English 
German Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s most popular islands. Located in the very south of the country, it offers breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water. It’s not for nothing that Koh Lipe is often compared to the Maldives. I’ll show you the most beautiful spots and give you tips on how to plan your stay on Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe: The Perfect Island in the South of Thailand
Even the arrival feels special. I took a ferry from Malaysia’s island Langkawi since Koh Lipe is so far south in Thailand it’s just a short distance from Malaysia. Like most small islands in the Andaman Sea, it lacks a proper port. Instead, a few hundred meters from one of Koh Lipe’s two main beaches, the anchor is dropped into the clear turquoise water, and passengers along with their luggage are transferred onto several small longtail boats.
The entry formalities are completed directly on site. A small hut serves as a border control point for the Thai authorities. Everybody has to wait for their turn on plastic chairs neatly lined up in the sand; the passports had been collected earlier by the crew in Malaysia. Everything seems improvised, but as is so often the case in Thailand, everything runs like clockwork. And it won’t be the last time that I am amazed at how well this small island copes with the enormous rush of visitors during the high season in terms of organization and infrastructure.
Beaches on Koh Lipe
Pattaya Beach
Koh Lipe is really very small; in principle, you can explore the entire island on foot. When you arrive, you’ll get to know one of the biggest beaches straight away: Pattaya Beach is the longest and liveliest beach on Koh Lipe. Most ferries dock here, longtail boats for excursions leave from here and resorts and beach bars are lined up side by side. Nevertheless, the water is crystal clear and the beach itself is beautiful.
Hey, I’m Tatiana & the blogger behind The Happy Jetlagger. I write honestly, passionately and authentically about my travels. All tips have been researched by myself!
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Sunrise Beach
I liked Sunrise Beach a little more than Pattaya Beach: the atmosphere is relaxed and there aren’t quite as many longtail boats anchored off the beach. The water is clear and turquoise, while the sand is fine and nearly white—truly a dream beach. Here, you’ll find several laid-back beach bars and resorts, ranging from simple to luxurious.
It gets crowded here in the afternoon and most beachgoers move on to the northern tip, North Point Beach, towards sunset.
From Sunrise Beach, you can also take one of the many long-tail boat taxis to the opposite island of Ko Adang for around 200 THB per person each way.
Ko Adang is also part of the Tarutao National Park, but compared to Koh Lipe, it is basically undeveloped. Here you will find untouched nature, two waterfalls in the interior of the island and a black sand beach in the north of the island. Ko Adang is perfect for a day trip on your own, but you can also join a tour; these often visit several islands and snorkeling spots.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is located on the west side of Koh Lipe and is the smallest of the three main beaches at around 200 m in length. There is significantly less infrastructure on site than on Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach. However, there are only a few bars open, especially in the late afternoon until after sunset.
From Walking Street, simply walk along the cross street. Depending on the starting point, you can walk there in about 10-15 minutes or take one of the many tuktuks (50 THB per person).
North Point Beach
North Point Beach is located at the northern end of Sunrise Beach. This spot is best known for its sandbank, which is visible in different ways depending on the tide. From here, you also have a perfect view of the setting sun – and unfortunately, this sundowner spot is not an insider tip. You should definitely arrive early to secure a cozy spot.
Enjoy tasty homemade coconut ice cream and refreshing drinks at a small beach bar, part of the Bulow Casa Grand View Resort*.
Walking Street
Walking Street is the heart of Koh Lipe and runs almost all the way across the island from Pattaya Beach to Sunrise Beach. Mainly a pedestrian zone, it spares you the hustle and bustle of approaching tuktuks and allows you to take a leisurely stroll through the stores.
Most of the stores sell tourist kitsch or other essentials you might need during your stay on Koh Lipe: snorkeling gear, beachwear and sunscreen. And of course, you’ll also find several 7Eleven stores here. But there are also some really cute cafés and restaurants, and Walking Street is really busy in the evenings.
Tip: For beachwear, I suggest Onda on Walking Street, where you can find ideal beach outfits. However, keep in mind that, as is common on Koh Lipe, prices tend to be higher here compared to other parts of Thailand.
Where to Eat and Drink in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe has developed into a surprisingly diverse food destination in recent years. What sets the island apart from many other places in Thailand is the mix of local Thai cuisine and international influences, which is much more present here than elsewhere. While in Bangkok or Chiang Mai you often have to choose between classic street kitchens and upscale restaurants, on Koh Lipe everything is a little more compact and diverse at the same time.
