This is a small island from the Adang Rawi archipelago of Satun province in southern Thailand, located only 60 km from the mainland. There are several options to get to this beautiful place, depending on where you are and what time of year you plan to travel.

Conventionally, the calendar year on Koh Lipe is divided into three parts: peak season (from early December to late February), high season (from early November to mid-May) and low season (from mid-May to early November). During the peak and high season, Koh Lipe can be reached from various resorts in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea: Phuket, Phi Phi, Lanta and other small islands nearby. In low season there is only one option - through the Pakbara pier.

In addition, you can get to Koh Lipe from the Malaysian island of Langkawi, located 30 km away. During the low season, the border checkpoint on Koh Lipe is closed and therefore you need to travel through the administrative center - the city of Satun to pass customs control, then go to Pakbara pier.

The easiest way to get to Koh Lipe

The island of Koh Lipe has become so popular that you can now get to it in a very simple way - just buy a combined ticket: flight + minibus + speedboat. Nok Air has had this service for a relatively long time, and Air Asia recently introduced it. You need to choose the island of Koh Lipe as your destination and then you can relax - you will be met everywhere and put in the right transport.

The cost of a complex ticket, plus or minus, is the same as if you buy everything separately. Just remember the following: the earlier you buy such tickets, the cheaper they will be. Cheap airfares from these companies sell out quickly.

If we talk about numbers, a complex ticket from Bangkok to Koh Lipe by plane + minivan + speedboat will cost from 2,000 baht.

How to get to Pakbara

To get to Pakbara by ground transport, you will need an approximate amount of time from: Hat Yai - 2 hours, Trang - 2 hours, Satun - 1 hour, Krabi - 4 hours. If you arrive at airports (Trang, Krabi), then you should allow extra time for the road. In addition, take into account the slowness and unpunctuality of Thais; transport delays in Thailand are very common.

If you are traveling from to the pier in Pakbara you have the following options:

1) Taxi from Hat Yai airport directly to Pakbara (1500-2000 baht).

2) Tuk-tuk (within 100 baht) or taxi to Hat Yai bus station (within 300 baht), from where minivans go to Pakbara (within 200 baht). The tuk-tuk parking lot is located next to the exit from the airport; it is best to ask on the spot so they can show you where to go. Don't forget to tell/ask the driver "bus station to Pakbara", which means the bus station to Pakbara. It may wait until it's filled with people, so you'll have to figure it out on the spot.

3) Buy a minibus + speedboat transfer to Koh Lipe at Hat Yai airport (1000 baht).

How to get to Koh Lipe from Pakbara

If you got to Pakbara using one of the following methods, but did not buy tickets for a ferry or speedboat to Koh Lipe, then you need to buy a ticket from one of the many agencies. Prices for transport are approximately the same for everyone and amount to 600-650 baht, but it’s worth walking around - there are special offers.

Buying a ticket to Ferry (relatively slow transport and travel time 2:30 instead of 1:30 for speedboats) does not make sense, since the cost is equal to speedboats. If you are not limited in travel time or the trip has flexible dates, then it is not necessary to take return tickets, prices at numerous agencies on Koh Lipe are the same, and during our vacation we even saw special offers for 400 baht.

Should be considered, all of the above applies to high and peak seasons in Koh Lipe.

During the low season, you will most likely have to take a taxi to Pakbara and use the speedboat flight at 11-11:30. If you are late, you will have to spend the night in one of the local hotels.

Additional fees on the way to Koh Lipe

1) Entrance to the pier Pakbari costs 20 baht. It’s not clear what the fee is for, it seems to be some kind of environmental fee.

2) There is no pier on Koh Lipe, so ferries and speedboats moor at a floating platform, from where “kind” longboat drivers will take you to the beach for 50 baht. In theory, to the beach that you say, but most likely they will take you to the nearest one - Pattaya Beach, from where you will have to get there on your own. Some hotels greet you with signs. Likewise, you will be charged 50 baht when you leave the island.

I must admit, everything is well organized, everyone is trying to help, don’t hesitate to ask. Koh Lipe seemed like an extremely friendly place.

What to consider to successfully get to Koh Lipe

1) The schedule is subject to seasonality, many of the flights from mid-May to the end of October (low season) are not available.

2) The schedule may change, it is necessary to clarify it either on site or through the contacts indicated on the carriers’ websites.

