Ultimate Guide to Koh Lipe, Thailand | 2023 Edition

Updated 2022 Koh Lipe Thailand Guide. How to get to Koh Lipe, ferry schedule, best Lipe hotels, restaurants, beaches, things to do in Koh Lipe, and a Koh Lipe map.

We’ve spent well over a month on Koh Lipe between multiple trips over the last seven years. We love this little island!

Koh Lipe Covid 19 Update (January 3, 2023): Thailand is now open to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. As of October 1, 2022, travelers no longer have to present any COVID-19 documents, such as vaccination certificates or test results. A negative COVID test is not required to enter Thailand. You do not need to be vaccinated to enter Thailand. There are no health screening procedures in place at the airport and other ports of entry. 

Jump to Information on Koh Lipe:

Koh Lipe Video

A short video from our last trip showing some of the best Koh Lipe has to offer. Beautiful sunrises on Sunrise beach, amazing day trips, stunning white-sand beaches, and finishing the day with a great sunset on “sunset beach.”

After watching this, you’ll know why they call this island the Maldives of Thailand! Enjoy planning your trip to Lipe, it is a very special place for us, and I hope after your visit, you’ll feel the same!

Best Places to Stay in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe hotels can be found for all budgets and all the modern amenities if you wish to have them. It’s, however,  pricey compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia.

Koh Lipe is slightly more challenging to do on a backpacker budget, but it can still be done. Like most of Thailand, prices fluctuate greatly based on the season. If you’re on a budget, it would be best to avoid peak season. Several Koh Lipe hotels’ peak season rates are double the price of their low season.

Accommodation is available all over the island, but we prefer to stay on Sunrise Beach. Why? It’s the prettiest, biggest, quiet at night, plenty of good restaurants, there are fewer boats, and you can see the sunrise and the sunset (at the top of the beach).

We have spent time on all Koh Lipe beaches and listed below hotels in Koh Lipe we’d stay in, suggesting accommodation on all three Koh Lipe beaches.

Related Article: Thailand Honeymoon Itinerary 

Hotel Recommendations on Sunrise Beach

Best Value Koh Lipe Accommodation – Salisa Resort 

Our go-to accommodation on Koh Lipe. We’ve spent over three weeks at Salisa Resort. We first stayed here in February 2015 for a week and again in November 2016 for two weeks.

Best location and bang for your buck. Great beach, lounge chairs, right next to a Happy Vibe beach bar (no noise at night), 2-minute walk to Walking Street. Breakfast is included, and it’s made to order with several choices.

Facilities: AC, hot water, WiFi, TV, beach towels, fridge, a restaurant on-site, free breakfast

Check prices on Hotels.com | Agoda.com 

Best Affordable Koh Lipe Luxury Accommodation – Ten Moons Lipe Resort

If you are looking for a luxury hotel, look no further. Ten Moons is right on Sunrise Beach, and it has the softest sand in all of Koh Lipe. Located near the end of Sunrise beach, therefore the beach is more private and gets less foot traffic. Approximately only a five-minute walk to Walking Street.

Facilities: king-size beds, AC, TV/DVD, fridge, sofa bed, wifi, beach towels, private balcony, and breakfast.

Check prices on Agoda.com 

• Secluded Romantic Hotel: Serendipity Beach Resort Check Prices On Agoda | booking.com
• Trendy Modern Hotel: Idyllic Concept Resort Check Prices On Agoda | booking.com 
• Rustic Beach Huts Castaway Resort Koh Lipe Check Prices On Agoda | booking.com

Koh Lipe Sunset Beach Hotels

Staying on Sunset Beach, you’ll have a quiet secluded hotel with amazing views and the best sunsets on Koh Lipe. A walk into “Town” will take 15 minutes, or a quick taxi ride away for only 50baht.

• The Cliff Lipe Resort Check Prices On Agoda | booking.com
• Sawan Resort Check Prices On Agoda | booking.com 

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach Hotels

The busiest beach on the island has several resorts and affordable budget beach huts. Pattaya beach is lively night beach bars and great seafood restaurants and is right at the end of Walking Street, making it easy to explore the island.