You will find authentic Thai cuisine here, along with cafés serving really good coffee, Western breakfast options and even some fusion restaurants. This is mainly due to the many international visitors who have created a high demand over the years. At the same time, however, prices are significantly higher than in other parts of Thailand. A simple Pad Thai here can cost twice as much as on the mainland.
But what makes Koh Lipe special is the relaxed atmosphere, even in high-priced venues. Many restaurants open onto the street or the beach; Even at more upscale restaurants, you can relax on the beach with sand beneath your feet while enjoying an elegantly set table. There are also a few street food kitchen and simple restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat. If you love street food, however, you will miss something on Koh Lipe – there are hardly any classic, mobile street food stalls here.
Here are some of my favorites on Koh Lipe:
Ton Ji Esan Food
If you’ve been to Thailand before and are craving simple, delicious, and budget-friendly Thai food, Ton Ji Esan Food is perfect for you. It also offers traditional dishes from Isan in northern Thailand.
But the absolute highlight is the cute terrace on the small, hut-like building. Climb up a steep, rickety staircase and enjoy a relaxing day on the beach under the clear starry sky of the Andaman Sea with delicious food.
Elephant
I was really impressed by Elephant on Walking Street. You won’t find typical Thai food here, but you will find really good fusion cuisine, great drinks and an ambience that is just the right mix for Koh Lipe: relaxed, but still special. For me, one of the nicest addresses on the island, both during the day and in the evening. Definitely recommending this one!
Mojo Café and Mojo Mini
Mojo Café and Mojo Mini are both part of The Reef*. If you stay there, breakfast at the Mojo Café is included. That alone makes a stay at The Reef worth it.
Every morning, you can choose between a specialty coffee and a breakfast dish (sandwiches, bowls, pancakes and more). If you, like me, prefer a breakfast experience that has flavor and atmosphere rather than dull, tasteless buffets, then this is the spot for you to enjoy a good coffee and a relaxed café setting to start your day.
I also really enjoyed Mojo Mini on Walking Street. The small rooftop terrace is especially charming—a little like a tree house amidst the hustle and bustle, offering a view down onto the busy Walking Street.
Bulow Café
The Bulow Café is part of the Bulow Casa Grand View Resort* at the northern end of Sunrise Beach, close to North Point. The main advantage here is definitely the location: you are directly on one of Koh Lipe’s most stunning beaches, with a view of the turquoise water typical for the island.
I can particularly recommend dinner at Bulow. A little more expensive, but well worth it: romantic vibe, great quality and attentive, warm service.
Café Lipe
Café Lipe is located on Pattaya Beach and is a classic on the island: not super fancy, but just right if you’re at the beach during the day. You can grab a bite to eat here or simply enjoy a cool drink in the shade on the otherwise tree-free Pattaya Beach at lunchtime. Close to Walking Street.
Bloom
Bloom is centrally located on Walking Street; you can’t miss it. You’ll find typical café food and a really nice atmosphere here. That said, I liked it better in other locations, though that may just be my personal impression. Just give it a try. Incidentally, the Bloom Hostel is also part of Bloom.
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Where to Stay on Koh Lipe
If you’re planning to visit Koh Lipe during the peak season (December to March), it’s essential to book your accommodation well in advance. The island often reaches full capacity, and last-minute options can be extremely expensive. Additionally, Koh Lipe tends to become crowded again in mid-April during the traditional Thai New Year festival, Songkran.
If you hesitate because of the prices and prefer to wait for a bargain, I would strongly advise against it. Koh Lipe is quite pricey compared to other popular destinations in Thailand, and it only becomes more expensive over time.
Regarding resort options, you’ll find a relatively big selection on Koh Lipe compared to the island’s small size, particularly in the luxury segment. I was quite impressed with the Bulow Casa Grand View Resort*. But be aware that many other tourists enjoy the spot each evening, too, gathering in front of the resort for a sundowner.
If staying at the beachfront luxury resorts isn’t within your budget, you can still enjoy their pool and beach amenities. Some resorts, such as the Irene Resort*, also offer day passes.
