Looking for the most effective issues to do in Koh Lipe?
I’ve obtained you coated! Our crew has been touring and dwelling throughout Thailand over the past couple of years so we now have a ton of suggestions on the most effective locations throughout this stunning nation.
Koh Lipe (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 among greater than fifty that type the Adang archipelago.
Located within the Andaman Sea, this small island is understood for its stunning seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance.
The island is roofed with lush vegetation, has stunning quiet sandy seashores which are surrounded by crystal clear, calm turquoise water – the right place for snorkeling and diving.
And it’s no surprise 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 (Ko Lipe) isn’t as simply accessible as another fashionable islands in Thailand, and subsequently additionally not as crowded as Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, for instance making the right island getaway!
Keep on studying our full journey information to Koh Lipe.
How to Get to Koh Lipe, Thailand
To get to Koh Lipe (Ko Lipe), the closest airport is positioned within the metropolis of Hat Yai, which is an extended bus experience from Bangkok. From there, you’ll be able to 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 gorgeous views of the encompassing islands and turquoise waters.
Another possibility is to take a bus from Hat Yai to the city of Pak Bara, the place you’ll be able to catch a ferry to Koh Lipe. Here’s a hyperlink to the ferry choices 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’ll be able to take any of those van + ferry mixtures. Please observe that some airways like Air Asia have packages which embrace a flight, plus all ferry connections!
Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Train or Bus
From Bangkok, you’ll be able to both take a practice or a bus straight to Hat Yai, when you arrive there, you may make your technique to the pier to catch a van / ferry.
Once you arrive in Koh Lipe (Ko 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 a little bit of a mission however there are a number of transportation choices to select from, making the complete course of simpler.
If you’re coming from from Langkawi, Malaysia, there’s a ferry which takes round 1h30min – 2h, arriving at Pattaya Beach, in the midst of the island.
Overall, to get right here generally is a lengthy journey nevertheless it’s completely worthwhile although.
Koh Lipe is unquestionably the most effective islands in Thailand and the perfect place for individuals who love excellent seashores with out the crowds.
Whether you e-book a tour or bundle, 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.
✨The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without…✨
Coming from somebody who has been touring the world for the final 8 years AND has been within the hospital 2x, journey insurance coverage is one thing everybody NEEDS to get. Get a quote under!
Map of Koh Lipe
The photograph of the map under showcases the structure of Koh Lipe Island and its three fundamental seashores: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach. Each of those seashores provides a singular expertise for guests, starting from bustling exercise to secluded tranquility.
Map of Koh Lipe (Ko Lipe) exhibiting Pattaya Beach, Sunset Beach, and Sunrise Beach
How to Get Around Koh Lipe
As talked about, Koh Lipe is a tiny 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.
Despite its small measurement, Koh Lipe (Ko Lipe) is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, identified for its stunning seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance. Quite frankly, it’s an island paradise and is one among our favourite locations in Thailand.
To get across the island, there are a number of transportation choices out there. The hottest technique to discover Koh Lipe is by strolling, because the island is comparatively small and simple to navigate. Many of the primary points of interest, such because the seashores and retailers, are inside strolling distance of one another.
Another possibility is to lease a bicycle, which generally is a enjoyable and handy technique to get across the island. You can simply lease a bicycle from the numerous rental retailers, or higher but, ask your resort as they may have some so that you can use.
If you like to not cycle, you may as well 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 or e-book one upfront.
Overall, regardless of its small measurement, Koh Lipe provides loads of issues to see and do, and there are a number of transportation choices out there that can assist you discover the island.
Whether you select to stroll, lease a motorcycle, 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 finest time to go to the gorgeous island of Koh Lipe is in the course of the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, we advocate you e-book your lodges upfront to get the most effective 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 excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and different water actions.
In addition to the nice climate, please observe that that is peak vacationer season. This signifies that there are many actions and occasions to take pleasure in!
One of the highlights of visiting Koh Lipe in the course of 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 amazing alternative to be taught extra concerning the native lifestyle and immerse your self within the island’s vibrant tradition.
Overall, the dry season is the most effective time to go to Koh Lipe as a result of very best 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 lodges use this time to do renovations so anticipate some development work.
