtaking, with beautiful views of the encompassing islands and turquoise waters.
Another choice is to take a bus from Hat Yai to the city of Pak Bara, the place you possibly can catch a ferry to Koh Lipe. Here’s a hyperlink to the ferry choices from Pak Bara. During the offseason, boats solely run from Pak Bara.
Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Air (Hat Yai)
Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai (Air Asia or Nok Air are nice choices)
From Hat Yai, you possibly can take any of those van + ferry mixtures. Please notice that some airways like Air Asia have packages which embody a flight, plus all ferry connections!
Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Train or Bus
From Bangkok, you possibly can both take a prepare or a bus straight to Hat Yai, when you arrive there, you may make your method to the pier to catch a van / ferry.
Once you arrive in Koh Lipe, you’ll be greeted by the pleasant locals and instantly really feel the relaxed and laid-back ambiance of the island. In conclusion, attending to Koh Lipe is comparatively straightforward and there are a number of transportation choices to select from.
From Langkawi, Malaysia, the ferry takes round 1h30min – 2h, arriving at Pattaya Beach, in the midst of the island.
It could be a lengthy journey to get to Koh Lipe however it’s completely worthwhile although. Koh Lipe is certainly among the finest islands in Thailand and the perfect place for many who love excellent seashores with out the crowds.
Whether you e book a tour or package deal, take a bus and ferry, or prepare your individual transportation, you’ll be capable to expertise the sweetness and tranquility of this wonderful island vacation spot.
Map of Koh Lipe displaying Pattaya Beach, Sunset Beach, and Sunrise Beach
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How to Get Around Koh Lipe
As talked about, Koh Lipe or Ko Lipe is a small island positioned within the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand. It has a complete space of about 4.6 sq. kilometers, making it one of many smallest inhabited islands in Thailand.
It has three fundamental seashores, Sunset seashore, Sunrise Beach, and Pattaya Beach. Despite its small measurement, Koh Lipe is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, recognized for its lovely seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance.
To get across the island, there are a number of transportation choices accessible. The hottest method to discover Koh Lipe is by strolling, because the island is comparatively small and straightforward to navigate. Many of the principle sights, such because the seashores and outlets, are inside strolling distance of one another.
Another choice is to lease a bike or scooter, which could be a enjoyable and handy method to get across the island.
You can simply lease a bike or scooter from one of many many rental outlets on Koh Lipe, and the costs are fairly reasonably priced. Keep in thoughts that you will want a sound driver’s license and a few expertise driving a bike or scooter, because the roads on the island may be slender and winding.
If you like to not drive, you can too take a tuk-tuk to get round Koh Lipe. The taxis and tuk-tuks on the island are plentiful and comparatively cheap, and you’ll simply flag one down on the road.
Overall, regardless of its small measurement, Koh Lipe gives loads of issues to see and do, and there are a number of transportation choices accessible that can assist you discover the island.
Whether you select to stroll, lease a bike or scooter, or take a tuk-tuk, you’ll be capable to expertise the sweetness and allure of Koh Lipe at your individual tempo.
Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe
The greatest time to go to Koh Lipe is through the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, we advocate you e book your resorts upfront to get the perfect offers.
From November to May, the climate is sunny and heat, with temperatures averaging between 80 and 90°F. The sea can be calm and clear, making it good for swimming, snorkeling, and different water actions.
In addition to the good climate, please notice that that is peak vacationer season. This signifies that there are many actions and occasions to get pleasure from!
One of the highlights of visiting Koh Lipe through the dry season is the prospect to take part within the annual Lipe Festival, which takes place in March. The competition celebrates the island’s distinctive tradition and historical past, and options conventional music, dance, and meals.
It’s an awesome alternative to study extra in regards to the native lifestyle and immerse your self within the island’s vibrant tradition.
Overall, the dry season is the perfect time to go to Koh Lipe because of the splendid climate, the vary of actions and occasions, and the chance to expertise the island’s tradition and historical past.
If you don’t thoughts touring off season, this runs from from May to October. During this time in Koh Lipe, there are fewer vacationers. Most resorts use this time to do renovations so count on some building work.
Make notice that through the off season, ferries run from Pak Bara pier to Koh Lipe.
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Best Beaches in Koh Lipe
In normal, Koh Lipe has three fundamental seashores. Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, and Pattaya Beach. While there are a handful of smaller seashores, these are the three fundamental hotspots. Check out the breakdown of every seashore under.
1. Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley)
Located on the japanese facet of the island, Sunrise Beach is understood for its beautiful views of the dawn over the Andaman Sea. It is a well-liked spot for swimming and snorkeling, and there are a number of eating places and outlets close by.
If you’re planning a visit to Koh Lipe, we advocate staying in Sunrise seashore! It is the perfect seashore on the island and has a wide range of resorts and eating places for a handy keep.