3) Transport may be delayed/break down, last flights may be cancelled, so to be completely sure, it is better to focus on the first boats of the companies.

4) The rapid development of tourism on the island - a lot of new things for last years. And most likely it will become easier and cheaper to get to Koh Lipe.

This one can be called one of the most beautiful. This article will tell you about one amazing corner of the Earth. This place is the island of Koh Lipe (Thailand). Sights, recreational features and reviews will be presented below in this article.

The presented island is developing quite quickly, due to the desire to meet the demands of growing tourism in these amazingly beautiful and warm places. Therefore, certain global problems: an increase in the volume of garbage, the likelihood of a decrease in the diversity of animal populations. Today, serious projects are being developed, the main goal of which is to preserve the island of Koh Lipe in its pure, pristine form.

Koh Lipe (Thailand): general information

This is a small island of the Adang Ravi archipelago, located in the Adaman Sea. Koh Lipe is located in Setun Province, located in the southwestern part of Thailand. Borders this fabulous paradise with Malaysia.

The name of the island sounds in completely different versions, the most common of which are the following: Koh Lipe, Koh Lipeh, Koh Laip and Koh Lipei. The location of the island is the border with Tajutao (sea National Park), next to the larger islands: Koh Ravi and Koh Adan. This place has long been inhabited by Malaysian sea gypsies, who are known as "Chao Lay" and "Urak Lawoi".

Thailand is a great place for tourists to relax. Lipe is one of the most beautiful places. It is located approximately 50 kilometers from Koh Tarutao (island).

Koh Lipe is 2.5 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. The widest territory of the island in the shape of the letter “L” was inhabited by those same sea gypsies (there are about 500 of them). They live in small villages, mainly in the east, near Sunrise Beach. Therefore, their main occupation is the tourism business.

Tourism

Koh Lipe (Thailand) has three main beach areas: Pattaya, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Compared to neighboring islands, this is the most popular holiday destination among tourists. A small island, shaped like a triangle, located 2 kilometers from the island. Ko Adang. The bulk of the local residents were resettled here between the wars from the island of Koh Lanta. The reason for the action was to preserve Thai territory from the invasion of the British who colonized Malaysia.

Koh Lipe, like its neighboring islands, also has excellent diving and snorkeling spots.

There are many diving centers and shops on the island that rent out the necessary equipment for snorkeling (swimming with a mask and fins). Also organized here interesting excursions on a ship by sea.

The water on Koh Lipe is amazingly clear and calm, making it ideal for snorkeling. Live in sea ​​waters this site contains a total of 25% of the world's tropical fish species. In coral reefs at great depths you can find fish of the largest species. Koh Lipe is beautiful and convenient for relaxation in all respects.

Reviews, advantages

There are a huge number of guest houses and hotels on the island for tourists, and almost all of them are located on the coast, especially in the eastern part of the island. These are four-star hotels and 3-star hotels. There are also more modest establishments. Below are the best, according to tourist reviews, hotels in Koh Lipe (Thailand). The reviews and impressions about holidays there are the most wonderful.

1. Sawan Resort 2* It is considered one of the most convenient and pleasant options for relaxation. We offer accommodation here in one of 5 villas, comfortably located on the northern coast of the island. It is located away from the noisier Koh Lipe. Sunset Beach is just a 3-minute walk and Pattaya Beach is a 10-minute walk. Accommodation prices here depend on the house, but almost all of them are quite cozy and comfortable.

2. Ten Moons Lipe Resort 2* represents the most romantic holiday option. It represents 15 bungalows, built of wood, in the jungle, near a beach with snow-white clean sand. This place is also relatively calm and not heavily built up. The only small negative is the small beach, which gets crowded when large quantities vacationers.

Attractions

There are practically no such remarkable places on Koh Lipe. Only in the center of the island is the Hantalai Buddhist temple, which can be reached from the pedestrian street along the road leading to Sunset Beach (i.e. between Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach). This temple is located in the jungle on a hill. It is not like the usual other temples in Thailand - with luxurious roofs and impressive staircases with fairy-tale dragons. It looks like a shack with a couple of statues and multi-colored ribbons. In the center of the establishment there is a large statue of the Golden Buddha. People come to her to pray every day local residents Ko Lipe (Thailand).

