Koh Lipe, often referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand,” is a truly enchanting island destination renowned for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a distinctively laid-back atmosphere. Unlike more bustling Thai destinations, Koh Lipe maintains a blissful seclusion due to its remote location and the absence of an airport, meaning it is only accessible by boat. If you’re arriving from Krabi, understanding the arrival process and the best accommodation options is crucial for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
This guide provides comprehensive insights into selecting the ideal place to stay in Koh Lipe once you’ve completed your journey from Krabi, ensuring your tropical escape begins with comfort and convenience.
Your Arrival in Koh Lipe from Krabi
The journey from Krabi to Koh Lipe requires careful planning, especially during the high season (November to April) when more frequent services are available. Whether you opt for a van + speedboat combo via Pak Bara Pier (3.5-5 hours land, 1-1.5 hours sea) or a direct ferry from Krabi (5-6 hours, often with island stops), you will arrive by sea.
Upon arrival, boats typically dock at Pattaya Beach, which serves as Koh Lipe’s main arrival point. Here are some essential steps and considerations for your first moments on the island:
- National Park Fee: All visitors are required to pay a 200 THB national park fee (adults) and a 20 THB entrance fee. For children, the national park fee is 100 THB. This fee covers a 5-day stay and is often collected at Pak Bara Pier or the ferry departure point. Ensure you carry Thai Baht cash for these local fees.
- Longtail Boat Transfer: Ferries often stop at a floating pier, necessitating a transfer to a local longtail boat to reach the island itself. Have small change ready for the longtail driver.
- Hotel Pick-up: It is crucial to inform your hotel of your arrival time and arrange pick-up. Many hotels send representatives to meet guests on the beach, assist with luggage, and transport them to their accommodation via tuk-tuk.
- Local Transport: Koh Lipe is a small island, measuring only a couple of kilometers across, making it entirely walkable. However, if your accommodation is further afield or you have luggage, tuk-tuks are readily available, with a fixed fare of 50 THB per person regardless of distance. You can find them at the impromptu taxi rank near Walking Street or flag one down.
Exploring Koh Lipe’s Main Accommodation Hubs
Koh Lipe is blessed with three well-known and popular beaches: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach. Each offers a unique vibe and range of accommodation options, catering to diverse preferences.
1. Pattaya Beach: Ideal for First-Timers and Convenience
Pattaya Beach is by far the most popular area to stay in Koh Lipe and is often recommended for first-time visitors due to its convenient location. As the main arrival point, it offers easy access to and from the island with minimal travel for luggage.
- Vibe and Amenities: Pattaya Beach stretches a full kilometer in a classic crescent shape. It is the most “touristy” of Koh Lipe’s beaches, featuring a plethora of bars, restaurants, and resort hotels. It’s a stone’s throw from Walking Street, the island’s bustling hub, which offers a variety of amenities including convenience stores, massages, dive centers, and tour operators.
- Nightlife: If you’re looking for some evening vibrancy, Pattaya Beach is the place to be, with live DJs, parties, and vibrant fire shows at many resorts along the beach.
- Considerations: During high season (November to May), all boats to Koh Lipe from the mainland dock in front of Pattaya Beach, which can make it noisy and chaotic due to speedboats arriving and transferring passengers.
Accommodation on Pattaya Beach:
- Luxury Options:
- Ananya Lipe Resort: A stunning, modern hotel with spacious rooms and an awesome pool area that flows onto the beach.
- AKIRA Lipe Resort: Offers a gorgeous pool, library, kids club, restaurants, and a gym on a prime patch of beachfront.
- Charming Lipe Beach Resort: Beachfront accommodation with a terrace and restaurant, providing magnificent views.
- Chareena Beachside: Offers private beachfront bungalows and is close to many restaurant options and bars.
- Mid-Range Options:
- Zodiac Beach Resort: Located in a quieter area of Pattaya’s beachfront, with air-conditioned bungalows and breakfast included.
- Green View Beach Resort: An eco-friendly option offering a nice beach hut experience, with free snorkeling equipment and kayaks.
- Budget Options:
- The Street Hostel: Offers air-conditioned dormitory rooms on Walking Street, just a minute’s walk from Pattaya Beach.