For me, that is essentially the most lovely seashore in Koh Lipe. There is a nice breeze throughout the entire day and it’s an awesome spot for snorkeling and water sports activities. The views from the resorts in Sunrise seashore are out of this world!
Aside from this, I cherished the truth that I didn’t should lease a motorcycle or automobile to maneuver round Koh Lipe and will simply discover the entire island by foot.
2. Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is the principle seashore on Koh Lipe, and it’s positioned within the heart of the island. Pattaya Beach is a well-liked spot for swimming and sunbathing, and there are a number of bars and eating places close by.
During the months of May-October, all of the vacationer boats arrive in Pattaya seashore so count on some hustle and bustle. It can be simply accessible from Koh Lipe Walking road which is lined with bars and eating places.
You’ll discover plenty of locations to remain in Koh Lipe in Pattaya Beach because it is likely one of the fundamental areas on Koh Lipe.
3. Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)
As the title suggests, Sunset Beach is the proper spot to look at the sundown over the horizon. It is positioned on the western facet of the island and gives lovely views of the sundown, in addition to a spread of water sports activities and different actions.
From the principle city/ strolling road, sundown seashore is just a 15-20 minute stroll! Sunset Beach has some rocks, tranquil water, and some low-key bars and eating places.
There can be a tenting space, which provides it a barely hippy ambiance and, because the title suggests, it’s the proper spot from which to look at the sundown.
Best Things to Do in Koh Lipe
1. Explore the Island by Foot
As talked about, Koh Lipe is tiny, solely 2 km lengthy and 1 km broad, and to stroll from one seashore to a different, it received’t take greater than 30 minutes, so I might urge you to do it.
The fundamental road known as “Walking Street”. Along the Walking Street, you will see that many eating places, therapeutic massage parlors, and outlets.
To offer you an instance, from Pattaya Beach to Sunrise seashore is only one kilometer lengthy, taking round 10 minutes. To get to Sunset seashore from Pattaya Beach, it takes round quarter-hour.
2. Take a Boat Trip Around Koh Lipe
While in Koh Lipe, you shouldn’t miss the chance to do an island-hopping tour by boat. You will go to a couple of beautiful islands with attention-grabbing rock formations, see wildlife, together with lizards and monkeys, see the extraordinary bioluminescent planktons as you discover unbelievable spots for snorkeling and swimming.
If you’re fortunate sufficient, you possibly can even encounter your individual non-public seashore. Yes, it’s nonetheless attainable in Thailand!
There are 4 island hopping itineraries from Koh Lipe (Program A, B, Sunset Trip and Plankton Trip) and packages A and B are by far the preferred ones.
My favourite was Tour B which turned out to be the spotlight of my journey. The islands, seashores, and sea life are spectacular and can go away you in awe!
This Koh Lipe snorkeling tour takes you to the perfect components with out the effort of arranging all of it your self.
Editor’s Note: If scuba diving is your factor, don’t overlook to take a look at these Liveaboard choices in Thailand for an unbelievable expertise.
3. Go on a Day Trip to Koh Adang (Hike Koh Lipe Viewpoint)
If you want spectacular vistas and wish to get some train, you possibly can climb the mountain on Koh Adang, the island in entrance of Koh Lipe, to get a birds-eye view of the “Maldives of Thailand”.
The boat journey to Koh Adang takes about 20 minutes. From the arrival level, you possibly can simply discover the path that leads as much as three viewpoints. Hiking Koh Adang takes between 30 and 40 minutes every approach, is appropriate for everybody, and for essentially the most half, the path is in shadow.
The vistas from the viewpoints are spectacular, and when you’re right here, you’ll instantly see the place Koh Lipe’s nickname comes from.
But I’d advocate that you simply begin the hike early within the morning, as it may well get highly regarded afterward, and produce loads of water, sun shades, hat, sunscreen, appropriate sneakers and, in fact, your digicam.
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4. Enjoy a Few Water Activities
With crystal-clear balmy blue water which options 25 % of the world’s tropical fish species, Koh Lipe is undoubtedly among the finest locations in Thailand for diving and snorkeling.
You snorkel all over the place in Koh Lipe, however near the 2 tiny islands on Sunrise seashore are a number of the greatest spots, particularly at low tide when the water will get very calm, shallow and clear.
However, bear in mind that the coral reef is protected, so you need to watch out when snorkeling, particularly at low tide. Kayaking can be one other good exercise to do in Koh Lipe, because the water is so calm, and a few resorts provide free kayaks and snorkeling masks for its friends.
5. Explore the Bars in Walking Street!
Koh Lipe’s nightlife is comparatively quiet with many of the bars closing round midnight. However, if you wish to meet individuals, take heed to good music and dance, head all the way down to Walking Street.
Make notice that in comparison with different Thai islands like Koh Phangan or Phuket, Koh Lipe isn’t a celebration island.