There are several monks living in Khantalai who take care of the large number of dogs and cats that live here with them. Although this temple does not look aesthetically pleasing, like many other more luxurious temples in Thailand, it is still a worthy attraction of this place. He also has incredibly strong energy. Being here, people receive peace and tranquility. In addition, the age-old tradition here is that the monks from the temple go for alms in the morning. This exciting event can be seen every morning on the main promenade of the island at 7 o'clock.

How to get there?

There are always many people who want to go on holiday to Koh Lipe (Thailand). How to get there?

The closest airports are in Trang and Hat Yai districts. Both of them are located about 100 kilometers from Pakbara Pier. Hat Yai receives daily flights from Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The plane arrives in Trang only from Bangkok. It turns out that Russians have to get on vacation with transfers, possibly two. Some flights include transfer and ferry to Koh Lipe (but this is only from Hat Yai). Otherwise, you can book a minibus to the island at the tourist offices at any train station.

The nearest railway stations are also located in Hat Yai and Trang. Two trains arrive daily from Bangkok. A train from Malaysia also arrives in Hat Yai.

On your own

Many travelers travel to Koh Lipe (Thailand) themselves. How to get there on your own? After arriving in Thailand, the easiest and most easy way get to the island via Pakbar pier (twice a day). From Satun to Pak Bara there is a songthaew (public bus) running every hour, which takes about 50 minutes to the final stop. It is also possible to get there by Ferryboat, the ticket for which costs 100 baht less, but the journey takes 1.5 hours longer.

Many travelers use combination tickets: minibus plus ferry from Trang, Krabi or Hat Yai to Koh Lipe. And you can get to these places from Bangkok and other cities in Thailand by bus.

A little about the western part of the island

Many of the trees growing in eastern Koh Lipe have been uprooted in recent years. Their place was taken by modern concrete structures. But there is also a western part of this island that remains practically untouched by people. Here you can take advantage of wild beaches and jungles for those who like to retire from the hustle and bustle and merge with magnificent nature.

Here you can wander among the trees and clusters of dark gray boulders scattered along the slope. Climbing them, you can admire the amazing pure natural nature.

Conclusion

Koh Lipe (Thailand) is a unique combination of beauty with a special atmosphere of almost untouched nature. This is one of the beautiful heavenly places in Thailand.

It is noteworthy that you can still find wild deserted beaches and places with amazing views and a great atmosphere.

However, how long will this last? A few more years and the last cleanest areas of paradise will be built up with piers, hotels, bars and other buildings... So now we need to take advantage of the moment. After all, there are not many such places in the world.

Koh Lipe Island is located in close proximity to the water border between Malaysia and Thailand. You can get to it from both Thailand and Malaysia. There is no airport on the island, so the only way to Lipe is by water.

The island's water communication with the mainland depends on the season. During the high season, from November to May, the island can be reached from the Thai side (mainland: Pak Barra, Satun, Trang and many surrounding islands: Koh Tarutao, Koh Bulon, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Muk, Koh Kradang, Koh Laoliang, koh Ngai) and from the Malay side (Langkawi island). During low season, from May to November, only from Pak Barra pier. Also, in any season, you should check the status of the flight the day before departure, as it may be canceled due to bad weather. You can view the boat schedule and book tickets.

When planning a trip to Malaysia, we could not decide on the island that we wanted to add to our visit to Kuala Lumpur. Quite by accident, I came across “top best places for vacation 2012 according to NG”, where there was a note about the pearl of the Andaman Sea, which has not yet been visited by tourists - Koh Lipe. And when it turned out that you can get there from the Malay island of Langkawi, to which budget AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur, it became finally clear that “we have to take it!” Now I will tell you how we got to Koh Lipe from Malaysia.

Malayan rupee to ruble exchange rate for the duration of the trip: 1 Malaysian ringgit ~ 10 rubles

From Kuala Lumpur to LCCT

From Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi we flew by regular flight low-cost airline AirAsia. Air Asia is one of the best low-cost airlines in the world and its routes cover almost all of Southeast Asia. The company is Malayan, so the main base point is also its own airport(!) Low Cost Carrier Terminal, located near Kuala Lumpur. Plane tickets were purchased in advance through the company's website. They cost about 500RM (5 thousand rubles) for two in both directions.

