I love South East Asia!! The food is delicious, there’s everything from beaches to jungle, the culture is beautiful, and the history is just incredible. But, it can be chaotic, noisy, dirty and the traffic is enough to make anyone’s head spin. Finding a calm oasis that still delivers all the amazing parts of SE Asia without the crazy is hard. However, Koh Lipe is one of these incredible places.

Koh Lipe is a tiny island in the very South-West corner of Thailand. Yes, it’s a bit of a hassle to get to, but in my opinion, it’s totally worth it! The island is incredibly laid back and a dream for traveling with kids. There are only a handful of trucks on the islands and a few moto-taxis. Other than that, it’s strictly pedestrian. It’s so small that it’s possible to walk from one side to the other in a short period of time. And, there’s no worry that your little one will run into traffic, because there isn’t any traffic!

Sunrise beach is the place to stay on Koh Lipe with kids. The sand is unimaginably soft, and the sea is as clear as glass. It’s possible to snorkel, kayak or just relax on the beach and play in the warm waters. The entire island feels a bit like a resort, without being a resort. It’s acceptable to go anywhere in a bathing suit, and shoes are always optional! My favourite part is ordering dinner from a beach-front restaurant, and letting the kids play in the sand until food arrives. There are great restaurants along the beach, and on Walking Street, so you’re never too far from some deliciously fresh Thai food. And, if you veer off walking street and head towards Sunset beach, there’s even a temple if you’re looking for a bit of culture.

One of the best things to do is take a traditional Thai long-boat for a day trip to the neighbouring islands. This completes the perfect island getaway. There’s hiking, fantastic snorkeling, and bioluminescent plankton tours. Being able to alternate between relaxation and family friendly activities makes Koh Lipe one of the best places in South East Asia to travel with kids!