Make observe that in the course of the off season, ferries run from Pak Bara pier to Koh Lipe.
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 jap facet of the island, Sunrise Beach is a ravishing seashore identified for its gorgeous 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 retailers close by.
If you’re planning a visit to Koh Lipe, we advocate staying in Sunrise seashore! It is the most effective seashore on the island and has quite a lot of lodges and eating places for a handy keep.
For me, Sunrise Beach is essentially the most stunning and quiet seashore in Koh Lipe. There is a pleasing breeze throughout the entire day and it’s an amazing spot for snorkeling and water sports activities.
I liked the truth that I didn’t need to lease a bike or automobile to maneuver round Koh Lipe and will simply discover the entire island by foot.
From Sunrise Beach to Pattaya Beach, is a straightforward 15-20 minute stroll. As talked about, we advocate selecting a lodge in Sunrise Beach as you get the most effective of each worlds. Gorgeous seashores whereas nonetheless being near all of the hustle and bustle.
Sunrise Beach is Koh Lipe’s longest seashore, stretching for nearly 1.5 km and when you’re fortunate, throughout low tide, you’ll be able to stroll all the way in which to Sunset seashore, following the coast line.
Right in entrance of Sunrise Beach, there are 2 small islands which are improbable for snorkelling and exploring with kayaks. The islands Koh Kra and Koh Usen are the right kayak tour from Sunrise Beach in our opinion!
From Ten Moons Lipe Resort, there’s additionally a small secret seashore price visiting!
2. Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is the primary seashore on Koh Lipe, and it’s positioned within the middle 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 anticipate some hustle and bustle. It can be simply accessible from Walking road which is lined with bars and eating places.
Some of our favourite Thai eating places are positioned in Walking road!
You’ll discover numerous locations to remain in Koh Lipe on this space. Pattaya Beach is taken into account one among Koh Lipe’s finest seashores as a consequence of its clear blue waters and powder delicate sand.
However, since Pattaya Beach is taken into account the primary port for boats, swimming and snorkeling right here isn’t advisable.
From Pattaya Beach, you’ll be able to simply stroll to Sunrise Beach which is simply quarter-hour away. Koh Lipe’s Walking Street is correct by the primary entrance of Pattaya Beach and extends all the way in which to the underside nook of Koh Lipe to Sunrise Beach.
Since some individuals enter from Malaysia, there’s additionally an immigration workplace positioned proper by Pattaya Beach.
3. Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)
As the identify suggests, Sunset Beach is the right spot to observe the sundown over the horizon. It is positioned on the western facet of the island and provides stunning views of the sundown, in addition to a variety of water sports activities and different actions.
From the primary city/ strolling road, sundown seashore is simply 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 identify suggests, it’s the right spot from which to observe 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 gained’t take greater than 30 minutes, so I’d urge you to do it.
The fundamental road is known as “Walking Street”. Along the Walking Street, you will discover many eating places, therapeutic massage parlors, and retailers.
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 number of gorgeous 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’ll be able to even bump into your individual personal 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 applications A and B are by far the most well-liked 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 depart you in awe!
This Koh Lipe snorkeling tour takes you to the most effective elements 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 need to get some train, you’ll be able to 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 experience to Koh Adang takes about 20 minutes. From the arrival level, you’ll be able to simply discover the path that leads as much as three viewpoints. Hiking Koh Adang takes between 30 and 40 minutes every method, 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 why it’s referred to as Koh Lipe viewpoint-
But I’d advocate that you simply begin the hike early within the morning, as it could get very popular in a while, and convey loads of water, sun shades, hat, sunscreen, appropriate footwear and, in fact, your digicam.
Editor’s Note: Heading to Thailand? Make positive you try our full Thailand Packing List
4. Enjoy a Few Water Activities
If you’re performed lazing across the stunning Koh Lipe seashores, it’s time to take a look at the underwater world.
With crystal-clear balmy blue water which options 25 % of the world’s tropical fish species, Koh Lipe is undoubtedly the most effective locations in Thailand for diving and snorkeling.
You snorkel in all places in Koh Lipe, however near the 2 tiny islands on Sunrise seashore are among the finest 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 excellent exercise to do in Koh Lipe, because the water is so calm, and a few lodges supply free kayaks and snorkeling masks for its company.