• Mali Resort Check Prices On Agoda | booking.co
• Bundhaya Resort Check Prices On Agoda | booking.com

How to Get to Koh Lipe

Ko Lipe can be reached year-round from Pak Bara, Thailand. In high season boats also run to Langkawi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and several small islands in the Andaman Sea. We have taken speed boats both from Pak Bara and Langkawi, Malaysia.

There are many ways to get to Koh Lipe. If you are island hopping you can easily tie in Koh Lipe. To book tickets to Koh Lipe from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta, click here.

First Timers Guide – Must Know Thailand Travel Tips

How To Get From Bangkok To Koh Lipe

By Air:

• The nearest airport to Koh Lipe is Hat Yai.
• The cheapest and easiest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is to fly to the Hat Yai airport. Then take a shuttle bus to Pak Bara pier for 250 baht, and then at Pak Bara pier, you can get on a ferry to Koh Lipe for 650 baht.
• We booked a package with AirAsia that was inclusive to Koh Lipe (flight to Hat Yai, shuttle to Pak Bara pier, and speedboat to Koh Lipe) for 1,900 baht (price varies). They also offer this package from Chiang Mai to Koh Lipe, which we have taken as well for 1,900baht. We found the prices to be the same as if you would book everything separately.
• Times for Air Asia to Koh Lipe transfer: Flight leaves Bangkok at 6:30 am, land at Hat Yai at 8:30 am, shuttle to Pak Bara at 9 am, arrives at Pak Bara at 11 am, ferry to Koh Lipe leaves at 11:30, and Koh Lipe ferry arrives at 1 pm.

There are a few ferries that make a stop at a few islands in the Tarutao National Park as opposed to a direct ferry to Koh Lipe. One of those islands is Koh Khai which has a picture-perfect stone arch.

These boats add an additional hour or so onto the journey to Koh Lipe. If you want to stop at a few of the islands as before booking, if the boat is going directly to Koh Lipe or stopping at Koh Khai.

By Train/Bus:

• The train from Bangkok to Hat Yai takes 15 hours. 2nd class sleeper AC train 1095 baht, 2nd class fan sleeper 855 baht train tickets can be purchased online here.
• There are several bus companies that leave Bangkok for the 13-hour trip to Hat Yai average price of 705 baht.
• Once in Hat Yai, take the Pak Bara pier shuttle for 250 baht, book online here. Make sure your flight or train gets into Hat Yai before 10 am. If you arrive any later, you will not make the 11:30 am ferry out of Pak Bara.

Pak Bara pier is the only place where you can travel to Ko Lipe at any time of the year. All the other routes are closed during the monsoon season.

How to Get From Pak Bara to Koh Lipe

• Ferry to Koh Lipe year-round departs at 11:30 am and arrives at 1 p.m.
• Adults 650 baht, children ages 3-10 are 350 baht
• Book your tickets online here

How to Get From Langkawi to Koh Lipe

• There are two piers in Langkawi that have a ferry to Koh Lipe, Telaga, and Jeti Kuah.
• Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Both Langkawi piers have two daily ferries to Koh Lipe departing at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm.  Arriving at 10 am and 3 pm, there is a 1-hour time difference.
• 1,400 baht adult ticket,  book tickets online here from Kuah Jetty pier.
• Kuah Jetty pier has immigration onsite. You will have to go through immigration before departing Malaysia.
• Register for your ferry 1 hour before boarding. Registration closes 30 minutes before your departure, and you will not be allowed to board without registering.
• The ferry only operates from 20 October until 31 May. The ferry does not operate from June 1 thru October 19 due to the monsoon season causing rough seas.

How To Get From Ao Nang or Krabi To Koh Lipe

Ao Nang/Krabi to Koh Lipe ferry is a shuttle and ferry combination ticket. Take a minivan from Ao Nang/Krabi to Trang, then a ferry to a 2-hour ferry to Koh Lipe. To see all ticket options and book online, click here.