- DAYA Beach, Lipe local: Very close to the beach, allowing for quick access to the sea upon arrival.
- Lipe Banyan Apartments: Offers private units with full sea views from the bedroom in some units, located just west of Pattaya Beach.
- Buffalo Thai Home: An affordable, clean, and simple apartment perfect for those seeking a basic, comfortable stay near the beach.
2. Sunrise Beach: Best for Families and Tranquil Mornings
Sunrise Beach is arguably one of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe, especially for families. Located on the east coast, it is undoubtedly the best beach in Koh Lipe to watch the sunrise.
- Vibe and Amenities: This beach tempts visitors with an incredibly crystal-clear turquoise sea, powdery soft white sand, and a laid-back vibe. It features a wide, shallow bay with calm water, and ample shaded areas from trees, making it ideal for children. It is generally quieter than Pattaya Beach.
- Activities: Sunrise Beach is excellent for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, offering amazing opportunities for snorkeling directly off the main beach, as well as renting kayaks or SUPs.
- Considerations: While beautiful, some sources note that it has become a “parking lot for longtail boats”, though others still describe it as “unspoiled”. Accommodation here can be pricier.
Accommodation on Sunrise Beach:
- Luxury/High-End Options:
- Ten Moons Lipe Resort: Offers gorgeous bungalows right on Sunrise Beach with fantastic sea views from huge terraces, an amazing breakfast, and staff who go above and beyond with kids. It is one of the pricier options and books out months in advance.
- Idyllic Concept Resort: A stunning, modern hotel that seamlessly flows onto the beach from its pool area, complete with loungers and an outdoor bar, perfect for relaxation.
- Serendipity Beach Resort: Recommended for honeymooners or couples, featuring elevated views and a restaurant, “On the Rocks,” with incredible vistas of the Andaman Sea.
- Mali Resort (Sunrise Beach): One of the few places on Sunrise Beach with a pool.
- Bulow Casa Grand View Resort: Located at the northernmost point of the island, offering top-class design, comfort, and a swimming pool.
- Mountain Resort Koh Lipe: Highly rated for its modern design and wonderful location, suitable for both families and couples.
- Mid-Range Options:
- Koh Lipe Castaway Resort: Popular with a younger, “hippie sort of vibe,” offering a mid-range option that is not super basic.
- Kathalee Beach Resort & Spa: A more affordable option right next door to Ten Moons, offering great sea views and comfortable rooms, with free shuttles to Walking Street.
- Lipe Power Beach Resort: Centrally located on Sunrise Beach, providing a pool and modern design without breaking the bank.
- Budget Options:
- Varin Village Koh Lipe: A great option for budget backpackers looking to save on costs while still experiencing Sunrise Beach.
- The Hideaway: Features wooden bungalows with private and dorm room options, offering a chilled and relaxed spot close to both the beach and Walking Street.
3. Sunset Beach: For Tranquility and Breathtaking Sunsets
Located on the west coast, Sunset Beach is the ideal spot from which to watch the island’s breathtaking sunsets. It’s a rockier, less developed beach with a rugged feeling.
- Vibe and Amenities: Relative to the other main beaches, it’s definitely less developed, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. It’s perfect for capturing stunning pictures during the golden hour.
- Considerations: There are not many amenities directly on the beach, so it’s advisable to bring what you need for the day. Some reports mention that rubbish tends to wash up here, and the sea is very tidal. It’s also not the easiest beach to reach, often requiring a tuk-tuk or a walk.
Accommodation on Sunset Beach:
- Luxury Options:
- Asara Private Beach Resort: Offers a private beach area, jacuzzis, and a swimming pool.
- Bayview Hill Resort: Provides wonderful views down onto the beach with a simple and elegant design, offering the option of breakfast on the beach.
- Mid-Range Options:
- Bay View Resort: Where one traveler chose to stay, overlooking Sunset Beach and providing easy access to enjoy daily sunsets and morning strolls along the coastline.
- Budget Options:
- Good Mood Resort: A budget-friendly option located just a two-minute walk from Sunset Beach, featuring large rooms with balconies.
