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Koh Lipe Islands

Koh Lipe Islands

Visiting Koh Lipe Islands of Thailand is like steeping into the land of paradise. Due to its enchanting beauty, it is popularly nicknamed as the Maldives of Thailand, due to its rich vegetation, soft sandy golden brown beaches, turquoise blue water and rich marine life, home to vibrant coral reefs and exotic tropical fish.

Koh Lipe Islands are a part of the Tarutao National Marine Park (comprising of 51 islands), which offers thrilling activities like snorkeling, kayaking, diving and island hopping.

Travelers wishing to escape to a serene and peaceful location, Koh Lipe offer the most breathtaking vacation, with its laid back vibe. It’s beautiful beaches, simply reacts according to the mood you are in. if you are hoping for some vibrant beach vibes, head to Pattaya Beach, for enjoying the sunset, visit Sunset Beach, and for enjoying the sunrise, visit the Sunrise Beach.

The Koh Lipe Islands offers a rich cultural experience, as the region is native to the Urak Lawoi sea gypsies. For the best eco-friendly experience having a tour of this island is sure to give you a memorable experience.

Where it is located?

Koh Lipe Islands are situated in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, and near the border of the country of Malaysia. Koh Lipe Islands is one of the 51 islands of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is rich in vegetation and marine life.

What are the main Highlights of Koh Lipe?

Its picturesque beaches: Koh Lipe is home to some of the stunning beaches in the world with crystal clear water, giving it the nickname Maldives of Thailand.
Rich in marine life: The sea waters of Koh Lipe Islands are rich in marine life; you will find here vibrant coral reefs and exotic fishes. It is estimated that around 25% of the world’s tropical fish species are found in the sea waters of Koh Lipe Islands.
Cultural experience: The Koh Lipe Islands are home to the native Urak Lawoi sea gypsy community, who has been living here for generations now.
Relax on the beaches: Have a wonderful time relaxing in the Koh Lipe Islands, enjoying the surrounding and the vast crystal clear sea water.
Be a part of eco-tourism: Since the Koh Lipe Islands are a part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, it emphasizes on eco-tourism, offering visitors eco-friendly tour experience.

What are the Top Places to Visit in Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe Islands as a part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, is rich in marine life, has rich vegetation, pristine beaches and pleasant environments. The top places to visit in Koh Lipe Islands include the following:

Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley)

The Sunrise beach is situated on the east side of Koh Lipe Islands, it is a complete serene and peaceful beach, best for early risers to watch the sunrise and for water sports lovers.

Highlights of The Sunrise beach:

Enjoy the sunrise
Opt for snorkeling
Appreciate the view of the nearby island, Koh Adang
Activities to do include, opt for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply relax.

Pattaya Beach

The main beach of Koh Lipe Islands is the Pattaya beach which is famous for its beautiful beach, lined up with bars, restaurants, and shops, offering a vibrant experience.

Highlights of Pattaya beach:

Beautiful soft sand beach, with stunning crystal clear water of the ocean
Best for enjoying sunset
Popular for lively nightlife, dance music, fire shows and beachfront late-night parties
Activities to do include enjoying the nightlife, fine dining, swimming, and kayaking

Karma Beach

Karma beach is a serene and peaceful beach, perfect for offering relaxation to the tourists.

Highlights of Karma beach:

Beautiful soft sand beach, with stunning crystal clear water of the ocean
Best place for a peaceful vacation to get away from the crowd.
Tourists can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing and appreciating the tranquil atmosphere.

Walking Street

One of the most happening places of Koh Lipe Islands is the Walking Street, the hub of restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs and shops.

Highlights of Walking Street:

Savor delicious international and Thai cuisines
Buy handmade and local products to take back home as souvenirs
Enjoy the nightlife in a nightclub or café or bar.
Activities to do include, dinning, enjoying the nightlife in a nightclub or café, enjoying shopping, and enjoying street performances.

Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)

The Sunset beach is situated on the west side of Koh Lipe Islands; it is a small beach, offering complete serene and peaceful ambiance, best for watching the sunset.

Highlights of Sunset beach:

Watch the sunset.
Best for relaxing as it offers tranquil environment
Activities to do include, enjoying the sunsets, relaxing, walking around.

