17 AWESOME Things To Do In Koh Lipe, Thailand & How To Get There!
Looking for the best things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand? You’ve come to the right place.
Koh Lipe, often referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand,” is a stunning island located near the Malaysian border.
After spending eight days in this gorgeous paradise, I can see why it has earned such a nickname.
The island boasts some of the clearest turquoise waters and some of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen. But, what I love most about Koh Lipe is its tranquil atmosphere.
Unlike other Thai islands known for their party scenes, Koh Lipe offers a more relaxed and chilled experience.
You can truly immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty without the distraction of noisy crowds. You’ll be pleased to know that Koh Lipe isn’t just a place for relaxing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the island.
Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts can get their marine life fix and adventure lovers can go on an island-hopping boat tour.
The island’s pristine beaches, such as Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, and Pattaya Beach, are also perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Koh Lipe provides an unforgettable experience in a tropical paradise.
So, what are the best things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand? Read on below to find out!
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A QUICK GUIDE TO KOH LIPE
⛵ WHAT TO DO ⛵
Longtail boat trip around the island
Relax on Pattaya Beach
Enjoy a pool day at Ananya Resort
Go Scuba Diving
🛌🏻 WHERE TO STAY 🛌🏻
Forra Dive Pattaya Beach (Budget)
Ananya Lipe Beach Resort (Mid-Range)
Irene Resort (Luxury)
Bloom (Hostel)
🍕 WHERE TO EAT 🍕
Banana Tree
Elephant
Thaidurm BBQ
Bloom
Things to do in Koh Lipe
Beach Day at Pattaya Beach
When catching the ferry over from Satun/Hat Yai, Pattaya Beach the first thing that greets you as you arrive on Koh Lipe is the stunning Pattaya Beach which looks like something out of a postcard. If the words “oh wow” don’t spill out of your mouth I would be very shocked.
Pattaya Beach is unarguably one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Lipe with its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Once you see this beach for yourself you will instantly see why this island is referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand”.
I recommend spending at least one day of your time in Koh Lipe relaxing on Pattaya Beach. This is the perfect spot for relaxing, you want to spend your day floating in the sea or chilling out whilst reading a good book.
There are also lots of little charming bars and cafes dotted along the shore at Pattaya Beach where you can grab a nice iced coffee, a Chang beer or enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie (you just can’t beat a Thai fruit shake). Most bars will offer you a free sunbed if you purchase something, or if you would prefer to keep things low-cost then you can simply lay down your towel on an empty patch of sand.
Pool day at Power Beach
Power Beach Resort is a hotel located directly on Sunrise Beach with a stunning sea view. Whether you are staying here or not Power Beach is one of the best hotels on Koh Lipe for a lazy, chilled-out pool day. This is ideal for those moments when you want to have a break from being sandy, but still enjoy ocean views.
The pool Is open to non-guests as long as you spend the day ordering food a drink from the Power Beach restaurant. The restaurant here is great and they have lots of options to choose from but I can personally recommend the Pad Thai and mango fruit shake.
My friends and I loved this spot so much that we made the spontaneous decision to check out of one of our hotels early and move into the rooms here. The combination of affordable rooms, the sea view and of course the pool made it a no-brainer for us.
Enjoy A Longtail boat trip around the islands
One of the absolute must-dos on Koh Lipe is island hopping on a traditional longtail boat for a day trip around the surrounding islands and Tarutao National Park. This adventure gives you the best opportunity to explore remote, pristine beaches and snorkel in crystal-clear waters and I can confirm it was one of the best activities I did during my time on the island.
Most tours include stops at several different islands to give you the chance to see the best parts of this beautiful part of Thailand. One of the stops on this tour is Monkey Island which is an uninhabited beach which the monkeys have claimed as their own.
These monkeys are not shy so you really do need to keep an eye on your belongings as they have no issues with rifling through your things. We even saw one tourist lose a whole box of food to a particularly brave monkey.
