Imagine an island where vibrant green palm trees sway in the breeze and the sparkling turquoise sea laps gently against the powdery white sandy beaches. This is Koh Lipe, a hidden gem in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, often referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand.” Though it’s a little more remote than famous islands like Phuket or Phi Phi, the effort to reach this tranquil paradise is undoubtedly worth it. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Koh Lipe, from how to get there to the best activities and places to stay.

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Koh Lipe may not be the easiest island to reach, but the journey makes the destination even more rewarding. You can catch a ferry or speedboat from various locations like Krabi, Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Lanta. If you’re coming from Malaysia, ferries run from Langkawi during the high season (October to May). Ticket prices and schedules vary depending on the time of year, so you should book in advance during the high season and double-check if routes are still running in the off-season.

During your journey to the island, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee to Tarutao Marine National Park (200 Thai Baht as of 2023). The fee – which should be paid in cash – goes towards the conservation of Koh Lipe and the other islands in Tarutao Marine National Park.

Getting Around Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is so small that it can be easily explored on foot. In fact, it only takes 45 minutes to walk the length of the island! While walking is the main way to navigate the island, motorbike taxis and longtail boats are available for longer distances, costing around 50-100 THB per journey. You can also rent bicycles to get around. 

Walking Street is the main road on the island, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, massage parlours, tour operators, and essential services like ATMs, 7-Elevens and a health clinic. It’s also fun to wander down the side streets and see what you find.

Best Things to Do on Koh Lipe

While Koh Lipe is the perfect place for rest and relaxation, the island offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained:

1. Explore the Beaches

The island boasts three main beaches: Pattaya Beach, the busiest spot with lots of restaurants and bars, Sunrise Beach, where you can witness breathtaking sunrises, and Sunset Beach, which offers unforgettable sunsets. If you want somewhere more secluded, walk along a jungle path to Secret Beach (Patai Galah Beach). Each beach has its charm, from the lively atmosphere of Pattaya to the serene vibes of Sunrise.

2. Snorkelling and Diving

Koh Lipe is a diver’s paradise, with crystal-clear waters, colourful fish, and vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island. You can rent snorkelling gear or join a tour to explore the underwater world. For a more immersive experience, head to dive shops like Pura Vida Diving Koh Lipe Dive Center and sign up for a day trip to Jabang or Ko Hin Ngam, two snorkelling hotspots in Tarutao Marine National Park. You can even get your Open Water Certification with any of the local dive shops on Koh Lipe.

3. Kayaking Adventures

For those who love adventure, rent a sea kayak and explore the coastline of Koh Lipe or nearby islands like Koh Usen or Koh Kra. Here you can discover beautiful beaches and hidden coves, swim, snorkel, read or relax on the beach without another soul in sight. You can rent sea kayaks from many resorts, hotels and diving shops on Koh Lipe, with pricing starting from 150 THB/hr or 300 THB/day.

4. Day Trips to Nearby Islands

Koh Lipe is part of the Adang Archipelago, which includes several uninhabited islands perfect for day trips. Take a longtail boat to Koh Adang (just north of Sunrise Beach) for 200 Thai Baht return. The highlight of Koh Adang is hiking to the top of Chado Cliff. This hike is moderately challenging so it’s a good idea to wear sneakers/trainers or hiking boots (not sandals and flip flops!). It takes around an hour each way and the panoramic views at the top of Chado Cliff are well worth the effort. If you’re not in the mood to hike, you can relax on Koh Adang’s gorgeous, deserted beaches or snorkel in the surrounding waters.

5. Fire Shows and Nightlife

Koh Lipe isn’t a major party island, but it has enough chill bars to keep you entertained after a day of sunbathing and snorkelling. Some of the most popular bars are Benny’s on the Beach, Sea La Vie, Elephant, and Zodiac. A popular activity is watching fire shows outside the beach bars and restaurants along Pattaya Beach, where you can sip a cocktail, and enjoy the mesmerizing fire spinners.

6. Search For Bioluminescent Plankton

Of all the things to do on Koh Lipe, searching for bioluminescent plankton might be the coolest. These tiny marine organisms are mesmerizing, like underwater fireflies lighting up the sea around them with a blue-green glow. You can join an organised tour to one of the neighbouring islands to look for plankton after sunset, or you can walk along Koh Lipe’s Sunset Beach and try to spot some plankton. 

7. Relax and Unwind

I’m a huge fan of massages and luckily Koh Lipe offers plenty of opportunities to pamper yourself. Along Walking Street, you’ll find massage parlours offering everything from traditional Thai massages to soothing oil treatments. For a unique experience, try a beachfront massage in a bamboo hut on Pattaya beach, where you can unwind while listening to the waves.

8. Try the Catch of the Day

If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in the right place! Sample the catch of the day at one of Koh Lipe’s beachfront restaurants, which serve up delicious fried fish, seafood curries, and grilled fish platters. Not a seafood fan? Don’t worry! Along Walking Street you can find a wide range of dining options including Thai street food, international restaurants, and more upscale eateries.

Where to Stay on Koh Lipe

Accommodation on Koh Lipe ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury beachfront resorts. Pattaya Beach is the hub of activity, making it ideal if you want to be close to restaurants, bars, resorts and tours. It’s also convenient for catching ferries and exploring nearby islands. For a quieter, calmer experience, consider staying on Sunrise Beach or Sunset Beach. These areas are just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya Beach but offer a more relaxed atmosphere. 

My husband and I stayed at Family Song Koh Lipe, which has rustic, wooden bungalows and an ideal location, just two minutes’ walk from Pattaya beach. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the bungalows cleaned on a daily basis and you can book boat tours directly at their reception desk. I loved lounging in the private hammock outside my bungalow, after a day of swimming, snorkelling or hiking.

When to Visit Koh Lipe

The best time to visit Koh Lipe is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and temperatures average around 29°C (85°F). This is also the peak season, so it’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance. From May to October, during the low season, heavy rains and cooler temperatures around 25°C (78°F) are common. Many shops, restaurants, and tour operators close, and ferry services are reduced. While Koh Lipe can be visited year-round, it’s best to avoid the monsoon season due to the rough sea and unpredictable weather.

Safety Tips

Ko Lipe is a very safe destination, ideal for couples, groups and solo travellers. I was there with my husband but would have felt comfortable travelling solo. As in any destination, keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe. When out at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. If you’re going to be swimming, kayaking and snorkelling, make sure to ask a local about water conditions before you head out. If you go hiking, bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.

I hope this blog post has given you some good ideas about what to do on Koh Lipe and how to spend your time there. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, this little slice of paradise has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your snorkel gear and sunscreen, and get ready to unwind on one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands.

While you’re in the area, why not check out Krabi? My 3-Day Itinerary for Krabi is perfect for first-time visitors and highlights the best things to see and do there.

Ciao for now,

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow