Welcome to Kho Lipe!
Koh Lipe is a small tropical island in the most southern part of Thailand. It’s located near Malaysia,
on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Marine Park. The island is part of the Adang Archipelago,
a cluster of about 10 uninhabited islands, with Koh Lipe being the exception.
This tiny island was originally discovered by Sea Gypsies,
the Chao Ley, who gave the island its name. Koh Lipe means Paper Island.
The island and its crystal clear waters are famous for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The coral reefs here are easy to reach as they start just a few meters from island's main beaches.
You can also book a snorkeling or diving trip to the surrounding islands.
There are lots of diving and snorkeling spots to explore.
We rented a longtail boat that we shared with a couple from Chiang Mai.
Our boat captain took us to 5 different snorkeling locations.
I was on Koh Lipe during the monsoon season. They call it the “green season” (from May to October).
During the green season, the waves are strong to the west, so we could only snorkel
in limited spots on the eastern side of Koh Lipe. During the regular high season (from November to April)
a typical snorkeling trip will take you out here on the west side of Koh Lipe and surrounding islands.
After snorkeling, we landed on the nearby Koh Adang for lunch.
There’s a National Park ranger station there and one hotel you can stay at.
The wild flowers were blooming and I went crazy taking photos of the butterflies.
The best way to see Koh Lipe is by foot. If you need a quick ride, you can hail one of the sam lo
a three-wheel motorcycle- taxi.
There’s one main walking street on the island.
You cannot miss it
it’s paved in blue.
There are lots of restaurants and shops around.
This little grandma is really funny.
You can find her on Google Maps under the name “Madame Yoohoo”.
You will know it’s her- as soon as you approach her shop.
Sunset Beach to the west, Sunrise Beach to the East, and Pattaya Beach to the South are the three main beaches of Koh Lipe.
Pattaya beach is quite long and has soft sand.
This beach feels more local
and is not as pretty as Sunrise Beach in my opinion.
The best snorkeling here is on each end of the shore around the rocks.
In high season, all boats arrive on Pattaya Beach.
It can get quite busy in the bay,
so be careful in the water.
15min walk this way, you will find Sunrise Beach.
Sunrise Beach stretches out along the entire Eastern side of Koh Lipe.
If you are looking for the best snorkeling, it’s around the 2 tiny islands just off the shore Koh Kra and Koh Usen.
Sunrise Beach is shallow until you reach the islets.
It’s easy kayak out there, leave your kayak on the sand and jump in the water.
At low tide, the best place to swim or snorkel is on the far north side of Sunrise Beach.
Here the water never gets shallow.
Just be careful as we were told that currents can get strong around here.
North Point ended up being my favorite place on the island.
It’s a great swimming spot.
The water is stunning and there was no one around.
There was life everywhere I looked, in every nuke and cranny.
In low season this side of the island is protected from the monsoon weather.
The pier is moved from Pattaya Beach to Sunrise beach.
Sunset Beach is the small bay here.
As the name suggests, this is a great spot to watch the sunset.
This beach is probably the best one for swimming as it does not have long tail boats parked in the way.
Where to stay?
I stayed on Sunrise Beach.
And having walked around the entire island,
I think the north point of Sunrise Beach is the best place to stay on Koh Lipe.
If I were to go back again,
I would stay in this little hotel right around the point.
The bungalows looked really nice from outside.
How to get here?
The island is located 60 km from the mainland.
You can land at Hat Yai airport and catch a minivan to the pier.
The closest pier is in Pak Bara.
Or you can arrive by bus to Trang, then catch a minivan Pak Bara.
The island is open all year and there are daily boat departures in the dry and wet seasons.
Personally, I did not like Koh Lipe as much as I tthought I would.
The small island feels a bit claustrophobic.
I am here during covid lockdown and there are virtually no other tourists on the island.
I cannot imagine what this little island looks like during the high tourist season.
Koh Lipe is far away and is more expensive than other islands.
The water is absolutely beautiful, but the main beaches are crowded with longtail boats
and you have to swim in between them, which ruins the experience of it.
There are also lots of stray dogs on the island, some friendlier than others.
I saw some garbage on the beaches,
but I was on Koh Lipe during monsoon season, so maybe it’s typical during this time of the year.
Despite these small issues, there’s no denying Koh Lipe is a tropical island paradise,
with stunning waters, soft white sand, and gorgeous beaches.
If you have been to Koh Lipe and have some favorite places or tips to share,
please list them in the comments below so others can read and benefit from your experience.
Thanks for watching!