Ko Lipe: Thailand's Hidden Paradise

Have you ever dreamed of lying on pristine white sand beaches, listening to gentle waves lapping against the shore while sipping a refreshing drink? Ko Lipe, a sublime island off of Thailand’s Andaman Sea coastline, might just be the perfect destination for your next tropical getaway.

Introduction to Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling, pristine white sand beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. This small island paradise offers respite from relentless city life with its perfect combination of sun, sand, and sea. The name "Ko Lipe" derives from the Malay "Pulau Nipis," meaning "Skinny Island" – a fitting description for this slender slice of paradise.

Located just north of Langkawi, Malaysia, and in close proximity to Tarutao National Park, Ko Lipe serves as an ideal base for exploring the region's natural wonders. The island is compact – just 3 kilometers across – making it possible to walk from one end to the other in about 45 minutes. This intimate size means you'll never need to rent a scooter, unlike larger Thai islands such as Ko Samet or Ko Chang.

Getting to Ko Lipe

There are two main routes to reach Ko Lipe, each with its own advantages:

Option 1: Via Hat Yai (Thailand)

Fly into Hat Yai International Airport, spend a day exploring the city, then take a bus to Pak Bara Pier (3-4 hours). From there, catch a ferry to Ko Lipe. Tour agencies throughout Hat Yai offer transport packages to Ko Lipe, often including stopovers at neighbouring islands like Ko Tarutao or Ko Adang.

Option 2: Via Langkawi (Malaysia)

Fly into Langkawi and head to Telaga Ferry Terminal for a 30-minute ferry ride to Ko Lipe. While faster and more convenient, this route is pricier, with ferry tickets costing around USD $36. You can book a rideshare on the Grab app to move around Langkawi, and book the ferry tickets online. You will clear Malaysian immigration at Telaga and clear Thai immigration upon arrival at Ko Lipe

Both ferry services arrive at Pattaya Beach, Ko Lipe's main hub.

Ko Lipe - A little slice of paradise

The island features three distinct beaches, each offering unique experiences:

Pattaya Beach serves as the island's main center, where ferries dock and most hotels are located. This is your gateway to the island and the heart of its activity.

Sunrise Beach stretches along the eastern and northern shores, providing the perfect vantage point for spectacular morning sunrises. Early risers will be rewarded with breathtaking colors painting the morning sky.

Sunset Beach offers dramatic Thai island sunsets that shouldn't be missed. The western-facing beach provides unobstructed views of the sun melting into the Andaman Sea, casting a light show of vermilion and lavender hues onto ripply clouds across the dusk sky.

Between these beaches runs Walking Street, featuring restaurants, tour agencies, and shops where you can arrange excursions to Tarutao National Park, book diving and snorkeling trips, or purchase ferry tickets for your departure.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. During our visit, we stayed at Chareena Hill Beach Resort, which offered well-appointed rooms with lovely beach views. However, its hillside location meant fewer facilities compared to similarly priced beachfront properties. The pool deck at Akira Lipe Hotel impressed us as an alternative worth considering for future visits.

The view from the pool deck at Akira Lipe

A suggested 3 day itinerary to enjoy Ko Lipe

Day 1: Settle In and Explore

Use your first day to settle into your accommodation and get oriented. Ko Lipe's compact size makes it perfect for leisurely exploration on foot. Take time to visit all three beaches and get a feel for the island's layout.

Afternoon Relaxation: Head to Sunset Beach for lunch and a traditional Thai massage. Rent snorkeling gear and explore the reef during high or low tide when conditions are optimal. Secure a comfortable spot – perhaps a deck chair or hammock – at one of the beachside establishments to watch the sunset. Remember to apply insect repellent, as sand flies are most active at dawn and dusk.

Take the chance to book your transport or activities for the next two days.

Day 2: Adventure Day

Early risers should head to Sunrise Beach to witness the morning's golden hour. Choose one or two of these activities:

• Snorkeling or SCUBA Diving: Discover Ko Lipe's renowned underwater world. Do note that there is a diving season, you could check in with a local dive shop for accurate details.

• Island exploration: Rent a bicycle or walk around the island. Figure out which cafe is your favourite. Ours was the Elephant cafe along the main walking street. Explore the island's interior trails that bring you to Pantai Galah beach or Lipe “secret” beach.

In the evening, stroll along Walking Street for souvenir shopping, tour bookings, and dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 3: Relaxation and Departure

Dedicate your final day to relaxation and revisiting favorite spots. If you're still craving adventure, consider a boat trip to explore Tarutao National Park's surrounding islands. Ko Adang, accessible by boat from Pattaya or Sunset Beach, boasts some of the region's most pristine and secluded beaches.

For excellent snorkeling, join a day trip departing around 9:00 AM that visits spots inaccessible on your own, such as Ko Yang, Jabang, or Ko Bulu. These tours can be booked through Walking Street agencies.

Essential Tips for Ko Lipe

Seasons:

• Dry Season (November-February): Expect sunny weather, clear waters, but higher prices and crowds

• Rainy Season (May-October): Quieter island, lower prices, but afternoon showers are common. September and October see the most rainfall

Ferry Schedules: Daily ferries run at least 2 trips per day, and there's no need to book too early – a few days or weeks in advance is sufficient.

Tides: High tides can cover beaches entirely, leaving little exposed sand. Plan beach visits accordingly, and remember that snorkeling conditions are typically best during high and low tides when currents are weakest.

Transport: Walking is the most popular way to explore Ko Lipe, as the island is relatively small and easy to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance of each other.

Duration: Most visitors find 3-4 days to be the ideal length of stay, with 3 days being the minimum recommended time to fully enjoy what Ko Lipe has to offer. However, I have come across people who visited this island and never left.

Final Thoughts

Ko Lipe represents one of Thailand's last accessible paradises, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're seeking world-class diving, pristine beaches, or simply a peaceful retreat from the modern world, this "Skinny Island" delivers an unforgettable tropical experience.

Plan your route carefully, considering both cost and convenience, and remember to build flexibility into your schedule during rainy season. Most importantly, prepare to fall in love with one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting island destinations.