My friends and I booked this boat trip and had THE BEST day out! However, if you have the funds and want to get the most out of your boat tour then I really recommend booking on a private tour so you can have the whole longtail boat to yourself. This private tour comes highly rated on Get Your Guide.
Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 points Snorkeling Experience with Lunch
- Price: $25
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Duration: 6 hours
- Includes: Snorkel gear, lunch, snacks & drinks
Watch the sunrise from Sunrise Beach
One of the most magical things to do on Koh Lipe is to start your day by watching the sunrise on the very aptly named Sunrise Beach. There was something so special about watching the sky turn orange before the rest of the island has woken up. If you want a peaceful and meditative start to your day, then this is the perfect activity to do.
The Sunrise on Koh Lipe is normally around 6:15 am (give or take) as they typically do not observe daylight savings in Thailand. But don’t just arrive at sunrise, I’d recommend heading over to Sunrise Beach at least 30 minutes before so you can witness the sun come up over the horizon. And if you’re really lucky you might even be able to witness local fishermen going out to sea.
The picture below was taken from Power Beach Resort so if you do decide to stay there (which I highly recommend you do) this will be your sunrise view in the morning!
See The Bioluminescent Plankton
Bioluminescent Plankton are tiny marine organisms that can sometimes cause the surface of the ocean to twinkle at night. They are said to emit light when they are disturbed by movement or predators.
I had no idea that I would be able to see Bioluminescent Plankton in Koh Lipe until my two friends came running into our hotel room after they had been on a late-night beach walk to tell me that I needed to join them immediately. We then headed out to the beach and they proceeded to show me the spots where the water lit up with tiny little sparkles.
My top tip for seeing the Bioluminescent Plankton in Koh Lipe is to make sure you’re in a spot with as little light pollution as possible.
Head to The Living Room for evening drinks
One of my absolute favourite bars in Koh Lipe has to be The Living Room. The Living Room is an intimate and cosy space with comfy cushions laid out over the floor so you can kick off your shoes, sink into a pillow, and truly relax. The atmosphere here feels more like hanging out at a friend’s place rather than at a bar which makes it all the more special. This setup also makes it much easier to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers if that’s something you want to do.
What I loved most about The Living Room is its awesome music selection. It plays a good variety of tunes from acoustic tracks to reggae and chilled house.
When it comes to drinks they have a classic selection of beers, cocktails and soft drinks as well as teas and coffees.
Pool day at Ananya Resort
Located right on Pattaya Beach is the stunning Ananya Resort. This is one of the best spots in Koh Lipe to indulge in a little bit of luxury without breaking the bank. At the resort, you can find an incredible swimming pool and sleek sun loungers that are surrounded by palm trees and look out over the beautiful Pattaya beach.
This resort is open to day visitors as long as you order food and drink from their restaurant. A day of poolside lounging was truly one of my favourite things to do on Koh Lipe and I really recommend spending a full day here so you can truly soak up this luxury experience.
Ananya is also often one of the best places in Koh Lipe to party for an evening, so if that’s your vibe make sure to keep an eye out for the events they have going on during your time there.
Get a bamboo tattoo
In the market for a tattoo to commemorate your time in Thailand? If you’re after something unique and culturally significant head to Bao Bamboo to get a traditional bamboo poke tattoo. A bamboo poke tattoo is a traditional ancient art form that has been practised in Thailand for centuries.
The designs range from traditional Thai motifs to custom pieces and whilst I didn’t get one myself, this shop was always busy with clients whenever I walked past. Their artists have over 25 years of experience so you know you are in good hands.
Hire a Kayak and Paddle around the island
Hiring out a Kayak for a few hours is a great option for those of you who get bored easily when relaxing on the beach. Kayaks are available to rent from shops found on all of the main beaches on Koh Lipe.