• From Ao Nang – Departs Ao Nang Bus Station at 9 am – Arrive at 4 pm
• From Ao Nang Jolly Travel Office – Departs at 630am – Arrives at 130pm
• From Ao Nam Mao pier –Departs at 930am – Arrives at 4 pm
• From Krabi – Depart from Krabi Guesthouse at 630am – Arrive at Koh Lipe at 130pm
• From Krabi Airport two departures at 06:30 am (950 baht) and 10:30 am (1100 baht) arrive at 1:30 pm and 4 pm.
• The ferry only operates from November 1 to April 30. The ferry does not operate from May to November.

Related Article: Things to do in Krabi

How To Get From Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta To Koh Lipe

• Phuket: Departs 8 am Arrives 4 pm, 2400 baht, the ferry takes 8 hours, book tickets
• Koh Phi Phi: Departs 9 am Arrives 4 pm, 1950 baht, the ferry takes 6 hours, book tickets
• Koh Lanta: Departs 10 am Arrives 4 pm, 1700 baht, the ferry takes 6 hours, book tickets
• The ferry only operates from November 11 until April 30. The ferry does not operate from May 1 to November 15.

Related Article: Things to do in Koh Lanta

Where is Koh Lipe, Thailand?

Koh Lipe is the most Southern island in Thailand, located just 60 km from mainland Thailand lies the island of Koh Lipe. The closest pier is in the town of Pak Bara. On a clear day, it is even possible to see Koh Lipe from Langkawi, Malaysia, which is 30 km away.

While in Koh Lipe, day trips to the surrounding islands are popular and recommended as they are the best way to explore the Tarutao National Park. Koh Lipe happens to be part of the Adang Archipelago, which is a cluster of about ten uninhabited islands in which Koh Lipe is the only inhabited island.

 How Big is Koh Lipe and How to Get Around?

Koh Lipe has three main beaches and a handful of smaller beaches, sometimes private beaches. The main street in Koh Lipe is called “Walking Street,” but motorbikes & motorbike taxis do drive on Walking Street.

Since 2013, there have been official motorbike taxis (with sidecars) that can fit a couple of people for a fixed price of 50 baht per person. We fit three adults with luggage without a problem. The taxi drivers wear a purple vests. You’ll be able to spot them if you’re looking for a ride.

It costs 50 baht per person from Pattaya Beach to our hotel Salisa Resort on Sunrise Beach, with our luggage.

Most recently, everything is connected by concrete roads, and it usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes to walk from Sunrise Beach to Pattaya Beach.

During the night, most roads are lit by streetlights, but it’s always a good idea to take a headlamp or use a flashlight app if you go out and explore after dark. We feel safe walking around at night and on the beach in Koh Lipe but always use precautions.

When is the Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe?

Weekends typically are busy all year on Ko Lipe, as local Thai and Malaysian tourists flock to the island for a weekend getaway. Transport and Koh Lipe hotel reservations are highly recommended on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, especially if they fall on a national holiday.

If you ask us, the best time to visit Koh Lipe is January through March. We visited once during November, and we had several days with rain.

• Koh Lipe High season is November to early May. Booking your hotel & transportation in advance is recommended.
• Koh Lipe Peak season is from December 15 until the end of February. Most Koh Lipe resorts and ferry to Koh Lipe tickets will be fully booked months in advance. If you are traveling to Koh Lipe without a reservation, it can be a very hectic experience. On our first visit to Koh Lipe in January 2014, we arrived without hotel reservations, and we walked about for 2 hours with our bags until we finally found a place.
• The low season, also known as the green season, runs from May to October. There are fewer tourists, and it’s easy to find a quiet spot on the beach. Even though the island is open all year with two boats running to and from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe every day, some of the hotels and other Koh Lipe businesses close down for the low season. The low season in Koh Lipe is also time for hotels and businesses to maintain and construction, so don’t be surprised to see construction on the island during the low season. Low season is a great time to go if you are looking for a quiet time on the beach and great hotel deals.

Koh Lipe Beaches

There are three main Koh Lipe beaches: Pattaya, Sunrise, and Sunset.  There are several small private beaches as well. Hands down, the best beach in Koh Lipe is Sunrise Beach. Sunrise is the only beach we will stay at when visiting Koh Lipe.

