Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s southernmost destinations, its remote location might seem challenging, but getting there is easier than you’d expect.
From Bangkok, the fastest route is to fly to either Hat Yai or Trang Airport on the mainland. From there, head to the pier and catch a direct boat to Koh Lipe.
If you’re starting in Koh Lanta or Phuket, you can easily catch a direct speedboat from there.
I arrived to Koh Lipe coming from the south – by taking a 90 minute ferry from neighboring Malaysia.
Read on to discover the best ways to reach this stunning island, and get all the insights you need for a smooth journey!
Quick Guide: Getting to Koh Lipe
From Bangkok (Fastest): Fly to Hat Yai (HDY), take a 2-hour shuttle to Pak Bara Pier, then a 90-minute speedboat to the island.
From Malaysia (Easiest): Take a direct 90-minute ferry from Langkawi.
From Phuket/Krabi: Catch a direct speedboat (5–6 hours) or enjoy a slow island-hop with stops at Koh Lanta or Koh Mook to break up the journey.
Closest Airports: Langkawi (LGK), Hat Yai (HDY), and Trang (TST).
How to get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok
1. From Bangkok by Plane to Hat Yai Airport
The fastest way to travel to Koh Lipe from Bangkok is to fly to Hat Yai Airport and then travel by land to the Pak Bara Pier.
At the pier you will catch a direct speedboat to Koh Lipe.
For a quick transfer to the pier, you can take a taxi from the airport, but a more budget friendly option is to book a shared minivan.
Tickets for the minivan and speedboat can be easily booked online and on the same ticket.
Travel time
The car ride to the pier takes around 2 hours, and the speedboat trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If you catch an early morning flight, you can complete the journey in half a day, leaving the rest of the day to relax on the beach.
2. From Bangkok by Plane to Trang Airport
Another option is to fly to the city of Trang, located a bit further north than Hat Yai.
From Trang Airport, you can catch a shared minivan or a taxi to Hat Yao Pier.
Travel time
Drive from Trang Airport to Hat Yao Pier is shorter than from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier, but speedboat ride to Koh Lipe is about 30 min longer.
Plan at least a half day journey with an early morning start.
3. By Bus or Train from Bangkok to Trang or Hat Yai
Traveling by bus or train from Bangkok to Trang or Hat Yai is also possible.
After reaching the city you will need to get to the closest pier by land, the same as you would do when traveling from the airport.
The journey is significantly longer than flying, but it’s cheaper and you usually also save on one day of accommodation.
Travel time
Expect to spend at least 15 hours on a train and around 20 hours on a bus to Trang, with an additional 2 hours to reach Hat Yai.
You will definitely spend the whole day traveling, even if you book a sleeper train or bus.
4. From Bangkok via Phuket or Krabi Town
Phuket and Krabi Town are popular tourist destinations in Thailand and excellent spots for exploring the northern part of the Andaman coast.
You can fly, or take a night bus from Bangkok, to either Phuket or Krabi Town (bus about 11-12 hours.
To reach Koh Lipe from there are 3 main options:
direct ferry
You can easily get a direct ferry from Phuket Rassada Pier or Kong Ka Pier in Krabi Town.
But as it’s a long journey tickets can be a bit expensive (prices starting at 200 TBH or 64 USD)
Travel time
The ferry journey will take around 5 to 6 hours.
sharing a taxi
A good alternative to taking a ferry is sharing a taxi ride straight to the Pak Bara Pier.
It will be cheaper than taking a ferry if you split the cost of a taxi with other people.
From Pak Bara Pier you get on the direct boat to Koh Lipe.
Travel time
Taxi drive to the Pak Bara Pier will take: > From Krabi Airport – 3h 30m > From Phuket Airport – 5h 30m
By spending a few days each on charming islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta or Koh Mook, you can gradually make your way to Koh Lipe.
We traveled this route from south to north, starting in Langkawi, Malaysia, and hopping via speedboats and ferries all the way to Krabi Town.
It’s a fantastic way to explore Southern Thailand without the burnout of long travel days.
How to get to Koh Lipe from Malaysia
1. How to get to Koh Lipe from Malaysia by land
Since Thailand and Malaysia share a land border, it’s possible to travel to Koh Lipe by land.:
Similar to traveling from Bangkok, you’ll need to get to the closest pier, which in this case is the Hat Yai Pier.
