This is Not the Maldives; It’s Koh Lipe, Thailand!

Koh Lipe, located off the southern coast of Thailand, is renowned for its stunning islands and beaches, home to 25% of the world’s fish species, corals, and shells. True to its name “Lipe,” this island is filled with endless secrets waiting to be discovered. With its emerald green waters, Koh Lipe is easily accessible from Malaysia’s Langkawi Island—comfortably, quickly, and safely. It is considered one of the most beautiful diving destinations in both Malaysia and Thailand, rivaling the Maldives in beauty, leaving visitors in awe.

If you’re planning a trip to Koh Lipe, be sure to save this article! There’s no need for additional research as we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide for you. All you need to do is focus on enjoying your time on Koh Lipe.

Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe

The weather and temperature on Koh Lipe remain relatively consistent throughout the year. It’s generally hot and sunny, making it an ideal travel destination. The best months to visit are from mid-October to mid-May. Despite the heat, Koh Lipe maintains a comfortable, dry, and moderate climate similar to the unique atmosphere of the Maldives in the Andaman Sea!

Getting to Koh Lipe

• From Kuala Lumpur: Take a flight to Langkawi International Airport.
• From Wings by Croske Resort Langkawi: Register at the hotel’s tour desk and use the complimentary airport shuttle service to Telaga Harbour Terminal (approx. 15 minutes). From there, take a speedboat to Koh Lipe’s Pattaya Beach (approx. 1 hour).
• From Satun or Phuket, Thailand: Take a speedboat to Koh Lipe’s Pattaya Beach (approx. 5 hours).

The ideal itinerary would be to stay a night at Wings by Croske Resort Langkawi, the only 4-star hotel linked to Langkawi International Airport. Remember to book your boat ticket at hotel Koh Lipe Tour Desk.

After breakfast the next morning, head to the hotel’s Koh Lipe tour desk and register for the trip. It’s just a 15-minute drive to the terminal, and then a 1-hour speedboat ride to reach Koh Lipe.

Hotel guests who booked boat ticket at hotel tour desk can book the complimentary shuttle service (subject to season availability), which avoids unnecessary hassles and saves a lot of time.

Subject to season availability, You can choose the free shuttle or opt for different types and sizes of vehicles to suit your needs—from 3-seater sedans to 8-seater vans, and even 40-seater coaches are available. Non-hotel guests who booked ticket at hotel can also register at the hotel’s Koh Lipe tour desk in advance to ensure they don’t miss out on their trip.

Exploring Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is relatively small and can be easily explored on foot. Typically, speedboats depart from Pattaya Pier daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to nearby islands. Be sure to plan your itinerary and book your tickets in advance to avoid missing the last boat of the day!

Where to Stay on Koh Lipe?

Regardless of your budget, Koh Lipe offers a variety of accommodation options! From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious bungalows, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in this tropical paradise.

Many travelers prefer staying on Koh Lipe to plan their activities, but you can also choose to stay on other quieter nearby islands with private resorts, away from the crowds.

Top Things to Do on Koh Lipe

Diving

Koh Lipe boasts some of the world’s most beautiful dive spots, allowing diving enthusiasts to swim alongside gentle sea turtles, sharks, colorful corals, and various enchanting marine creatures.

Note: Although Koh Lipe is one of the most popular diving islands, to protect the coral and natural ecosystem, certain islands require a diving permit. These permits are limited daily, so make sure to plan and apply early to avoid disappointment.
Don’t have a diving license but want to explore the underwater world? Book a Sea Walking Experience through Andaman Secrets Vacation and get up close with stunning marine life under the guidance of a professional in a safe environment!

Obtain Your PADI Diving License

It would be a shame to visit Koh Lipe’s beautiful dive spots without exploring its underwater wonders. If you don’t have a diving license yet, seize this opportunity to get one! Book the PADI Open Water Diver Course (for beginners) or an Advanced Open Water Course, and explore the mysteries beneath the waves under the guidance of a certified instructor. This package includes license fees, study materials, professional diving equipment, boat fees, and lunch.

Snorkeling and Island Hopping

If diving isn’t your thing, you can still explore the beautiful coral reefs and marine life through snorkeling! Just hop on a speedboat and head to your chosen island, spending a fun-filled day in the water.

My personal favorite snorkeling spots on Koh Lipe include Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, Koh Adang, Koh Tarutao, and Hin Ngam. To experience a hassle-free snorkeling trip, ensure you book your island-hopping or snorkeling package through Andaman Secrets Vacation, which includes transfers, all necessary equipment, professional guides, and lunch.

Meet the Urak Lawoi Community

When HRH Princess Sirindhorn visited Koh Lipe, she bestowed the Han Thale surname to the islanders. The Urak Lawoi people have a rich cultural heritage, including the “Per La Chak” floating ceremony, held twice a year during the sixth lunar month (May) and twelfth lunar month (November).

Relax in a Secluded Resort

Plan to leave some time to unwind on the beach and soak up the sun. While Koh Lipe is perfect for underwater adventures, it’s also great for just relaxing and doing nothing at all. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, consider booking a tranquil, beautiful resort where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. You can book your ideal package through Andaman Secrets Vacation and experience a unique Andaman getaway that rivals the Maldives.

Discover Hidden Beaches

Koh Lipe and its surrounding islands are filled with beautiful, secluded tropical beaches that feel like paradise. Head west from Pattaya Beach along the coast and follow a wooden boardwalk to Sanom Beach Lipe Resort. Here, you’ll find a hidden, private beach (outsiders are generally not welcome, but a quick photo is okay) with stunning scenery.

Is It Safe to Visit Koh Lipe?

The short answer is, yes, it’s safe! Given its proximity to Malaysia, the journey from Thailand to Koh Lipe takes five times longer. The safety of the island is a shared responsibility of both governments. In addition to thorough patrols focused on tourist hotspots and popular islands, local tour companies and island residents take pride in serving visitors and have established a community patrol to ensure the safety and environmental protection of Koh Lipe’s coastline.

Increased patrols in the area ensure that tourists can explore Koh Lipe without worry—so go ahead and enjoy your adventure!

Plan Your Andaman Adventure with Andaman Secrets Vacation!

Langkawi Island is the jewel of Malaysia’s Kedah state, and Koh Lipe is Thailand’s version of the Maldives—a beautiful hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you’re planning to visit Koh Lipe or Langkawi, make sure you book essential travel services, including day tours, airport transfers, car rentals, and unique experiences, through Andaman Secrets Vacation for a worry-free adventure. Contact: tour@andamansecrets.com or visit andamansecrets.com for more details.