ULTIMATE KOH LIPE ITINERARY
Table of Contents
HOW TO GET TO KOH LIPE
To reach Koh Lipe, there are a few different routes you can take depending on where you’re coming from.
Route 1: Via Hat Yai, Thailand
Fly to Hat Yai: If you’re traveling within Thailand, book a flight to Hat Yai International Airport. Direct flights are available from major cities like Bangkok and Phuket.
Transfer to Pak Bara Pier: Once you land in Hat Yai, take a taxi, minivan, or bus to Pak Bara Pier. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Direct transfers from the airport are available, making the trip hassle-free.
Ferry to Koh Lipe: From Pak Bara Pier, hop on a ferry or speedboat to Koh Lipe. The ferry ride typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, bringing you straight to the island’s stunning shores.
Route 2: Via Langkawi, Malaysia
Fly to Langkawi: If you’re coming from Malaysia, fly to Langkawi International Airport. Direct flights are available from Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities.
Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe: Koh Lipe is super close from Langkawi, making this a popular route. Take a ferry from Telaga Harbour or Kuah Jetty. The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Since you’re crossing from Malaysia into Thailand, you’ll go through immigration at the pier. You can buy tickets from any travel agency in Langkawi, which includes transport to the ferry.
Route 3: Via Other Thai Islands
Travel from Nearby Islands: If you’re already in southern Thailand, you can reach Koh Lipe via ferry from nearby islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, or Phuket. Many ferries from these islands connect through Pak Bara Pier, where you can continue your journey to Koh Lipe.
Arrival on Koh Lipe
No matter which route you take, ferries usually drop you off at Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach. From there, it’s easy to walk or take tuk tuk to your accommodation.
please note that there is a 200 baht National Park fee you’ll need to pay when you arrive on Koh Lipe, since the island is part of Tarutao National Park. Make sure to bring cash, as they don’t accept cards. And don’t forget to keep your receipt! You’ll need to show it at different spots if you’re planning to go snorkelling around the park.
GETTING AROUND KOH LIPE
Koh Lipe is a highly walkable island due to its small size. You can easily reach any beach on the island in under an hour, depending on your pace and the route you choose. If you prefer not to walk, tuk-tuks are available for a flat rate of 100 THB (around €3).
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH LIPE
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is from November to April, when the weather is warm, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C and little rain. This period offers ideal conditions for enjoying the beach and exploring the island. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
For a more budget-friendly and tranquil experience, consider traveling between May and October. During these months, you’ll experience a mix of rain and sunshine. Although the weather can be less predictable, you’ll find fewer tourists and lower hotel rates, making it a great time for a quieter, more affordable getaway.
HOTELS IN KOH LIPE
HOTEL CASTAWAY
Hotel Castaway, located on Sunrise Beach, offers a dreamy experience with beachfront bungalows and an excellent restaurant that’s among the best on the island, all at a reasonable price. The hotel’s prime location is perfect for those looking to enjoy the morning light or snorkel right from the shore.
TEN MOONS LIPE RESORT
Located in the southernmost corner of Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe, Ten Moons Lipe Resort is the ideal retreat, tucked away from the crowds. The resort offers bungalows with stunning ocean views and an onsite restaurant that boasts some of the best views on the island.
IRENE RESORT
Irene Luxury Beach Resort is an upscale retreat on Koh Lipe’s north-west coast, where Sunrise and Sunset Beaches meet. The resort offers luxurious beach villas with private pools right on the sand. If you’re ready to splurge, this is the perfect choice for a lavish escape.
CASTAWAY
WHERE TO EAT IN KOH LIPE
No trip to Koh Lipe is complete without savouring the local cuisine. The island boasts a range of fantastic restaurants, each offering mouthwatering dishes that highlight the best of Thai flavours. Below are some of my favourites on the island.
TONKOW RESTAURANT
For authentic Thai food, Tonkow Restaurant is a must-visit. The flavors are bold, and the dishes are made with the freshest ingredients. Their curries are out of this world
ON THE ROCKS RESTAURANT
This restaurant quickly became one of our favourites! Perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the ocean and nearby coves, it offers some of the best vistas in Koh Lipe. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and the dishes are packed with flavour. Overall, it’s a must-visit while exploring Koh Lipe.
on the rocks restaurant
NOY WANG CHA-AON & THAI FOOD
A hidden gem on Walking Street, this restaurant serves some of the best Thai food I had on the island. The som tam (papaya salad) was spicy and refreshing, and the green curry was bursting with flavour.
THE SEASON BY THE CLIFF LIPE
Another great spot with stunning views, this restaurant offers a mix of Thai and Western cuisine. It’s a bit more upscale, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
THE MOJO
ZODIAC BAR
BEST THINGS TO DO IN KOH LIPE
1- BEACH HOP
Sunrise Beach: True to its name, this beach is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise, with vibrant coral reefs just a short swim from the shore. For those who prefer to stay on land, you can rent a kayak for just 100 THB per hour and explore the calm, clear waters.