Bulow Beach

Bulow Beach is one of the hidden destinations of Koh Lipe, filled with natural beauty, offering a serene and peaceful environment.

Highlights of Bulow Beach:

Enchanting soft sand beach, with stunning crystal clear water of the ocean
Serene and peaceful environment
Tourists can have a wonderful time simply and enjoying swimming in the crystal clear waters of the ocean.

Stonehenge Dive Site

The Stonehenge Dive Site is a popular diving spot situated near Koh Lipe, and get it name Stonehenge due to the unique rock formations found underwater.

Highlights of Stonehenge Dive Site:

Explore the vibrant coral reefs underwater
Have an underwater experience to watch the marine life up close; the colorful fishes like the angelfish, clownfish and moray eels.
Activities to do include Scuba diving and have an exciting underwater photography experience.

Koh Adang

Koh Adang is a part of Tarutao National Marine Park and is a neighboring island of Koh Lipe, a hub for nature lovers.

Highlights of Koh Adang:

Appreciate the fascinating views of Koh Lipe
Explore the waterfalls
Opt for a hiking experience
Simply relax in the beaches
Activities to do include, going on a Hiking, snorkeling, and opting for camping.

Koh Rawi

Koh Rawi is a part of Tarutao National Marine Park and is another neighboring island of Koh Lipe, its surrounding waters are rich in marine life.

Highlights Koh Rawi:

Engage in snorkeling
Simply relax and admire the peaceful vibes
Activities to do include, opting for Snorkeling, going on a picnic, or exploring the island.

Jabang Dive Site

The Jabang Dive Site is another popular diving spot situated near Koh Lipe, home to colorful coral reefs.

Highlights of Jabang Dive Site:

The Jabang Dive Site is famous for colorful pink and purple coral formations, a stunning sight to visit.
Home to exotic marine life
Tourists can engage in underwater activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tarutao National Marine Park

Tarutao National Marine Park is a marine park and Koh Lipe is a part of it. Around 51 islands are under the Tarutao National Marine Park.

Highlights of Tarutao National Marine Park:

Rich biodiversity
Lush-green vegetation
Home to wildlife like monitor lizards and different species of birds.
Opt for a Island hopping tour
Enjoy a hike around the park, and eco-friendly tours.

Pirate Waterfall (Koh Adang)

Pirate Waterfall is located in Koh Adang Island, although it is a small waterfall, but offers a refreshing experience.

Highlights of Pirate Waterfall (Koh Adang):

Situated amidst greenery
Enjoy a dip in the natural pool.
Opt for a hike to the waterfalls
Admire the serene and peaceful ambiance.

Military Base Viewpoint (Koh Adang)

The Military Base Viewpoint is a viewpoint in Koh Adang Islands and offers mesmerizing views of Koh Lipe.

Highlights of Military Base Viewpoint (Koh Adang):

Enjoy scenic aerial views of Koh Lipe Islands
Perfect spot for clicking breathtaking photos
Tourists can enjoy a hike to Military Base Viewpoint (Koh Adang) through the lush green vegetation and beautiful landscape.

All the places located in Koh Lipe Islands offer different experiences; tourists can relax, have a cultural experience or enjoy adventure activities.

What are the Top Things to Do in Koh Lipe?

The top things you must do in Koh Lipe Islands for having the best thrilling experience are listed below check out to know more:

Island Hopping

Enjoy island hopping; visit the nearby islands like Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Tarutao.
What to expect? Home to stunning hidden beaches, enjoy jungle treks through the tropical forests and watch the marine life up close.

Cultural Tours

Have a rich cultural experience, as the region is native to the Urak Lawoi sea gypsies. Visit their village; know about their culture and tradition, and their daily lifestyle.

Snorkeling and Diving

Koh Lipe Islands are popular for rich marine life, tourists can have a thrilling snorkeling and diving experience, exploring the rich marine life and the colorful coral reefs
The best places to enjoy snorkeling and diving include Stonehenge, Jabang Dive Site and 8 Mile Rock.
What to expect? Enjoy a swim with the sea turtle, explore the splendid underwater rock formations, and watch the colorful fishes up close.

