Introduction to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe (sometimes spelled Ko Lipe) is often considered one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands – even earning the nickname the Maldives of Thailand – and it certainly lives up to its reputation.
Island life is concentrated around three main beaches:
Pattaya Beach
The island’s largest southern beach, is where all tourists arrive by boat. From here, Walking Street, the island’s main pedestrian street, stretches all the way to Sunrise Beach.
Sunrise Beach
A long, scenic beach that’s easily accessible from Walking Street. Koh Lipe’s beaches, particularly Sunrise Beach, are frequently cited as among the world’s most beautiful.
Sunset Beach
To the northwest lies Sunset Beach – another easily accessible spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful evening views.
Walking Street is lined with the island’s largest selection of restaurants, pancake stalls, tour operators and small supermarkets. The short distance between Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach can be covered on foot in 10-15 minutes.
Sunrise Beach recently ranked 6th on a Cult Beauty list of the world’s most beautiful beaches based on tourist reviews and social media.
Local Insight: Koh Lipe is home to the Chao Ley sea gypsy community, who originally settled the island. Their cultural influence is still visible in local traditions and place names.
Where is Koh Lipe Island?
Koh Lipe is located in the Andaman Sea, approximately 60 kilometers from the mainland in Satun Province of Southern Thailand. It’s the southernmost island of Thailand, closer to Malaysia (Langkawi) than to the Thai mainland.
The island is part of the Butang Island Group within the Tarutao National Marine Park, which consists of over 50 islands known for their exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities.
How to Get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe
The journey from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe is straightforward but requires a combination of road and sea transport. The main gateway to the island is Pak Bara Pier in Satun province.
Option 1: Combined Minivan + Ferry (Most Popular)
This is the most convenient option, with the entire journey taking approximately 4-5 hours:
- Step 1: Minivan pickup from your hotel in Hat Yai or from Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
- Step 2: 1.5-2 hour drive to Pak Bara Pier
- Step 3: Ferry (1.5 hours) or speedboat (1 hour) to Koh Lipe
Option 2: Private Transfer + Boat
For more flexibility or groups, you can hire a private taxi from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier and then purchase a speedboat ticket separately.
Travel Tip: Book your combined transfer in advance during high season (November-April) as services can sell out. Use the search tool below to compare options and prices.
Search & Book Your Transfer
Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the high season, from November to mid-May, when the weather is dry and the seas are calm. The monsoon season (mid-May to October) can bring rough seas, and many ferry services are reduced or suspended.
Seasonal Breakdown:
- High Season (Nov-Feb): Perfect weather with calm seas, but higher prices and more crowds
- Shoulder Season (Mar-May): Still good weather, but with increasing chance of rain
- Low Season (Jun-Oct): Monsoon season with frequent rain and rough seas – many resorts close
Pro Tip: For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, visit in late November or early December, or in May just before the monsoon begins.
Where to Stay: Best Koh Lipe Hotels & Resorts
Koh Lipe offers accommodation options for every budget, from basic beach bungalows to luxury resorts. Here are our top recommendations:
Idyllic Concept Resort
Luxury resort with stunning infinity pool and modern design. Perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Price: THB 3,500-8,000/night
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Castaway Resort
Rustic beachfront bungalows on Sunset Beach. Known for its romantic atmosphere and stunning views.
Price: THB 1,500-4,500/night
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Bundhaya Villas
Great mid-range option located right on Pattaya Beach. Perfect for families and couples.
Price: THB 2,000-5,000/night
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Ananya Lipe Resort
Comfortable beachfront stay with easy access to Walking Street. Great value for money.
Price: THB 1,800-5,000/night
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Bulow Casa Grand View
Offering spectacular hilltop views, this resort is ideal for those seeking relaxation and a spa experience.
Price: THB 2,000-6,000/night
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Serendipity Beach Resort
Great value & location. Perfect for travelers looking for comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank.