Kayak rentals start from around 2/300 Baht ($5/6) per hour and it’s absolutely possible to row around the entire island in just 2-3 hours. During your trip around the island, you will pass some more secluded beaches which is great if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful nature on Koh Lipe in solitude.
If you plan on going too far out then you can also rent out paddleboards here too if that is something you would prefer.
Try out Scuba Diving
If you love diving then Koh Lipe is a great place to experience some of Thailand’s beautiful underwater world. You’ll find all of the best dive centres in Koh Lipe along the main walking street just off Pattaya Beach.
Koh Lipe Diving is the top-rated dive centre on Koh Lipe. They cater to all diving levels beginner to advanced and also offer open-water diving courses if you are looking to get certified. Diving courses start from $300 and I recommend speaking to the dive instructors in-store to figure out the best diving course/lesson for you.
Visit Sanom Beach
Sanom Beach is one of the lesser-known/secret beaches on Koh Lipe, and thanks to this it also means that it’s one of the quieter beaches on the island too. This beach is hard to find so the best way to get there is to hire a tuk-tuk to take you there. Once you arrive you’ll have to embark on a short hike down, and once you arrive you’ll be greeted with chilled beach vibes. There is also a gorgeous hotel located on this beach so if you love a bit of off-grid living this might be a great place for you to stay.
Unwind With Beach Front Yoga
You can enjoy beachfront yoga classes at the Castaway Resort on Koh Lipe. They offer Hatha Yoga classes that explore basic poses as well as breathwork and flexibility. Classes are relaxed and slow and whilst they are open to yogis of all levels, the classes are also beginner-friendly too.
Classes are 400 THB per class or 3 classes for 1,000 THB (prepaid). I would recommend pre-booking in high season as these classes are super popular.
Spend The Day On Koh Adang
Koh Adang is the island you can see directly opposite Koh Lipe whilst you are on the beaches. Although Koh Adang is much bigger than Koh Lipe, there are actually far fewer people living on the island, and only one main resort.
To get over to the island you will need to take a water taxi from one of the main beaches on Koh Lipe. The taxi costs roughly 200 Baht ($5/6) per person, however, this is only if the taxi boat is full. If it’s not you’ll have to cover the cost of the entire taxi boat.
If you do decide to head over to Koh Adang be sure to enjoy the secluded and quiet beaches over their, hike to the Chado Cliff viewpoint that looks out over Koh Lipe and visit the Pirate Waterfall. If you’re feeling extremely adventurous, you can also camp overnight at one of the few camping sites on the island.
Watch the sunset from Sunset Beach
Another can’t-miss Koh Lipe activity is catching the sunset at Sunset Beach. This quiet stretch of sand is more laid back than the main Pattaya Beach. There are a few rustic beach bars scattered along the shoreline where you can sip a few cocktails or enjoy a nice meal whilst you watch the sun go down.
My favourite bar on Sunset Beach has to be Bila Beach Decho Bar, just be sure to arrive their early so you can grab the perfect sunset viewing seat!
Rainforest for evening drinks
For a cool spot to unwind with evening drinks make sure you head to Rainforest located on the main walking street in Koh Lipe. With only a handful of seats, this bar provides an intimate experience a makes for the perfect place to enjoy some drinks with some funky, vibey music playing in the background.
Zodiac bar for sunset sessions
Now to make things really confusing, you can also watch the sunset from Sunrise Beach and trust me its worth it.
One of the best places in Koh Lipe to soak in those sunset vibes is to head to Zodiac Bar on Sunrise Beach for their sundowner session. This spot has a buzzing atmosphere and the music is always on point!
Whether you’re sipping on cocktails, beer or fresh juice, Zodiac Bar provides the perfect backdrop to chill out, enjoy some music and be mesmerised by a beautiful sunset.
Relax
Now let’s be real, one of the best things to do on Koh Lipe is RELAX and do absolutely nothing. The charm of this island lies in its simplicity.
During your time here, make sure you say goodbye to any to-do lists you may have, try to put your phone down as much as possible and take this time to truly disconnect from day-to-day life.