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach is Koh Lipe’s main beach. Its location is a large sheltered bay with really soft powdery sand and crystal-clear blue water. In high season, all Koh Lipe ferry boats arrive on Pattaya Beach. Immigration and Police offices are located closest to Pattaya Beach.

Up and down Pattaya Beach, you will find dozens of accommodations, from beach bungalows to luxury resorts, restaurants, and beach bars. You can access Walking Street right from Pattaya Beach, and Sunrise & Sunset Beach are only a 15-minute walk away.

If you’re looking for a quiet beach, Pattaya isn’t the beach for you. Due to the boats & late-night bars, it can be loud. We personally wouldn’t stay on Pattaya Beach due to the noise. We much prefer Sunrise Beach.

Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley)

Sunrise Beach stretches the entire eastern side of Koh Lipe. It is the perfect beach to go on long walks. Sunrise Beach is our favorite beach, and it has very little boat traffic. Therefore giving you space to go out for a swim or a snorkel.

Best beach for relaxing in peace all day in the sand, going into the ocean for a dip, and yet only a five-minute walk to Walking Street, and you’re in “town.” Sunrise Beach also gets an amazing breeze all day & night. That breeze is much needed on hot days or nights if you’re in a room without air conditioning.

Hotels are much more spread out on Sunrise Beach compared to Pattaya Beach. There are several restaurants and a few beach bars that mainly operate during the day. If you looking for beach bars at night with fire-throwing etc., that would be on Pattaya Beach.

Most of the high-end hotels & Koh Lipe resorts are located on Sunrise Beach, even though there are still several budget options available. If you’re lucky, it’s even possible to see Koh Tarutao and Langkawi (Malaysia) on a perfectly clear sunny day.

Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)

Sunset Beach is the smallest of the three main beaches on Koh Lipe. As its name suggests, you will get great nightly sunsets. If you are looking for more of a quiet secluded beach location, Sunset Beach is for you.  There are a few very chill restaurants & bars. Sunset Beach is about a 15-minute walk into “town.”

Best Restaurants In Koh Lipe

Don’t head to TripAdvisor looking for the best restaurants in Koh Lipe. The list is wrong. We found that the bigger restaurants with more marketing budgets have an advantage. We have spent over four weeks eating at as many restaurants in Koh Lipe as possible. Here are our top 10 restaurants in Koh Lipe.

Related Article: Tipping in Thailand Guide

Sunrise Beach Restaurant

Hands down our favorite restaurant on the island and in the world. The restaurant is right on Sunrise beach, the best Thai food with your toes in the sand looking out to the turquoise water. The best thing on the menu is chicken Penang curry (90 baht). Meals are 70-120 baht.

*Update * the original owners sold the restaurant to the dive shop next door, which now runs the restaurant. Sunrise Beach Restaurant is now a vegetarian & vegan restaurant. The reviews on Trip Advisor are still good, but it is not the same. We are sad the owners sold it and have now set up a new restaurant in Hat Yai. You better believe we will visit them in Hat Yai for the world’s best bowl of curry!

On The Rocks

Great lunch spot set up on the rocks looking out to the ocean. It’s more affordable than you’d imagine considering it’s in one of the most expensive hotels on the island Serendipity.

They have curry, pizza, seafood, steak, sandwiches, etc. The best part is beers 65 baht, cheaper than any of the beach bars. Located at the end of Sunrise Beach next to Ten Moons Lipe resort.

Bombay Indian

There are several Indian restaurants in Koh Lipe, but Bombay is the real deal. Get the garlic naan and chicken tikka masala, and you won’t be disappointed. The main dishes are around 160-200฿.

Salisa Resort

One of our go-to lunch spots, and it’s right next to the popular Happy Vibes beach bar on Sunrise Beach. Salsa has really good mango shakes 100% fruit 90 baht. Their spring rolls are the best on the island. Meals 70-120฿.

