Koh Lipe

Why Koh Lipe? A tiny car-free island near the Malaysian border, ringed by powder-white beaches and clear water inside Tarutao National Park.

Koh Lipe sits at the very bottom of Thailand's Andaman coast, a small car-free island just north of the Malaysian border and surrounded by the protected waters of Tarutao National Park. Its three beaches have fine white sand, the water is often gin-clear, and coral reefs lie a short longtail ride away. It suits couples, snorkellers, divers and anyone happy to trade big-resort facilities for barefoot island life.

Because getting here takes most of a day, plan three to five nights. That gives you time to settle into a beach, spend a day island hopping around Koh Adang and Koh Rawi, perhaps dive the southern pinnacles, and still have a lazy day doing nothing at all.

What to do in Koh Lipe?

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• BeachPattaya BeachThe island's main crescent of soft sand, busy with longtails and beach restaurants.
• BeachSunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley)Long white beach on the east side facing Koh Adang, great early morning.
• QuietSunset Beach (Hat Pramong)Small rocky cove on the west coast for quiet evenings and golden sunsets.
• SnorkelingLongtail snorkelling tripHop between Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh Hin Ngam and Koh Usen reefs.
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• NatureKoh Hin Ngam striped stonesBeach of glossy striped pebbles - local legend says never take one home.
• AdventureChado Cliff on Koh AdangSteep jungle climb to a viewpoint over Lipe and the turquoise channel.
• DivingStonehenge & Eight Mile RockSoft-coral pinnacles and deeper dives among the best in the far south.
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• DivingPADI Open Water courseCalm, clear bays make Lipe a relaxed place to learn to dive.
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• AuthenticUrak Lawoi (Chao Ley) villageHome of the island's original sea-nomad community near Sunrise Beach.
• FoodWalking Street seafoodPick fresh fish from ice displays and have it grilled to order.
• NightlifeWalking Street & beach barsCar-free lane of cafes, bars and shops linking the two main beaches.
• WellnessBeachside Thai massageOpen-air massage huts on Sunrise and Pattaya Beach at island prices.
• AdventureKayak to Koh KraPaddle across the shallow channel to snorkel a tiny rocky islet.
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• NatureTarutao Island day tripJungle, mangroves and empty beaches on the national park's largest island.
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Getting there & around

Most travellers arrive via Pak Bara pier in Satun province, from where speedboats take about 1.5 hours. Pak Bara is roughly 1.5-2 hours by road from Hat Yai airport, which has frequent flights from Bangkok, so a door-to-door trip takes most of a day. In high season speedboats also run from Koh Lanta and the Trang islands, and from Langkawi in Malaysia, with immigration handled on Lipe itself. Boats drop you at a floating pontoon or by longtail, and a national park fee is charged. On the island everyone walks or uses motorbike-sidecar taxis - there are no cars.

Beaches & where to stay

The island is small enough to walk across in 15 minutes. Pattaya Beach in the south is the liveliest, with the most restaurants, dive shops and boat traffic. Sunrise Beach on the east coast is long and beautiful, with views to Koh Adang and the most relaxed resorts. Sunset Beach in the west is a quieter cove for evenings. Stay on Sunrise for the classic postcard look, Pattaya for convenience, and remember that Walking Street links them all. Accommodation ranges from simple fan bungalows to stylish boutique resorts, and in peak season the best beachfront rooms sell out weeks ahead.

Snorkelling, diving & island hopping

The main reason to come is the water. A day on a longtail takes you to reefs around Koh Rawi, Koh Yang and Koh Hin Ngam with its striped stones, often with a stop on Koh Adang to climb to Chado Cliff for the view. Divers head to Stonehenge and Eight Mile Rock for soft corals and schooling fish. Reef health varies year to year, so wear reef-safe sunscreen, never stand on coral and leave shells and stones where they are.

Food & the evening

Evenings revolve around Walking Street, where restaurants display the day's catch on ice, alongside Thai curries, Malaysian-influenced dishes and good coffee. On the beaches, driftwood bars set out cushions for sunset drinks and occasional fire shows. Prices are higher than on the mainland because everything arrives by boat, and ATMs can run out in peak weeks, so bring some cash. Nightlife is fun but modest - this is not Phi Phi. After dark, a stroll along the sand with a head torch is part of the charm.

When to go

The best time is from November to April, when the sea is calm and clear and all boat routes run. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings rain and rougher seas, many resorts close and boat services shrink to a basic Pak Bara connection. The other islands of Tarutao National Park, including Koh Adang and Tarutao itself, generally close to visitors from mid-May to mid-October. Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year get very busy, so book ahead.

Where to stay in Koh Lipe?

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Recommended: 3–5 nights

3-5 nights to rotate between three beaches, snorkel the surrounding islands and make the long journey worthwhile.

Nearby

Koh KradanTrang Islands

Koh MookTrang Islands

Koh NgaiTrang Islands

Frequently asked questions