Koh Lanta vs. Koh Lipe – Which Island is Better for Your Vacation – 2024 Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Southern Thailand, you might be debating whether to visit Koh Lipe or Koh Lanta. Both islands offer remarkable yet slightly different experiences.
Koh Lipe is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and unique diving scene. In contrast, Koh Lanta is a larger, more laid-back island with activities that connect you to nature and local culture.
Since these islands are located on opposite ends of the Thai Andaman coast, you might wonder how to plan your travels to guarantee the most memorable vacation.
During my month-long stay in southern Thailand, I managed to visit them both. I explored less popular areas and tried to find authentic experiences among the popular tourist attractions.
I loved how walkable Koh Lipe was, with the most pristine beaches just a short stroll from my hotel. On Koh Lanta, it was the variety of unspoiled natural spots and cultural experiences that I enjoyed the most.
If you can’t decide between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta, read on for my detailed comparison to make your decision easier!
Location and Accessibility
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a remote paradise and the southernmost island of Thailand. It’s actually faster to reach from Malaysia (90-minute ferry ride) than from Koh Lanta or Phuket.
Despite its remote location, it’s a busy island with an immigration office. Ferries and speedboats operate several times a day during the high season. You will find may travel options to reach Koh Lipe. You can get there from as far as Phuket, but be prepared for a long boat ride.
The fastest way to reach Koh Lipe from Bangkok is to fly to Hat Yai Airport, take a minivan to Pak Bara Pier, and then a speedboat to Koh Lipe. This journey takes about half a day.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta, located in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca, seems more accessible. Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta is a hub for boats and ferries going to almost every island on the Andaman coast. It’s also a popular base for day trips.
On Koh Lanta, you’re close to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Mook, with options to travel by ferry or speedboat. Some places are also easily accessible by land, thanks to a Siri Bridge and car ferry.
From Bangkok, the most convenient way to reach Koh Lanta is to fly to Krabi Airport and take a direct minivan to your accommodation.
Beaches
Koh Lipe
On Koh Lipe, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches with white, soft sand and clear, turquoise water. Due to its stunning scenery the island is often called “the Maldives of Thailand”.
Pattaya Beach is the most popular area, offering nightly fire shows, massage parlors, and a vibrant atmosphere. Less crowded beaches are equally pristine and offer plenty of tourist amenities.
However, beaches on Koh Lipe can get crowded with boats and jellyfish, limiting swimming area to designated safe zones.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s west coast has a long coastline with both popular and more secluded sandy beaches. Even in the high season, you won’t see many crowds or boats at Koh Lanta’s beaches.
The most popular beaches like Khlong Khong Beach, Kantiang Beach and Khlong Nin Beach have many restaurants, beach bars, shops, and massage parlors. However, the sand isn’t as soft as on Koh Lipe, and the water isn’t as perfectly blue.
Koh Lanta is also a destination where you can visit wild and rocky beaches, perfect for a short hike.
Walkability
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is small and very walkable. You can visit all the beautiful beaches in just one day without needing transportation.
Nightlife is concentrated along Pattaya Beach and Walking Street, making it easily accessible. Getting a tuk-tuk will be only necessary if your hotel is far from the pier or you have heavy luggage.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is not easily walkable. The island is 13 miles long. Most tourist spots, national parks, and nightlife areas are spread far.
Your accommodation might be near the beach, but it’s not guaranteed as it is on Koh Lipe. For example, we had to walk 15 minutes from our hotel to reach the nearest beach.
You will certainly need transportation on Koh Lanta, such as a rented moped, car, local taxi, or tuk-tuk.
Hiking and Nature
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe offers only a few nice hikes, mainly leading to hidden beaches. These treks are scenic but not very long or demanding. You can also stroll through the local village or along the beaches on Koh Lipe.
For more challenging hikes, you’ll need to visit neighboring islands like Koh Adang with Chado Viewpoint.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has many great trekking options. These include the Laem Tanod Forest Trek in Koh Lanta National Park, Mai Kaeo Cave hiking, Khlong Chak Waterfall, and Bat Cave, and a walk through the mangrove forest.
You can also explore local villages and rubber plantations. Compared to Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta is a destination with more hiking options and nature spots.
Nightlife
Koh Lipe
Nightlife on Koh Lipe is centered around Walking Street and Pattaya Beach. It’s lively until late evening with places for late dinners or drinks.
While the party scene isn’t huge it’s vibrant and easily accessible. And there are many relaxed beach bars too.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has a more relaxed atmosphere than Koh Lipe. It doesn’t have crowded walking streets near the beach.
You will still find many restaurants and beach bars, but the overall vibe is much more chilled and rustic than on Koh Lipe.
