How to Get to Koh Lipe, Thailand? Best Travel Options 2024
Koh Lipe, one of Thailand’s southernmost destinations, offers stunning sandy beaches and turquoise waters, earning it the nickname “Maldives of Thailand.” While its remote location might seem challenging, getting there is easier than you’d expect.
If you’re coming from Koh Lanta or Phuket, you can easily catch a direct speedboat to Koh Lipe. This is a quick and scenic option.
If starting in 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.
During our journey through Southeast Asia, we reached Koh Lipe from the south by taking a ferry from neighboring Malaysia. Upon arrival, you’ll find an immigration office on the island where you can get your passport stamped.
Koh Lipe is also an entrance to Tarutao National Park and it serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful and protected natural areas in Thailand.
Read on to discover the best ways to reach Koh Lipe, and get all the insights you need for a smooth and enjoyable journey!
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, where you can 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.
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.
Although journey from Trang Airport to Hat Yao Pier will be shorter than from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier, the speedboat ride to Koh Lipe will be about 30 minutes longer.
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, though the journey is significantly longer. 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.
If you have plenty of time and enjoy long journeys, this can be a good option. However, if your time is limited, flying is a more practical choice. You will most definitely spend the whole day traveling, even if you book a sleeper train or bus.
After reaching the city of Trang or Hat Yai, you will need to get to the closest pier by land, the same as you would do when traveling from the airport.
4. From Bangkok to 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, with the popular islands like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta.
You can fly to Phuket or Krabi, or take a night bus from Bangkok, which takes about 11-12 hours.
To reach Koh Lipe you can get a direct ferry from Phuket or Kong Ka Pier in Krabi Town. However the journey will take around 5 to 6 hours and tickets might be a bit expensive.
A good alternative is sharing a taxi ride straight to the Pak Bara Pier. Such a journey can be much faster (due to the lack of stops on the route) than a bus. And cheaper than taking a ferry if you split the cost of a taxi with other people.
The third option is to plan a slow island hopping tour, stopping for a few days on the small, charming Thai islands until you reach Koh Lipe.
We did this kind of trip from south to north, starting in Malaysian Langkawi and taking speed boats and ferries until we reached Krabi Town. I can definitely recommend this way of traveling through Thailand, as the boat rides are not too long and allow you to visit beautiful islands like Koh Mook and Koh Lipe.
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 entirely 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, located further south.
There are direct buses available from Kuala Lumpur’s main bus station, Kuala Lumpur Airport, and Penang, which are the most popular tourist destinations in northern Malaysia.
2. Traveling to Koh Lipe from Langkawi – How We Did It
One of the easiest ways to get to Koh Lipe is by ferry from the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, located in the Andaman Sea, only 42 km from Koh Lipe. The ferry journey takes about 2 hours (90 minutes to be precise), and remember, when crossing the border, you’ll also change time zones.
Langkawi also has an international airport offering direct flights to Malaysia and Singapore, but unfortunately not to Thailand (still, flying to Kuala Lumpur might be a convenient option, as it is one of the best air hubs on the continent).
But remember that, when traveling from Langkawi to Thailand by sea, you will need to stop at Koh Lipe, as it’s the only island in the area with an immigration office.
Taking 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
In Langkawi, we filled out a form with our details, including our place of stay in Thailand (the hotel name suffices), our profession, and the planned duration of stay (we entered 30 days as the maximum length of stay without a visa).
The Kuah seaport is quite large and modern. We weren’t initially aware of the procedures, but port staff ensured all passengers had the required documents and directed us to a travel agency where we completed the immigration form and had our passports scanned.
Before boarding, we went through standard passport control with fingerprint scanning and passport stamping. At the boarding gate, we had to hand over our passports to the staff, which seemed strange but is standard procedure. Our passports were safely returned to us upon arrival.
The ferry itself is larger than typical Thai motorboats, but I recommend bringing a sweatshirt as the air conditioning can be quite cold. During the trip, movies are shown, and snacks are 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
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, including about our return ticket from Thailand.
Ensure you have the completed form from Langkawi, as it is required for passport control in Thailand (my boyfriend almost lost his form but managed to retrieve it from the ferry).
The final formality is buying a ticket to Tarutao National Park, which includes Koh Lipe. The cost is 200 baht for adult foreigners, payable in cash.
It’s advisable to have Thai baht in advance. If needed, there is an ATM next to the passport control. Our card worked without issues, though the ATM charged a 220 baht fee for the Revolut card, unfortunately a common fee in Thailand.
How to Get from Koh Lipe Pier to Your Hotel
After completing the immigration process, we headed to our 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 another boat to reach your hotel (like it can happen on Koh Phi Phi). You can simply use the walking streets and island roads.
Tuk-tuks are readily available at the pier, and if you’ve arranged transportation through your hotel, they’ll find you too.
Traveling Conditions
Sailing through the Andaman Sea can be rough. We’ve taken many boats and ferries in both Thailand and Malaysia, and our experiences have varied greatly.
- Even though we traveled during the high season, the waves were sometimes huge, making our 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. If the information isn’t clear online, you can always visit the ticket office and speak with the staff.
- While high season waves can be challenging, 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 and to see if you need to wait for better weather conditions.
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) and 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
Encounter the Urak Lawoi tribe, an indigenous Andaman Sea community, in their village on Koh Lipe. Support their businesses and learn about their culture. You can easily find the village on your way from Walking Street to Sunrise Beach.
7. Enjoy Delicious, Fresh Food at Affordable Prices
Koh Lipe offers many great food options, 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 essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent, along with quick snacks.
9. Explore Koh Rawi and Koh Adang (See Chado Cliff Viewpoint)
For more adventure, visit neighboring Koh Adang and Koh Rawi. 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?
Is there an airport on Koh Lipe?
No, Koh Lipe is a tiny island that doesn’t have an airport
What is the closest airport to Koh Lipe?
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.
How long is the ferry trip from Lankgawi to Koh Lipe?
90 minutes
How much does a ferry cost from Langkawi to Koh Lipe?
25 USD
Is the ferry journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe rough?
No, the ferry is quite big and the journey is pleasant.
Is there an immigration office at Koh Lipe?
Yes
How long does immigration in Koh Lipe take?
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.
Do I need a visa to travel to Koh Lipe?
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 30 days visa exemption entry.
Where to buy a ticket from Koh Lipe?
Ticket form Koh Lipe can be bought either online or on the Pattaya beach, near the immigration office
Read My Other Posts about Visiting Thailand:
- Koh Lipe vs. Koh Mook – Which Island Is Better for Your Vacation? – 2024
- 20 Proven Reasons to Visit Koh Lipe – the Maldives of Thailand – 2024 Guide
- 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