Hiking

Adventure lovers who want to add some thrill to their life can go for hiking in the challenging trails of Koh Adang that offers stunning views.
Where to go for hiking? Enjoy a hike to the Military Base Viewpoint in Koh Adang that offers mesmerizing aerial views of Koh Lipe. Another best place to go for hiking is Pirate Waterfall in Koh Adang.

Kayaking

Rent a kayak and have an exciting experience paddling around the around, having a closer view crystal clear waters and the surrounding islands.
Where to opt for kayaking? Kayak around Koh Lipe and its nearby islands.

Relaxing on the Beaches

Have a wonderful time relaxing in one of the beaches of Koh Lipe, offering the perfect space to relax.
Best beaches to relax: Pattaya, Sunrise, Sunset, Karma, Bulow

Nightlife and Dining

Savor delicious international and Thai cuisines like spicy papaya salad, fresh seafood, and pad Thai.
Enjoy shopping in the night markets, buy traditional handmade and local products to take back home as souvenirs
Enjoy the nightlife in a nightclub or café or bar, dance, music, fire shows and beachfront late-night parties

What is the Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe?

Tourists planning to visit Koh Lipe, the best time to visit from November to April, when the region experiences dry climate, sunny weather and you can engage in endless outdoor and water activities.

November to February, the peak season in Koh Lipe:

This is the peak season as the weather is dry and perfect, the island remains crowded and accommodation prices rises.

March to April, the shoulder season in Koh Lipe: This season experiences few crows, but the weather is warm and perfect to enjoy underwater activities.

May to October, the low season in Koh Lipe:

This is the monsoon season, accompanied with some rainfall, but still it is possible to visit Koh Lipe. Many tour operators function, and hotels operate, and you can enjoy discounted rates. It depends on weather conditions, if it is forecasted that there’s will be storm and rain, then tour activities gets cancelled.

How to Reach Koh Lipe?

To reach Koh Lipe, it is quite exciting as it involves different modes of transportation, from flights, buses or taxis to boat rides. Here is a short guide to let you know how adventurous it could be to reach Koh Lipe:

From Major Cities like to Hat Yai

To reach Koh Lipe you have to reach the major cities of Thailand, once you reach Thailand you have to reach Hat Yai first. If traveling from Bangkok:

By Air: If you are traveling from Bangkok by air, take a flight from Bangkok airport to Hat Yai airport; it will take around 1.5 hours to reach. The popular airlines which fly to Hat Yai include AirAsia, Thai Smile, and Nok Air.
By Train: If planning to travel by train from Bangkok, take the train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Hat Yai Railway Station. It will take around 15-17 hours to reach.
By Bus: Buses run from Bangkok to Hat Yai on a daily basis, it will take around 12-14 hours to reach.

If traveling from Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui:

By Air: Travelers can take the connecting flights to Hat Yai from these places.
By Bus/Van: Buses or minivans operate from these places are on a regular basis to Hat Yai.

From Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier

Once you have reached Hat Yai, you will have to reach the Pak Bara Pier, and choose one of the preferred modes of transportation.

By Taxi or Van: From Hat Yai Airport or city center, travelers can opt for shared minivans, or private taxis, which run at regular intervals. It will take around 1.5-2 hours to reach Pak Bara Pier.
By Bus: If you want to save some money, local buses are easily available from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier, but it will take longer to reach.

From Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe

When you arrive at Pak Bara Pier, you will have to take the speedboat to Koh Lipe, which runs at regular intervals. It will take around 1.5 hours to reach Koh Lipe by speedboat. The boats run at scheduled intervals between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, be sure to book them in advance, as you might find it difficult to get reservation during peak season. Alternative Route: From Langkawi, Malaysia There is also an alternative route, but this is for tourists staying in Langkawi, Malaysia, which is the Thailand-Malaysia border. Ferries run from Langkawi’s Kuah Jetty to Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe, but to come from Langkawi, Malaysia, you will have to complete the immigration formalities on arriving in Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe. Important Travel Tips to visit Koh Lipe:

Take the help of experienced tour operators for a trip to Koh Lipe, to skip the hassle.
If you are travelling in peak, book your boat tickets in advance.
There is no ATM or card facility in Koh Lipe, or are limited, so it is better to carry cash.
Try to arrive at the boat points early in the morning to skip the rush and enjoy hassle-free boarding immigration formalities.