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 Koh Lipe Walking Street.
Make observe 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 discover a various crowd with some bars even internet hosting dwell music. Happy Hour is between 5:00 and eight:00 pm so be sure to 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 most effective 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 possibility!
Added to that, the music is sweet, the gang pleasant, the food 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 the most effective on the planet, and whenever 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 nice number of fruits to unbelievable mixtures to unique dishes made with curry and coconut milk (my private favorites), you must 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 will discover many yoga and meditation courses 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 colleges which you’ll be able to take your open water certification.
Alternatively, you may as well do a 1-day scuba diving course to offer you an total really feel of the marine life in Koh Lipe. As talked about, Koh Lipe is correct by Koh Tarutao which is one among Asia’s oldest marine parks which implies the reefs are very nicely protected.
If you’re in search of dive colleges, you’ll be able to try Forra Dive Resort which provides classes in addition to seashore bungalows.
Other dive colleges price trying out are Pura Vida Diving Koh Lipe in addition to Ko Lipe Diving faculty.
10. Rent a Kayak
You can lease a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and discover the island’s stunning 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 tools and go fishing by yourself. You can catch quite a lot of fish, equivalent to snapper and grouper, and have them cooked at an area restaurant.
The finest technique to prepare a fishing journey is to go straight to the boatmen. They might be pleased to take you out to sea! If you need one thing just a little extra skilled, the tour brokers on the town near strolling road will help you.
Facilities on Koh Lipe Island
Koh Lipe is a small island, nevertheless it has all of the amenities and facilities you want for a snug and gratifying keep. Here are among the amenities you’ll be able to anticipate finding on Koh Lipe:
- ATMs: There are a number of ATMs on Koh Lipe, and you will discover them in the primary 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 primary areas of the island, such because the Walking Street, the place you may as well discover native handicrafts and souvenirs. The hottest retailer on Koh Lipe is 711. Here you should purchase all kinds of things from snacks to booze!
- Restaurants: There are many eating places on Koh Lipe that serve quite a lot of dishes, from native seafood to worldwide delicacies. The majority of eating places might be discovered on Koh Lipe Walking road which is a stone throw away from Pattaya Beach.
- Bars: Koh Lipe has a vibrant nightlife, and you will discover many bars and golf equipment on the island. You can discover bars in the primary areas of the island, such because the Walking Street, in addition to on Pattaya Beach.
- Hospitals: There is a small clinic on Koh Lipe that may present fundamental medical care. For extra critical medical points, you could have to be transported to the mainland. It was stated {that a} personal hospital was just lately constructed close to strolling road.
- Internet and Wi-Fi: There is web and Wi-Fi out there on Koh Lipe, however the connectivity might be unreliable at occasions as a result of island’s location. You can discover Wi-Fi in most lodges and eating places, however the speeds could also be gradual. We counsel getting an area sim card + cellular knowledge!
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. From hostels to resorts in Koh Lanta, you might have a number of choices. Here are a number of suggestions on the place to remain.
FAQ on Koh Lipe (Ko Lipe)
The finest months to go to Koh Lipe is from November to May. During this time, the temperatures usually are not too scorching and there’s little to no rain. This can be peak season for Koh Lipe so we advocate reserving your lodging forward of time!
If you ask us if Koh Lipe is price visiting, our reply will all the time be a convincing YES! It is one of the stunning islands in Thailand and has among the finest seashores. If you’re in search of the right seashore getaway, head to Ko Lipe and also you gained’t be disillusioned.
It isn’t straightforward to get to Koh Lipe so we advocate staying for at the very least 4-5 days on the island. While it’s comparatively quiet in comparison with the opposite Thai Islands, that is a part of Koh Lipe’s attract. You can spend hours simply strolling round it’s many stunning seashores or swimming and snorkeling in its clear blue waters.
There isn’t any airport in Koh Lipe. If you need to fly right here, your finest guess is to fly to Hat Yai or Langkawi, Malaysia Airport. From there, you may get van and ferry transfers to Koh Lipe.
This article was initially written by Pericles Rosa however has since been edited and up to date by the Adventure in You crew.
Interested at different articles on Thailand? Take a take a look at a number of of our greatest ones!
Inspired? Pin it!