Best Restaurants in Koh Lipe
Bloom $$
Bloom has to be one of the nicest Western restaurants in Koh Lipe. If you’re after delicious smoothie bowls, tasty cheese toasties and good coffee then Bloom is worth the visit.
Thai derm BBQ $-$$
Getting a fish BBQ is one of the most popular things to do in Koh Lipe. Thaidurm BBQ is one of those restaurants that is packed to the brim with people every night because the food here is just so fresh and tasty.
Banana Tree Restaurant $
If you’re looking for the best Thai food in Koh Lipe then you need to head to Banana Tree Restaurant. I came to this restaurant at least 5 times during my 8-days in Koh Lipe. Their Thom Kha soup was incredible, and I may have developed a mild addiction to it.
Elephant $$
Another western favourite has to be Elephant. Here you can also find great coffee and delicious dishes like their breakfast burrito.
Madam yoohoo $
Madam Yoohoo has to be one of the most popular local restaurants on Koh Lipe and not necessarily just for the food. There really is a woman who sits in front shouting “yoohoo” to whoever walks past. It’s a marketing tactic that clearly works because it is packed with people every single night.
On the rocks at Serendipity
If you are looking for good food with an impressive view then head to On The Rocks. They specialise in seafood and are known to have some of the friendliest waiters on the island.
Paolo’s Italian Pizza $
Sometimes in life, all you crave is a good pizza and thankfully Paolo’s is there to satisfy that craving. Paolo’s is another spot in Koh Lipe that always has a queue and it’s a great option if you fancy having a takeaway pizza at the beach or a cheeky late-night snack.
Nee papaya $
If you’re after an alternative local restaurant option then Nee Papaya is a good choice. It has all the classic Thai dishes that you know and love on the menu and you really can’t go wrong with what you pick.
The box $$-$$$
As much as I LOVE Thai food there are times when I am travelling where I just fancy a classic western meal. If that sounds like you too then you can enjoy a delicious burger at The Box. The have some of the best burgers on Koh Lipe.
Where to stay in Koh Lipe
There are lots of beautiful hostels and hotels in Koh Lipe that suit all budgets. Here are some of the best hotels in Koh Lipe.
Budget Hotels
- Forra Dive Pattaya Beach -A beachfront hotel with diving services, modern amenities, and friendly staff, ideal for divers and beach lovers.
- Bay View Sunset Hotel – Offering stunning sunset views, this hotel provides comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere near the beach.
- Lelawadee Lipe Resort – A peaceful resort with cosy rooms and a tropical garden, located just a short walk from the beach.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Ananya Lipe Beach Resort – A stylish resort near the beach with ocean-view rooms, an outdoor pool, and excellent service.
- Idyllic Concept Resort – A tranquil resort on Sunrise Beach, featuring villas, beachfront views, and great facilities like a pool and restaurant.
- Lipe Power Beach Resort – A relaxed hotel on Sunrise Beach with perfect sunrise views, and pool overlooking the ocean.
Luxury Hotels
- Irene Resort – A luxury beachfront resort with elegant villas, ocean views, an infinity pool, and top-tier service.
- Bulow Casa Grand View Resort – A high-end resort offering panoramic views, spacious rooms, and exceptional service for a luxurious stay.
Hostels
- Bloom – A vibrant and affordable hostel perfect for backpackers and young travellers, with a social atmosphere.
- The Chic Lipe – A budget-friendly hostel with stylish, minimalist rooms, ideal for travellers seeking comfort at a lower price.
- The Hideaway Koh Lipe – A cosy, secluded hostel offering a quiet, intimate stay while still being close to the island’s attractions.
FAQ’s about Koh Lipe
What is the best way to get to Koh Lipe?
How to get to Koh Lipe from Hat Yai
To get to Koh Lipe you will need to get to the city of Hat Yai and then make your way to the Pak Bara Pier in Satun (about 2 hours from Hat Yai) where you can catch a speed boat over to Koh Lipe.