This is particularly useful if you would rather use comfortable beach loungers than simply lie on a beach towel. As is often the case in Thailand, you cannot rent individual beach loungers or parasols on the beaches of Koh Lipe.
For the mid-price range, I recommend the Sita Beach Resort* if you want to stay at a resort with beach access. The benefit of a beach resort is that amenities like separate beach towels, sun loungers, and parasols are usually provided.
However, the Sita Beach Resort was not my first choice. Due to my spontaneous travel plans, I just had to take what was available. It has some minor flaws; the breakfast isn’t excellent, and there’s likely a small sewage issue—there was an unpleasant smell near the pond in the lower area of the resort.
Koh Lipe is a tiny island lacking a proper sewage system. Honestly, I was surprised that garbage and sewage aren’t more apparent, given the high number of tourists.
However, I had a garden bungalow in the upper part. As the Sita Beach Resort is located on a very steep slope, the walk back up from the beach is a little more challenging. But it’s super quiet up there, and just a few meters away is an access to the road that leads to Walking Street and Sunset Beach.
In general, you will find cheaper accommodation in the center of the island. However, you are more likely to experience night-time noise (e.g. from Walking Street) and you will also have to put up with a longer walk to the nearest beach.
Quick-Check
Where to Stay in Koh Lipe?
Sunset Beach The beach itself is less beautiful, but still a nice spot if you are looking for accommodation near the sea.
Sunrise Beach Quieter in the evening, but the most beautiful beach on the island. Lots of accommodation in various price categories.
North Point If a breathtaking sunset spot on your doorstep in the evening is more important to you than proximity to the Walking Street nightlife district. There are also some great, luxurious resorts here.
Walking Street Can get a bit noisy in the evening, but you’ll find more budget-friendly accommodation here
Pattaya Beach Ferries and speedboats arrive here. Most practical if you are only staying one or two nights on Koh Lipe – no dragging around suitcases or backpacks across the island. Central location.
Tip about Walking Street: If you prefer a quiet night, check the map or the reviews to see how close your accommodation really is to Walking Street. Sometimes it can get louder there in the evening and there are some accommodations on the island that are really quiet in the evening.
I spent a few nights at The Reef. The volume level was a little higher at times during the night. However, the studio was completely open to the countryside, so I didn’t find it too bad.
Check rates and availability at The Reef Koh Lipe* (be sure to book the Forest Studio – it’s super cute!)
Getting around Koh Lipe
The island is really super small, so you can easily reach most places on foot. However, if you are traveling to and from the island with luggage or don’t want to walk in the dark at night to a more distant accommodation, there are tuktuks available everywhere. There’s a fixed price: 50 THB per person, no matter where you are going.
If you want to take a trip to the neighboring island of Ko Adang on your own, you can take a taxi boat from both Pattaya Beach and Sunset Beach. Cost: approx. 200 THB per person.
Excursions from Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe offers a variety of tours, including snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and sunset barbecue boat tour at sunset. If you want to see clownfish or vibrant coral up close, you should definitely book a tour!
Getting There
Koh Lipe is situated in southern Thailand. Travel time to the island varies depending on your route through the country. Like most tourist spots in Thailand, the infrastructure is well-developed: you can conveniently reach Koh Lipe using a combination of minivans, ferries, or speedboats, though it might sometimes take extra time.
There are basically three ways to get to Koh Lipe:
By Speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta or Other Islands
This is usually the most expensive option. During the high season, most shipping companies operate the following route:
Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Koh Lanta – Koh Ngai – Koh Mook – Koh Kradan – Koh Bulone – Koh Lipe – Langkawi
Koh Lanta acts as a hub, so you usually have to change boats here.
Traveling by speedboat often seems to be the quickest option. However, please note that a speedboat ride is not particularly comfortable. It is really noisy on board and the boats take every wave in their stride. So if you get seasick easily, prepare yourself well (e.g. with motion sickness tablets). Earplugs or good headphones are also a good idea.
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe typically takes about three hours with stops along the route. I rarely get seasick, but even I find three hours on a speedboat a bit much. I recommend splitting longer journeys, as all the islands en route are worth exploring and deserve at least an overnight stay.
