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The Independent Guide to Koh Lipe

Your guide to transport, hotels and the best beaches on Koh Lipe


Koh Lipe Island

Located approximately 50km from the Tarutao National Marine Park on the Thai/Malaysian border Koh Lipe (sometimes referred to as Ko Lipe) has earned the reputation of being one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. Translating as “Paper Island”, the island is home to an array of tropical fish with around 25% of the World’s species living in the area.

Boasting 3 main beaches in addition to a number of smaller – often private – ones, Lipe offers tranquillity in addition to livelier establishments to visitors. The island’s increased tourism in recent years has resulted in a number of new developments along its coast which offers accommodation and services to match any budget. 

With increased numbers populating the island at any given time, ongoing efforts are being made to tackle any potential growing litter problem on the island – with a number of projects aimed at keeping the island clean already in existence.

The seafaring Chao Ley people were the first inhabitants of Koh Lipe and a small Chao Ley village is located on the East side of the island. Originally from Malaysia, the Chao Ley speak Rawi – a combination of Thai and Malaysian. They also share the last name of Haad Thalay (beach people). Traditionally, the Chao Ley fish the waters of neighbouring islands and still provide the delicious seafood available on the island today.



Hotels & Resorts

Accommodation For Any Budget


How To Get To Koh Lipe

Plane, Train, Bus and Boat


The Best Beaches

The Best Beaches On Koh Lipe


How to get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok

Bangkok to Koh Lipe

Bangkok to Koh Lipe The journey from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is pretty straightforward. You need to get to the pier at Pak Bara in order to catch the ferry to Koh Lipe Island. Pak Bara is the nearest Thai port to Koh Lipe and is approximately 60 km away from the island. Pak Bara is approximately … Read more
Telaga Harbour langkawai to koh lipe Ferry

Langkawi to Koh Lipe

Langkawi to Koh Lipe Quick Guide Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry Schedule 2024 This is an updated guide for ferries and speed boats between Langkawi to Koh Lipe and Koh Lipe to Langkawi for the 2024 season. The Malaysian island of Langkawi is a duty-free island situated in an archipelago made up of 99 islands in … Read more
Boat Time Table Koh Lipe. Boats leaving and coming

Ferry Timetables

All Koh Lipe Ferry Timetables In this a section we will take a look at the Koh Lipe ferry timetables for 2024. There are a number of ferry operators and they all tend to have almost identical departure and arrival times. Prices on the whole also tend to be pretty similar, the only real noticeable … Read more
Boat at Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe

how to get to koh lipe

How to get to Koh Lipe It hardly needs mentioning that Koh Lipe is an island, but it is worth noting that it is not served by an airport and that it is not possible to get there by car, bus or train. The only available options are the Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry or from Pak … Read more
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe

Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe speedboat Schedule 2024

Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe Speedboat Schedule 2024 The Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe speedboat operates during the high season only. Usually, Until around mid May 2024, several operators; (Tigerlinetravel, Saturn Pak Bara Speed boat club, and Bundhaya Speed boat) ferry passengers between the 2 islands. These are some of the same operators that run the Langkawi … Read more
Thai boat at Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe slider image

Island Hopping 2023/24

koh lipe island hopping From Koh Lipe, it is possible to travel to other islands in the region. Timetables are subject to change depending on the season and the weather. Prices and times vary between the Speed Boat and the High-Speed Ferry. In High Season, regular ferries and speed boats operate from Koh Lipe to … Read more
walking street koh lipe

Koh Lipe Walking street

Koh Lipe – Walking street Walking Street isn’t just a way of getting from A to B it has a lot to offer. It’s a relaxed place – a great hangout after the sun has disappeared. After dark is when Walking Street really gets going and there’s a good selection of restaurants that cater for … Read more
walking street koh lipe

Koh Lipe Hotels and Resorts

Koh Lipe Hotels and Resorts The amount of hotels and resorts on Koh Lipe has grown rapidly over the last few years. Tourists from all over the world have heard of the clear seas and pristine beaches that Koh Lipe has to offer. The result of the increased tourism has led to a hotel explosion … Read more
Sunset Beach Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach (Haad Pramong) Facing West, Sunset beach is the smallest of the main beaches Koh Lipe has to offer being only approximately 200m long. The beach has a lagoon that is adorned with large boulders that gallantly rise above the sand/surf. Although restaurants and accommodation are more limited here than the popular Pattaya beach, … Read more
Thai boat at Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe slider image

Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach

Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach As the name suggests, Sunrise beach offers visitors beautiful skies during the early morning. Stretching the entire length of the Eastern side of Koh Lipe, Sunrise beach is called “Haad Chao Ley” due to the Chao Ley village being located there. Protected from heavy rains and offering a cool breeze to visitors, Sunrise … Read more
Pattaya Beach at Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach The most popular beach on Koh Lipe is Pattaya beach. Located on the South side of the island it offers a lively atmosphere with an abundance of accommodation, restaurants, bars and spas nearby. Being the closest beach to Walking Street, it is very busy during High Season as the Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferries drop … Read more
Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe. One of the best beaches on Koh Lipe

The Best Beaches on Koh Lipe: Finding Your Perfect Slice of Paradise

Koh Lipe, this tiny jewel of an island in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, dazzles with an incredible variety of beaches. You won’t find a single “best” beach here; it all comes down to what you’re searching for. If you’re travelling with little ones, calm, protected waters might be your top priority. Seeking that perfect balance of … Read more
A stray dog sleeping in the sand on Koh Lipe island

Are There Too Many Dogs on Koh Lipe Island?

In Thailand, stray dogs – commonly called “soi dogs” – are seen throughout the country. These dogs often rest in the shade of local shops or inside the cool doorways of 7/11 stores enjoying some free air con. On the island of Koh Lipe, known for its beautiful beaches, soi dogs have also made themselves … Read more

Koh Lipe or Langkawi?

Koh Lipe or Langkawi? Are you looking to decide between Koh lipe or Langkawi? I have often been asked to choose between Koh Lipe island or Langkawi as a preferred destination, however, it isn’t a straight forward choice, both islands are well worth a visit. I have visited both places on numerous occasions and if you have … Read more
A sunset on Koh Lipe island

The 8 Best Hotels on Koh Lipe Island

The 8 Best Hotels on Koh Lipe Island – 2022/2023 Over the last few years koh Lipe Island has seen an increase number of visitors both in the low season and the High season. Tourism has led to a number of new hotels and resorts being developed across the island. Many of these new hotels and resorts … Read more