Koh Lipe, Satun, Thailand — Hotel in Satun Province

Koh Lipe 2025: Thailand’s Maldives – A Complete Travel Guide

Koh Lipe, a small yet breathtaking island in Satun Province, remains a top tropical getaway in 2025. Known as the “Maldives of Thailand”, it offers crystal-clear waters, soft white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back island vibe. This review covers how to get to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara Pier, the best beaches, must-visit spots, and activities to make your trip unforgettable.

⸻

Getting to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara Pier

Koh Lipe is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Tarutao National Marine Park. The only way to reach it is by boat from Pak Bara Pier in Satun.

Step 1: Travel to Pak Bara Pier • From Hat Yai Airport: Take a minivan (250-300 THB, ~2 hours) directly to Pak Bara Pier. • From Hat Yai City: Take a bus or taxi (1.5-2 hours). • From Bangkok: Fly to Hat Yai, then follow the above steps.

Step 2: Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe • Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours • Price: 650 - 1,000 THB per person (depending on the boat company & season). • Departure times: Boats leave from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. • Arrival: Koh Lipe does not have a pier, so boats drop passengers at Pattaya Beach, where a longtail boat (50 THB/person) takes you to shore.

⸻

Best Beaches on Koh Lipe

Pattaya Beach (หาดพัทยา) – The Lively Main Beach • The arrival point for boats, surrounded by restaurants, beach bars, and resorts. • Perfect for swimming, beach parties, and sunset cocktails. • At night, the beach comes alive with fire shows and live music.

Sunrise Beach (หาดชาวเล) – Best for Relaxation & Snorkeling • Offers breathtaking sunrises with a calm, peaceful atmosphere. • Home to crystal-clear shallow waters, perfect for snorkeling just offshore. • The best place to see the iconic wooden longtail boats floating on turquoise waters.

Sunset Beach (หาดประมง) – Best for Quiet & Romantic Sunsets • A small and secluded beach on the west side of the island. • Ideal for watching the sunset in a quiet setting. • Fewer crowds, making it a great escape from the lively parts of the island.

⸻

Top Activities & Check-in Spots on Koh Lipe

Snorkeling & Diving – Explore the Rich Marine Life • Koh Lipe is part of Tarutao National Marine Park, offering some of Thailand’s best snorkeling and diving spots. • Best snorkeling spots: • Koh Adang & Koh Rawi – Stunning coral reefs and colorful fish. • Jabang Island – Known for its soft coral gardens in shades of pink and red. • Koh Hin Ngam – An island covered in smooth black stones, unique in Thailand.

Kayaking Around the Island • Rent a kayak (200-300 THB per hour) and explore the surrounding waters. • Paddle to Koh Usen or Koh Kra, small nearby islands with untouched beaches.

Koh Lipe Viewpoint (บนเกาะอาดัง) – Best Panoramic View • Take a longtail boat (10 minutes, ~200 THB per person) to Koh Adang. • Hike to the viewpoint (~40 minutes uphill) for the best panoramic view of Koh Lipe and the Andaman Sea.

Walking Street – Koh Lipe’s Nightlife & Shopping Hub • The main road of the island, filled with cafés, bars, souvenir shops, and street food stalls. • Must-try food: Fresh seafood BBQ, Roti (Thai pancakes), and fruit smoothies.

Bioluminescent Plankton Tour – A Magical Night Experience • At night, take a tour to see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water. • Tours cost around 500 THB per person and usually include a short boat ride.

Best Cafés & Restaurants on Koh Lipe

Elephant Café & Bar – Trendy Brunch Spot Castaway Resort & Restaurant – Best for Seaside Dinning The Steakhouse Koh Lipe – Best for Meat Lovers Bung Roon Halal Food – Authentic Southern...

One of my favorite islands so far. You kind of have everything. If you want to chill on the beach you have plenty, if u want a secluded one you take a boat and visit the islands around, if you want to have some fun you you go by the bars on the Streets some of them have live bands and you can really enjoy the time there. Diversity of the restaurant is amazing, great sunsets and sunrises, people are very nice and friendly. Just walk around and explore the island, its really worth it. And not the last, the sea is amazing, the colour, the sand,...

I had been here with my wife in May 2023, it is a really beautiful islands and the walking street is wonderful 👍🏻 and lively . Stay at sunrise beach, nice spot bad thing just boats are all around/front the beach,seawater was crystal clear Experience for food: 4/5 Snorkeling: 5/5 Price: 4/5 abit pricey because this is a small island compare to mainland (10-20% expensive than)

Summary: a nice tour overall, nothing bad 👍🏻, certainly...