20 Proven Reasons to Visit Koh Lipe – the Maldives of Thailand – 2024 Guide

Koh Lipe, with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, is often called the “Maldives of Thailand.” This tiny island appears to be a paradise hidden in the outskirts of the Andaman Sea.

If you’re looking for a destination that blends natural beauty with unique experiences, Koh Lipe is the perfect spot for you.

During my stay on Koh Lipe, I discovered countless reasons to fall in love with this tropical gem. From white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to relaxed beach bars and authentic Thai cuisine, this island has it all.

Koh Lipe, while not overrun by mass tourism, offers plenty of adventurous experiences like snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or scenic nature hikes. You can also easily hop on a boat to explore nearby islands to immerse in unspoiled nature.

Still wondering if Koh Lipe is worth adding to your next Thailand itinerary? Read on to discover 20 reasons why this stunning island should be on your travel list!

Where is Koh Lipe Located?

Koh Lipe is one of the southernmost islands in Thailand. It is situated in the Malacca Strait, right in the middle of the Andaman Sea, and is very close to the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi.

There is an immigration office on Koh Lipe, making it the first stop for many tourists arriving in Thailand by ferry, where they need to cross the border and get a stamp in their passport.

If you are traveling from the US, UK, or EU, you won’t need to worry about a visa, as an exemption allows you to spend 30 days there as a tourist.

Koh Lipe is part of  Tarutao National Park, which consists of 51 Thai islands known for their stunning natural beauty. Some of the most popular islands neighboring Koh Lipe are Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, and Ko Batong.

When is the Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe?

The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the high season, between November and May.

You can still visit Koh Lipe in the off-season, but keep in mind that it’s monsoon time. Popular tourist attractions and hotels might be closed, and transportation options can also be limited.

21 reasons to Visit Koh Lipe in Thailand.

1. Relax on Pristine Beaches

If you’re seeking white, sandy beaches, Koh Lipe is the place to find them! What I loved about this island was that no matter how crowded it seemed, the beaches always had plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming.

The most popular beaches on Koh Lipe are Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach.

• Pattaya Beach: This is the busiest beach, where the pier is located, so it can get crowded with boats and tourists arriving on Koh Lipe. It’s quite long, with many hotels and bungalows. It’s directly connected to Walking Street, the main street on Koh Lipe, where you can find restaurants, bars, shops, and massage parlors.
• Sunrise Beach: Even longer than Pattaya Beach but less busy. You can rent a kayak and snorkeling equipment here. We preferred Sunrise Beach for its more chilled vibe, yet it still offers nice restaurants and beach bars. At the North point of Sunrise Beach, you’ll find Karma Beach, a lovely spot popular for spectacular pictures.
• Sunset Beach: Smaller and calmer, located more “in the jungle.” It’s next to the village’s main road, but you’ll need to walk 20 minutes to reach Koh Lipe’s Walking Street. If you don’t feel like walking, tuk-tuks are available.
• Pitiusas Beach: Near Sunset Beach, more secluded, with restaurants and resorts.
• Sanom, Pollo, Svedo, and Secret Beach: Tiny, wild beaches west of Pattaya Beach. They are small and secluded, so don’t expect any infrastructure. If you like peace and quiet, you can easily reach them by kayak.

Make sure to check out all the beaches on Koh Lipe, find your favorite one, and relax in a lovely beach bar with a drink of your choice.

2. Swim in Warm, Turquoise Waters

The first thing I noticed upon arriving at Koh Lipe was how perfect the turquoise water around the island looked. It indeed seemed like a tropical paradise, reminiscent of the Maldives!

The sea is very warm and quite calm, perfect for relaxing and swimming. 

Because the island gets busy with arriving boats, there are special swimming zones separated for tourists. These spots are clearly marked with ropes and buoys.