Boarding a plane at LCCT

Before Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) from the center Kuala Lumpur You can get there in several ways:

• Taxi

The simplest and most expensive option. It will cost about 60RM (~600 rubles). You can read more about taxis and tariffs to LCCT

• KLIA Ekspres + Shuttle Bus

The second option is to use the KLIA Ekspres express train, which runs to international airport Kuala Lumpur KLIA, and from there take a special bus (shuttle bus) to LCCT. Bus fare is 1.50RM () The train departs from Sentral Central Station and takes about half an hour. One way fare costs 35RM.

• KLIA Transit + Shuttle Bus

• KTM Komuter + Bus from Nilai station

From the same Sentral station or any other KTM Komuter station, you can get to Nilai station. Travel from Sentral to Nilai will cost 4.70RM. There is a bus from this station to LCCT for 1.50RM ()

• Shuttle Bus from Sentral to LCCT

Several companies operate on this route. Prices differ slightly 8RM-10RM. Tickets can be purchased at central station Sentral, as well as when boarding the bus. Follow the link to see the schedule and details for each company. There are buses to LCCT from other locations in Kuala Lumpur.

We enjoyed last option, since the departure was early and the trains were not running yet. We got to Sentral from the Traders Hotel (KLCC) by taxi. The night rate was something like 13RM. The taxi driver drove us to the bus boarding point, as we called it “a nook under the bridge” :)

Initially, we planned to take the Skybus from AirAsia, but as soon as we approached the buses, we were surrounded by guys with tickets who were actively gesturing and saying something like: “get on quickly, departure now, here and there!” and so on. In general, by the time we realized it, it was already too late. We bought a ticket on Aerobus since their guy was the most prompt. From the outside, all the buses looked decent. Inside, the Aerobus turned out to be quite shabby and old. The air conditioners blew terribly all the way and did not turn off. But it's cheaper)

Apart from us, there were only locals in the cabin, and they were sleeping. We drove in the dark, through a strong thunderstorm (epic), but we arrived on time. The journey took about an hour. We boarded the same one back because it left faster. So what if it’s old, we’re not picky. It looked something like this:

Bus to LCCT

At LCCT airport

Buses stop almost near the entrance to the terminal. It's hard to get lost. Here we had breakfast and went to look for our flight. The LCCT terminal is not like traditional airports, it is more like a train station. Air only. Everything here is simple and functional. Baggage security check is quite funny. Only large bags are scanned, and only selectively. A “security check” sticker is simply placed on checked luggage. After this, you can safely exit the registration area back :)

The registration hall was filled with huge queues, which was a bit stressful. We stood at the end of the line at one of the counters, above which P.Langkawi was burning. But besides our island, another direction was also burning there. All the neighbors took turns claiming that they were not flying to Langkawi... Later it turned out that one counter registered several flights. Keep this in mind and be on time!

After a short wait, we were invited to board. Landing is also fun: walking across the airfield! Fortunately it is small. Special covered “sleeves” are laid to aircraft located far from the exit. From one sleeve you can get to several planes, the main thing is not to confuse them! :) The workers help to navigate, but apparently there were cases. After boarding the plane, we were told for 10-15 minutes where the plane was flying. On the return flight we simply walked to the plane; it was standing almost near the exit. The flight to Langkawi is about an hour.

On the island of Langkawi

Boats to Lipe Island depart twice a day (only in season, from November to May!) from the Telaga boat terminal. Since it was difficult for us to estimate the travel time from the airport to the terminal, we took a late boat. Tickets were purchased in advance via the Internet. It cost about 500RM (~ 5000 rubles) for two round-trip.

There was 4 hours of time left. At the exit from the airport, taxi drivers briskly grabbed tourists, most were in the opposite direction, “towards civilization.” We were seated by the last remaining grandfather, dressed in a Muslim style in a long white robe and a knitted skullcap. We got to the terminal very quickly, in about 15 minutes, good luck. The taxi fare was around 10RM, unfortunately I don’t remember exactly. The island of Langkawi is large, green and very beautiful. If we weren't going to stop here on the way back, I would definitely regret it.

Landing on Langkawi Island

At Telaga port on Langkawi island

We arrived at a small building, around which there were many tourists sitting on backpacks and bags waiting for the boat. Under the canopy behind the “counter” the girl was collecting passports. We arrived shortly before the departure of the first boat, but we had tickets for the second. We were already mentally prepared to hang around in the port for 4 hours, but the girl suggested that we quickly check in for the first flight, registration for which was about to close. We gave printouts of tickets and passports.

