Updated: June 2025
About Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border. It’s part of the Adang Archipelago, a group of 10 islands, with Koh Lipe being the only one inhabited.
This stunning archipelago lies within the Tarutao National Marine Park, an area known for its untouched natural beauty, white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible snorkeling opportunities.
While Koh Lipe has grown in popularity over recent years, it still offers a peaceful atmosphere and several quiet beaches — making it a perfect destination for those seeking both beauty and tranquility.
I absolutely love Koh Lipe and visit the island regularly every year to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy its stunning beaches. It’s the perfect escape when you need a break from the busier parts of Thailand.
Compared to larger islands, Koh Lipe is more seasonal. Many local businesses operate only during the high season, which runs from November to April. From May to October, the sea can get quite rough due to the monsoon, and many locals head back to the mainland during this quieter time.
The island itself is very small — you can walk almost anywhere! There are no rental motorbikes, which adds to its peaceful charm, but if your accommodation is a bit farther out, you can always hop on a motorbike taxi. The taxis are easy to spot and charge a fixed rate of 50 THB per person for any ride on the island.
How to Get to Koh Lipe
The most convenient way to reach Koh Lipe from Bangkok or northern Thailand is to fly to Hat Yai Airport. From there, you can book a minivan or private taxi transfer to Pakbara Pier in Satun Province, followed by a speedboat ride to the island.
During the high season (November to May), you can also reach Koh Lipe directly by speedboat from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta. Boats during this period typically arrive at a floating pier off Pattaya Beach. From there, a longtail boat will take you to the shore for a small fee of 50 THB per person. You’ll find plenty of motorbike taxis waiting on the beach, ready to take you to your hotel.
When you arrive on Koh Lipe, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a 200 THB national park entrance fee. This fee is valid for several days and is also required if you plan to join any snorkeling tours.
In the off-season (June to October), most boats arrive at Sunrise Beach, on the opposite side of the island, due to rougher sea conditions on the western side.
Beaches of Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is home to three main beaches: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach—each offering a unique vibe and experience.
🏖 Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is the island’s main arrival point and the busiest beach on Koh Lipe. It’s a wide, sandy bay lined with a mix of budget bungalows, mid-range stays, beach bars, restaurants, and massage spots. You’ll find accommodation options ranging from simple beach huts to luxury beachfront resorts.
It’s also where the immigration office is located, so if you’re arriving from Malaysia, this is where you’ll get your passport stamped. While snorkeling is possible directly off the beach, during low tide you may need to walk quite far out to reach deeper water.
🌅 Sunrise Beach
Often considered the most beautiful beach on Koh Lipe, Sunrise Beach stretches along the eastern coast. It’s known for its stunning sandbar near Mountain Resort and its crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
This beach has a more relaxed vibe than Pattaya and offers everything from affordable bungalows to luxury resorts. Sunrise Beach is also conveniently connected to Pattaya Beach via Walking Street, just a 10-minute walk away.
🌇 Sunset Beach
Tucked away on the northwestern coast, Sunset Beach is the most secluded and peaceful of the three. With only a handful of bungalows, small resorts, and beachfront restaurants, it’s ideal for those seeking tranquility and great sunset views.
Though it’s a bit further from the island’s main hub, this beach offers better accommodation deals and a quiet escape from the crowds.
🚶♂️ Walking Street
Walking Street is the lively heart of Koh Lipe, connecting Pattaya and Sunrise Beaches. Along this vibrant street, you’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATMs—everything you might need during your stay.
Koh Lipe is the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and soak up island life—whether you’re swimming in the warm turquoise waters, sunbathing on soft white sand, or reading a book in the shade of a swaying palm tree.
While there isn’t a long list of activities—and that’s exactly the charm—the island’s natural beauty is more than enough to make you fall in love.
But if you’re feeling a little adventurous or curious to explore more, here are some great things to do and places to visit on Koh Lipe.
Here are the 10 Amazing Things to do in Koh Lipe:
1. Hike to the viewpoint at Koh Adang
2. Enjoy snorkeling and island hopping
3. Kayak to Usen Island
4. Fires show & cocktails on the beach
5. Relax on a beach with a good book
6. Thai Massage
7. Brunch at Elephant Cafe & Bar
8. Join a Yoga class
9. Visit the buddhist temple
10. Scuba Diving
1. Hike to the Viewpoint at Koh Adang
Just across the water from Sunrise Beach, Koh Adang offers an incredible escape into nature. A short 15-minute ride by longtail boat will take you to this wild and mostly untouched island.
Once there, follow the trail behind the small national park restaurant to reach the famous viewpoint overlooking Koh Lipe. The hike to the top takes around 40 minutes and is moderately challenging, but the panoramic views of Koh Lipe’s beaches and turquoise waters are absolutely worth the effort.
It’s best to do the hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon, as it can get very hot during the day. Make sure to bring:
Plenty of water
Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
And of course, your camera!
If you want a wilder adventure, you can even camp overnight on Koh Adang in tents provided by the national park or stay at the peaceful Adang Island Resort.
2. Enjoy Snorkeling and Island Hopping
Koh Lipe is surrounded by stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and small nearby islands—making it a paradise for snorkeling and island hopping.