Swimming in Koh Lipe’s warm waters is a wonderful experience, but be cautious of jellyfish blooms. While we didn’t see many on Koh Lipe, we encountered a few while snorkeling off Sunrise Beach. 

If you see one jellyfish, expect more, as they float in groups. However, don’t let this discourage you; just walk a few meters to find another swimming spot and enjoy your holiday.

3. No Need for a Taxi or Scooter

One of the great things about Koh Lipe is how easy it is to get around. The tiny island is incredibly walkable! You can stroll from your hotel to the beach, find a great restaurant for dinner, and enjoy the sunset without ever needing a scooter or taxi.

Cars are uncommon on Koh Lipe; most transportation is done by scooters and tuk-tuks. These are mainly used to help tourists reach their hotels from the pier and to transport goods for local businesses.

I love how on Koh Lipe you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset without much planning or the need for transportation. This makes your stay more convenient and a bit cheaper.

4. Always Close to the Beach

Koh Lipe’s small size and walkability mean that accommodations are always close to the beach. 

With many hotels built right next to the shore, you can wake up, have breakfast, and jump straight into the water! (Although, you should wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming.)

I personally loved walking along the beach before breakfast, when the sun wasn’t too high yet. It’s a great time to enjoy the sunshine without getting burned or too sweaty. I highly recommend starting your day this way!

5. Rent a Kayak and Paddle Through Crystal Clear Waters

If you enjoy kayaking or want to try it for the first time, Koh Lipe is the place to do it. Head to Sunrise Beach to rent a kayak for half or a full day. Prices are very affordable, and you will get a life jacket too. 

A full-day kayak rental costs 500 BHT (around 14 USD) and usually requires a cash deposit or ID.

For half-day rentals, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Where to Paddle:

• Around Koh Lipe Island: Paddling around the entire island is about 9 km. Depending on your speed, a half-day package may be enough for this trip. It’s a great way to discover Koh Lipe’s natural beauty and reach more secluded beaches like Svedo or Secret Beach.
• Visit Koh Usen and Koh Kla Islands: These uninhabited islands are part of the Tarutao National Park. You can discover beaches untouched by tourism and spot some fish or coral reefs through the crystal-clear water.

If you feel adventurous, combine these two routes and paddle for the whole day! Just remember to watch out for sailing boats, pack sunscreen and plenty of water, and enjoy your paddling adventure in the Andaman Sea.

6. Great Snorkeling Spots Around Koh Lipe

Snorkeling is a must-do activity in Thailand, and Koh Lipe is a fantastic place to discover the diverse underwater life of the Andaman Sea.

We enjoyed snorkeling off the beach, which was fun, but be cautious of jellyfish, especially at Sunrise Beach.

Another option is to get on a boat and explore the best snorkeling spots around the neighboring islands. 

You can rent a private boat or join a popular 5- or 7-island tour. These full-day tours take you to excellent snorkeling spots, including Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Hin Sorn, Koh Dong, Koh Ro Kloy, and Koh Phung.

Organized tours are easy to find and book on Koh Lipe, providing a hassle-free way to explore the underwater beauty.

7. Get Your PADI Diving License

If you’ve been thinking about getting your PADI license, Koh Lipe is an ideal place! This beautiful island is perfect for both snorkeling and diving.

Koh Lipe is a popular spot for divers, with many excellent diving locations in the waters surrounding Tarutao National Park. The water visibility during the high season is wonderful, allowing you to fully appreciate the underwater life.

Diving around Koh Lipe and its neighboring islands doesn’t require long boat rides. The islands and best diving spots are close, so you can reach your destination in as little as 30 minutes by speedboat.

Popular diving spots include 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, and Yong Hua Shipwreck.

Many diving centers offer various packages, and you can also find shops to purchase your equipment. Just stroll along Walking Street to find the most suitable option for you.