With passport interesting point. Since the boat crosses the border, it is necessary to go through border control and obtain entry/exit stamps. This concern is taken over by the company ferrying tourists. Before leaving, they collect their passports, get stamps on the Malay side and hand them over to the border guards on Lipe Island. After arrival, within about 15 minutes, the border guards put stamps and the girl from the travel agency issues the passports back.

To be honest, it was scary to give up my passport to someone unknown. But everything ended well and without any hiccups. I can’t say where and how you can get a stamp yourself. It seemed to me that a passport is required condition boarding. But perhaps there are other ways.

Speed ​​boat to Koh Lipe

The speed boat takes about an hour to Lipe Island. This is a ride along the emerald sea surface at high speed, with wind, sun and spray. We got great pleasure from it, despite the fact that we slept only 2 hours that day and were on the road since late at night.

Boat from Langkawi to Lipe Island

The boat stopped about 100 meters from the shore. Long, traditional wooden boats set out from the shore to pick us up, driven by a small motor attached to a long pole. First, all the tourists were taken to the shore, and the second round was the luggage. By the way, disembarking from the boat straight into the azure warm water up to your shins. There is no pier, you immediately find yourself in the sea and sand on the cleanest and most beautiful Pattaya Beach. I was also a little worried about my luggage, but nothing was wet and nothing was stolen. Boats moor near the border post (check point). After arrival, you need to wait for the return of your passports, which will be brought from the border guards by a travel agency employee and distributed to tourists.

15 minutes later we were already walking along white sand to your hotel Sita Beach Resort. The entrance from the beach can be considered the main one, five meters from the sand and ten from the water, the hotel reception is located under a beautiful canopy. Sita Beach Resort is one of several hotels on the entire island that can really be considered hotels in the sense of vacationers; the rest of the accommodation is at the level of simple bungalows. If we had not booked a hotel in advance or were trying to save a lot, then choosing modest and nice accommodation on the spot would not have been any problem.

We got there!

Koh Lipe Island in Satun Province, Thailand is perhaps the most pleasant place for lovers of a leisurely and relaxing beach holiday. Excellent and clean beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, and at the same time sufficient distance from the main tourist package flows - these are the main features of the island of Koh Lipe.

A good idea to “stick” to Lipa is to combine business with pleasure - go and then have a long beach relaxation.

When is the best time to go to Koh Lipe?

The best weather in Lipa is from December to March. However, you can come here as early as October 20. The season from October 20 to November 16 and from April 1 to May 16 is considered low. At this time the most low prices, but there may be rain and the sea is rough.
It should be taken into account that the island is small and there is little accommodation, so hotels for December and January must be booked in advance (6 or more months in advance).

How to get to Koh Lipe on your own

You can get to Lipe Island from Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Lanta, Langkawi, etc. - it depends on where you are coming from. From Bangkok, you first need to get to the nearest pier, and then sail by sea to Lipa.

There are no airports on Lipa; you can only get there by sea, and not in any month. Navigation in this water area begins on October 19 and ends on May 16.

In the photo: ferry to Koh Lipe at Hat Yao pier

If you are flying from Europe, the route will be something like this: flight to Bangkok – flight to Hat Yai – bus to the pier – ferry or boat to Lipa. In fact, everything is much simpler than it seems.

The easiest option is to buy a single ticket on the website from Bangkok immediately with a transfer to Koh Lipe. Then you will simply board the plane in Bangkok, and then you will be accompanied everywhere, all the way to the island.

Important! Please note that in Bangkok, AirAsia flies from Don Mueang Airport (this is NOT the airport you will fly into from Russia, Ukraine or Europe). We still need to get to this airport. Therefore, getting from Europe to Koh Lipe in 1 day will be too tiring. It's better to at least spend the night in Bangkok.

Buying a ticket to Koh Lipe looks like this: in the “where” field, look for “Thailand (Island Transfer)” and select “Lipe”.

You will first fly to Hat Yai, then you will be taken to the port and board the ferry to Koh Lipe. The entire journey will take from 6 to 9 hours. Along the way, you will be accompanied by company employees. Everything is simple, clear and understandable.