La Luna Italian

Fresh pizza and handmade pasta is their specialty. We highly recommend La Luna pizza and gnocchi with pesto. They also have good affordable wine. Mains 200-350฿. Located just off of Walking Street on Moo 7.

Madame YooHoo

Known for her smoothies and pancakes, this cute old gramma will be yelling “Yaa-Hoo” pancake pancake pancake”. She still runs her food cart but opened up a super affordable restaurant with a large menu. Mains 80-140฿ and shakes 40-70฿. Beer is as cheap as convenience stores. Located on Walking Street. 

Rak-Lay Restaurant

Seafood BBQ, where you pick fresh seafood or meats and pay by weight, pick how you want it cooked, pick your glaze/seasoning, and add some sides like baked potatoes or rice.

The size of the prawns available is out of this world. Pictured above are prawns that were 1,000฿ a kilo. There are several seafood BBQ restaurants on Walking Street and on the beach. Prices vary but typically 200-500฿ person. Rak Lay is on Walking Street.

Elephant

This is the #1 restaurant, but it’s just okay. The most popular things on the menu are their burgers and pizza. This is just an average burger, nothing to rave about. If you don’t have many days in Thailand I wouldn’t waste my time eating here and instead indulge in some authentic Thai. If you’ve been traveling around Asia and craving a burger then give it a go. It’s super expensive for what it is, 400฿ for a burger and fries. Located on Walking Street.

Nightlife In Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe has a great selection of chill beach bars and a handful of bars open late into the night. If you are looking for a beach day with umbrella drinks, head on over to one of the beach bars and get to day drinking! Koh Lipe is not your party island. It is nothing like it’s Phi Phi or Koh Phangan, which is party island central!

The drinks on Koh Lipe are much more expensive if you are coming from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. A small Singha/Leo at a Happy Vibes beach bar or Sea La Vie Beach Bar is 100 baht ($3), and at restaurants/bars in town for a small beer 60-90 baht or 110+ for a large beer. Mixed drinks and cocktails range from 160-250 baht ($5-8), whereas in Chiang Mai, a large beer is 80 baht.

Best Beach Bar In Koh Lipe

Sea La Vie is located on Sunrise beach right in front of Salisa Resort. Sea La Vie bar has beach chairs & loungers available for customers. They play great music and have a DJ on certain days of the week.

Really good umbrella drinks for 200 baht ($6.50), beers are 100 baht, shakes for 100 baht BYOB booze to add in to save a little money.

Happy Hour Bar In Koh Lipe

Ten Moons on Sunrise beach has buy 1 get one half-off cocktails from 4 pm-6 pm daily. Not only is Ten Moons resort located on the best part of Sunrise beach, but their happy hour rocks. 300 baht ($8) for two strawberry daiquiris is unheard of at Koh Lipe. We didn’t eat here, but the menu was very reasonable, considering it is a 5-star resort.

Walking Street Bars

Koh Lipe is not a party island. Only a handful of bars are open past 11 p.m., and all of them close by 1 am or earlier. Your best options are Corner Bar & Rainforest, which is on Walking Street, Peace & Love Bar or Reggae Bar on Pattaya Beach, Happy Vibe Bar on Sunrise Beach, and Boom Boom Bar on Sunset Beach.

Liquor Stores In Koh Lipe

The cheapest place to buy liquor or beer isn’t at 7 eleven. Many of the mom-and-pop shops are much cheaper. Liquor is only is “legally” for sale 11 am-2 pm and 5 pm-12 am, and most stores follow the rules.

Day Trips in Koh Lipe

Long Tail boat on Koh Lipe ready for a day trip

Two of the most popular day trips from Koh Lipe are Program 1 and Program 2. There are also a few other variations to see other sites and different times. For everything you need to know about Koh Lipe Program 1 day trip here or Koh Lipe Program 2 day trip here. 

The sunset snorkeling tour combines some of the most popular aspects of program 1 with a sunset at Koh Adang. Recently a fourth trip is being offered called a Plankington trip with an afternoon snorkel and swim with tBioluminescentent Plankington at night.