There are two main ways to explore the surrounding area:
➤ Private Longtail Boat Trip
For a more personalized experience, you can rent a private longtail boat and customize your itinerary—decide where to go, how long to snorkel, or just relax on quiet beaches.
To book one, head to Sunrise Beach and look for the wooden shack in front of the school. Local boat captains sit here daily, and you can easily arrange your trip with them directly, choosing your own start time.
➤ Join a Group Snorkeling Tour
If you’d rather join a tour, walk into any travel agency along Walking Street. Most offer the same four popular trips:
Program A
Program B
Sunset Tour
Bioluminescent Plankton Trip
Each program includes a mix of snorkeling spots, island visits, and unique experiences. Just pick the one that suits your interests and schedule.
Whether you go private or join a group, snorkeling around Koh Lipe is an unforgettable way to discover the colorful marine life of the Tarutao National Marine Park.
3. Kayak to Koh Usen
For a fun and active way to explore, rent a kayak from Sunrise Beach and paddle over to the small island just opposite the beach—Koh Usen. The trip takes about 15 minutes and offers a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning clear waters.
Koh Usen is perfect for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life right off the shore.
Tip: Some hotels on Sunrise Beach, like Anda Resort, offer free kayaks for guests—ask your receptionist if you’re staying nearby. We loved renting a sea-through kayak there, which made the experience even more memorable!
4. Fire Shows and Cocktails on the Beach
Koh Lipe’s nightlife is low-key but charming, perfect for relaxing evenings by the sea. There are a few great beach bars on both Sunrise and Pattaya Beaches, with Zodiac Beach Bar on Sunrise Beach being the most popular.
Here, you can sip on delicious cocktails and chilled beers while soaking in stunning sunsets. As night falls, enjoy an impressive fire show accompanied by cool, laid-back music that keeps the vibe relaxed and unforgettable.
5. Relax on the Beach with a Good Book
If you’re a book lover like me, and happy to spend your days lounging by the beach or pool with a great read, Koh Lipe is an absolute paradise. While there are plenty of activities on the island, sometimes the best thing to do is simply unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Forgot to bring a book? No worries — there’s a small cozy bookshop right in the heart of Walking Street, near Box Restaurant, where you can find your next perfect read.
6. Massage on the Beach
Koh Lipe offers plenty of beachfront massage spots where you can completely switch off, unwind, and let the gentle sea breeze melt your stress away. A one-hour oil massage typically costs around 400 THB — the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring or lounging in the sun.
7. Elephant Cafe & Bar
If you’re craving a quality coffee, delicious sandwiches, or tasty Thai dishes, Elephant Cafe & Bar is the place to be. They offer a fantastic range of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, plus some of the best smoothies on the island. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a refreshing break during your day.
8. Enjoy a Yoga Class (and Stay Fit on Koh Lipe)
If you want to relax your mind and body, Koh Lipe offers two great yoga spots: Castaway Resort in Sunrise beach and Keirita’s Yoga. Both are excellent choices with the same pricing—drop-in classes cost 400 THB, and a package of three classes is 1,000 THB.
For those who want to keep up their fitness or try something different, there’s a small gym in town, just a 5-minute walk from the Sports Bar near the football pitch. The gym is open-air (not air-conditioned), so be ready to work up a sweat in the tropical heat!
9. Visit the Buddhist Temple
Not far from Sunset Beach, on the way to Sunrise Beach, you’ll find a peaceful Thai Buddhist temple nestled on a hill surrounded by jungle. It’s a serene spot worth visiting if you’re exploring the island on foot. The temple is home to a few monks, along with many friendly dogs and cats.
If you’d like to support the temple and help care for the animals, feel free to leave a donation in the donation box—every little bit helps.
10. Scuba Diving
Koh Lipe is an excellent destination for scuba diving, with the Tarutao National Marine Park offering a variety of stunning dive sites suitable for all experience levels. If you’re lucky, you might encounter majestic leopard sharks, whale sharks, and devil rays beneath the waves. One of the most popular dive spots is 8 Mile Rock, known for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.
There are plenty of reputable dive shops located on both beaches and along Walking Street, so you can easily find one that suits your preferences and enjoy an unforgettable underwater adventure!
I hope these tips inspire you to fully enjoy the beauty and magic of Koh Lipe, and help you get into the perfect tropical paradise vibe. Have an amazing time exploring and relaxing on this stunning island!
Where to stay in Koh Lipe?
My favorite resort in Koh Lipe is for sure the Castaway Resort, however it can be quite expensive in peak season and also often full. If you are on a lower budget you can have a look at Forra Dive Resort Sunrise, cheap bungalows on Sunrise Beach.
LUXURY RESORTS $$$
Serendipity Beach Resort Koh Lipe
AKIRA Lipe Resort
MID RANGE $$
Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
Wapi Resort
Mali Resort Pattaya Beach
Lipe Banyan Apartment
CHEAPER ACCOMMODATION $
The Chic Lipe
The Sunflower Lipe
Forra Dive Resort Sunrise Beach
Bloom Cafe & Hostel
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