Travel Guide to Koh Lipe, a Small Island in Thailand: A Low-Profile Maldives You Deserve
Preface
Koh Lipe, located in the southern Andaman Sea, is one of the southernmost islands in Thailand. It belongs to Satun Province, Thailand. It is located in Thailand but is close to the Tarutao National Marine Park on the Malaysian border. Therefore, you can go to the island from Hat Yai, Thailand or Langkawi, Malaysia.
This stunningly beautiful island in southern Thailand, known for its inaccessible surroundings, remains relatively unknown. Its secluded location offers tranquility and a rugged, untouched beauty, making it one of Thailand's few remaining tranquil destinations. The recent launch of AirAsia's bus and ferry services to Koh Lipe has gradually boosted its popularity. Compared to the bustling bustle of Phuket and the vibrant lights of Phi Phi Island, Koh Lipe retains a more authentic Thai island feel.
How to get to Koh Lipe
Thailand is a natural destination for travelers. It boasts mountains and rivers, romantic and charming beaches, delicious food, and a vibrant culture. Many tourists who enjoy Thailand are fascinated by its islands. It's a country you never tire of, even if you visit it multiple times.
Koh Lipe, a relatively new tourist destination in Thailand, is considered by Thais to be the most beautiful island due to its well-preserved pristine marine environment. It's also known as the Maldives of Thailand. Its soft, white beaches are incredibly comfortable, and its diverse marine life makes it ideal for diving. However, be careful with the coral reefs beneath your feet.
Koh Lipe is located at the border between Thailand and Malaysia, so there are two routes to the island.
Route 1: Going to the island from Thailand
Route 2: From Langkawi, Malaysia
The number and schedule of boats on the two routes will increase or decrease according to the peak and off-season. The peak season is usually from mid-October to mid-May of the following year, and the off-season is from mid-May to mid-October.
Arriving on the island from Thailand
The closest Thai airport to Koh Lipe is Hat Yai. Domestic flights from Bangkok to Hat Yai Airport require a two-hour drive to Pak Para Pier, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour boat ride to Koh Lipe.
The last boat in the off-season is at 2:30 pm, and in the high season it is at 3:30 pm. Regardless of the season, the actual boat departure time will be half an hour later than the scheduled time because there are always tourists who booked tickets in advance and cannot arrive on time, so the boatman will wait for half an hour before leaving.
Currently, there are direct flights to Krabi from the Pearl River Delta region. You can also fly domestically to Krabi, take a bus from Krabi to Koh Lanta, and then take a boat from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe.
During the peak season, there are four boats departing from Pakbara Pier (Hat Yai) to Koh Lipe every day, namely 09:30-11:30, 11:30-13:30, 13:30-15:30 (no departure in the off-season), and 15:30-17:30.
There are also four ferry trips to the outlying islands, namely 09:30-11:30, 11:30-13:30, 13:30-15:30, and 16:30-18:30.
You can choose the boat schedule according to your flight time. To go to the island via Hat Yai Pier, you need to pay an entrance fee of 20 baht per person + an island construction fee of 200 baht.
Arriving on the island from Malaysia
Langkawi is a Malaysian island that's much larger than Lipe. It takes about 20 minutes to get from Langkawi Airport to the pier, and then a one-hour boat ride from Langkawi pier to Lipe. However, the ferry from Langkawi to Lipe only operates during peak season; during off-season, you can only reach the island from Hat Yai.
Moreover, you need to apply for an additional Malaysian visa to go to the island from Langkawi. Taking advantage of Thailand's visa-free policy, it is more convenient to choose Hat Yai to go to the island.
Recommended itinerary on the island
After so many twists and turns, you might be feeling a bit dizzy. But when Koh Lipe appears before your eyes, it’s all worth it. It’s definitely worth the journey.
Koh Lipe Beach
There are three beaches on the island: Sunset Beach in the northwest, where transportation from the mainland stops, so it's a bit messy; Sunrise Beach in the east, which has a long coastline and many mid-range hotels nearby; Pattaya Beach in the south, where the sand is the finest, but there are many long-tail boats docked here, and there are bars, so it's very lively at night.
Transportation on the island
The entire island is not large, so you can basically walk around; or you can rent a motorbike here, which costs about 150-200 baht per day; or a tricycle, which is actually a motorcycle with a bucket cart, they call it a taxi, and the price is 50 baht per person.
Recommended itinerary
DAY1
Various places - Phuket/Bangkok (transit) - Hat Yai - Go to the island, go deep into the island's hinterland, feel the rural atmosphere, and enjoy the scenery.
DAY2
Take an island hopping tour to explore the underwater world of nearby islands, the pure white sand beaches, the transparent waters, and feel the tranquility bestowed by the ocean.
DAY3
Sleep in naturally, have a hearty brunch, go to the beach to feel the refreshing natural swimming pool, take a fantastic snorkeling trip in the afternoon, experience the sunset in the sea, and encounter a magical "blue tears".
DAY4
It was another morning of sleeping until I woke up naturally, experiencing the various facilities provided by the hotel, having a massage facing the sea in the afternoon, watching the sunset at Sunset Beach in the evening, and then joining in the fun on the bustling pedestrian street.
DAY5
After breakfast, we left the charming and quiet Koh Lipe and headed to Hat Yai for sightseeing and shopping, which has a "Penang feel".
Recommended Koh Lipe Hotels
Sawan Resort
Mali Resort Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe
A large lawn facing the sea, with flowers blooming in spring
Akira Lipe Island Resort
I don't know why the rating is so low, but after experiencing it myself, I think it is very good. The rooms on the first floor have direct access to the swimming pool.
Conclusion
With its white sand beaches, turquoise to deep blue waters, and lower prices than other popular Thai islands, Koh Lipe boasts a relaxed and relaxed atmosphere, offering a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that makes it a perfect choice for a relaxing getaway.