Private Day Trip Koh Lipe

You can also hire a private longtail boat for the day to take you wherever you would like to go, including all of the programmed day trips. We rented a private longtail right from the taxi boat shack on Sunrise Beach.

The prices they offered were fair we didn’t negotiate 1500 baht for private program 1 and 2000 baht for private program 2. When hiring the private boat, we were able to leave a little later than the group trips. Therefore when arrived at the first stop, most boats were leaving. When hiring a private longtail boat, make sure to rent a mask & snorkel.

Day Trip Program 1 

• Departs at 9:30
• Returns at 16:00
• 550 baht per person
• Includes mask, snorkel, fins, a 1.5-liter bottle of water per person, lunch (we had chicken fried rice), and fruit (we had watermelon)
• Stops include: Jabaang, Koh Hin-Ngam, Koh Yang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Adang
• Not included is the National Park fee 200 baht. NOTE make sure to bring your National Park ticket

Day Trip Program 2:

• Departs at 9:00
• Returns at 17:00
• 650 – 750 baht per person
• Includes mask, snorkel, fins, a 1.5-liter bottle of water per person, lunch (we had chicken fried rice), and fruit (we had watermelon)
• Stops include: Koh Hin Saun, Koh Lok Goi, Monkey Beach, Koh Dong, and Koh Pung
• Not included is the National Park fee 200 baht. NOTE make sure to bring your National Park ticket

Sunset Trip Koh Lipe:

• Departs at 14:30
• Returns at 18:30
• Cost is 450 per person
• Includes mask, snorkel, fins, water, and fruit
• Stops include: Jabaang, Koh Hin-Ngam, Koh Yang, and Koh Adang for sunset
• Not included is the National Park fee 200 baht. NOTE make sure to bring your National Park ticket

Plankinton Trip Koh Lipe:

• Departs at 13:30
• Returns at 20:00
• Cost is 900 – 1,000 per person
• Includes mask, snorkel, fins, water, dinner, and fruit (we had watermelon)
• Stops include: Jabaang, Koh Hin-Ngam, Koh Yang, and Koh Adang for sunset
• Not included is the National Park fee 200 baht. NOTE make sure to bring your National Park ticket

Fish swim around soft corals in one of Koh Lipe’s Top Dive sites

Koh Lipe Diving

Whether you are dive certified or not, diving if you have time, you should go diving in Koh Lipe. There are several dive shops around Koh Lipe. We checked out several shops, not only looking at their prices but their knowledge of where they were going out the next day and what I could expect to see. Ask questions about their equipment, and see what times they will be back.

The most popular dive shops in Koh Lipe are Castaway Resort Dive shop, Adang Sea Divers, and Satun dive shop. We dove with B.K. Dive Resort and Adang Sea Divers, and I highly recommend Adang Sea divers.

If you love snorkeling, you will be head over heels for diving. What better place in the world to do your first dive than diving in Koh Lipe? Discovery dives are for those wanting to try out diving under the close supervision of a dive instructor.

During a discovery dive, you will learn some of the basic scuba concepts, practice scuba skills in shallow water, and then off to explore underwater life. I would suggest at least a 2-tank dive, as your first tank will go fast as you are adjusting to diving and getting your breathing under control.

2021 Prices Adang Sea Divers 

• Discovery Dive 1 Tank 2,500 baht; 2 Tank 4,000 baht
• Fun Dives: 1 Tank  1,600 baht, 2-4 tanks 1,500 baht per tank, 5-7 tanks 1400 baht per tank, 10+ tanks 1,200 baht per tank
• Scuba Refresher 2,500 baht
• PADI Scuba Diver certification 10,000 baht get certified to dive to 12 meters | 2 days needed
• PADI Open Water Certification 14,500 baht get certified to dive to 18 meters | 3-5 days needed
• PADI Advanced Open Water certification 12,000 baht | 2-3 days needed

Things To Do In Koh Lipe

The best part of the day in Koh Lipe

1. Enjoy sunset 

Ko Lipe has some of the most spectacular sunsets we’ve ever seen. Don’t take it for granted. Every night is another great sunset. Grab a blanket & beer and make your way over to Sunset Beach or the end of Sunrise Beach and catch the free show.