8. Perfect Mix of Nightlife and Slow Paradise

Koh Lipe offers a great balance between vibrant nightlife and a tranquil paradise. Walking Street comes alive at night with restaurants and bars open until late, but you won’t find the huge, loud parties typical of other Thai islands (like Koh Phi Phi)

Instead, you’ll enjoy chilled yet popular bars along Walking Street. The nightlife scene on Koh Lipe is family-friendly and not overwhelming, providing various options depending on your preferences. Whether you want to relax or party, Koh Lipe won’t disappoint.

I’m not much of a drinker and don’t really plan my vacations around visiting beach bars, but I definitely enjoyed the nightlife scene on Koh Lipe.

9. Spectacular Beach Fire Shows

Don’t worry about missing out on a fire show in Thailand because Koh Lipe has you covered! These iconic performances can be seen on the most popular beaches, including Pattaya Beach, the busiest on Koh Lipe, where fire shows happen almost every night.

Talented artists perform breathtaking tricks that you won’t want to miss. Just remember to keep a safe distance as it can get very hot!

10. Small Jungle Hikes

Even on a small island like Koh Lipe, you’ll find some nice hiking opportunities. The island is quite hilly, offering a few interesting treks.

From Pattaya Beach, you can take a short hike to Sanom Beach. Alternatively, head to the main road running along the island’s length to find a jungle path leading to Pollo and Svedo Beaches. These paths offer an alternative to kayaking and are not too long, taking about an hour for a round trip.

To experience the lush jungle of Koh Lipe, these short treks are perfect. Although the hikes aren’t demanding, always wear covered shoes, take plenty of water, and bring bug repellent.

11. Visit a Small Buddhist Temple and Mosque

If, like me, you enjoy experiencing a bit of culture during your travels, you’ll find a small Buddhist temple on Koh Lipe.

Southern Thai islands are not known for their temples, but discovering this little gem was a lovely addition to our morning walk.

The temple is maintained by Buddhist monks, who you can see strolling around, preserving the island’s cultural heritage.

You’ll find tiny shrines with traditional Buddhist paintings on rocks scattered around the area, which resembles a small forest.

While the Buddhist temple is quite hidden, the Al Marhamah Mosque is conveniently located near Walking Street. Though smaller than the surrounding buildings, it stands out as a significant cultural site.

12. Visit Urak Lawoi Community Village

Koh Lipe is one of the Thai islands where you can encounter settlements of the Urak Lawoi tribe. This indigenous Andaman Sea community traditionally lived as semi-nomads close to the sea. 

Currently, due to political changes and the development of the tourist industry, the Urak Lawoi now live in villages rather than on the sea. One of their biggest settlements can be found on Koh Lipe.

Fortunately, visiting the island doesn’t contribute to the diminishing of their community. The tribe can benefit from the tourism industry, so supporting businesses owned by or employing Urak Lawoi people is important.

The “Project Urak Lawoi” initiative helps preserve their disappearing language and traditions. You can find the Project’s page on Facebook, where they advertise activities run with the Urak Lawoi Tribe.

To visit the village, head to the center of the island. It’s easy to find on your way from Walking Street to Sunrise Beach. There’s also a community center you can locate on a map.

It’s worth stopping by the Urak Lawoi village. You might even find a local tour guide for your next island-hopping trip or join one of their annual celebrations.

If you are interested to hear more about the history of Urak Lawoi people, you should also visit the Museum in Koh Lanta Old Town.

13. Enjoy Delicious, Fresh Food at Affordable Prices

You don’t need to book an all-inclusive hotel on Koh Lipe, as there are many great food options available day and night. Stroll along the main street to find local restaurants, pubs, and street food stalls.

Koh Lipe is perfect for trying popular Thai staples like pad thai, curries, or tom yam. I highly recommend the green curry!

If Thai food isn’t your favorite, you’ll easily find dishes from different cuisines. The best part is the availability of fresh seafood and fish at affordable prices.

On average, we spent about $10 on dinner for two people in Koh Lipe, with even cheaper options available.