How to get to Lipe on your own, without a transfer

Most tourists travel to Koh Lipe either by ferry from the Malay island of Langkawi, or from Thailand, using combined bus and ferry tickets, which are sold at any travel agencies throughout Thailand. To decide which places are best to get to Koh Lipe, see the map:

I'll tell you more:

How to get from Penang (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe
1. First take a ferry to Langkawi, price 70RM, 3 hours ride.
2. Then transfer from Langkawi to the ferry to Koh Lipe, price 118RM, ride 1.5 hours. It is better to leave for Langkawi from the Telaga pier.
Single tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in Penang.

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
1. Fly to one of the nearest airports – Krabi or Hat Yai.
2. Next, take buses or minivans to the Pak Bara or Hat Yao piers.
3. Then another transfer by ferry or boat.

Prices depend on the route and the chosen transport, for example, the estimated price Krabi Airport - Koh Lipe (ferry + minivan) is 1400 baht/person. Speedboats are more expensive.

How to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe
Many tourists travel to Lipe Island directly from the water, on speedboats or ferries. However, this option is only for those who can tolerate pitching well. Long and tedious.
A direct ticket can be bought in Phuket at any travel agency right on the street.

In the photo: tourists disembarking from the boat. Lipe Island

By the way, Lipa does not have its own pier, so in reality last stage you will have to transfer from the ferry to small boats - longtails, with subsequent disembarkation into the water. So prepare 50 baht and take care of good shoes and cameras :)

The quietest months on Lipe Island are October and April. In other months there are many tourists.

Beaches of Koh Lipe

As elsewhere in Thailand, Koh Lipe does not have a single circular beach along which one could go around the entire island. Lipa has only three major beaches - Sunrise, Sunset and Pattaya. And several small ones that can only be reached by boat. The beaches are somewhat similar - the sand is clean and white everywhere, the entrance to the water is gentle. However, there are differences, which experienced tourists take advantage of. So, let's look at the map of Ko Lipe.

On the map Lipe looks like a horseshoe

Pattaya Beach is primarily a transshipment base. Teams of tourists arrive and depart here, and there is also a Thai immigration office and several large hotels. The beach is long and clean, and quite suitable for swimming, but this is not Bounty, if you know what I mean :)

In the photo: the most crowded beach on Lipe Island - Pattaya Beach

Sunset is the most picturesque and “wild” beach in Koh Lipe. There are steep slopes, there are more stones along the shore and, accordingly, fewer boats.

Pictured: the end of Sunset Beach in Ko Lipe

Sunrise Beach is perhaps the most balanced. There is enough space for everyone, both beachgoers and boats.

In the photo: at Sunrise Beach on Lipe Island
In the photo: complete relaxation on Sunrise Beach in Koh Lipe, Thailand

The best beach bars are located on Sunrise, where it is so pleasant to spend evenings chatting with friends, listening to music and drinking Chang.

In the photo: “Sea La Vie” – one of the best beach bars in Ko Lipe

Diving and snorkeling in Lipa

In the photo: newcomers to Lipa quickly master diving

Lipe Island is located in national park Ko Tarutao, so the surrounding waters are simply ideal for good diving. The surrounding coral reefs are rich in many species of tropical fish, and you can also admire turtles, barracudas and dolphins. Beginner divers should take training tours to the neighboring islands of Sawang and Chabang. The most advanced diving companies are: “Adang Sea Divers” and “Ko Lipe Castaway Divers”.

If you are looking for budget accommodation, you will most likely stay in the center of the island, in one of the guesthouses around the local Walking Street. A little noisy, but close to the whole tourist scene: cafes, bars, shopping. One of the newest and inexpensive hotels is “A Plus Deluxe Hotel”. You can view prices and book

In the photo: inexpensive and modern hotel “A Plus Deluxe Hotel”, Koh Lipe

Hotels on the west coast of Lipe Island (especially on the hills) are quieter and have gorgeous views from the rooms, but they have their own problem - nightly transport - either constantly calling a local "taxi" or walking, which is inconvenient in the dark.

In the photo: view from the window at the Mountain Resort hotel on Lipe Island

If the main purpose of your vacation is diving, it is best to stay in one of the authentic resorts of Sunrise Beach, like “Adang Sea Divers & Eco Lodge”- simple, but very cheap. Here you can spend more time among fellow submariners, practice with equipment, and loading onto boats will be more optimal for you.

