Koh Lipe is an L-shaped island located in the province of Satun, in Southern Thailand. The island’s first and current inhabitants are the Urak Lawoi’ people. Koh Lipe is comprised of three major beaches: Pattaya, Sunrise and Sunset.
The only way through Koh Lipe is by sea. Take note of their low and peak seasons because rates go down and up during these times. High season is from November to early May. Peak season is mid-December to February. Make sure to book early because hotels are usually fully booked during the high season months. If you prefer some peace and quiet with minimal crowds, then the off season is your best bet.
As for accommodation, you can choose from cottages, bungalows and four-star hotels. If you want to relax, hotels located at Sunrise Beach are best. If you’d rather be at the centre of the party scene, hotels on Pattaya Beach are the answer. There are few ATM machines around Koh Lipe, so make sure that you bring enough cash for your stay. There are no taxis in the area and motorcycles are very limited and not for rent, so brace yourself for walking and cycling. Koh Lipe is a small island and almost everything can be reached by walking.
1. Go snorkelling at 8 Mile Rock
The most famous dive site in Koh Lipe is 8 Mile Rock. It is 75 minutes away from the island by boat. The chance of an encounter with a whale shark is pretty high. You will also be swimming with seahorses, ghost pipefishes, frogfish, schools of trevallies and more. Be amazed by these colourful and exotic water creatures.
Andaman Adventures
Address: Andaman Sky, Co., Ltd, 454/2 Moo 1, Ao Nang, Thailand
Website: Andaman Adventures Packages
2. Yong Hua Shipwreck
Ever since an onboard fire caused a fishing vessel to sink in the 1990s, this shipwreck (said to be haunted) remains a popular dive site. Regardless of it being haunted or not, you shouldn’t miss the site’s colorful fish and coral reefs that look like they’re waving for you to come closer. Warning: currents here are very strong.
Davy Jones Locker.Co.Ltd
Address: 323 Moo 7,Pattaya Beach,Koh Lipe, Satun, 9100 THAILAND
Website: Yong Hua Shipwreck
3. Sting Ray City/ Ko Butang
Sting Ray city is part of a group of islands around Koh Lipe. This dive spot, unlike 8 Mile Rock and Yong Hua Shipwreck, has a gentle current. Upon arrival on the island, you will encounter a plethora of birds and other wildlife. This is also a good snorkelling spot due to its steep drop-offs, shallow coral reefs, and the blue spotted stingrays that are very visible here.
Forra Diving Resort
Address: Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe Island
Website: Forra Diving Resort
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4. Hin Takorn Dukong
This dive site is a boulder-like structure that rises from the seabed. It is between Koh Lipe and Koh Adang and is up to 18m to 20m deep. Usually divers train here because of its topography, which has a shallow and a deep side. As you go deeper, you’ll encounter snake ills, lion fish, stone fish, squid and more.
Andaman Adventures
Address: Andaman Sky, Co., Ltd, 454/2 Moo 1, Ao Nang, Thailand
Website: Andaman Adventures Packages
5. Stone Henge
Five minutes away from the main island is the Stone Henge diving spot, a home to many damselfish, basslets of many colours, small reef fish and other marine life. All diving spots are a delight to the eyes but for the photography enthusiast, this is a real treat.
This dive spot has distinct attractions:
1. The east side, which is a slope full of boulders.
2. The area with colourful sponges, which is food for the angel and butterfly fish.
3. The sandy area where small coral bommies and pipefish thrive.
4. The centre has monoliths that rise up close to the surface at around 2m deep, making it reminiscent of Stonehenge in England.
Paradise Tours Koh Lipe
Address: Ko Tarutao, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91110, Thailand
Website: Paradise Tours Koh Lipe
6. Shop & dine on the walking street
Editor’s note: this establishment is temporarily closed, please check their website for updates
Koh Lipe’s walking street stretches from Pattaya Beach to the centre of the island. The whole street is packed cafés, bars, massage parlours, convenience stores, souvenir shops and guesthouses. It opens around 6pm and closes at midnight and during this time the place is a hub of tourist shopping, dining, partying and relaxing. In the morning, most establishments are closed but there are still a few that open to accommodate those tourists who prefer smaller crowds.
La Costa by L'Italiano
Address: Beach road Soi 12, Pattaya
Facebook: La Costa by L'Italiano
Nang Nual Pattaya
Address: 214 M.10 Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand
Website: Nang Nual Pattaya
7. Nightlife in Koh Lipe
You can never run out of things to do in Ko Lipe; even at night, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. For a livelier night, you can go to the bars located along the shores of Pattaya Beach. Most bars here are made of bamboo and driftwood. Lights are everywhere and soft music is playing and gets more hip as the night rolls on. Along the beach, there are fire dancers who give shows to entertain tourists.
Horizon Rooftop Bar and Restaurant at Hilton Pattaya Hotel
Address: 333/101 Beach Road, Moo 9 Nong Prue Banglamung, Pattaya, Chonburi, 20260 Pattaya Central, Thailand
Website: Horizon Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
Hard Rock Café in Pattaya
Address: 429 Moo 9 Pattaya Beach Road Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand
Website: Hard Rock Cafe
8. Kayaking to Koh Usen and Koh Kra
Koh Usen and Koh Kra are two inhabited islands near Sunrise Beach. The waters are so calm that even children can navigate it with ease. Pack your picnic basket with treats so you can lounge the day away on the shore without worries. Renting a kayak here is per hour. For the first hour, it will cost you 200 THB or 5.98 USD. Beyond that, the cost is 100 to 50 THB (1.50-2.99 USD) per hour.
Coco Beach Resort
Address: 248 moo 7 T. Koh Sarai A. Muang Satun 91110
Website: Kayaking at Koh Lipe
9. Chill at Pattaya Beach
Pattaya is Koh Lipe’s most known beach. Tourists often flock to this part of the island seeking relaxation, water activities and parties until dawn. But, sometimes you just want to relax and soak up the sun. There are also a lot of bars, cafés and restaurants with which to indulge your seafood cravings while people watching.
10. Yoga at Castaway Resort
After a tiring, yet fulfilling day at the beach, you can have a massage at the Castaway Resort. This resort is located on Sunrise Beach and has a bohemian vibe that caters to all tourists. They also offer yoga for all levels. Sessions usually cost 400 THB (11.96 USD).
Yoga at Castaway Resort
Address: 1065 Moo 2 PakNam, Langu, 91110 Ko Lipe, Thailand
Website: Yoga at Castaway Resort
Still don't know what to do in Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe offers diverse activities that can be enjoyed by anyone. If you want a little rest and relaxation, then Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach are for you. If you want adventure and partying, then reserve as soon as possible at one of Pattaya’s array of resorts.
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