Price: THB 1,000-3,500/night
Check AvailabilityThings to Do on Koh Lipe
Despite its small size, Koh Lipe offers plenty of activities for visitors:
1. Snorkeling & Diving
Koh Lipe is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs with exceptional marine biodiversity. Popular spots include:
- 8 Mile Rock: Deep dive site with pelagic species
- Stonehenge: Unique rock formations with soft corals
- Yong Hua Shipwreck: Artificial reef teeming with marine life
2. Island Hopping
Take a longtail boat to nearby islands like:
- Koh Adang: Hiking trails with stunning viewpoints
- Koh Rawi: Pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling
- Koh Hin Ngam: Famous for its black and white striped stones
3. Beach Hopping
Explore Koh Lipe’s three main beaches:
- Pattaya Beach: The main beach with most amenities
- Sunrise Beach: Perfect for morning views and swimming
- Sunset Beach: Best for evening sunsets and relaxation
4. Walking Street
Explore Koh Lipe’s bustling Walking Street with restaurants, bars, shops, and massage parlors. It’s the social hub of the island after dark.
Koh Lipe Travel Tips & Practical Information
Money & Costs
While some resorts and restaurants accept credit cards, cash is king on Koh Lipe. There are a few ATMs on the island, but they can run out of money, so it’s best to bring enough Thai Baht with you.
Getting Around
Koh Lipe is small enough to explore on foot. For longer distances, you can take a motorcycle taxi (50-100 THB per ride) or rent a kayak to explore the coastline.
National Park Fee
As Koh Lipe is part of Tarutao National Marine Park, you’ll need to pay a national park fee of 200 THB for adults (100 THB for children) upon arrival. Keep your ticket as you may be asked to show it.
Connectivity
Mobile reception on Koh Lipe is generally good, but can be patchy in some areas. Most resorts and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds may be slower than on the mainland.
Essential Packing List: Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, cash (THB), waterproof bag for boat trips, flip-flops, and snorkeling gear if you have your own.
Koh Lipe FAQs
The most convenient way is to book a combined minivan and ferry transfer from Hat Yai or Hat Yai International Airport. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours total.
The best time is during the dry season from November to April when seas are calm and weather is sunny. The monsoon season (May-October) has rough seas and many services are reduced.
Most visitors spend 3-4 nights on Koh Lipe, which allows enough time to relax on the beaches, go snorkeling or diving, and take an island hopping tour.
Koh Lipe is generally more expensive than mainland Thailand due to its remote location, but there are options for different budgets. Budget travelers can find basic accommodation for around 800-1,200 THB per night, while luxury resorts can cost 5,000+ THB.
Due to the travel time involved (4-5 hours each way from Hat Yai), day trips are not practical. It’s best to stay at least 2-3 nights to make the journey worthwhile.
During high season (November-February), it’s highly recommended to book accommodation in advance as the best places fill up quickly. During low season, you may be able to find walk-in availability.
Yes, Koh Lipe is family-friendly with calm beaches, safe swimming areas, and plenty of activities for children. Many resorts offer family rooms or bungalows.
There is a small clinic on the island for basic medical needs, but for serious issues, evacuation to the mainland or to Hat Yai would be necessary. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Travel Insurance for Koh Lipe
Given Koh Lipe’s remote location and the need for boat transfers, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. We recommend:
Standard Travel Insurance
Covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Essential for any visit to Koh Lipe.
Get QuoteDigital Nomad Insurance
For longer stays or remote workers, SafetyWing offers flexible monthly coverage.
Learn MoreFinal Thoughts
Koh Lipe is truly one of Thailand’s island gems, offering stunning natural beauty without the overwhelming crowds of more famous destinations. While the journey from Hat Yai requires some effort, the reward is a paradise of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and relaxed island vibes.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a diving adventure, or simply a beautiful beach to unwind on, Koh Lipe should be high on your Thailand travel itinerary.
Ready to plan your trip? Use the booking tools on this page to secure your transport and accommodation, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for peace of mind.