The food scene in Koh Lipe definitely won’t disappoint you!

14. Shop Along Walking Street

If you want to buy souvenirs for friends, family, or yourself, you’ll find plenty of options in the shops along Koh Lipe’s Walking Street.

You can buy clothes (if in need of elephant pants or bikinis), sunglasses, swimming and snorkeling equipment, and much more!

Don’t worry if you forget sunscreen or bug repellent; you can find them in every convenience store on Koh Lipe. These stores are also great for grabbing quick snacks. My favorite quick bites were roasted nuts and sweet Thai buns!

In Thailand, cash is king. While some hotels and restaurants accept cards, it’s much easier to have cash. ATMs on the island charge 200 TBH for each withdrawal, so withdraw more money at once to reduce costs.

15. Visit Koh Adang and See Chado Cliff Viewpoint

If hiking on Koh Lipe wasn’t enough and you want to explore more, visit neighboring Koh Adang.

You can easily find a speedboat to Koh Adang from Koh Lipe. Check the schedules a day earlier and plan a full-day adventure on one of the biggest islands in Tarutao National Park.

Koh Adang is much larger than Koh Lipe, but you won’t find many hotels there. You can choose between Koh Adang Resort or a camping site if you want to stay overnight.

Hike through the jungle to discover beautiful viewpoints, including the iconic Chado Cliff Viewpoint, which offers a perfect view of Koh Lipe and its surrounding turquoise waters. 

On Koh Adang, you’ll also find small waterfalls and beautiful beaches, making it a great spot for snorkeling.

16. Explore Koh Rawi 

Koh Rawi is known for being even wilder and less touristy than Koh Adang. If you want to experience truly unspoiled nature, get a boat from Koh Lipe to visit Koh Rawi.

You’ll find more jungle treks there, but be careful as this inhabited island lacks many marked paths. The safest trekking option is reaching Ao Ta Loh Palien’s ranger and hiking to the other side of the island.

Relax on the beautiful Sai Khao Beach, where you can find a small restaurant. This spot is popular with island-hopping tours that stop for lunch and a swim in the clear water.

There are no hotels on Koh Rawi, so the only option for an overnight stay is camping.

17. Island Hopping Tours

We’ve all heard about the popular island-hopping excursions in Thailand, and Koh Lipe is the perfect place to experience them! It’s a fantastic way to explore the Andaman Sea.

The most popular day trip from Koh Lipe is the 7-island tour, which takes you to the best snorkeling spots on neighboring islands. 

Another must-do experience is visiting Emerald Cave (Morakot Cave) on Koh Mook, a true adventure in southern Thailand!

For those looking to venture further south, you can visit the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi. An overnight stay is recommended to fully explore the incredible natural sights this place has to offer.

You can easily find various tours at local agencies along Walking Street on Koh Lipe or by checking online options. It’s always worth comparing prices and packages to find the best deal

18. Easier to Get There Than You Might Think

Although Koh Lipe might seem far away, especially if you’re traveling from Bangkok, getting there is quite straightforward due to the island’s excellent sea transportation connections.

You can fly from Bangkok to Trang or Hat Yai, then take a transfer to the pier where you’ll find a ferry to Koh Lipe. If you’re visiting Krabi or Phuket, you can catch a direct ferry to Koh Lipe.

One of the easiest options, and how we did it, is to take a ferry from Langkawi and reach Koh Lipe in less than two hours. You can read about all the options in a separate blog post on this blog.

19. You Will Stop at Koh Lipe if Traveling from Langkawi

If you’re crossing the Thai sea border with Malaysia, Koh Lipe is where the immigration office is located. We had to stop here and get our passports stamped.

The Immigration Office is located next to the Bundhaya Beach Ferry Terminal in Koh Lipe. Be prepared to spend at least an hour or two changing ferries, collecting your luggage, and waiting in line.

