Where to stay on Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tiny island near the Malaysian border, surrounded by the reefs of Tarutao National Marine Park. It's small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, has no cars and is known for clear water, white sand and excellent snorkelling straight off the beach.

The island has three main beaches, linked by a pedestrian Walking Street lined with restaurants and bars. The places we list are spread across all three, from a cafe-hostel in the centre to beachfront resorts at Sunrise and Sunset beaches.

Arriving
Speedboats from Pak Bara pier, roughly 1.5 hours; in season also from Langkawi, Malaysia
Nearest airports
Hat Yai or Trang, then road to Pak Bara
Getting around
On foot or by longtail boat; there are no cars
Best season
About November to April; boat services are reduced in the monsoon

Places to stay in Koh Lipe

7 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Lipe, area by area

Pattaya Beach is in the south, Sunrise Beach on the east and Sunset Beach in the north-west. Walking Street connects Pattaya and Sunrise through the middle of the island.

Pattaya Beach and Walking Street

Best for restaurants and nightlife

Pattaya Beach is Lipe's main bay: a curve of soft sand where boats arrive in high season and beach bars light up at night. Walking Street, running inland from it, has most of the island's restaurants, dive shops and cafes.

Sunrise Beach

Best for snorkelling and sunrise views

Sunrise Beach, on the east coast, is long and wide with views across to Koh Adang. It's near the island's Chao Ley (sea gypsy) community and has good snorkelling along its northern end.

Sunset Beach and Sanom

Best for quiet evenings and sunsets

Sunset Beach (Pramong) in the north-west and Sanom Beach on the west coast are the island's quietest corners, with small resorts on the hillside and the best sunsets on Lipe.

Questions about staying in Koh Lipe

Which beach is best on Koh Lipe?

Pattaya Beach for convenience and nightlife, Sunrise Beach for snorkelling and long walks, and Sunset Beach for peace and sunsets. They're all within a 15-minute walk of each other.

How do I get to Koh Lipe?

Most travellers fly to Hat Yai or Trang, transfer by road to Pak Bara pier and take a speedboat of around 1.5 hours. In the dry season, boats also run from Langkawi in Malaysia.

Is Koh Lipe open all year?

Yes, but the monsoon from about May to October brings rough seas, fewer boats and some closures. Most people visit between November and April.

Is the snorkelling good on Koh Lipe?

Excellent. There's coral off several beaches, and longtail trips visit the reefs around Koh Adang, Koh Rawi and the smaller islands of the national park.

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