The quickest route involves flying to Hat Yai or Trang Airport, followed by a transfer to the Pak Bara Pier and a speedboat ride to the island.
An early morning flight can see you setting foot on Koh Lipe by the afternoon, but choosing a bus or train travel can stretch the journey to over a day.
If you’re already in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta a direct speedboat to Koh Lipe is the best option, though it’s a 5-hour journey that can be quite bumpy if the sea is rough.
For the tourists traveling from Langkawi, Malaysia, the trip is a breezy 90-minute ferry ride, making Koh Lipe super easily accessible from there.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook is positioned slightly north of Koh Lipe, making it more accessible from popular destinations like Phuket, Koh Lanta and Krabi Town:
A direct speedboat can get you there in about two hours.Traveling from Bangkok is also slightly quicker than to Koh Lipe.
From Trang Airport, a short trip to Khuan Tung Ku Pier followed by a 30-minute boat ride lands you on Koh Mook.
If coming from Langkawi, the journey is more complex.
It involves a stopover on Koh Lipe for immigration and then taking a speedboat to Koh Mook, totaling at least five hours of travel.
Winner
Koh Mook. It’s much closer to the mainland and popular hubs like Koh Lanta (2 hours). Koh Lipe is a long, often bumpy, 5-hour speedboat ride from major hubs.
Beaches
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in Southern Thailand, earning the nickname of “The Maldives of Thailand”:
The island’s main beaches—Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach—are famed for their powdery white sand and clear, turquoise waters.
If you are looking for a quieter spot, beaches like Sunset, Pitiusas, Sanom, Pollo, Svedo, and Secret Beach offer more seclusion.
Designated safe zones make swimming safe at the most popular beaches, so you can stay away from the numerous boats.
You can easily rent a kayak or snorkeling equipment, though do watch out for jellyfish that occasionally drift in.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook’s beaches, though less famed, also offer a relaxing escape:
Charlie Beach and Sivalai Beach are the primary spots, with soft sand and calm, warm waters.
The island is less crowded than Koh Lipe, so you’ll often find these beaches pleasantly quiet.
That being said, most popular activities are also available on Koh Mook.
You can easily rent a kayak or enjoy lunch at local food stalls, so you won’t miss out on the essential Thai beachside experiences.
For a more secluded beach day, head to Lo Dung Beach.
However, this is a much more remote destination, and not suitable for swimming.
Winner
Koh Lipe – known as the “Maldives of Thailand,” it has powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Koh Mook’s water is less blue and beaches are rockier.
Snorkeling and Diving
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a haven for snorkelers and divers:
Numerous dive centers and shops cater to all your needs. You can try the discovery dive or get your PADI license.
The proximity to Tarutao National Park means that excellent diving spots are just a short boat ride away.
The water visibility here is typically very good, enhancing your underwater experience.
For snorkeling, the 7-island tour is the most popular destination.
This full-day adventure takes you to top snorkeling spots near Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Hin Sorn, Koh Dong, Koh Ro Kloy, and Koh Phung – all with vibrant marine life.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook also offers great snorkeling and diving opportunities, though on a smaller scale.
We enjoyed snorkeling near Koh Kradan, with clear waters and diverse marine species.
It was a perfect addition to our trip to the Emerald Cave.
Diving options are more limited, with fewer diving centers than on Koh Lipe.
However, the coral reefs near Koh Rok are worth the dive.
However for professional equipment needs, Koh Lipe might be a better base.
Winner
Koh Lipe. It’s a world-class diving hub with numerous professional centers and easy access to Tarutao National Park. Koh Mook has one main dive center and is better for casual snorkeling (Koh Kradan).
Party Scene
Koh Lipe
If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, Koh Lipe won’t disappoint you:
The island has a range of beach bars that come alive in the evenings, featuring fire shows and live music.
The Walking Street area offers a mix of bustling bars and more relaxed spots, catering to various tastes.
Still, Koh Lipe is not as busy and crowded as Koh Phi Phi, so you shouldn’t be worried about loud parties disrupting your sleep.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook’s nightlife is basically non-existent in comparison to the more lively atmosphere of Koh Lipe:
The island’s vibe remains rustic and calm even after the sun sets.
You can find a few bars and food stalls at Charlie Beach that stay open late, providing a relaxed atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a quiet evening.
However, you won’t encounter fire shows or wild parties here.
Fortunately, the island doesn’t completely shut down at night.
There are still restaurants open for a late dinner, especially around the pier area where many bungalows and eateries are located.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Koh Mook is not the destination for tourists looking for a vibrant nightlife or party scene.
Winner
Koh Lipe. The island is tiny; you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. Koh Mook is larger and often requires a moped or tuk-tuk to reach spots like Charlie Beach.
Walkability
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is definitely a walkable island:
Most destinations, including beaches, restaurants, and shops, are within easy walking distance.
This means you can explore the island without needing a scooter or even tuk-tuk.
You probably won’t have to walk anywhere for longer than half an hour. Accommodation options are also conveniently close to the beach.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook is also quite walkable, but slightly larger than Koh Lipe:
While the main village and areas near the pier are easy to navigate on foot, reaching Charlie Beach might require a longer walk.