There is this great little beach bar that has 60 baht Chang beers and 100 baht mojitos. We’ve had mojitos in Trinidad Cuba, and know a good mojito from a bad one. These ones are pretty tasty!

Related Article: Things to do in Thailand

2. Hike to the Koh Adang Viewpoint

For the best view of Koh Lipe, you’ll have to take a longtail boat over to Koh Adang. Boats cost 100 baht per person and can be arranged at the taxi boat stands on Sunrise Beach. It is also possible to kayak from Koh Lipe to Koh Adang.

Once on Koh Adang, stop in the ranger’s office to look at the island map to locate the start of the hike. There are three viewpoints, with the third being the best. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to make it all the way to the third viewpoint.

Note during the low season Koh Adang is not fully serviced and may be partially or fully closed. Reports in 2019 say that the Viewpoint and National Park on the island are not open for visitors and will reopen during the high season. Koh Adang may have closures until Nov-December 2019

Make sure to bring enough water. There is a restaurant on Koh Adang just before the trail starts with large bottles of water for 30 baht

Related Article: Ultimate Koh Adang Guide

3. Get lost

Well, you technically can’t get lost on Koh Lipe because it’s only 2km long and 1km wide. The best way to explore Koh Lipe is just walking, follow the road see where it goes. This is the best way to find the beach that is right for you and stumble upon some local restaurants & bars

4. Rent a kayak

Rent a kayak for a few hours or the whole day. There are several other small islands right in front of Sunrise Beach that can be accessed within 10 minutes, and some gorgeous beaches to relax on. Kayaks are as cheap as 300 baht a day or 150 an hour.

Most hotels have them for rent. Our resort Salisa Resort had them as well as Sunrise Beach Restaurant.

5. Get a beach massage

Right next to our hotel, there were beach massage ladies. All throughout Koh Lipe, prices were 300 baht an hour for a Thai massage/Foot massage, 400 baht for an oil massage, and 500 baht for an aloe massage.

We suggest getting a Thai massage on your first day on Koh Lipe, as you shouldn’t be sunburnt YET. Trust me, you wouldn’t want a Thai massage with a sunburn.  If you happen to get too much sun, make sure to get an after-sun aloe massage to help heal the sunburn and provide a cooling effect.

Beach massage places usually close after sunset, but in town on Walking Street, most massage places are open until 11 p.m. Massage prices are pretty fixed throughout the island, but in town, a few places may be 50 baht cheaper.

6. Snorkeling from Shore

Grab a mask and fins and see beautiful marine life just a short way from the shore. One of the best places to snorkel from shore is in front of Ten Moons Resort. A large area is roped off for snorkeling between the shore and Koh Usen.

Be sure to stay inside the designated buoyed areas. There’s a lot of long-tail boat traffic, and swimming outside the proper areas is extremely dangerous.

7. Trash Hero Project in Koh Lipe

Picking up trash on your holiday? It may not seem like a normal thing to do in Koh Lipe, but it’s actually fun and for a good cause. There’s a reason Koh Lipe is one of the cleanest Thai islands, and it’s because of efforts like Trash Hero.

8. Koh Lipe Fishing Trips 

In addition to the traditional day trips from Koh Lipe, you can also arrange to join a fisherman and learn to fish like a local off the shores of Koh Lipe. Prices depend on the location and length of your fishing trip. Trips can be arranged directly with the boatmen at the water taxi stands or through a tour agent in town.

9. Get A Thai Bamboo Tattoo

If you want to remember your trip to Koh Lipe forever, then sit down in the chair of the traditional bamboo tattoo artists on Koh Lipe’s walking street. We recommend a Sak Yant Tattoo done in the traditional style, but you can get just about anything.

10. Hike to Koh Lipe Viewpoint

Take an early morning or late afternoon walk to one of the highest points of the island is a top thing to do in Koh Lipe. Located in the hills on the long southwestern tip of Koh Lipe, this spot gives great views of Koh Adang and further Islands.