Well, a stopover can be exhausting, so why not spend a few days on Koh Lipe? If you’ve already landed on the island, you absolutely need to explore the “Maldives of Thailand.”

Even if it’s just for one night, experiencing the beautiful sea and relaxing in a beach bar is worth it. 

Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to Tarutao National Park (200 BHT per adult). Why not make the most of your money and explore the island if you’ve already paid for your ticket?

20. It Is The Place Where I Understand Why People Love Thailand

Honestly, I had been reading and planning our visit to Thailand for a long time, consuming countless blogs, group posts, and comments from people who visit Thailand every year. Yet, I didn’t know what to expect.

Everything changed the moment I arrived in Koh Lipe. I finally understood why people keep coming back year after year.

First, it was the turquoise sea I saw during the longtail boat ride from the ferry. Then, I felt the relaxed atmosphere: friendly locals, gorgeous beaches, perfect water, and delicious food.

Every island in Thailand is unique, and I love them all. But Koh Lipe will always hold a special place in my heart as the first place I visited there.

Downsides of Koh Lipe

I enjoyed every minute spent on Koh Lipe and will recommend it to everyone, but it’s not a perfect paradise. There are few downsides of the island, which I think everyone planning their vacation should be aware of.

Overdevelopment – A tiny paradise can lose its charm when there are too many hotels and noisy tourist infrastructure. I wouldn’t say that Koh Lipe in 2024 was already overdeveloped, as we could still find both calm places on the island. However, it seems to be heading towards accommodating more tourists every year.

Pollution – main issue with the pollution on Koh Lipe is waste disposal, which still remains a challenge in southern Thailand. The country is still developing, and not all problems have been solved yet, which can be visible on a tiny island like Koh Lipe.

Accomodation Prices – Koh Lipe is definitely one of the more expensive islands to find accommodation, but it’s still doable. We’re not luxury travelers and wouldn’t have stayed on Koh Lipe for three nights if it was beyond our budget. We also didn’t plan well in advance, so booking accommodation a few months before your visit could help secure better prices.

How Many Days Should I Spend on Koh Lipe?

I recommend staying in Koh Lipe for at least 3 days and 2 nights (we stayed for 3 nights and loved it). Many first-time visitors decide to extend their stay!

Your ideal itinerary will depend on the type of vacation you prefer. You can have a great time on Koh Lipe by:

• Simply swimming and relaxing on the beach, enjoying delicious food, and visiting bars.
• Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking (it’s a perfect place to learn how to dive and explore underwater life).
• Exploring neighboring islands on private boats or organized trips.

If you combine all of the above activities you can easily spend a week on Koh Lipe and never be bored!

Final Thoughts About Visiting Koh Lipe

I believe that Koh Lipe does live up to its nickname as the “Maldives of Thailand,” offering pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and a variety of activities. 

It’s not only an entrance to the unspoiled nature of Tarutao National Park, but is also conveniently located near the best snorkeling and diving spots.

While it has a few downsides, the island’s unique beauty makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re looking for a nature escape or adventurous experiences, you won’t be disappointed.

Add this island to your next Thai vacation and discover why so many people fall in love with Koh Lipe!

Read My Other Posts about Visiting Thailand:

• Koh Lipe vs. Koh Mook – Which Island Is Better for Your Vacation? – 2024
• How to Get to Koh Lipe, Thailand? Best Travel Options 2024
• How to Travel to the Remote Koh Mook in Thailand? – 2024 Guide
• Is Koh Mook the Least Touristy Island in Thailand? – 2024 Guide
• How to Visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, Thailand – 2024 Guide
• Koh Lanta vs. Koh Lipe – Which Island is Better for Your Vacation – 2024 Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta, Thailand (2024)
• How to Visit Famous Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand? – Detailed Guide and Review (2024)
• 17 Best Beaches on Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – Ultimate Guide (2024)
• 23 Pros and Cons of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – 2024 Guide