You’ll find more tips for each island in my big island hopping guide for the Andaman Sea
By Ferry from Pak Bara
Pak Bara serves as the primary port on the Thai mainland for traveling to Koh Lipe. Multiple boats leave here daily, with crossings lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Pak Bara can be reached by minivan or bus from larger cities such as Hat Yai, Trang or Krabi; all three cities have an airport with direct flights to Bangkok. You can book the ticket for the minivan together with the boat ticket; simply search for the corresponding route, e.g. Koh Lipe – Hat Yai or Koh Lipe – Trang.
Via Langkawi (Malaysia) by Speedboat or Ferry
If you are traveling from Malaysia or planning a detour to the island of Langkawi, there are also speedboats and a ferry connection to Koh Lipe from there. This route is particularly convenient if you’re doing a larger Southeast Asia tour anyway, but you should also consider it otherwise.
First of all, you’ll find the ferry ride to be much more enjoyable than taking the speedboat. Plus, it’s easier to fit Langkawi into your travel plans compared to the somewhat remote Pak Bara. Langkawi offers two ferry terminals: Kuah and Telaga, making your journey even more convenient.
Telaga is just a stone’s throw away from Langkawi International Airport – depending on the connection, you can continue your journey on the same day. This saves you long journeys by minivan. Entering and leaving Malaysia is also quick and easy.
However, it might be worth lingering on the island a bit longer. While Langkawi doesn’t boast turquoise waters like Koh Lipe, its beaches are still worth visiting. Food, drinks, and accommodations tend to be more affordable than in Koh Lipe, and Malaysia remains an exciting destination overall.
The Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is clearly the dry season (November to April). This is when the Andaman Sea is generally calmer, the water is clearer and the speedboats are much more reliable than during the rainy season. If you come to Koh Lipe mainly for the beaches, snorkeling trips and island hopping, I would prefer these months.
The transition months (November/early December and March/April) are recommended if you prefer to avoid the crowds on the island. You are more likely to encounter good weather, but it won’t be as overwhelmingly crowded or costly as during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the European winter holidays.
December to February are often ideal in terms of weather, but at the same time they are also peak season: It’s a good idea to book your accommodation early, so you can avoid the surprisingly high prices that can come up on Koh Lipe, which are much steeper than elsewhere in Thailand.
May through October is the rainy or low season. This does not mean it rains every day, but showers can be heavy, the sea can be rougher, and there are fewer boats. Some accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators are completely closed or open only to a limited extent during this time.
If you want to include Koh Lipe in a larger Thailand itinerary, I would recommend choosing the low season only if you are flexible with timing and don’t need perfect beach days. You should also be prepared for rough rides on the speedboat or the ferry to or from Langkawi.
Is a Trip to Koh Lipe Worth It?
Honestly, if you’re seeking a picture-perfect island paradise to truly unwind, it’s best to keep your expectations realistic. Koh Lipe might be that small island where you can feel like Robinson Crusoe and simply relax; with its turquoise waters and white beaches, Koh Lipe ranks among Thailand’s most stunning islands.
However, tourism has developed a lot in recent years. The island is bursting at the seams and it’s a miracle that so many visitors find space on Koh Lipe in the high season. Sometimes you really have to search for the authentic Koh Lipe.
The island is quite beautiful and fairly well-maintained despite the crowds. Yes, you can discover some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches. However, during high season, accommodation prices soar astronomically, and everything seems tailored to tourists who prefer the comfort of familiar amenities even while on vacation.
Koh Lipe doesn’t really feel like the true Thailand. Still, I enjoyed it (despite generally not liking touristy spots) and ended up staying longer than I had planned.
I was also struck by how noisy the beaches are during the day. Longtail boats with rattling engines continuously cruise the coast; tourists are dropped off or picked up, while others go snorkeling or visit Ko Adang. Speedboats and ferries come and go, making the beaches resemble a central station in a big city. Sometimes it makes it hard to relax at the beach.
My conclusion: Koh Lipe is unquestionably a highlight of any trip to Thailand. However, I suggest also exploring other islands or the mainland. For inspiration on more beautiful and unique destinations in Thailand, check out the blog: All articles about Thailand.
Tip: If you are looking for relaxation and a secluded island feeling, I recommend adding Koh Ngai, Koh Jum, Ko Siboya or nearby Koh Bulone to your itinerary. You won’t find much peace and quiet on Koh Lipe, at least in high season. At the same time, it’s not a great party island either – for that you should head to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party or to some place on Phuket, Koh Samui or the mainland.
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