The road ends shortly after The Cliff resort, but a dirt path continues bringing you to the tip of the island for nice views. This is a nice spot for sunset, but bring a head torch or flashlight for the walk back, and some bug spray would probably be a good idea too.

11. Soak in some rays and get a tan

That’s what Koh Lipe is for! You’re on one of the best beaches in the world. Take advantage of the weather! Cool off in the water. Just go for a swim and float around. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. The sun is no joke in Koh Lipe.

What Facilities Are In Koh Lipe?

1. 1. • ATM– As of 2017, there are 4 ATMs on Koh Lipe, two ATMs next to the 7-eleven that is halfway down Walking Street, one ATM across the street from Pooh’s next to a travel agency, one by Cheap Cheap grocery store, one across the street from Pooh’s.
      • Immigration–  The Immigration Office is located on Pattaya Beach, next to Bundhaya Resort. The office is only open from the end of October until the end of May when the boats to Langkawi Malaysia are running. You can only enter Thailand here if your country is allowed for a Tourist Visa Exemption. Please check the visa regulations for your country.
      • Police & Tourist Police-The Police Office is located behind Immigration on Pattaya Beach. There are several Tourist Police volunteers on Koh Lipe who speak English & you can spot them with a black tourist police t-shirt.
      • Hospital- The local hospital is on Sunrise Beach next to the school, and the doctors speak English. The hospital has a basic stock of medical supplies and can provide you with first aid. Another small clinic is located next to Pooh’s Restaurant on Walking Street, and the doctor speaks great English and is heard to accept all major travel insurance. A large private hospital was just completed on Walking Street only 200 meters from Pattaya Beach.
      • 7 eleven There are two seven elevens located on Walking Street. The second one was just completed in December 2016. It is stocked with everything a normal 7 eleven on the mainland would have just slightly higher prices averaging 10-20 baht per item.

Don’t forget your insurance! You never know when you’ll need it. We suggest getting travel insurance with Safety Wing. Which coverage includes medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more. Often rates are as low as $12 a week. 

What is the Average Spending in One Day?

We just returned from Koh Lipe during peak season. We spent 14 nights of fun in the sun. Let’s go through an average cost for a day on Koh Lipe for two adults. The prices are much higher compared to Chiang Mai, where we currently are living.

1. 1. • 1,450 baht room at Salisa Resort on Sunrise beach, breakfast included
      • 290 baht lunch, each having a chicken curry with rice and a Coke at Leonardo’s
      • 100 baht for two smoothies from Yoo-Hoo lady on Walking Street
      • 80 baht, two beers bought at the liquor store, brought back to our beach chairs to help cool us down
      • 40 two samosas (potato & mango) from the yoo-hoo lady on the beach. She comes out around 4 pm
      • 270 spring rolls, papaya salad, and chicken pad thai bring your own water for dinner
      • 200 two mojitos at 100 Cocktails bar after dinner
      • 50 baht for a 6 pack of 1liter bottles of water
        • Total 2,480 baht or $70 a day for two people

Koh Lipe Budget Tips

#1 – Stay Longer

The longer the stay, the deeper the discounts and the more money left in your daily budget for happy hour! When booking online places like on Agoda, there are often special discounts when staying longer like 3 or 5-night discounts.

If you show up to a small family-owned accommodation you should have no problem negotiating a better rate when you can commit to a week or longer, all you have to do is ask.

#2 – Avoid Peak Season

Like most of Thailand, prices fluctuate greatly based on the season. If you are on a budget, it would be best to avoid PEAK season at all costs. Several accommodations peak season rates are double or triple the price of low season, so check and see if you can move your dates to save a few baht.

#3 – Book Online

If you must travel during high or peak season booking online is the easiest & best way.  Several hotels have daily rates that include free cancellation. Just make sure to double-check the last date to cancel.

Also, by booking online, you don’t have to worry about bringing enough cash or your credit card not working. Your room is already paid for you! We have found that Agoda is by far the cheapest hotel booking website in Asia, and they have the biggest selection of accommodation.

When are you traveling to Koh Lipe?

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