While there are places to party, they aren’t as frequent. Popular west coast beaches are usually the liveliest spots at night.
Snorkeling
Koh Lipe
Snorkeling off the beach is very popular on Koh Lipe, thanks to its beautiful, clear water. Renting a kayak is also a great option, as paddling out a bit further allows you to discover less crowded areas with stunning underwater scenery.
For a full-day snorkeling trip a great option are the 5- or 7-island tours to excellent snorkeling spots like Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Hin Sorn, Koh Dong, Koh Ro Kloy, and Koh Phung.
Koh Lanta
Off beach snorkeling off isn’t as common on Koh Lanta. The best place to try it is probably Nui Beach on the southern part of the west coast.
The best option to explore underwater life is to go on a snorkeling trip, such as the 4 Islands Tour. It includes a visit to the Emerald Cave and snorkeling around Koh Rok and Koh Haa, or Koh Kradan.
Another option is to rent private long tailed boat and visit serene island on Koh Por.
Diving
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a destination popular with divers. Many excellent diving spots can be reached in just a 30 minutes speedboat ride.
The water visibility during the high season tends to be perfect, allowing you to discover stunning underwater life in the Tarutao National Park.
The most popular diving spots near Koh Lipe are 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, and Yong Hua Shipwreck. The island has several dive centers offering both courses and excursions.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta also has many diving centers where you can learn to dive or get your PADI license. These centers offer a variety of courses for both beginners and advanced divers.
The best diving sites near Koh Lanta are Koh Haa and Koh Rok, both renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. These sites are popular for diving and snorkeling, and you will find many day-trip options available on Koh Lanta to explore them.
Day Trips
Koh Lipe
- 5- or 7-Island Snorkeling Tour: day full of snorkeling at the best sites near like Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Hin Sorn.
- Koh Adang and Koh Rawi: nearby islands offering hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, pristine beaches, and clear waters.
- Emerald Cave on Koh Mook: a day trip where, apart from swimming in the dark cave and visiting Emerald Lagoon, you will be spending your day snorkeling and a visiting lovely islands
Koh Lanta
- Koh Por and Koh Bubu: can be reached by renting a private boat, offer serene beaches, crystal clear water and stays with the local community.
- Koh Phee and Talabeng: a day trip full of adventures with hiking to the cave, kayaking in mangrove forest and swimming.
- Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi: Visiting the famous spot from “The Beach” movie, monkey island and many snorkeling sites.
- Emerald Cave on Koh Mook: Stunning Emerald Cave and snorkeling near the neighboring islands (the same trip that you can do from Koh Lipe).
Remote Work
Koh Lipe
Mobile data reception on Koh Lipe is decent, and you can easily buy a SIM card at the local 7-Eleven. Wi-Fi in hotels near Pattaya Beach is generally good.
However, accommodation can be pricey, and finding a spacious room with a desk within a tight budget might be challenging. Booking far in advance can help you secure the best option.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is well-developed for remote work with reliable Wi-Fi and mobile data.
However, I recommend to check with the hotel about Wi-Fi availability and speed, before booking your stay. In less popular areas (like Pirate Beach or far south), data connection may be spotty.
Power outages can happen too, as we experience one on Koh Lanta, so remember to keep your devices charged.
It’s a bit easier to find affordable, spacious rooms with workspaces on Koh Lanta than on Koh Lipe, as there are more options available.
Prices
Koh Lipe
Accommodation on Koh Lipe is among the most expensive in Thailand, but most hotels offer breakfast and swimming pools. Most places are also very close to the beach. Having a seafront accommodation and all the amenities usually make it worth the higher cost.
Food and activities, on the other hand, are quite affordable, similar to other Thai islands.
Koh Lanta
Accommodation on Koh Lanta is more affordable than on Koh Lipe. The island offers a wide range of hotels and bungalows to suit different budget. Unfortunately, more budget friendly options are usually located further from the beach.
Food and activities are also reasonably priced, similar to Koh Lipe. It’s important to consider transportation costs since getting around the island will require renting a vehicle or using tuk-tuks.
The overall affordability and variety of options make Koh Lanta a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Sightseeing
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe doesn’t offer many sightseeing options, but if you are interested in Thai culture and traditions, you will find places like a small Buddhist temple and a mosque.
You can also visit the local village and learn about the Urak Lawoi tribe, indigenous group inhabiting Koh Lipe. This experience provides a unique insight into the island’s cultural heritage and close-to-the-sea way of life
Koh Lanta
The best place for sightseeing on Koh Lanta is the Old Town, rich in history, with wooden houses, small shrines, and temples and even capsized ship by the pier.
