Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tranquil island in Thailand's Andaman Sea, celebrated for its clear turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. It offers a relaxed tropical escape within the Tarutao Marine National Park.

  <p>The primary social hub is Walking Street, a lively avenue bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops, particularly active in the evenings.  Along Pattaya Beach, visitors find a selection of bars for evening enjoyment, while Sunrise Beach features beachfront bars like Zodiac Bar, known for its laid-back day atmosphere transitioning into a party scene at night, including Full Moon parties. </p>

Top 5 Things to do in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe offers a range of water-based adventures, from exploring vibrant underwater worlds to tranquil beach relaxation, complemented by evening strolls and breathtaking island vistas.

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          <h3>1. Island Hopping and Snorkeling Tour</h3>
          <p>Embark on a traditional longtail boat journey to explore the stunning Tarutao Marine National Park. These tours typically visit multiple islands like Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and the unique black-stone beach of Koh Hin Ngam, providing exceptional opportunities to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Most tours include lunch and drinks, allowing for a full day of immersion in the Andaman Sea's beauty. Look for tours focusing on either the Inner or Far Islands zones, as they offer different snorkeling highlights.</p>
              <p><strong>Cost:</strong> Group tours typically range from 600-850 THB per person, usually including snorkel gear, lunch, and water. A private longtail boat can be chartered from approximately 1,500 THB for 1-6 people for an Inner Islands trip, or up to 4,900 THB for 7-8 people on a more extensive route. Note that National Park fees (200 THB per person, valid for 5 days) are often excluded from tour prices and must be paid upon arrival to Koh Lipe or before the tour. </p>
              <p><strong>Transport:</strong> Tours depart from various points on Koh Lipe, often from Sunrise Beach or Pattaya Beach. Many tour operators have offices along Walking Street where you can book. Getting to the departure point on the island is usually walkable, or a motorbike taxi costs 100 THB. </p>
              
         
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          <h3>2. Scuba Diving or Discover Scuba Diving</h3>
          <p>Plunge into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Koh Lipe, renowned for some of Thailand's healthiest coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. Certified divers can enjoy fun dives at various sites, encountering a multitude of fish species and potentially turtles. For those without prior experience, a 'Discover Scuba Diving' program allows beginners to experience diving under the close supervision of a professional instructor, often reaching depths of up to 12 meters. This offers a glimpse into an incredible underwater world. Reputable dive centers are abundant on the island, particularly around Pattaya and Sunrise Beaches. </p>
              <p><strong>Cost:</strong> A 'Discover Scuba Diving' experience for beginners typically costs around 2,500-5,200 THB. For certified divers, a single fun dive is approximately 1,500-1,600 THB, while two dives on one trip cost about 2,800-3,000 THB. PADI Open Water Diver courses are around 14,500 THB. National Park fees are usually separate. </p>
              <p><strong>Transport:</strong> Dive shops are conveniently located along Walking Street and on Pattaya and Sunrise Beaches. Most shops include boat transport to dive sites as part of the package. The island is small and walkable, or a motorbike taxi costs 100 THB. </p>
              
         
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          <h3>3. Kayaking to Nearby Islets</h3>
          <p>Rent a kayak to paddle independently to small, uninhabited islets located just off Koh Lipe's main beaches. From Sunrise Beach, you can easily reach Koh Usen and Koh Kra, which offer excellent shallow-water snorkeling directly from your kayak. This provides a sense of discovery and a chance to find your own secluded patch of paradise for swimming and sunbathing away from the main crowds. </p>
              <p><strong>Cost:</strong> Kayak rentals typically cost 150-250 THB per hour, or around 350-500 THB for a full day, often including life jackets. Snorkel equipment may be rented separately for about 150 THB per set. </p>
              <p><strong>Transport:</strong> Kayaks are available for rent directly from vendors and resorts on Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach. The islets are a short paddle away, making it a self-served activity. </p>
              
         
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          <h3>4. Hike to Koh Adang Viewpoint</h3>
          <p>For those seeking a more active pursuit and incredible panoramic views, take a short longtail boat ride to the larger, undeveloped island of Koh Adang. A well-marked trail leads to three viewpoints, with the highest offering a stunning bird's-eye perspective of Koh Lipe and its surrounding turquoise waters. The hike usually takes about 30-40 minutes each way, mostly shaded, providing a rewarding experience and excellent photo opportunities. </p>
              <p><strong>Cost:</strong> A longtail boat taxi to Koh Adang typically costs 200 THB per person for a one-way trip, so 400 THB for a round trip. The Tarutao National Marine Park fee (200 THB, paid upon arrival to Koh Lipe) is also required for entry to Koh Adang. </p>
              <p><strong>Transport:</strong> Longtail boats to Koh Adang can be hired from Sunset Beach or other main beaches. It is a quick 20-minute boat ride. </p>
              
         
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          <h3>5. Explore Walking Street</h3>
          <p>As the island's bustling center, Walking Street offers a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. This pedestrian avenue stretches from Pattaya Beach towards Sunrise Beach and is lined with an array of restaurants, cafes, bars, massage parlors, and shops. It is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, sample local Thai dishes, find souvenirs, or simply soak in the island's social pulse. Many establishments offer live music and fire shows as the night progresses. </p>
              <p><strong>Cost:</strong> Costs vary widely depending on choices, from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants and bars. A foot massage can be found for around 200 THB per hour. </p>
              <p><strong>Transport:</strong> Walking Street is centrally located and easily walkable from any of the main beaches. Motorbike taxis are available for 100 THB if needed. </p>
              
         
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Check out our other pages on Koh Lipe

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