Ko Lipe – About Ko Lipe in Thailand

Near Malaysia in the southern Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is one of more than 70 islands in a Thai national park. This island has changed a great deal over the course of the past few years. Someone who knew about Koh Lipe only 10 years ago would be unlikely to recognize it today. From a virtually unknown little gem whose only attraction used to be its 4 beautiful beaches, the island has been built and developed into an appealing travel destination. It now boasts paved roads, which make it very easy to get around the island. Koh Lipe is thriving with its lovely beaches, perfect for swimming or just soaking up the sun.

The island of Koh Lipe is ideal for a family vacation. Children will enjoy playing in the sea’s shallow areas and snorkeling to see beautiful coral right near the beach. The pace of life on this island is calm and relaxed, but if you’re seeking a little excitement, you can join the fun at the beach parties and other forms of evening entertainment.

Accommodation

The many new resort hotels are the most popular option for accommodation on Koh Lipe. They offer the advantage of being close to the beach yet also having their own swimming pools and landscaped grounds. These hotels are concentrated in the beach area. All parts of the islands are easily accessible on foot, though, so when booking your accommodation, the best idea is to choose according to your own particular needs and preferences rather than by location. You can also stay in a simple bungalow on the beach if you’re traveling on a shoestring budget – this can actually be a lot of fun. You get to the island by boat, and nowadays it is accessible year round. There are daily ferries from Langkawi Island, or you can take a boat, bus or plane from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai, and then a ferry from there. In terms of weather, the best time to visit is between November and February, the season when Koh Lipe’s climate is most temperate – dryer and relatively cooler than the rest of the year. However, during the rainy season, you can get great deals on accommodation.

These days the island has become so popular that you definitely need to book your accommodation in advance. If you decide to “play it cool” and just show up on Koh Lipe without a reservation, especially during the busy tourist season, chances are that you’ll end up either having to go back to the mainland to find a room or sleeping on the beach.

Beaches

Just a short walk away from wherever you end up staying, the beaches of Koh Lipe are gorgeous, and the hub of activity on the island. Swimming in the crystal clear water, snorkeling and sunbathing are the most popular vacation activities.

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya is the largest beach on Lipe. It is situated on a large bay which acts as a natural breakwater so the sea here is relatively calm. Try snorkeling right from the beach. With plenty of restaurants and bars right nearby, you can easily spend the whole day by the water. During peak season, this beach tends to be quite crowded, but just walk a bit further – you’ll have no trouble finding your own quiet little spot.

Sunrise Beach

You’ll find Sunrise Beach very pleasant even during the off season, since it is quite sheltered. Even when the weather is hot, there is always a cool breeze at this beach. Accommodation here is quite reasonable, and there are plenty of nice restaurants and bars.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a great place to go to admire the amazing sunsets off Koh Lipe, as its name suggests. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this uncrowded beach. Walking Street is less than a quarter of an hour away, but there are also restaurants even closer at hand. This is a great place to come for the day with the whole family.

Activities

Short excursions with traditional Thai long tail boats can be arranged to a number of interesting sites. There are deserted islands just off the coast of Koh Lipe to explore. You can also head over to a nearby reef to spend a few hours snorkeling and diving. If you have never dived before, you have the option of taking lessons on site, or come along for the ride and just stick to snorkeling. Barbecues on Pattaya Beach are a very popular activity that can be enjoyed by young and old.

Restaurants and Bars

Walking Street is the main road of the island. Formerly very simple, it too has undergone a facelift and now offers shopping and some very nice places to eat. Take the opportunity to sample some of the amazing fresh seafood or if you’re ready for a break from Thai food, there are lots of Western menu selections available. Although people don’t think about Koh Lipe as a party island like Phi Phi, for example, there is certainly no shortage of bars and restaurants to brighten up your evenings on this island.