You will also find the Community Museum near Koh Lanta Old Town, where you can learn more about the Urak Lawoi tribe. It’s also possible to visit their small cemetery located on the east coast of the island.
Koh Lanta is much bigger than Koh Lipe and offers more activities. You can watch a professional Muay Thai fight, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, support an animal shelter, take Thai cooking classes, or experience sunrise with yoga.
Safety
Both Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta are equally safe. I always felt comfortable walking on both islands, even when I was on my own. The Thai community is very friendly and accustomed to seeing and helping tourists.
Both islands are quite developed, so you don’t have to worry about finding shops, restaurants, or food stalls.
However, Koh Lipe is smaller and has fewer cars, making it easier to get around. Koh Lanta’s roads are quite busy, especially on the west coast, and I never liked crossing them as a pedestrian.
Final thoughts
- Koh Lipe is ideal for beach lovers and people seeking a small, walkable island with vibrant nightlife. Its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere make it a favorite among travelers. Koh Lipe is also a beloved destination for divers, with many stunning dive sites and perfect water visibility within a short boat ride
- Koh Lanta is perfect for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere with easy access to numerous day trips. You can easily plan a road trip around Koh Lanta or explore places rich in history and culture, like the Old Town. Koh Lanta offers plenty of activities to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your stay.
Choose the island that best suits your preferences for an unforgettable vacation.
Table Summarizing Comparison Koh Lipe vs. Koh Lanta
| Category | Koh Lipe | Koh Lanta |
| Location & Accessibility | Remote paradise, southernmost island. Reachable from Bangkok via Hat Yai Airport and speedboat. Speed boat/ferry connections to other islands. | Northern part of the Strait of Malacca. Accessible from Bangkok via Krabi Airport and direct minivan. Speed boat/ferry connections to other islands. |
| Beaches | Stunning beaches with soft sand and turquoise water. Pattaya Beach is most popular one and lively with fire shows and massage parlors. | 13 miles long coastline on the west with variety of popular and secluded, sandy beaches. |
| Walkability | Small and very walkable. Main touristic activities concentrated along Pattaya Beach and Walking Street. | Not easily walkable. Spread-out tourist spots. Transportation like rented moped, car or tuk-tuks is needed. |
| Hiking & Nature | Few scenic hikes to hidden beaches. For challenging hikes, visit neighboring islands like Koh Adang. | Numerous trekking options like Laem Tanod Forest Trek, Mai Kaeo Cave, Khlong Chak Waterfall, and Bat Cave. |
| Nightlife | Centered around Walking Street and Pattaya Beach. Lively until late evening. Vibrant but not huge party scene. | Relaxed atmosphere. Restaurants and beach bars present but not crowded. Fewer party spots. |
| Snorkeling | Popular for off the beach snorkeling. Rent a kayak for less crowded areas. 5- or 7-island tours to spots like Koh Hin Ngam and Koh Hin Sorn. | Snorkeling off the beach isn’t common. Snorkeling trips like the 4 Islands Tour or visiting Koh Bubu. |
| Diving | Several dive centers. Excellent diving spots like 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, and Yong Hua Shipwreck. | Many diving centers. Best sites are Koh Haa and Koh Rok. |
| Day Trips | 5- or 7-Island Snorkeling Tour; Koh Adang and Koh Rawi; Emerald Cave on Koh Mook. | Koh Por and Koh Bubu; Koh Phee and Talabeng; Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi; Emerald Cave on Koh Mook. |
| Remote Work | Decent mobile data reception and Wi-Fi. Pricey accommodation. | Reliable Wi-Fi and mobile data (apart from secluded places). More affordable, spacious rooms. Power outages can happen. |
| Prices | Accommodation is among the most expensive in Thailand. Food and activities are affordable. | More affordable accommodation, but further from the beach. Food and activities are reasonably priced. |
| Sightseeing | Limited options. Visit Buddhist temple and mosque. Learn about the Urak Lawoi tribe. | Old Town with wooden houses, temples and Community Museum. Many activities like Muay Thai fights, ethical elephant sanctuary, animal shelter. |
| Safety | Small and easy to get around. | Safe but with big, busy roads. |
Read My Other Posts about Visiting Koh Lanta:
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta, Thailand (2024)
- How to Travel to Koh Lanta, Thailand – Ultimate Guide (2024)
- Epic 5-Day Koh Lanta Itinerary: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide (2024)
- Explore Koh Lanta in One Day: 24-hours Itinerary filled with Nature and Culture (2024)
- How to Do a Road Trip in Koh Lanta, Thailand – Detailed Guide (2024)
- Is Koh Lanta Old Town Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Visit – 2024 Guide
- Should You Skip Koh Lanta, Thailand? 20 Reasons to Visit – 2024 Guide