Renting a moped can be handy, though not essential.
Accommodations on Koh Mook are often farther from the beaches, unlike Koh Lipe where beachfront hotels are quite common.
You can still book a resort right at the Sivalai Beach, but most of the bungalows are located farther from the beach.
Winner
Koh Lipe. The island is tiny; you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. Koh Mook is larger and often requires a moped or tuk-tuk to reach spots like Charlie Beach.
Hiking and Nature Spots
Koh Lipe
For hikers, Koh Lipe offers limited but enjoyable jungle trails.
The paths to smaller, hidden beaches like Pollo and Svedo Beach are definitely worth exploring.
For more extensive hiking, nearby islands like Koh Adang, with its Chado Cliff viewpoint, and Koh Rawi are excellent choices.
Those islands are more secluded destinations with unspoiled nature and great hikes.
Much of the island is covered in lush rainforest (used in part also for rubber plantations).
Hiking to the remote, wild beaches involves navigating steep paths through dense forest.
Similarly to Koh Lipe, you can also visit neighboring islands and explore beautiful nature trails.
Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai are the options for hiking near Koh Mook.
Winner
Koh Mook. Ideal for those who love “wild” nature. It features demanding jungle treks and the famous Emerald Cave. Koh Lipe’s hiking is limited to rather short coastal trails.
Prices
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is one of the most expensive Thai islands we have visited, especially for accommodations.
We found a solid mid-range spot with a pool, but budget travelers should book early to secure the best rates.
Luckily, food and activities are reasonably priced, with plenty of affordable Thai restaurants and small stores for shopping.
There are plenty of small stalls and 7-eleven to do shopping.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook is slightly cheaper than Koh Lipe, particularly for accommodation.
Most bungalows are located in the village rather than next to the beach, keeping costs down.
Restaurants, moped rentals, and local shops are equally available and affordable as on Koh Lipe, so you won’t miss out on essentials.
You will also easily book a private boat, organized trip or speed boat ticket to your next destination.
Winner
Koh Mook. Your money goes further here; inland village bungalows offer significantly lower rates than the beachfront resorts typical of Koh Lipe.
Remote Work
Koh Lipe
For remote work, Koh Lipe is quite accommodating:
Our hotel had decent internet (WiFi), and we managed to find (not too expensive) room with a small desk.
Thai SIM cards are easily available in the local 7-eleven, making it convenient to stay connected.
Koh Mook
Unfortunately, Koh Mook wasn’t a great place for remote work:
The WiFi at our bungalow was weak, even close to the reception (where the router usually located).
Using a SIM card wasn’t much of a help either, as mobile data was also unreliable and spotty, making it difficult to work, especially for video calls.
Winner
Koh Lipe. Reliable WiFi and strong mobile data make it easy to work. Koh Mook struggles with spotty internet and unreliable 4G/5G.
Safety
Both islands felt equally safe during our visits. Whether walking alone during the day or night.
Locals are friendly and helpful, and although you might see some stray dogs, they pose no danger.
Final thoughts
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is ideal for people seeking a vibrant, lively island with beautiful, easily accessible beaches and clear, turquoise water.
You will find there great nightlife, and many opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and it’s also suitable for remote work.
Beata is an expert in authentic, adventure-filled and culture-rich travel.
With years of exploring hidden gems across diverse countries her mission is to help you uncover unique, budget-friendly experiences that connect you with nature and local cultures.
20 Proven Reasons Why You Should Visit Krabi Town, Thailand Krabi Town is often overlooked by travelers eager to explore Thailand’s more famous beach destinations. While it doesn’t have the postcard-perfect beaches and crystal-clear waters that draw crowds to nearby Ao Nang or Railay Beach, Krabi Town offers a more authentic side of Thaialand. I…
Koh Lanta vs. Koh Lipe – Which Island is Better for Your Vacation Planning a trip through Southern Thailand and stuck between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta? It’s a tough call. I spent a month exploring the Andaman Coast and realized these two islands couldn’t be more different. Here is the short answer: If you…
23 Pros and Cons of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand Koh Phi Phi in Thailand is most famous for its huge parties and paradise-like scenery. But, you might have also heard that it’s an overrated tourist trap and better to be avoided. Well, after spending a week there, I completely disagree, it offers much more…
How to Do Jungle Hike to Loh Ba Kao Bay on Koh Phi Phi – Detailed Guide Koh Phi Phi Don isn’t just about the beach parties, it’s also a diverse island full of stunning nature. If you’re an active person looking for authentic, close-to-nature and affordable experiences, you should add hiking on Koh Phi…
How to Do Coastal Hike to Long Beach (Haad Yao) on Koh Phi Phi – Detailed Guide Koh Phi Phi Don might not be well-known for hiking, but it definitely should be! This small island offers some of the most scenic trails along the Andaman Coast. After spending a week on Koh Phi Phi, I…
What It Really Costs to Travel Southern Thailand for a Month? – Budget Breakdown Southern Thailand, although popular with tourists, remains an incredibly affordable place to travel. So if you’re dreaming of an unforgettable and adventurous trip, you don’t need to worry about spending a fortune. I’m basing this statement on my one-month stay there…
