Thailand is a country with many beautiful places to visit, but one of the most stunning and charming islands is Koh Lipe. Located in the Andaman Sea near the border with Malaysia, Koh Lipe is a paradise for travellers looking for an unforgettable and enjoyable time. Here are seven reasons why you should visit Koh Lipe and experience its magic.
I have been lucky enough to visit Koh Lipe 4 times and I absolutely love this island and the natural beauty that surrounds Koh Lipe. Of course, Koh Lipe is not without its shortcomings, which I will write about at the end of this article.
Koh Lipe is a popular holiday destination for both foreigners and locals. Therefore, the number of holidaymakers on the island increases significantly on weekends and on Thai public holidays.
Why do these tourists go to Koh Lipe when there are so many alternatives in Thailand? There are many reasons. I'll tell you about Koh Lipe's seven main tourist attractions.
Hotels on Koh Lipe Things to Do on Koh Lipe Ferries and speedboats to Koh Lipe
1. The stunning seascapes of Koh Lipe
One of the main attractions of Koh Lipe is its stunning seascapes. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters that reflect the blue sky and green hills. You can admire the views from the shore or take a kayak around the island and see the different shades of turquoise and azure.
You can also visit the nearby islands, such as Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Hin Ngam, each with their own unique features and landscapes..
2. Rich underwater world
If you love snorkelling or diving, you will be amazed by the rich underwater world of Koh Lipe. The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which protects the coral reefs and marine life in the area. You can see colourful fish, sea turtles, rays, starfish, coral and even dolphins and sharks if you're lucky.
There are many places to go snorkelling or diving, but the most interesting ones are near the nearby islands. You can get there by long-tail boats.
3. The snow-white sand and turquoise water of Koh Lipe's beaches
Another reason to visit Koh Lipe is its beautiful beaches. There are three main beaches on the island: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Each beach has its own charm and atmosphere:
- Pattaya Beach - soft white sand and clear turquoise water,
- Sunrise Beach has an incredibly beautiful seascape and great swimming on the northern point of the beach.
On Koh Lipe you can relax on the beach, swim in the sea or enjoy various activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling or paddle boarding.
Nice hotels to stay on Pattaya beach:
- Mali Resort 3* (can be booked on booking.com or agoda.com),
- Bunbhaya Villas 4* (can be booked on booking.com or agoda.com).
Nice hotels to stay on Sunrise beach:
- Wapi Resort 3* (зcan be booked on booking.com or agoda.com),
- Idyllic Concept Resort 4* (can be booked on booking.com or agoda.com).
4. Beautiful sunrises and unforgettable sunsets on Koh Lipe island
Koh Lipe is also renowned for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Depending on which beach you choose, you can watch the sun rise or set over the horizon, creating a stunning display of colour and light.
- Sunrise Beach is the best place to watch the sunrise,
- Sunset Beach is considered the best place to see the sunset, but in my opinion the sunset views are better at the northern edge of Sunrise Beach.
5. Koh Lipe beach bars with the sea splashes at your feet
If you are looking for some fun and entertainment on Koh Lipe, visit one of the beach bars where you can drink, dance and meet other travellers and locals.
Many bars are located right on the beach, so you can feel the sea lapping at your feet while you enjoy your favourite drink or listen to live music.
6. Lunch or dinner at a restaurant with stunning views of the sea and neighbouring islands
Another way to enjoy the beauty of Koh Lipe is to have lunch or dinner at a restaurant with stunning views of the sea and neighbouring islands. There are many restaurants on Koh Lipe that offer delicious Thai and international cuisine as well as stunning scenery.
One of the best restaurants on Koh Lipe is the Serendipity Beach Resort Restaurant.
The restaurant is situated on a cliff at the southern end of Sunrise Beach at the Serendipity Beach Resort . The restaurant is open from 12 noon to 21:30, drinks are served from 10:00 to 22:00. Prices are reasonable and the food is delicious.
If you want to wake up in a room with a beautiful view of the sea, then you should stay at the Serendipity Beach Resort (you can book the room on booking.com or agoda.com).
7. Wide variety of seafood in restaurants and cafes
If you are a seafood lover, you will be delighted with the variety of seafood available in Koh Lipe's restaurants and cafes.
You can find fresh fish, prawns, crab, squid, lobster, scallops and more in a variety of dishes such as grilled seafood platter, tom yum soup, pad thai or seafood salad.
Weaknesses of Koh Lipe and what to be prepared for
Disappointment awaits those who are unaware of the shortcomings of the place they are visiting.
- The island of Koh Lipe is rapidly gaining in popularity and with the growing flow of tourists come some weaknesses. There is too much rubbish for the local authorities to deal with.
- A large number of boats crowding the beaches (especially Sunrise and Pattaya beaches).
- There are many large and sometimes aggressive dogs. So be careful.
- Prices on Koh Lipe are higher than elsewhere in Thailand.
- The service in many hotels is lower than expected (due to a lack of experienced and qualified staff) and choosing a hotel on Koh Lipe should be done with special care.
The natural disadvantage of Koh Lipe is the tides. At high tide most of the beaches are under water and there's nowhere to sunbathe, and at low tide the water is so shallow that it's impossible to swim.
The only place on Lipe Island where you can sunbathe and swim at almost any time is the northern part of Sunrise Beach.
Now that you know all pros and cons of Koh Lipe, you can choose the right hotel and organise your stay on the island to make sure you have great memories of your tropical holiday.
Hotels on Koh Lipe Interesting Tours Ferries and speedboats to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a destination that will make you fall in love with its beauty, charm and diversity. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, enjoy the views, have fun at night or enjoy delicious seafood, you will find something to suit your taste and mood on this island. Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of Thailand's most amazing islands for an unforgettable experience.
