Located in the southernmost part of Thailand, Koh Lipe is an island of the Adang-Rawi Archipelago in the Andaman Sea.A fringing coral reef surrounds the island with turquoise crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life.
Over the years, Koh Lipe has developed from a humble fishing village into one of Thailand's premier resort islands
Beaches to Explore
There are three primary beaches in Koh Lipe, each having its own character and appeal, as explained below.
1. Pattaya Beach: This is the main beach of Koh Lipe, entertaining tourists with loud nightlife, restaurants. The beach is a popular place to go for swimming and sunbathing, enjoying all the social scenes of the island.
2. Sunrise Beach: Indeed, as the name would suggest, Sunrise Beach is a vantage point that provides dramatic views at this time of day. Waters here are calm, and its proximity to coral reefs makes it perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
3. Sunset Beach: On the west part of Koh Lipe lies the quieter Sunset Beach, which is ideal for a relaxing evening viewing the sun as it sets below the horizon.
Snorkeling and Diving Paradise
Perhaps one of the biggest tourist attractions that bring people to Koh Lipe has to be its underwater realm. Well, Koh Lipe forms part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which boasts well-preserved reefs, colorful coral, and diverse marine life.
Best Dive Sites: Koh Lipe offers divers various sites like the 8 Mile Rock and Stonehenge, both popular for high levels of marine life biodiversity.
Snorkeling Sites: Shallow reefs located off-shore from Sunrise Beach are apt for snorkeling. In fact, just some meters off the beach lies an abundance of sea turtles, shoals of tropical fish, and coral formations.
Accommodation Options
From budgeted bungalows to high-end beachfront resorts, here are accommodation options for your consideration in Koh Lipe:
Budget: Basic levels of accommodation are offered by hostels and guesthouses in the vicinity of Walking Street at as low a cost as US$ 20 EUR 18 per night.
The prices range from $50-$100 per night for an average beachside bungalow or low-grade hotel, which offers comfortable stays with easy access to beaches.
The other option is upscale resorts with private beach access, amenities, etc., at about $150+ per night. Luxury pool villas and hotel rooms are included.
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
Koh Lipe has a whole lot more to offer than just its beaches.
Sea Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Most beaches offer kayak rentals for quiet navigating around the surrounding islands and coastal areas.
Walking Street: This lively street is the social heart of Koh Lipe, with its local shops, eateries. It is the best location to sample real Thai food, shop for souvenirs, or just enjoy the nightlife of the island.
Boat Tours: Join a boat tour to visit nearby islands and snorkeling spots. Most of these tours make stops at virgin beaches and hidden lagoons.
Hey Lykkers!
Has anyone of you been lucky enough to witness the breathtaking Koh Lipe? If yes, which is/was your favorite beach or thing to do? Let's share some travel stories and make Koh Lipe a dream destination for others!
Koh Lipe - The Maldives of Thailand!
Video by Joel Friend
