After spending over a year living in Thailand, I still get asked the same two questions. The first is, “OMG, why did you leave?” (lol, visas), and the second is, “Where was your favourite place?”
The second one isn’t as easy to answer. I have a soft spot for Bangkok because of the friends I made and the incredible food scene. I love Koh Lanta for its laid-back, local vibe and Koh Kred for its otherworldly feel, despite being just a stone’s throw from the chaos of the capital. And those places that I just mentioned? They’re not even the half of it.
But it’s impossible to explain everything and more in a sentence, so if I had to pick based on pure visuals and experience, Koh Lipe would be near the top of my list.
Koh Lipe is a small island in the southern part of Thailand’s Andaman Sea, part of the Adang Archipelago and surrounded by the protected waters of the Tarutao National Marine Park. It’s a place that, to me, felt like the Thailand I imagined before I ever set foot in the country—a little slice of paradise with white sands, clear waters, and a tight-knit community of locals, expats, and travellers who genuinely care about preserving the island’s beauty.
Arriving in Koh Lipe
Getting to Koh Lipe is an adventure in itself. After five hours on the Tigerline Ferry from Koh Lanta, I arrived at the island’s makeshift “taxi” station. Instead of a pier, Koh Lipe has a floating jetty a few metres offshore, where a fleet of longtail boats wait to shuttle new arrivals to the beach. It costs 50B (£1) to reach the shore and offers what is easily one of the most scenic taxi rides you’ll ever take—turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and powdery white sands.
Exploring Koh Lipe’s Beaches
Koh Lipe is known for its stunning beaches, each with its own vibe.
Pattaya Beach is the main arrival point, lined with beachfront bars and restaurants and is where the nightlife happens—making it a great spot for people-watching.
Sunrise Beach is true to its name. This beach is the best place to catch the sunrise. It’s a bit quieter and has some of the best snorkelling right off the shore.
Sunset Beach is perfect for a laid-back evening, with a more chilled-out vibe and, as you’d expect, stunning sunsets.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving in Koh Lipe
Given that Koh Lipe sits within a national marine park, the underwater world here is just as captivating as the beaches. I did my first-ever scuba dive here (more on that in this post!), and my instructor, Kristen, even picked up bits of rubbish from the ocean floor as we explored the coral reefs—a small but powerful reminder of the island’s commitment to sustainability. But if you’re not quite ready to strap on a tank, don’t worry! The snorkelling here is equally impressive, with vibrant coral reefs just a short swim from shore, or plenty of tour options if you want to go further out.
How to Support Eco-Friendly Businesses on Koh Lipe
Despite its growing popularity, many businesses on Koh Lipe are actively working to preserve its natural beauty. I stayed at Jack’s Jungle, an eco-conscious resort that encourages guests to recycle, conserve water, and cut down on electricity. Yes, the showers are freezing, and you may find a frog there each morning, but after a day in the sun, it wasn’t so bad!
There’s also a local initiative called Trash Heroes—a group that organises weekly beach clean-ups, hopping on longtail boats to nearby islands to collect washed-up rubbish. The community’s passion for the environment is clear, and it’s a big part of what makes Koh Lipe feel so special.
Speaking of longtail boats, they’re a fantastic way to explore the surrounding islands. These trips can take you to lesser-known snorkelling spots, hidden beaches, and quiet lagoons. Just be sure to choose a tour operator that respects the marine park’s regulations… The reefs here are stunning, but they’re also fragile.
Eating on Koh Lipe
Despite its small size, Koh Lipe has an impressive food scene, thanks to the mix of locals, expats, and travellers who call the island home. From fresh seafood BBQs on the beach to authentic Thai curries and even the odd Western comfort food, you won’t go hungry here.
Koh Lipe isn’t exactly a hidden gem these days (white sands and clear seas tend to attract a crowd!) but it hasn’t yet reached the same tourist-saturated levels as Koh Phi Phi. There’s a real sense of community here, with locals, expats, and travellers all working together to preserve the island’s charm.
So if you’re looking for a slice of paradise that still has that lesser-known charm… Koh Lipe is well worth the ferry ride.
