Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe sits in the southern Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border, part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. It’s a small island — you can walk end to end in 20 minutes — but it packs three distinct beaches into that space, each with its own character. The surrounding water is some of the clearest in Thailand, with visibility reaching 30 metres on calm days.

Beaches & Snorkelling

Pattaya Beach on the south side is the arrival point for speedboats and the busiest stretch of sand. Sunrise Beach on the east is calmer, shallower, and better for swimming. Sunset Beach on the west side is the smallest and quietest — a good spot for afternoon drinks and, predictably, sunsets.

The real draw is what’s offshore. Ko Adang sits directly opposite Sunrise Beach and has forested trails leading to a viewpoint overlooking Lipe. Ko Hin Ngam is covered in smooth black stones — no sand, just a surreal pebble beach with good snorkelling just offshore. Island-hopping longtails will take you to Ko Adang-Ko Rawi and the smaller islands around the marine park for 1,500-2,000 baht per boat.

Snorkelling gear rents for 100-150 baht/day and you can swim directly to coral from Sunrise Beach without a boat. Diving operators on Walking Street offer PADI courses and day trips to deeper sites.

Where to Stay

Accommodation runs from 300 baht beach huts to $163/night resorts, averaging $60/night. Buffalo Thai Home & Cafe (9.4 on Agoda) has some of the best-rated budget rooms on the island. Ananya Lipe Resort (9.2) sits on Sunrise Beach with direct water access.

Book ahead for December-March — the island fills up and prices double. Walking Street in the centre connects the three beaches and has the highest concentration of restaurants and bars.

Getting There

No airport. Most visitors fly to Hat Yai or Trang, then take a minivan to Pak Bara pier (1.5-2 hours) followed by a speedboat to Koh Lipe (1.5 hours). During high season (November-April), boats also run direct from Langkawi, Malaysia. There are no cars on the island — everything is on foot or by longtail.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is the only reliable window. The island essentially shuts down during the southwest monsoon (May-October) — most resorts close, boat services stop, and the sea gets rough. Peak season is Christmas through February.

Insider Tip: Walking Street floods during heavy rain — bring waterproof sandals. And book your return speedboat a day before departure in high season; they sell out.