With that being stated, in most bars, you will see that a various crowd with some bars even internet hosting dwell music. Happy Hour is between 5:00 and eight:00 pm so ensure you take advantage of out of the promotions!
Just a few bars that we advocate are Happy Vibe Bar, Corner Bar & Rainforest, or Peace & Love Bar or Reggae Bar.
6. Grab a Drink in one of many Beach Bars and Restaurants
There are some very nice seashore bars and eating places throughout Koh Lipe however, for me, the perfect ones are positioned on Sunrise Beach. In my opinion, Sea la Vie is the place to go.
The ambiance is tremendous cool, with chairs on the sand, and even a swing that appears out over the ocean. Happy Vibe Bar is one other nice choice!
Added to that, the music is sweet, the gang pleasant, the foods and drinks moderately priced and the view wonderful.
It’s straightforward to see why, after spending the entire day swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, grabbing a drink at a bar like this and feeling the ocean breeze on my face made me really feel just like the happiest particular person on Earth.
7. Eat Your Way Around Koh Lipe
Thai delicacies is famend as among the finest on this planet, and once you go to the islands, the meals is normally brisker and even higher than on the mainland. Koh Lipe isn’t any totally different and its eating places don’t disappoint.
From the good number of fruits to unbelievable mixtures to unique dishes made with curry and coconut milk (my private favorites), it is best to completely indulge your self and have loads of Thai meals throughout your keep in Koh Lipe.
There are good eating places scattered all through the island, with most of them positioned on the “Walking Street”. Some of the dishes to attempt whereas in Koh Lipe is the outrageous Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup) served at Nee Papaya and an genuine Thai grilled fish at Papaya Mom.
Read: What to Eat in Thailand: Dishes You Can’t Miss
8. Join a Yoga or Meditation Class
Koh Lipe is a well-liked vacation spot for wellness and leisure, and you could find many yoga and meditation lessons on the island. You can be a part of a category and unwind within the peaceable environment of Koh Lipe.
9. Try Out Scuba Diving in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a good place for scuba diving, with its wealthy marine life and colourful coral reefs. If you’re not licensed, there are skilled dive faculties which you’ll be able to take your open water certification.
Alternatively, you can too do a 1-day scuba diving course to provide you an total really feel of the marine life in Koh Lipe.
10. Rent a Kayak
You can lease a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and discover the island’s lovely bays and coves. You may even paddle over to close by islands that are positioned proper in entrance of dawn seashore for a secluded seashore day.
Kayaks are as low cost as 350 baht a day or 150 an hour. If you’re staying in a resort in Sunrise seashore, they may have kayaks for lease. Alternatively, head on over to Sunrise Beach restaurant to inquire!
11. Fishing in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a well-liked vacation spot for fishing, and you’ll be a part of a fishing tour or lease gear and go fishing by yourself. You can catch a wide range of fish, similar to snapper and grouper, and have them cooked at an area restaurant.
The greatest method to prepare a fishing journey is to go straight to the boatmen. They will likely be comfortable to take you out to sea! If you need one thing a bit extra skilled, the tour brokers on the town near strolling road may help you.
Facilities on Koh Lipe Island
Koh Lipe is a small island, however it has all of the amenities and facilities you want for a cushty and gratifying keep. Here are a number of the amenities you possibly can look forward to finding on Koh Lipe:
- ATMs: There are a number of ATMs on Koh Lipe, and you could find them in the principle areas of the island, such because the Walking Street and the Pier.
- Stores: There are many shops on Koh Lipe the place you should purchase groceries, souvenirs, and different objects. You can discover shops in the principle areas of the island, such because the Walking Street, the place you can too discover native handicrafts and souvenirs. The hottest retailer on Koh Lipe is 711. Here you should purchase all types of things from snacks to booze!
- Restaurants: There are many eating places on Koh Lipe that serve a wide range of dishes, from native seafood to worldwide delicacies.
- Bars: Koh Lipe has a vibrant nightlife, and you could find many bars and golf equipment on the island. You can discover bars in the principle areas of the island, such because the Walking Street, in addition to on the principle seashores.
- Hospitals: There is a small clinic on Koh Lipe that may present fundamental medical care. For extra severe medical points, it’s possible you’ll must be transported to the mainland. It was stated {that a} non-public hospital was not too long ago constructed close to strolling road.
- Internet and Wi-Fi: There is web and Wi-Fi accessible on Koh Lipe, however the connectivity may be unreliable at occasions because of the island’s location. You can discover Wi-Fi in most resorts and eating places, however the speeds could also be gradual. We recommend getting an area sim card + cell information!
Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
Given that the island is small, surprisingly, there are nonetheless a great deal of choices on the place to remain, relying in your funds. Here are a couple of suggestions on the place to remain.
This submit was initially written by Pericles Rosa however has since been up to date by the Adventure in You staff.
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