There are direct buses available from Kuala Lumpur’s main bus station, Kuala Lumpur Airport, and Penang – the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
Similar to traveling from Bangkok, you’ll need to get to the closest pier, which in this case is the Hat Yai Pier.
There are direct buses available from Kuala Lumpur’s main bus station, Kuala Lumpur Airport, and Penang – the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
2. Traveling to Koh Lipe from Langkawi – How We Did It
One of the easiest ways to reach Koh Lipe is by ferry from Langkawi, Malaysia.
The two islands are just 42 km apart in the Andaman Sea, making it a quick 90-minute journey.
When planning your trip, keep these logistics in mind:
Time Zone Shift – Thailand is one hour behind Malaysia. When crossing the border, you’ll also change time zones.
Immigration – Koh Lipe is the only island in the area with an immigration office, so all travelers arriving from Malaysia must stop here first to clear customs.
While Langkawi International Airport connects to major hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, there are no direct flights to Thailand.
Still, flying into Kuala Lumpur remains one of the most convenient ways to reach the region before catching a connecting flight or ferry.
Taking the Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
For our departing port on Langkawi, we chose the Kuah Jetty seaport, since we lived in Kuah.
The second option is to use the Telaga Terminal, located a bit closer to the airport).
A one-way ticket cost us about 25 USD per person (bought online, possibly cheaper at the counter).
The journey itself is short, but remember, this is an international crossing, so standard immigration controls apply on both sides.
Kuah Immigration Control at Langkawi’s Kuah Jetty Ferry Terminal
Documentation & Forms
We filled out an immigration form with personal details, including our profession and hotel name in Thailand.
For the stay duration, we entered 30 days, which was the maximum allowed for visa-exempt entry at the time (it’s been extended to 60 days in 2026)
Arrival at Kuah Jetty
The Kuah seaport is large, modern, and well-organized.
Staff are very helpful; they check our documents and direct us to the travel agency where the forms are completed and passports scanned.
Customs & Boarding Procedures
You will pass through a standard exit procedure, including fingerprint scanning and a Malaysian exit stamp.
At the boarding gate, staff collect your passports. While this feels unusual, it is standard procedure for this route.
Our documents were kept secure and returned upon arrival in Thailand.
Onboard the Ferry
The ferry is much larger and more stable than a typical Thai speedboat.
I recommend to bring a sweatshirt! The air conditioning is often extremely cold.
During the 90-minute trip, movies are shown and snacks anre available for purchase.
Arrival at Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe does not have a large port with a crossing terminal like Langkawi.
The ferry stops a few hundred meters from the beach, and motorboats come to pick up passengers.
Luggage is transported separately and landed on the beach.
Immigration Point at Koh Lipe
Passport Control & Immigration
At the immigration point in Koh Lipe, we first collected our passports and then proceeded to immigration control.
The large number of passengers and only one open window meant a long queue, but the process itself was efficient.
The customs officer did not ask many questions, making for a smooth entry.
You must ensure you have the immigration form from Langkawi, as it is required for your Thai entry stamp.
Keep your form it in a secure pocket; my boyfriend almost lost his on the ferry ride!
National Park Entry Fee
The final formality is purchasing your Tarutao National Park ticket, which covers Koh Lipe.
Adult foreigners must pay 200 THB (~5.70 USD).
This fee is payable only in cash – there is an ATM right next to passport control.
Keep this ticket on you at all times, especially if you go on boat tours to neighboring islands like Koh Adang or Koh Rok.
ATMs in Thailand
Most ATMs in Thailand charge a standard 220 THB fee for foreign cards (like Revolut).
To minimize this, try to withdraw a larger amount at once rather than making multiple small withdrawals.
How to Get from Koh Lipe Pier to Your Hotel
After completing the immigration process your hotel:
Although the distance was short, navigating through the crowded beach with a suitcase was a bit challenging.
Koh Lipe is a small island, so you won’t need a taxi or scooter to reach your hotel/
You can simply use the walking streets and island roads.
Tuk-tuks are also readily available at the pier, if you are carrying heavy luggage.
We’ve taken many boats and ferries in both Thailand and Malaysia, and our experiences have varied greatly.
Even during the high season, the waves were sometimes huge, making the journey quite bumpy.
