The hidden tropical paradise, Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe is one of the lesser-known destinations in Thailand. While hot spots are overcrowded with tourists, this hidden jam remains laid-back tropical paradise.

Idyllic island

Koh Lipe is a small island in the south of Thailand near the Malaysian border. Idyllic white-sand shores of the island are washed by turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Koh Lipe located close to Tarutao National Marine Park and its wildlife rich waters are ideal for snorkeling.

Thai long-tail boats at the beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Thai long-tail boats at the beach

The island has no airport and accessible only by boat.  There are no big roads on Koh Lipe. Actually, you may walk around the island in about 40 minutes. The place has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

Beach bar, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Beach bar
A room with a view, Koh Lipe, Thailand
A room with a view

Beaches of Koh Lipe

There are three beaches on the island: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach.

Pattaya Beach is the main and most developed beach.  Most boats arrive on Pattaya Beach and the Thai Immigration office is located at the beach. Despite this, Pattaya Beach is a beautiful and not overcrowded stretch of white sand with crystal clear waters. Snorkeling is available right from the beach. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants on the Walking Street attached to the beach. After dark romantic beach bars offer seats under the stars at Pattaya Beach.

Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Pattaya Beach
The Walking Street, Koh Lipe, Thailand
The Walking Street
Sunset at Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Sunset at Pattaya Beach
Bars under the stars at Pattaya Beach
Bars under the stars at Pattaya Beach

Sunrise Beach stretches along the eastern shore of Koh Lipe. The beach is faced the picturesque emerald hill of the nearby Adang Island. Sunrise Beach is much quieter than Pattaya Beach, and there is a pleasant breeze at the beach during hot days. A great snorkeling spot is also available here around two small islands located right off the beach.

Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Sunrise Beach
A view to Koh Adang, Koh Lipe, Thailand
A view to Koh Adang
Turquoise water at Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Turquoise water at Sunrise Beach

Sunset Beach is a serene private piece of sand grasped between large boulders. It is a perfect place for sunset-watching and getting away from the crowd.

Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach at dusk, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Sunset Beach at dusk

How to get there: In high season (November to May) boats to Koh Lipe operate from several locations in Thailand: Pak Bara, Trang, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta.  There are also speedboats from the Malaysian Langkawi Island. In low season (May to October) the only way to get to the island is by speedboat from Pak Bara.

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Koh Lipe is one of the lesser-known destinations in Thailand. While hot spots are overcrowded with tourists, this hidden jam remains laid-back tropical paradise.

Photo credit: © Elena Ermakova. All rights reserved. Contact us here if you are interested in using our photos.