Koh Lipe is an island in the South Andaman Sea where you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, and some of the best diving in the world. While it can be slightly more challenging to do on a budget due to its small size, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this magical island. When visiting Koh Lipe Thailand, it’s easy to see why they call it the “Maldives of Thailand.” Without further ado, it’s time to get familiar with our Koh Lipe travel guide!

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Koh Lipe Thailand Travel Guide Info

Location: Koh Lipe Thailand

Official Language: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht

How Long to Visit: 4 Days +

Airport: None

Best Time to Visit: November – April

Honest First Impression: After jumping off the main ferry we were transferred to a small longboat that brought us ashore. Upon seeing Koh Lipe’s beaches for the first time, we immediately felt a rush of excitement. The blue water that fades into lush green hills is nothing short of amazing. From the minute our toes hit the sand we knew we’d officially made it to paradise!!

Koh Lipe Travel Guide

Arrive By… Ferry

Since there’s no airport in Koh Lipe Thailand the only way to get there is by boat. The nearest airport to Koh Lipe is Hat Yai. If you fly into Hat Yai from Bangkok or any international airport, your next move will be to take the shuttle bus to Pak Bara Pier. From there you’ll be on your way via boat to the island! Our route was on the ferry from the Malaysian island of Langkawi to Koh Lipe.

Langkawi Malaysia to Koh Lipe Thailand Ferry Guide

Stay… Near the Beach

It won’t be hard to stay near the beach when visiting Koh Lipe because the island just isn’t that big! This means wherever you choose you’ll be within walking distance from a stunning beach.

Sunrise beach is the most popular area for places to stay, but you can also find great hotels and bungalows elsewhere. Remember everything is within walking distance, a tuk tuk taxi, or short boat ride away in Koh Lipe!

Koh Lipe Beach Breakdown: Sunrise to Sunset

Eat… On the Walking Street

Unless you’re planning on never leaving your resort, you’ll likely be eating your meals on the walking street. Here you’ll find everything from seafood to BBQ, and all the traditional Thai foods you know and love.

Despite such a wide range of options you’ll never believe our favorite place to eat breakfast… The grocery store! Yes, the grocery store in the middle of the walking street has a little food stand in front that serves the good stuff for cheap. Grab a papaya salad and omelette over rice to start your day right!

What to Expect on the Koh Lipe Walking Street

Drink… Fresh Coconuts

On almost every corner of Koh Lipe Thailand you’ll find a stand of some shape or form selling coconuts. If you take anything from this Koh Lipe travel guide it should be to stay hydrated! The heat can really get you if you’re not careful, and there’s no better thing you can drink besides water than a refreshing coconut.

Get Around The Island… By Tuk Tuk Taxi

Like previously mentioned, it’s super easy to get around Koh Lipe Thailand because of how small it is. We stayed on sunset beach and it was just a short 15 minute walk into town.

Typically we would walk in for dinner, and take a Tuk Tuk on the way back if it was dark. The most we’ve ever paid here was $3 USD for a ride so it’s super affordable, too.

Explore By… Getting Some Exercise

Another great way to see the island is by enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise! Below are some of the most fun ways to get around Koh Lipe.

Walking: Everywhere is walkable on the island. You can go to all the beaches by foot if you so choose.

Biking: Most hotels offer free bicycles that you should definitely utilize during your stay. They are super fun to peddle around and take in the sights of the town.

Kayaking: Taking a kayak out might be the most fun way to experience Koh Lipe. Nothings better than paddling out for sunset on the beautiful Andaman Sea.

Relax… And Get a Thai Massage

You’re on the islands so it’s time to relax right? The best way to do that is by getting a Thai massage when visiting Koh Lipe! Massages can be found in abundance on the walking street or near sunrise beach.

Prices are hands down cheap and range from $7-10 USD per hour. Almost every day of our week spent on the island we got a massage from a friendly women who was setup on the beach outside Bayview Sunset Hotel.

Find Nature… Underwater

Diving in Koh Lipe Thailand is the reason why most people travel here as it’s one of the best places in the world to do so. The islands in this part of the Andaman Sea hold thousands of species of fish, including dolphins, and sea turtles! If you’re looking for a place to get certified Koh Lipe might be the perfect spot for you.

Spend the Day… Swimming In The Water

The water in Koh Lipe is so unbelievably clear and blue that you might have a hard time getting out! If you’re a beach lover like us then this is what you came here for.

Most days it is completely still with little to no waves, so you can lounge in the sun all day. Whether you’re looking to go diving with the fishes, snorkeling or just swim around, Koh Lipe has it all!

Don’t Miss… Sunset Beach

So where can you find the best sunset in Koh Lipe? Yup, you guessed it… Sunset beach! Flocks of people will gather at this beach just before the sun goes down to witness the magical moment.

