5 Things to do on Koh Lipe – Thailand – TREKwithBECK

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Koh Lipe was the most pristine island I visited with my time in the Southern parts of Thailand. This island has crystal clear, stunning waters and some incredible snorkelling spots. This tiny island is located in the very south of Thailand, extremely close to Malaysia’s, Langkawi island. Koh Lipe is known as the ‘Maldives of Thailand’ and once you visit here you will find out!

This island is very small, so it does feel busy at times. There is limited affordable accommodation, so if you are a backpacker I recommend booking a little in advance. There isn’t much to do on the island. It is very much a place you visit when you want to slow down or looking for a relaxing vacation! As the island is so small, you can easily get around by foot – there are also limited cars on the island. It takes about 45mins to walk around the whole island.

How to get to Koh Lipe

The only way you can get to Koh Lipe is via speedboat/ferry. There are a few companies that operate to the island; Tigerline travel, Bundhaya Speedboat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club. You can catch a speedboat from most islands in Thailand, which will require a stop over in Koh Lanta and a ferry change.

You can also catch a ferry from Langkawi, which takes 2-3 hours and you will need to go through immigration. This is an easy process, you will need to give you passport to immigration which you receive back on the ferry. As Koh Lipe is part of a national park, you will need to pay 200 baht when you enter the island.

1. Beach Hopping

The best thing to do in Koh Lipe is walk around and explore the many beaches! There are a few beaches that I recommend you visit, which I have listed below.

  • Pattaya Beach – This is the first beach you will walk on as soon as you arrive on Koh Lipe, crystal clear waters and some good snorkelling. The beach is lined with long tail boats, so it can make it difficult to find a safe spot to swim.
  • Sunset Beach – Located on the east of the island, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset (as the name suggests!). It’s not as nice as some of the others, but it’s still a great spot to stop and watch the sunset. There are drinks and cocktails being sold on the beach too.
  • Sunrise Beach – This is where most of the luxury resorts are located, this is a long stretch of white sand with crystal clear waters.
  • North Point Beach – This is a sandbar located on the northern part of Sunrise Beach, it stretches out into the water and makes for a great spot to sunbath for the day. There are restaurants and day beds on this beach, which you can rent if you wish.
  • Sanom Beach Resort Beach – This beach is located out the front of Sanom Resort, it can be accessed by walking to the north end of Pattaya Beach and following the wooden bridge around. I loved this beach as it was a little less crowded than the other ones on the island.

2. Snorkelling or Kayaking

Snorkelling, Kayaking and diving are all very popular things to do in Koh Life. A lot of people visit here to get their PADI license. The clear waters make it perfect conditions for spotting tropical fish and colourful coral. Just beware what time you visit here as during the time I visited in February, there were a lot of jellyfish around!

The best way to see these snorkelling spots is to book a boat tour. This tour takes you to seven islands around Koh Lipe and includes lunch, it costs around $40 AUD.

Photo by Kelly on Pexels.com

3. Visit the Beach Bars/Watch the Sunset

There are couple beach bars in Koh Lipe which offer beautiful views for sunset, making it a great place to get a drink and unwind for the day! I would recommend the Happy Mojito bar, located on Sunset Beach or Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar, located on Sunrise Beach. Both of these bars have a relaxing atmosphere and offer beach sitting. There isn’t too nice of a view from Zodiac Bar of the sunset, but it’s a short walk to North Point, which has impressive views.

4. Koh Adang Day Trip

Koh Adang is the bigger island neighbouring Koh Life and easily accessible via a long tail boat taxi. These long tail taxis can easily be found along Sunrise Beach and cost 200 Baht for a return transfer. Just organise with the boat captain when you would like to return and a pick up spot. There is one small resort on Koh Adang, a viewpoint, beach and small waterfall. You will need to travel by foot to reach these places! You can also kayak over to the island, but I would only do this if you are fit and have experience.

5. Walking Street

You will most likely walk down this street multiple times during your stay on Koh Lipe as it is the main strip on the island. Here there are restaurants, bars, shops and supermarkets. This walking street starts at Pattaya Beach and heads towards Sunrise Beach. I went to a few spots while on the island, and these are the restaurants I recommend!

  • The Box – A restaurant offering Mediterranean meals and tapas. The food is a bit more on the expensive side, but it is delicious!
  • Elephant – A great brunch, dinner or lunch spot offering western meals.
  • Madame Yoohoo – A local Thai restaurant featuring a star of Koh Lipe! There is a little old lady that walks around North Point beach at sunset yelling “Yoohoo Yoohoo”, selling these freshly made donuts for 10 Baht – this is her restaurant. The food is cheap and delicious and the donuts are a must try.
  • Paolo Italian Pizza – 100 Baht for a slice of pizza, it’s a massive slice and makes a easy snack or meal!
  • Bloom Cafe – This is attached to the Blossom Hostel and the cafe is wonderful. Beautiful atmosphere and the pancakes are the best I’ve ever had!

Where to stay on Koh Lipe?

  • Bloom Cafe and Hostel – Clean and comfortable hostel, located on walking street. Great location and comfortable beds. Private or dorm rooms available.
  • Nest Hostel – An affordable accommodation with private or dorm rooms. Located a short walk from walking street.
  • Irene Resort – If you are looking for a bit of luxury! With ocean front pool villas and a massive swimming pool.

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