Koh Lipe: A Slice of Paradise in the Andaman Sea
Koh Lipe is, undoubtedly, a hidden gem nestled in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, it offers the perfect holiday escape. Whether you're a nature lover seeking to immerse yourself in lush rainforests and breathtaking vistas or an adventure enthusiast eager to explore the captivating underwater world through snorkelling and diving, this island has it all.
Koh Lipe's relaxed atmosphere and authentic island culture provide a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. Witnessing the mesmerising sunrises and sunsets is a surreal experience that will leave you in awe. For a slice of paradise where you can disconnect, unwind, and embrace the true beauty of nature, Koh Lipe is an unmissable destination that promises cherished memories and a sense of renewal.
Let's embark on a journey to explore this enchanting island paradise.
Best Beaches
Koh Lipe is blessed with several beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm and allure. Here are some of the best beaches you can explore on the island:
Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley):
Located on the eastern side of Koh Lipe, Sunrise Beach lives up to its name with breathtaking views of the sunrise. It boasts a long stretch of soft white sand and calm, shallow waters. This beach is an excellent spot for early morning walks and swimming.
Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)
Found on the western side of the island, Sunset Beach is another aptly named beach that offers stunning views of the sunset. It is less crowded than Pattaya Beach and has a more laid-back atmosphere. You can also find some beautiful coral reefs just a short swim away from the shore.
Pattaya Beach (Hat Tha Le)
This is the main and the most popular beach on Koh Lipe. It is located on the southern side of the island and is bustling with activity. Pattaya Beach offers a range of water sports activities, beach bars, restaurants, and shops.
Each of these beaches has something special to offer, and exploring them will give you a well-rounded experience of the natural beauty and diversity that Koh Lipe has to offer. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, you're sure to find your slice of paradise on one of these stunning Koh Lipe beaches.
Dong Islands:
Exploring the Dong Islands, which are located right next to Koh Lipe, will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience, offering you a chance to witness the natural beauty and diverse marine life of the Tarutao National Marine Park. If you are in Koh Lipe, you must book a boat trip and enjoy this amazing island-hopping adventure.
There are various available options with slightly different itineraries, however most of them include visits to the islands of Koh Dong, Koh Rawi, Koh Adang, and Koh Hin Sorn.
Koh Dong a.k.a. Monkey island is known for its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Here you will enjoy snorkelling and swimming in pristine turquoise waters or simply relax on the island’s picturesque beaches.
Koh Hin Sorn a.k.a "Emerald Heart Island," is famous for its stunning emerald-coloured waters and a unique snorkelling spot.
Snorkelling & Marine Life: Throughout the day, there will be plenty opportunities for snorkelling in various locations around the islands. The waters around Dong Islands are teeming with marine life, making it an excellent place to explore underwater wonders.
Please note that when booking a boat trip to the Dong Islands, you should make sure to check the tour details, inclusions, and reputation of the tour operator.
Koh Adang:
This is one of the larger islands in the Tarutao national marine park and offers amazing opportunities for hiking and jungle trekking. Explore lush rainforests, hike up to viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas, and visit the Pirates Waterfall. Along the way, you will have multiple chances to admire the island’s untouched nature.
Stunning Sunsets & Sunrises:
Witnessing the sunrise and sunset in Koh Lipe is a magical experience. Due to its location in the Andaman Sea, the island offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets you'll ever witness; the sky paints hues of orange and pink, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your vacation memories.
The best places to experience the sunset in Koh Lipe are on the west-facing beaches, such as Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong) and Pattaya Beach. Relax on the soft sands or sit at a beachfront bar while sipping on a refreshing drink as you enjoy the stunning view.
Where to Eat & Drink:
Koh Lipe has a variety of excellent bars and restaurants catering to different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular places you could try:
Restaurants:
Elephant Restaurant: A laid-back beachfront restaurant offering delicious Thai and international dishes. Their seafood is particularly recommended.
Bloom Restaurant: Known for its warm ambiance and excellent service, Bloom offers a diverse menu with both Thai and Western options.
Art Garden Cafe: A hidden gem with a cozy garden setting, serving healthy and vegetarian-friendly dishes
Maya Bar & Restaurant: A popular spot on Pattaya Beach, offering a mix of Thai and international cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
Benny's On The Beach: Variety of dishes, from local Thai cuisine to international favourites
Bars:
Sunset Beach Bars: On Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong), you'll find numerous beach bars where you can relax with your feet in the sand while enjoying a sunset cocktail.
Reggae Bar: Known for its lively atmosphere and reggae music, this bar is a favourite among tourists for late-night drinks and dancing.
Bongo Bar: A popular beach bar with fire shows and an exciting vibe, perfect for enjoying drinks and socialising with fellow travellers.
Lovevibes Bar: A beachfront bar with a chilled-out ambiance, offering cocktails, shisha, and live music.
Walking Street Bars: Along the Walking Street, you'll find various bars and pubs, each with its own unique style and entertainment options.
Remember that Koh Lipe is a relatively small island, and most restaurants and bars are within walking distance from each other. This allows you to explore and discover your favourite spots easily.
Where to stay:
Luxury
Serendipity Beach Resort
Serendipity Beach Resort is one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts on the island. It offers spacious and elegant villas with private pools, jacuzzis, and balconies overlooking the turquoise sea. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a private beach. Serendipity Beach Resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners who want to enjoy a romantic and relaxing getaway.
Mid-range
Castaway Resort
Castaway Resort is a charming and eco-friendly resort that blends in with the natural surroundings. It features wooden bungalows with thatched roofs, hammocks, and outdoor showers. The resort also has a beachfront restaurant, a yoga studio, and a massage service. Castaway Resort is perfect for travelers who want to experience a rustic and authentic island life.
Budget
Bloom Cafe & Hostel
Bloom Cafe & Hostel is a friendly and cozy hostel that offers dorm beds and private rooms at affordable prices. The hostel also has a cafe, a lounge, and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the views and meet other travelers. Bloom Cafe & Hostel is great for backpackers and solo travelers who want to stay in a social and lively atmosphere.
How to get there:
Due to its remote location, Koh Lipe has managed to maintain its natural beauty and is often considered a hidden gem among travellers seeking a less-crowded island experience. Exactly for the same reason though, reaching the island will require a bit more effort. Travelling to Koh Lipe requires a combination of land and sea transportation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reach this beautiful island:
Via Thailand
Coming from abroad, you'll first need to fly to Thailand. The most common entry points are Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi, as they have international airports with frequent flights from major cities around the world.
From these airports, you'll need to take a domestic flight to either Hat Yai or Trang.
Once you’re there, you'll need to travel to the coastal town of Pak Bara which can be done by taxi, minivan, or bus. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours from Hat Yai and around 1-2 hours from Trang.
Once you reach Pak Bara, you'll take a ferry to Koh Lipe; the journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions.
Via Malaysia
A second route to the island (slightly easier and less timely in my opinion) is via Malaysia.
You can start your journey by flying into Langkawi International Airport; Langkawi is a beautiful archipelago on the western coast of Malaysia, approximately 30 kilometres across Koh Lipe.
From Langkawi, there are several ferry operators that run daily services between the two islands and make the journey straightforward and convenient.
Bear in mind that since you are crossing the international maritime border between Malaysia and Thailand, you will need to go through immigration procedures both when leaving Langkawi and arriving at Koh Lipe. Make sure to have all necessary travel documents ready.