If you suffer from seasickness, it’s best to take some medication beforehand.
Larger ferries are usually more stable.
If you dislike bumpy trips and want to avoid a rough journey, consider booking a ferry instead of a speedboat.
Low season weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, can make your journey extremely dangerous.
It’s important to check with the ferry company to ensure your trip hasn’t been canceled.
What to do on Koh Lipe:
1. Relax on Pristine Beaches and Swim in Warm, Turquoise Water
If you’re seeking white, sandy beaches and warm, turquoise waters, Koh Lipe is the place to find them!
Despite the island’s popularity, the beaches always have plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming.
The most popular beaches are Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach.
2. Rent a Kayak and Paddle Through Crystal Clear Waters
Kayaking is a must on Koh Lipe.
Rent a kayak from Sunrise Beach for half or a full day.
Prices are quite affordable (around 500 BHT 14 USD for a full day).
Paddling around the island (about 9 km) or visiting nearby uninhabited islands like Koh Usen and Koh Kla is a fantastic way to explore Andaman Coast.
3. Discover Best Spots for Snorkeling and Diving
Snorkeling and diving one of the top activities on Koh Lipe.
Enjoy snorkeling right off the beach (but watch for jellyfish, especially at Sunrise Beach).
For a more extensive experience, join a boat tour to the snorkeling spots around the neighboring islands.
If diving is on your list, Koh Lipe is perfect for getting your PADI license, with many excellent diving locations and short boat rides to best diving sites.
4. Enjoy Nightlife
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 without the huge, loud parties typical of other Thai islands.
Enjoy chilled bars along Walking Street in a family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Go on Jungle Hikes and Visit a Small Buddhist Temple and a Mosque
Koh Lipe offers some nice hiking opportunities despite its small size.
Take a short hike from Pattaya Beach to Sanom Beach or explore jungle paths leading to Pollo and Svedo Beaches.
For a cultural experience, visit the small Buddhist temple and the Al Marhamah Mosque.
The temple, maintained by Buddhist monks, is a hidden gem, while the mosque stands out near Walking Street.
6. Visit Urak Lawoi Village
Koh Lipe is also a place to encounter the Urak Lawoi tribe, an indigenous Andaman Sea community.
You can easily find the village on your way from Walking Street to Sunrise Beach.
Support their businesses and learn about their culture.
7. Enjoy Delicious, Fresh Food at Affordable Prices
Koh Lipe offers many great food options:
Choose from local Thai dishes to international cuisine.
Enjoy fresh seafood and fish at affordable prices, with dinner for two averaging around $10.
Don’t miss trying popular Thai staples like pad thai, curries, or tom yam.
8. Shop Along Walking Street
Walking Street is perfect for buying souvenirs, clothes, swimming and snorkeling equipment, and more.
Convenience stores provide travel essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent, along with quick snacks.
9. Explore Koh Rawi and Koh Adang (See Chado Cliff Viewpoint)
Koh Adang offers hiking through the jungle to beautiful viewpoints like Chado Cliff, small waterfalls, and stunning beaches.
Koh Rawi, wilder and less touristy, is perfect for unspoiled nature lovers.
10. Join an Island Hopping Tours
Island hopping is a fantastic way to explore the Andaman Sea.
Join a popular 7-island tour for the best snorkeling spots, visit Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, or venture to Langkawi in Malaysia.
Local agencies along Walking Street offer various tours, so compare prices and packages for the best deal.
Koh Lipe is a tropical paradise with diverse activities, making it a perfect destination for every type of traveler. Enjoy your stay!
FAQs how to get to Koh Lipe?
No, Koh Lipe is a tiny island that doesn’t have an airport
The closest airport to Koh Lipe is located on Langkawi Malaysia. The two closest airports in Thailand in the cities of Hat Yai and Trang.
90 minutes
25 USD
No, the ferry is quite big and the journey is pleasant.
Yes
The queue at the immigration in Koh Lipe might be long. But you will wait for your bags to be transported from the ferry.
You need to plan at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Depending on your country of origin you might need a visa to enter Thailand. Traveling from the US, UK and EU is possible on a 60 days visa exemption entry (as for 2026 rules)
Ticket form Koh Lipe can be bought either online or on the Pattaya beach, near the immigration office
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.
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