In the photo: a party of divers at the Castaway resort

Comfortable hotels in Ko Lipe

The most luxurious hotels on the island are definitely the Serendipity Resort, Mali Resort and the modern Idyllic Concept Resort. If your budget allows, be sure to live in one of them!

In the photo: view from the veranda of the Serendipity Resort Hotel, Lipe Island

Budget accommodation in Ko Lipe

In the photo: cheap bungalows of the “Izgoy” resort – exoticism in its purest form

Oddly enough, cheap and hippy bungalows hotel “Castaway Resort”

Yesterday at 8 am we left the house and by lunchtime we were already in Krabi. We checked into a guest house in the town and, without wasting time showering and changing clothes, immediately went to Ao Nang. We walked along familiar streets, looked into the condo where we used to live, and in the evening we met our readers. Towards nightfall we met with friends from Hua Hin in the town. And this morning we all started together in Koh Lipe.

How to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe

Rassada pier in Phuket is located near Phuket Town. One of the pink city buses goes there. But since the departure time is at 8 am, the easiest way would be to take a taxi from your hotel in Phuket or from the bus station in the town. You can order a taxi to Rassada Pier online follow this link.

From Phuket to Koh Lipe by plane

Another convenient option. From Phuket you can take a direct flight from Bangkok Airways to Hat Yai, and from there take a minibus to Pak Bara Pier, then a speedboat to Koh Lipe. Here is the link to Phuket-Hat Yai air tickets.

How to get further? I don’t know for sure, but at the airport you may be immediately offered a comprehensive ticket for a minibus and boat to Ko Lipe. We ourselves took a different route, so I’m not sure that there will be an opportunity to buy such a ticket.

If there are no offers, go to Hat Yai Bus Station, from where you will take a bus to Pakbara Pier. Next take a speedboat to Lipe Island. You can order bus + boat tickets at 12goAsia website.

Bus Phuket - Trang, minibus to Pak Bara pier, boat to Koh Lipe

Go to Phuket Bus Station Bus Terminal 2 and buy tickets for the Phuket - Trang bus. You cannot buy such tickets online anywhere, only at the station ticket office. Tickets will cost about 300 baht give or take. When you arrive in Trang, right at the station you can buy a minibus ticket to Pak Bara Pier. Here is a website where you can buy a comprehensive ticket for minibus and speedboat Trang - Koh Lipe.

If you need to stay overnight in Trang, book a hotel on Booking via this link.

How we got to Koh Lipe from Phuket

We were driving on land. Friends were waiting for us in Krabi in a car. We stopped for the night in Krabi town, and in the morning we left by car in the direction of Pakbar Pier. By car it takes about 3-4 hours to travel from Krabi. Next, I’ll tell you how we spent the evening in Krabi, visited Ao Nang beach, as well as our first impressions of Koh Lipe.

Evening in Krabi

We got to Krabi by minibus in 3 hours from the central bus station, 140 baht per person. The driver was apparently a former motorbike biker - he threw on energy drink all the way and drove quite aggressively. We noted for ourselves that in the future it is better to avoid traveling on minibuses.

Ao Nang is not the best beach in Thailand

What's new to tell you about Krabi? We walked around Ao Nang. We felt a little nostalgic. We wanted to give the beach a second chance, but... Ao Nang Beach is really disappointing! This is how we wrote an article 2 years ago, and it’s still the same! Dirty muddy brown water, sand that hurts to walk on, a muddy bottom... The noise from motor boats is as loud as if this is not a seashore, but a construction site with bulldozers... Only the unique mountains of Krabi save the situation. If there were no mountains, there would be nothing to do there at all. Who would have thought that at such a highly advertised resort with beautiful name, Krabi, one of the worst beaches in Thailand

We are in Krabi!

The guys are really screwed, someone will think... I don’t know, maybe that’s true, especially after. I hope fans of Ao Nang will forgive me, but the bottom in the Moscow River looks exactly the same

Dirty Ao Nang beach

By the way, in the far left corner a full-flowing stinking river flows into the sea. Very very smelly

Krabi is the most expensive mainland resort in Thailand

Prices in Krabi are a separate matter. There is a myth among travelers that Phuket is the most expensive island... Nonsense! Ao Nang is much more expensive than Phuket! Is transport expensive in Phuket? The most expensive route in Phuket costs 40 baht, and the songthaew from Ao Nang to Town costs 50.

