Koh Lipe is a small island in the
Southern part of the Andaman sea. It is located in Satun Province, close
to Langkawi island (Malaysia), about 60 Kilometres (38 miles) from the
mainland. It is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, a large group
of over 70 islands, and also part of a smaller cluster of islands called
the Butang Islands or Adang Archipelago.
Koh Lipe is famous for diving and snorkeling, and for the beautiful beaches and the relaxed atmosphere. There are 3 main beaches on Koh Lipe, all within 15 minutes walking distance.
- Pattaya Beach
Koh Lipe's main beach is a
large sheltered bay with soft powdery sand, crystal clear blue water
and good snorkeling right from the beach. There is a wide range of
accommodation on Pattaya Beach, but over the last few years there has
been a trend for larger, more upmarket resorts. There are a dozens of
bars and restaurants on the beach or around the corner in Walking
Street. In high season it can get quite busy, but the other beaches are
only a short 15 minute walk away, so it is still relatively easy to
escape the crowds.
- Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley)
Sunrise Beach is a long
stretch of white sandy beach and is protected from the monsoon weather
in low season, and has a pleasant breeze on most days in high season.
The school, hospital and a small Chao Ley village are located here.
Accommodation is more spread out than on Pattaya Beach, and there are
still a few cheap places around, but several upmarket places have opened
over the last few years too. There are a few small restaurants and
shops on Sunrise Beach, and it is between 5 and 15 minutes to Walking
Street and the other beaches. Sunrise Beach has the best snorkeling
right of the beach
Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)
Sunset Beach is a small
bay facing West to the Butang Islands and is a great place to watch the
sunset. The area around Sunset Beach is the most quiet and laid back on
Koh Lipe, with very few places to stay, and all of them have been able
to retain the feeling of the 'Old Lipe'. Accommodation ranges from basic
huts on the beach to rustic and private bungalows set in shady jungle.
There are no upmarket places to stay in the area. There are a few nice
places to eat and drink in the area, and it's a 10 to 15 minute walk to
Walking Street and the other beaches.
Things to Do on Koh Lipe
- Snorkel Trips to nearby islands
The best snorkeling around Koh Lipe is on one of the popular snorkel trips that take you to 4 nearby islands where you can snorkel, relax on the beach and explore the islands. You can book snorkel trips in our Travel Shop on Koh Lipe. - DivingThere are some great dive sites near Koh Lipe and unlike other places in Thailand, diving around Koh lipe is still peaceful and relaxed.
- Restaurants
Due to the global appeal of Koh Lipe, there are a number of restaurants serving excellent western cuisine. Expect a healthy amount of crisp salads, and authentic handmade Italian pizzas, as well as great coffee and faithful bowls of fries. However, the real taste sensations are unsurprisingly found in the local cuisine. Penang curries and Thai snacks can add a welcome splash of spice to your day; while fresh seafood, roti, and noodle soups are also readily available. If you're feeling indecisive, take your taste buds for a twirl along Walking Street to sample many sublime Thai, Indian, Chinese and Western delicacies. The trends change with the tides on Koh Lipe, so we recommend asking local staff for their favourite eateries throughout the island, or simply cruising the beaches with an appetite and a smile.
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Bars & NightlifeKoh Lipe has several beach bars where you can relax after swimming and enjoy a fruit shake or cocktail. Expect a more chilled atmosphere, as visitors drift between bars forging new friendships beneath the famous night skies of Koh Lipe. There are at least a dozen stand-alone bars, and the vast majority of them are located on and around Pattaya Beach.
- Spa & Massage
The island has some excellent spas, perfect for rest and relaxation after a long day lazing on the white sand beach. Expect a full menu of invigorating treatments, from herbal steam baths and full body oil massages, to body wraps and nourishing facials. The chic spa of Castaway Resort is known for its beautiful views across the Andaman Sea, while Sita Resort & Spa continues to offer a great selection for weary travelers. Meanwhile, the world famous Wat Po Thai massage medical school operates a small massage centre island.
High & Low Season
- High Season - November to MayHigh Season starts early November and lasts until the first half of May. In high season there are daily ferries from several islands and piers on the mainland. If you are arriving during a Thai holiday in high season, it is wise to make a reservation, as the island regularly fills up completely. Koh Lipe is very popular for Thai tourists during long weekends and national holidays, and accommodation is sometimes booked months in advance.
- Peak Season: December, January and February
From early December until the end of February is considered peak season on Koh Lipe. All the rooms on the island are full on most of the nights, and if you arrive without a reservation it will be hard to find a room you like.
Popular places are booked months in advance for Christmas and New Year, and during the weeks before and after. This is the same all over Thailand, and Koh Lipe is no exception, so reservations are highly recommended. -
Low Season - May to NovemberSince 2009 daily ferries connect Koh Lipe to Pak Barra on the mainland and it is now possible to visit Koh Lipe all year. Although some places close during low season, quite a few others are now open all year. The island is quite in low season, or as the locals call it 'green season', but this means you will get the beach all to yourself and some places offer as much as 50% discount. From May until November Koh Lipe can only be reached from Pak Barra.
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