Where to stay on Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is Thailand's southernmost island resort, a small, hilly island in Satun province just north of the Malaysian border. It sits on the edge of Tarutao National Marine Park, looking across a narrow channel to the forested peaks of Koh Adang, and the clear water and reefs around it are the reason most people make the long journey.

Lipe is tiny, only a few kilometres across, and there are no cars to speak of. You can walk between the three main beaches, which is a big part of its charm: snorkelling in the morning, a seafood dinner on Walking Street and a sunset drink without ever needing transport. The island is also home to an Urak Lawoi community, one of the Andaman coast's sea-nomad peoples, known in Thai as Chao Ley.

The places listed here are mostly small: homestays, simple resorts and a few hotels, spread around Pattaya Beach, the island centre and Sunrise Beach. Filter them by area and type below, or read the area guide first.

Getting there
Speedboats from Pak Bara pier in Satun, plus seasonal boats from Langkawi and islands further north
Nearest airports
Hat Yai (HDY) and Trang (TST) in Thailand, or Langkawi (LGK) in Malaysia
Getting around
On foot, motorbike taxis with sidecars, and longtail boats
Wettest months
Usually May to October, when many businesses close

Places to stay in Koh Lipe

7 hotels

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

Where to stay on Koh Lipe, area by area

Pattaya Beach curves along the south coast, Sunrise Beach faces east towards Koh Adang, and Sunset Beach is a small cove on the north-west side. Walking Street cuts across the middle of the island between Pattaya and Sunrise, so nowhere is more than a short walk from the action.

Pattaya Beach

Best for boat arrivals and beachfront dining

The long, sheltered bay on the south coast is Lipe's main beach and its front door: in the high season most boats drop passengers here, and Thai immigration for travellers arriving from Langkawi is on this beach. The sand is lined with resorts, dive shops and restaurants that set out tables and seafood barbecues on the beach in the evening.

It's the liveliest part of the island, with plenty of longtails moored offshore. Stay here if you want the beach and the restaurants on your doorstep and don't mind some bustle.

Walking Street & the island centre

Best for budget stays and eating out on foot

Walking Street is the island's main thoroughfare, a narrow, mostly car-free lane running inland from Pattaya Beach towards Sunrise Beach. It's packed with cafés, bars, massage shops, convenience stores, tour desks and seafood stalls, and it fills up after dark.

Many of Lipe's homestays and budget rooms are on or just off it. You give up a sea view, but both Pattaya and Sunrise beaches are usually within a short walk, and you're in the middle of everything for dinner.

Sunrise Beach & Chao Ley

Best for swimming, snorkelling and views of Koh Adang

On the east coast, Sunrise Beach looks straight across the channel to the jungle-covered hills of Koh Adang. The water is good for swimming and snorkelling, and the beach is generally considered better sheltered than Pattaya during the wetter months. The Chao Ley village, home to the island's Urak Lawoi community, is close by.

There's a good spread of bungalows and resorts here, and longtail boats wait on the beach for trips to Koh Adang and the nearby snorkelling spots.

Sunset Beach & the north-west

Best for a quiet hideaway

On the far side of the island, Sunset Beach is a small, rocky-edged cove with a handful of bungalows and laid-back bars, reached by a path through the trees from the centre. As the name says, it's where people gather to watch the sun go down.

It's the quietest place to stay on Lipe, though the walk back from Walking Street is longer and darker at night.

Questions about staying in Koh Lipe

How do I get to Koh Lipe?

Most travellers fly to Hat Yai or Trang, transfer by road to Pak Bara pier in Satun and take a speedboat, which usually takes around an hour and a half. In the high season there are also boats from Langkawi in Malaysia and from islands further north such as Koh Lanta. Services are reduced in the wet season, so check timetables before you travel.

Which part of Koh Lipe is best to stay in?

Pattaya Beach suits most first-time visitors, with restaurants and boats on the sand. Sunrise Beach is a little calmer and better for snorkelling, Walking Street is the best area for cheaper rooms, and Sunset Beach is the quietest.

Are there cars on Koh Lipe?

Not really. People walk, and motorbike taxis with sidecars carry luggage and passengers along the few concrete paths. Longtail boats link the beaches and nearby islands.

Is there a national park fee on Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe lies within the Tarutao National Marine Park area, and a park entrance fee is usually collected from foreign visitors on arrival. The amount can change, so check before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe?

The dry season, roughly November to April, has the calmest seas, the clearest water and the most boat connections. From about May to October the monsoon brings rain and rougher crossings, and many restaurants and resorts close for the season.

Should I bring cash to Koh Lipe?

Yes. There are a few cash machines on the island, but they can run out and fees are high, and many small businesses only take cash.

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