Koh Lipe: The Complete Island Travel Guide

The Bear Team 5 min read

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Visiting the likes of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), Pattaya, and Chiang Mai are fantastic holiday experience and showcases some of the best things about holidaying in Thailand. But when you want to experience the most stunning and laidback holiday experience that Thailand has to offer, visit one of the Kingdom’s picturesque islands. Koh Lipe is a fantastic choice. 

Koh Lipe, also called Ko Lipe, is a dreamlike island in the Andaman Sea just off the South of Thailand and Malaysia. The island is located relatively near the Malaysian island of Langkawi and is a true tropical paradise. 

Let us take you to the tranquility of white sandy beaches and blue waters at Koh Lipe Island.

 Fun Fact!

Koh Lipe Island is the perfect getaway spot where you can enjoy soft sandy beaches or dive into the sea to enjoy a swim. Visitors can stay here in the rented bungalows or camp on the beach. 

Where to Stay in Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe is the most southern Thai island and is very small, even compared to some of Thailand’s other island holiday destinations. The island is approximately 3.5 km in length and 2.5km in width. It’s part of 50 other islands in the Tarutao National Park. It is believed that there are only 800 permanent residents in Koh Lipe, not counting tourists.

The main areas to stay in are its more popular beach areas. The main areas are Sunset Beach to the island's west, Pattaya Beach to the south, and Sunrise Beach to the east. These areas are the ones with the most resorts and beachside bungalows. However, because Koh Lipe has a national park status, you could rock up with your tent and camp on one of the beaches without too much hassle or trouble. 

Koh Lipe has been a top destination for backpackers over the years but is currently attracting a more high-end clientele. Although the bamboo-style beachside bungalows are popular with tourists, these areas also have some 4-star resorts. 

What to do in Koh Lipe?

As with any paradise island, sometimes you are limited on what to see and do while holidaying there. Most people come here to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, relax on the beaches and soak up the Tropicana. The main attractions of Koh Lipe are its beaches. Here is a list of the three most popular Koh Lipe beaches and what they offer: 

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach is situated on the island's south side and is the longest beach on Koh Lipe at approximately 1km in length. The beach is also one of the most commercial and is home to many restaurants, hotels, bars, and general facilities. 

Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach is located east of the island and is sometimes locally referred to as Haad Chao Ley. This beach is ideal for those who stroll in the ocean with shallow seas. The beach is 800 meters long and very well protected from the monsoons in the low season—a famous beach with backpackers and high-end tourists alike. Haad Chao Ley is home to a school, a hospital, and even a few restaurants. Although it might not be as commercial as Pattaya beach, it is still very popular with tourists. 

Sunset Beach

Sunset beach, as the name might suggest, is located on the west coast of Koh Lipe and is locally called Haad Pramong. The beach is very cozy and quaint and is only 200 meters in length, and even though it faces west, it is also northerly located—an excellent beach for backpackers and those who enjoy the hippie lifestyle. The area has wooden bamboo and thatch-style beachside restaurants offering incredible views across the ocean. If you are a backpacker seeking a tranquil place to stay and to meet other like-minded individuals, Sunset beach is the perfect place. 

Renting a Motorbike to Explore the Island

One of the best parts about staying on Koh Lipe is how small and cozy the island is. It is so tiny that most people tend to walk everywhere they need. However, you can rent a motorbike to get about a bit quicker. You can rent motorbikes for between 200 and 300 THB from one of the small shops along Pattaya Beach. We would recommend you walk everywhere because not only is that the cheapest option, but also the most rewarding. Strolling along the beaches is one of the best aspects of holidaying at Koh Lipe. 

  Trivia!

Koh Lipe Island is nearly 3.5 Km long and 2.5 Km wide.

Koh Lipe Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife

When it comes to shopping, dining out, or nightlife at Koh Lipe, most places are in the main beach areas, emphasizing Pattaya beach. Some of the most popular spots include the Reggae Bar on Pattaya Beach, Cozy Cove at Sunset Beach, and venues such as the Longtail Bar, which is also on Pattaya beach. Please remember that bars and restaurants can change quickly in tourist destinations. 

Regarding shopping, we suggest you check out the market areas in the three main beach areas. Until recently, there were no ATMs on Koh Lipe, and if you wanted to circumnavigate a potential banana skin, we recommend that you take all the money you need with you just in case, and then you will have no problem. As you can see, Koh Lipe is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s more commercialized tourism destinations. 

Although there are not so many things to do, Koh Lipe is the ideal place if you enjoy beaches, snorkeling, diving, swimming, and relaxing. Remember to take your cash and bring a good book or two to break up the time.  

  Did You Know?

The Tarutao National Park consists of 50 Islands, and Koh Lipe is one of them. The population on this Island is about 800, and it is famous for its long beaches.

Map & More Information

Koh Lipe is part of the Tarutao National Park, a collection of picturesque islands that are excellent dive spots, snorkeling, boat tours, beachfront hotels & restaurants, and are known for their coral reefs. If you want to experience a Thai tropical island getaway but shy away from its more commercialized islands, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, visiting Koh Lipe is a first-class choice.