- Adang Sea ECO-Village Sunset and Raya Resort: May offer some of the cheapest private rooms on the island, with fan-cooled rooms, balconies, and free Wi-Fi, providing access to the island’s best sunsets.
Beyond the Main Beaches: Walking Street and Secluded Spots
While the main beaches offer ample choices, other areas like Walking Street and more secluded beaches also provide unique accommodation experiences.
Walking Street: Best for Budget Travelers and Central Access
Walking Street is the best place to stay in Koh Lipe for travelers on a budget. It serves as the island’s busiest hub, focusing on budget-friendly options like hostels and backpacker accommodations rather than high-end resorts.
- Central Location: Staying on Walking Street places you centrally, with easy access to both Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach.
- Food and Vibe: It’s a great spot to enjoy authentic Thai street food, grab a cold beer, and engage in people-watching.
Accommodation on Walking Street:
- Budget Hostels:
- Bloom Cafe & Hostel: A popular choice offering spacious and clean dorm rooms, with an “epic coffee” café directly below, and just a 4-minute walk to the beach.
- Other Options:
- A Plus Deluxe Hotel: A good option for couples that offers spacious rooms in the middle of Walking Street without breaking the bank.
- The Reef Hotel & Studios: Provides a more private stay with studios, boasting a prime location close to both Sunrise and Pattaya Beaches.
Secluded Beaches: Sanom Beach and Bulow Beach
For those seeking more privacy, especially during high season when the main beaches can get busy, exploring the lesser-known beaches is recommended.
- Sanom Beach: Described as a tiny, unspoiled paradise a short walk from Pattaya Beach, offering solitude and incredibly clear water perfect for snorkeling and diving. The Sanom Beach Resort is the only place to stay here, a sustainable resort operated by one of the original Urak Lawoi inhabitants.
- Bulow Beach: A 400-meter stretch of powder-fine sand that continues from the north end of Sunrise Beach. Its unique location allows for views of both sunrise and sunset, and a view of neighboring Koh Adang. The Mountain Resort Koh Lipe is the sole accommodation on Bulow Beach.
Activities and Island Highlights
Regardless of where you choose to stay, Koh Lipe offers a range of activities to enhance your visit:
- Snorkeling and Diving: The island and its surrounding protected waters (part of Tarutao National Park) are excellent for diving and snorkeling trips. You can snorkel directly from the beach or join dedicated trips to magnificent spots like Koh Rok and Koh Ha. Beginner courses like “bubble-maker” for kids over 9 and “Discover Scuba Diving” for those over 10 are available.
- Island Boat Tours: Take an island boat tour to nearby islands such as Koh Adang.
- Relaxation: Life on Koh Lipe is largely about chilling out, eating well, and enjoying the sunshine. You’ll find a perfect balance between Western comforts and a Thai pace of life.
- Connectivity: For those working remotely, Koh Lipe generally offers good Wi-Fi connection and reception for video calls.
- Nightlife: While not a “party island” like some other Thai destinations, Koh Lipe offers some degree of nightlife without being excessively loud or busy. Expect beach bars and fire shows rather than full moon parties.
Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe
The dry season, from November to March, is considered the peak/high season and the best time to visit Koh Lipe. During this period, you can expect dry weather, low humidity, and calm seas, which are excellent for diving and swimming. More ferries and services operate during this time.
However, be aware that hotel and resort prices typically increase due to higher demand. Booking accommodation in advance is crucial, especially from November to February, to ensure availability and avoid overbooking. The shoulder season (e.g., late September and late April) can also be a good time to visit, as crowds disperse but excellent weather and diving conditions can still be expected.
Final Thoughts
The journey to Koh Lipe from Krabi, while requiring some planning, is well worth the effort for the reward of experiencing this beautiful island. Whether you prioritize convenience, family-friendly amenities, tranquility, or budget, Koh Lipe offers a range of accommodation options to suit your needs.
By considering your arrival point, preferred atmosphere, and budget, you can select the perfect base to explore Koh Lipe’s pristine beaches, exceptional snorkeling, and relaxed island charm. Pack light, embrace the laid-back vibe, and prepare to fall in love with the unparalleled beauty of Thailand’s “Maldives”.