Thankfully you don’t have to arrange this journey yourself. You can book a transfer from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe which includes the cost of the speedboat over to the island too. Transfers range from $16-$23.
I booked a transfer through 12goAsia website and found that the journey was easy, quick and painless. This is the easiest and best way to get to Koh Lipe.
How to get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok
Fly
You can fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai and from there you can book a transfer from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe.
Train
You can catch a train from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The train is approximately 14-16 hours long.
You can fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai and from there you can book a transfer from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe. From there you can book a transfer from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe.
Bus
You can catch a bus from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The bus is approximately 23 hours long. From there you can book a transfer from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe.
NOTE:
The Tarutao Marine National Park fee is 200 baht per person and is valid for 5 days. You’ll need to pay this fee to enter Koh Lipe. You will be required to pay this at the Pak Bara Pier before you get on the ferry to Koh Lipe. This is an additional fee on top of your ferry and pier costs. Be sure to keep proof that you have paid this fee as you will need to show that you have already paid this if you choose to go on a boat trip.
What is the closest airport to Koh Lipe Thailand?
The closest airport to Koh Lipe is Hat Yai International Airport. You can fly here from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
What is the best month to go to Koh Lipe?
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is between November and March when the weather is just right. Tourist season peaks from mid-December to April as a result of the low rainfall.
Koh Lipe does however stay warm all year, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius but from May to December, you will experience increased rainfall as this is during Thailand’s monsoon season.
How many days should I spend in Koh Lipe?
I recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Koh Lipe. This way you’ll get to enjoy some relaxation time as well as enjoy some adventures like boat trips and scuba diving.
What To Budget For Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe is a very affordable place, and aside from the obvious price difference between budget and luxury hotels, you will notice the biggest price difference between local restaurants and more Western-style restaurants.
Here is what you can expect to pay:
- Hostel Dorms – 200-700 Baht
- Guesthouses – 500-1500 Baht
- Luxury Hotels – 3,000+ Baht
- Food – 70 – 1000 Baht
- Alcohol – 60 – 500 Baht
- Excursions – 500+ Baht
Do They Have ATMs In Koh Lipe?
Yes, there are a few ATMs located on the main walking street in Koh Lipe. However, I would try and arrive at Koh Lipe with a good amount of cash as occasionally the ATMs will run out of cash and certain cash machines don’t work with Mastercard.
Are There Taxi’s In Koh Lipe?
Yes, there are tuk-tuk taxis in Koh Lipe however you won’t really need to use them (unless you have a lot of luggage). The island is very walkable and most hotels are located on Pattaya Beach, or along the main walking street.
If you do need a taxi they will usually cost around 100 Baht per journey. It’s also worth knowing that If you are staying at a resort hotel they should have someone there to pick you up for free when your ferry arrives.
Is Koh Lipe worth a visit?
Yes, Koh Lipe is 100% worth the visit. I’ll be honest, I’ve been to Thailand twice before and I never really fell in love with it. I now realise that’s because I was going to the over touristy and party islands, which just wasn’t my scene.
Coming to Koh Lipe made me fall in love with Thailand and I am already itching to return to this island. Plus, it’s honestly one of the most beautiful islands I have been to. The water is so clear and all of the locals are super friendly and welcoming.
Is Koh Lipe a party island?
No Koh Lipe is not a party Island. Yes, there are a few bars and evening events however this is not like some of the other party islands in Thailand such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Panghnan. Koh Lipe is a great choice for families and I saw lots of families here during my trip.
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Prepare for your trip to Koh Lipe
🛏️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!
🚆Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.
🚗Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.
🎟️Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100’s of activities whilst travelling.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download sims from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.
Happy Exploring
I hope this post has helped you uncover all of the best things to do in Koh Lipe and also helped you plan your journey to Koh Lipe. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
