Koh Lipe

Contents of this article8 sections

1. Getting there
2. Getting around
3. Where to stay
4. Things to see
5. Eating
6. Evenings
7. Tips for travellers aged 50 and over
8. Best time to go

Koh Lipe is a small island in the far south of the Andaman Sea, just before the Malaysian border. It lies in the middle of Tarutao Marine National Park, but has a special status: unlike on the neighbouring islands, building is allowed here. The water is clear, the sand is fine, and there are no cars: you can reach everything on foot. From one end to the other it is about three kilometres.

But Lipe is no longer a deserted paradise. In high season the island is full, the beaches are lined with longtail boats, and there is a lot of construction. The island struggles with rubbish and water shortages. If you know that and do not expect too much, you can still have a lovely time here.

Getting there

From Pak Bara. The usual route is via Pak Bara pier in Satun province. The speedboat takes about an hour and a half, and tickets start at about 550 baht. In high season, from November to mid-May, several boats run a day; in low season only one or two.

From Hat Yai. The nearest larger airport is Hat Yai. A combined ticket with minivan and speedboat costs from 950 baht, and the journey takes 3.5 to 5.5 hours. AirAsia also sells tickets from Bangkok with flight, van and boat in one.

From Koh Lanta, Phi Phi and Phuket. In high season boats run along the coast. From Koh Lanta it takes about three hours, from Phuket about five.

From Langkawi in Malaysia. From mid-October to mid or late May, ferries run daily from Kuah and Telaga, for 165 ringgit one way. You enter Thailand this way. Passports are collected in Langkawi and handed back on Lipe, and there is no visa on arrival there. Fill in the TDAC arrival card online beforehand.

Park fee. On arrival you pay a park fee of 200 baht, and children aged 3 to 14 pay 100 baht (as of June 2026). At Pak Bara pier there is another 20 baht pier fee. Bring the right change in cash and keep the receipt.

Arrival. There is no harbour. You step from the speedboat onto a longtail boat, or you land at a floating pontoon at Pattaya Beach. The pontoon rocks a lot. Your luggage is transferred separately, so papers and valuables belong in your hand luggage.

Getting around

There are no scooters to rent. You walk, or you take a saleng, a moped with a sidecar. A ride costs about 50 baht per person, no matter where. Drivers often ask tourists for more, so insist on the price. You get to the neighbouring islands by longtail boat.

Where to stay

Pattaya Beach is the longest beach, and this is where the boats arrive. It is practical for a night or two. In the evening it is the liveliest spot.

Sunrise Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with places to stay in all price ranges. It gets crowded in the afternoon and quieter in the evening.

Sunset Beach is small and quiet, with little around it. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk to Walking Street.

On Walking Street you sleep more cheaply, but it is loud at night.

A room in a resort at Sunrise Beach costs about 1,800 to 3,700 baht for one person. Lipe is more expensive than the mainland. From December to March it is best to book early.

Things to see

Walking Street

The pedestrian street runs across the island, from Pattaya Beach to Sunrise Beach. This is where the restaurants, shops, dive schools and several 7-Elevens are.

Snorkelling

The best snorkelling is at the neighbouring islands. Off Koh Rawi the national park has strung lines along the reef that you can pull yourself along. A snorkelling tour by longtail boat with three stops costs 600 to 700 baht. To get to the rock arch at Koh Kai, it is best to hire a longtail.

Koh Adang

The big green island opposite has a ranger station, one trail to the viewpoint and another to the waterfall. Important: most destinations in the park are closed from 1 June to 30 September, and Koh Adang even until 31 December (as of June 2026). Before a trip, ask what is currently open.

Eating

Most restaurants are on Walking Street. Popular choices are Papaya Mom, with Thai and Isan food, and Nee Papaya, with seafood and grilled dishes. For a sea view, eat at On the Rocks on the slope of Serendipity Resort. Overall, food is more expensive than on the mainland, and a pad thai costs up to twice as much.

Evenings

Koh Lipe is not a party destination. The liveliest places are Walking Street and Pattaya Beach, where there are fire shows in the evening. For sunset, go to Sunset Beach or to the sandbank at North Point.

Tips for travellers aged 50 and over

The smoothest seats on the speedboat are at the back, but not right next to the engine. If you have back or neck problems, it is better to take the slower ferry: in rough seas the speedboat slams down hard. Stepping across onto the rocking pontoon takes sure footing, so feel free to accept help.

Bring enough cash. There are ATMs on Walking Street, and one at the pier, but they charge a fee and are sometimes empty in high season.

Medical care is basic. The island’s health station is set to be expanded. For anything serious you have to go to the mainland. Bring enough of your medication, and take out travel insurance that covers repatriation. Water shoes protect against stonefish.

Best time to go

From November to April is the dry season, and the boats run regularly. It is most beautiful from December to February, but then it is also busiest. From May to October the sea is rougher, fewer boats run, and some accommodation and most of the park’s destinations are closed. You can see the monthly values on the weather page for Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe combines well with Koh Lanta. What you need before you fly is covered in Entering Thailand 2026.

Comparison

Not sure whether this place is the right one? Here are the differences side by side:

• Koh Lanta or Koh LipeBest time to visit, getting there and character

Continuing by ferry? In the island hopping planner you can see which boats leave from Koh Lipe, how long they take and what they cost.