Sunset Beach: Located on the west side of the island, Sunset Beach is the ideal place to watch the sun set below the horizon. The atmosphere here is relaxed and rustic, with fewer crowds. It’s a great spot for a tranquil evening, perhaps with a drink from one of the nearby bars.
North Point Beach: This hidden gem at the northern tip of the island offers spectacular views. Less frequented than other beaches, it’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Secret Beaches: For those willing to explore, the island has several hidden beaches like Pitiusas Beach, Secret Beach, and Bulow Beach. These lesser-known spots offer an off-the-beaten-path experience and are well worth the adventure.
Tens Moons Bay, Maricilla beach- One of my favorite spots in Koh Lipe is the small, enchanting bay near Ten Moons Koh Lipe Resort. This hidden gem quickly became a personal highlight, with its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and scenic rocks creating a picture-perfect setting. The view of the tiny island of Koh Usen just offshore only adds to the tropical charm of the bay.
To find this little slice of paradise, I walked past the boulders at the southern end of Sunrise Beach. The path led me through Ten Moons Resort and its restaurant, but the beach next to it is open for everyone to enjoy. This is also a great place to go snorkelling!
TEN MOONS BAY
2-BOAT TRIP TO THE NEARBY ISLANDS
With 51 islands in the Tarutao Marine National Park, there’s so much more to discover beyond the main spots. For a truly unforgettable snorkelling experience, I explored some of the nearby islands and was amazed by the stunning underwater scenery. Jabang Point, with its incredible seven-coloured coral, was a highlight. If you get the chance, I highly recommend venturing out to these beautiful islands to fully appreciate their vibrant coral reefs and unique landscapes.
You can easily book these excursions through any of the tour agencies along Walking Street or here.
NATIONAL PARK CORAL FORMATIONS
3-SNORKEL THE CORAL FROM THE BEACH
Koh Lipe is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a prime destination for snorkelers. You don’t have to venture far to encounter stunning marine life; the reefs are easily accessible right off the beach. For just 100 THB per person, you can rent a snorkel and mask and dive into a world of colourful coral.
Koh Usen is a small island located just a few hundred meters off Sunrise Beach. You can swim there in about 10 minutes, though be mindful of the strong currents. For a safer and more enjoyable experience, consider renting a kayak from Castaway Resort or Mali Resort for around 150 THB per hour. Once you reach Koh Usen, you can park your kayak and snorkel around the island.
Koh Kra, another small island off Sunrise Beach, can be reached by kayaking from Koh Usen.
At Sunset Beach, a kayak isn’t necessary. Simply swim 50 meters from Bayview Sunset Bungalows to discover a beautiful coral reef among the rocks. Alternatively, you can walk out along the rocks and then jump into the water right by the coral.
4- KOH ADANG DAY TRIP
Koh Adang, the large island just across the water from Koh Lipe, may seem like a challenging and uninhabited destination, but it’s actually a hidden paradise worth exploring. Getting there is easier than you might think!
5-RENT A KAYAK TO KOH KRA & KOH USEN
For just 100 THB per hour, you can rent a kayak from sunrise beach and paddle your way to the nearby islands of Koh Kra and Koh Usen, which are just about 10 minutes away. Koh Kra, with its small beach nestled between rock formations, is a hidden paradise where you can snorkel and unwind. It’s an ideal spot to explore the underwater wonders and relax on the secluded beach. From Koh Kra, you can also kayak to Koh Usen, another small island known for its excellent snorkelling.
koh kra
6-GO DIVING
Diving in the Adang Archipelago is an amazing adventure for anyone visiting Koh Lipe. This part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which includes 50 islands like Koh Adang, is packed with fantastic dive sites. There are around 20 popular spots to explore, covering the waters around Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Tong, Koh Lek, and their smaller neighbours. (Book a tour here)
7-walking street
Gamat Bay is one of Nusa Penida’s hidden gems. Wilder and more rugged than nearby Crystal Bay, this black sand beach is definitely worth a visit. If you’re looking for an accessible snorkelling spot without joining one of the boat tours, then Gamat Bay has got you covered. Since it’s a bit harder to reach Gamat Bay, chances are that you might have this beautiful place all to yourself.
Reaching Gamat Bay by boat is straightforward. Just take a stroll along the beach at Toyapakeh Harbour, and you’ll likely be approached by several locals who are more than happy to take you on a snorkelling trip. These tours typically stop at multiple snorkelling spots like Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and Gamat Bay.
You can also access the beach by land, which will take you 20 minutes from Toyapakeh Harbour.