Koh Lipe is the best-prepared island for tourism within the Tarutao National Park at the southwest end of the country, on the Andaman coast.
As a sun and sand destination, it is hard to beat, with splendid beaches, crystal clear water and magnificent corals.
It is indeed an option to bear in mind if you are travelling to Thailand between November and April.
How to get
You can go by ferry departing from several spots on the Andaman coast and from Bangkok you can take a train or fly directly to the nearest cities: Trang or Hat Yai, and then travel by bus+ferry.
From Trang, you go to the pier of Hat Yao and from Hat Yai to the seaport of Pak Bara.
Normally, people buy a combined ticket, which includes plane, bus and ferry.
Maritime links
» Tiger Line Ferry
» Phuket Ferry
» Chaokoh Group
» Phi Phi Ferry
By Train
The Southern Line departs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Koh Lipe is a small island that forms part of an archipelago of great beauty and enormous ecological value, in fact, it forms part of the Tarutao National Park along with another 50 islands scattered across the Straits of Malacca, in the province of Satun.
The island offers white sandy beaches and deep turquoise blue water that is truly spectacular at certain times of the day. It is also an excellent base for trips to nearby islands, with two main itineraries available.
The first, which is the shorter one, takes you to the nearest island, to Koh Adang, which is the largest.
The second route, somewhat longer, runs to the islands south of Koh Rawi, the second-largest island of the archipelago.
In both cases, there is a chance to visit some magnificent beaches with the best areas for snorkelling in the whole country.
Private trips can be organized to suit customers’ requirements as well as scuba diving activities.
The island also offers the full range of services needed by visitors, guaranteeing a perfect stay. With its diverse international travellers set in a local ambience, it is in some ways reminiscent of Koh Phi Phi.
To achieve this level of development, the area has undergone a considerable transformation over the past few years, and this has not always had desirable results, especially for the sea gipsies who have ever lived on the island and whose natural environment has been radically altered.
Koh Lipe has to address the challenge of achieving sustainable development.
The monsoon arrives at Tarutao in May and lasts until November, so the best months to visit the archipelago are between December and April.
