Koh Lipe, Lesser-Known But No Less Amazing

Koh Lipe is a very small, but perfectly formed island in the Andaman Sea in Satun province, close to Malaysian border.  

The island is on the border of the Tarutao National Marine Park.  To get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok, you have to catch a flight to Hat Yai (1.5 hours), then take a minibus or taxi to Pak Barra pier (about 2 hours). From the pier, transfer to a speedboat to Lipe which takes a little over an hour.

Beaches

The island has three stunningly beautiful sandy beaches:  Sunset beach, Sunrise beach and Pattaya beach.  Accommodation ranges from basic bungalows to air-conditioned villas. You can walk around the entire island in just over an hour.  The best time to go is from November until May.  Low season (May - October) tends to be rainy and best avoided.

The island is surrounded by crystal clear water and white, soft sand.   Koh Lipe, and it neighboring islands are great for snorkeling, with a large variety of fish and corals that can be seen just a few meters off the shore.

Eating & Shopping

There is a "Walking Street" where most businesses open in the evening until late.  You'll find restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, massage parlours and convenient stores.  More businesses and hotels are under construction.  So, while the island is still not overly developed (no 7Eleven and ATM yet), the sooner you go the better.

This small island does not have any gay scene, however you will be amazed to find so many ladyboy waitresses, especially at the resort we stayed at - Bundhaya Resort.  With at least a dozen ladyboys, this resort (and the entire island) is as gay-friendly as it gets!

Of course, when gay boys converse with lady-boys, hilarity ensues.  There is plenty of eye candy to keep your mind and whatnot busy!

Accommodation

Our top hotel recommendations on Koh Lipe are:

Alternatively, you can click here to search all hotels on Koh Lipe.