Nepalese

Nepalese are everywhere! Nepalese is available in all stalls. They are very easy to identify by their displeased facial expression and Indian appearance. Katya forgot her glasses on the bus and needed to buy new ones. In Phuket, in any tent, sunglasses cost 100 baht. These impudent Nepalese mugs tell us 350. You just have to be indignant about why this is such a triple markup, and they wave their hand at you and defiantly leave. I’m not even saying that their etiquette doesn’t include a basic “Hello” and a smile to the buyer. They sit with dissatisfied faces, buried in the phone.

Sunset

We met some guys living in Krabi who, as it turned out, had been reading our blog for a long time. They are not even offended that we wrote not the best reviews about Krabi at one time (the truth). We admired the wonderful sunset together.

Krabi town

Everything in the town is Thai. We had a hearty meal of soup for 80 baht and pancakes with banana for dessert. We met with friends from Hua Hin and drove to Makro. For the coming nap we decided to have a beer and go to bed.

The next morning we had to get up early. We snacked on sandwiches and coffee from 7-11 and drove further by car towards the Pakbar pier.

Koh Lipe Island - first impressions

We will definitely describe the island of Koh Lipe in more detail. For now I’m sharing my first impressions. The water is clean and clear. But not turquoise, like on the Similan Islands.

View of Koh Lipe from the floating jetty


Sunset Beach

First impressions of Koh Lipe

• You have to pay for every step - for a ticket to the speedboat, for passage to the pier, for the boat from the speedboat to the beach, for entry to the island
• There are no bounty beaches here
• The beaches are lined with boats
• There is a lot of garbage and devastation, you just need to get off the central Walking Street
• Products in stores are more expensive. Prices in tourist cafes are about the same as everywhere else - dishes cost 100-150 baht
• Many Russian tourists
• Many tourists of other nationalities
• In the evening on the beach there is music, fire shows and cozy bars, just like in Goa
• The island is a large market with restaurants, bars and hotels among the shopping arcades.

By the way, the main beach on Koh Lipe is called Pattaya Beach

We didn’t want to spend the night in cheap thatched bungalows; this is romantic only for those who have never been to the tropics. We checked into a decent hotel - . A day costs as much as 2000 baht ($55). Well, this is Koh Lipe, that's normal!! Everything is great, the hotel is new, the bed is clean, but... There is no hot water! Well, how is that possible, huh?? They rent out rooms for 2 thousand baht a day and cannot buy any cheap water heaters!

• Read:

Hotels on Koh Lipe

• AKIRA Lipe Resort
• Bundhaya Villas
• Lip Sunset Beach Resort
• Harmony Bed & Bakery
• The Reef

All hotels in Koh Lipe

Swimmed at Sunset Beach. Without much pleasure. The tide was low, very shallow, literally knee-deep, and there were a lot of stones at the bottom, and we didn’t take swimming shoes. Tomorrow we'll swim in Pattaya or go exploring to the third beach. ABOUT beach holiday on this island, see new article.

• Read:

Ko Lipe is considered a national park. We paid 200 baht ($6) for entry. And the island itself is full of dirty places like this, where garbage, building materials, something has been dug up and then abandoned. I understand that the Thais themselves put it into nature. But is it really so difficult to somehow improve everything, since they charge money for entry? Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here, but they are not ashamed to make a mess and not clean up anything afterwards.

Ko Lipe is no longer the same (c)

Our friends are not happy yet either. In the evening we ate in a cafe, took a trip around Chang and went to the beach. The mood improved, we liked the evening Pattaya Beach. So, so far the impressions of Koh Lipe are mixed.

Have any of you been to this island? Write how you like it? What did you like and what didn’t? Where to eat deliciously, what excursions did you take?

PS: I’m already anticipating comments from smart people, like “what kind of attitude you drove with, that’s what you got” or “what you see inside is what you see outside” and similar philosophical nonsense. So, I’ll answer right away, we were driving in an excellent mood and expected to see the level of Similan :)

Added the next day: today we swam all morning at Pattaya Beach and the neighboring beach. Wonderful blue water that you don’t want to get out of! The mood and impressions of the island are improving!