There’s a nice little snack stand on the beach serving cheap cocktails and beer, as well as the Bayview Sunset bar which we highly recommend. The orange and red colors of a Koh Lipe sunset will be hard to beat anywhere in the world so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to snap the perfect picture.

Spend Money On… A Snorkeling Tour

While diving is a huge part of Koh Lipe travel, it’s definitely not for everyone. For us snorkeling is enough of an adventure, and it won’t break the bank either! The majority of the diving centers on Koh Lipe also offer snorkeling excursions where you’ll see all the awesome ocean life around the island.

Live Like a Local… And Eat Thai Food

As Koh Lipe has recently exploded onto the international tourism radar, with that has come many western foods. However, if you go to Thailand and only eat at restaurants that look straight out of California you’ll be missing out on a part of the culture as a whole. We’re not saying order the strangest thing on the menu, but we urge you to get something that you haven’t tried before!

Be Careful Of… Jellyfish & Mosquitos

Although getting in the water is a must, keep your eyes open for the jellyfish! The dangerous sea creatures can be lethal all over Southeast Asia, and that has been said to include Koh Lipe. Luckily we didn’t see any while we were visiting Koh Lipe, but the presence of the jellyfish can come with the tides and weather.

Another thing to watch out for is the mosquitos, especially if you’re staying in the jungle. The first thing we did when we got to the island was to buy mosquito and jellyfish repellant. Still, it can be 3 to 5 times as expensive on Koh Lipe. For this reason, it’s best if to stock up before you arrive.

Don’t Miss Out On… Bulow Beach

There are plenty of mind blowing beaches to tell you about in this Koh Lipe travel guide. Yet, one really separated itself from the rest for us! From Sunrise Beach, take a left and enjoy a sandy stroll down to the end. Many people take photos on the rocks at the tip of the peninsula, but if you turn around the corner you’ll be at Bulow Beach.

The small light blue waves trickle up to the white sandy beach in a way that’s almost indescribable. With the crowds flocking to Sunrise and Pattaya beach, you should have no problem finding a spot to hang and enjoy Bulow.

Bulow Beach Location

Be a Tourist… And See a Fire Show

Once the sun goes down on Pattaya beach the real show starts! Local fire twirlers will display the entertaining act in front of many popular beach bars for free. While it may seem touristy, it’s really a spectacle to see! We highly recommend taking in at least one fiery performance while visiting Koh Lipe.

Day Trip… To a Nearby Island

Koh Lipe is part of the Butang Islands which makes day trips an awesome thing to do! Koh Adang is the most popular day trip, and it’s cheap to hire a longboat from any beach. From Sunset Beach, take a boat for 100 Thai Baht over and enjoy an incredibly scenic hike through the tropical forest.

Once you get to the top you’ll have a breathtaking view of Koh Lipe Thailand and all the surrounding islands. Just make sure to set a pickup time with your driver so he is waiting to take you back.

Take in the View From… A Beach Bar

Like on many of the Thai islands, beach bars are often the best place to get a view of the scenery. Most on Koh Lipe are located on Sunrise Beach so it’s easy to find a good spot to hang by the ocean.

Chang beer is the cheapest you’ll find, and they range from just $1-2 USD. As you can tell from the name, Sunrise beach is also a great place to start your day. So don’t assume you only have to come here to party!

Avoid… The Night Life

You will find plenty of bars and night life in Koh Lipe, but it really doesn’t compare to the other Thai islands in this way. If you’re looking to go crazy you’re better off going to Koh Phi Phi ,or maybe even Koh Phangan for a full moon party!

Now that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a sundowner or two at Sunset beach every night. Just be aware this isn’t the place for raging parties like you’ll see elsewhere in Thailand.

Continue On… To Malaysia

While we took the opposite ferry route from Langkawi to Koh Lipe, it’s just as easy to do it the other way. Getting from this Thai island to Malaysia will only take about one hour by boat. From Langkawi you can quickly connect to Kuala Lumper by flight, or any other South East Asia hub.

Have any questions about our Koh Lipe travel guide, or your own island tips? Please comment below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Where To Stay on Koh Lipe Thailand

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Mali Resort Sunrise Beach – Located on the quiet side of Sunrise Beach, these luxury bungalows are the perfect way to relax on Koh Lipe. With an amazing pool bar and restaurant right on the water, what more can you ask for in the islands?!!

Fun Vacation/Travel Couple (Mid Range) – Bayview Sunset – We came here planning to spend one night, and ended up staying a whole week! These little bungalows are on Sunset Beach, which is the most secluded place to see when visiting Koh Lipe. This was honestly one of our favorite places to stay in all of Thailand!

Hostel Life (Budget) – Bloom Cafe & Hostel – Situated right next to Koh Lipe walking street, everything will be within reach. This is the perfect spot to be in on the action, meet other travelers, and enjoy the island!

For more places to stay while visiting Koh Lipe you can explore the latest prices here!

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