Thailand's Southernmost Paradise
Koh Lipe is a small island in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, part of Tarutao National Marine Park — one of Southeast Asia's most pristine marine environments. Often called the "Maldives of Thailand", it sits just 30 km from Malaysia's Langkawi.
Measuring only 2 km by 1 km, the island is easy to explore on foot. Three main beaches — Pattaya (south), Sunrise (east), and Sunset (west) — offer white sand and turquoise waters. Walking Street connects Pattaya to Sunrise Beach with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
The surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and over 25% of the world's tropical fish species — making it one of Thailand's best diving destinations.
How to Get to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe has no airport — all visitors arrive by boat. The main gateway is Pak Bara Pier in Satun Province, approximately 60 km from the island.
From Bangkok
- 1.Fly Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Hat Yai (HDY) — 1.5 hours
- 2.Minivan from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier — 2 hours
- 3.Speed boat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe — 1.5 hours
Total journey time: approximately 6-7 hours including transfers
From Phuket / Krabi
- 1.Ferry from Phuket/Krabi to Koh Lanta — 2-3 hours
- 2.Ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe — 3 hours
High season only (November-May). Direct ferries available some days.
From Langkawi (Malaysia)
- 1.Ferry from Langkawi (Telaga Terminal) to Koh Lipe — 1.5 hours
- 2.Immigration check on arrival at Koh Lipe floating pier
High season only. Passport required for border crossing.
By Car + Ferry
- 1.Drive to Pak Bara Pier, Satun Province
- 2.Parking available at the pier (50-100 THB/day)
- 3.Speed boat to Koh Lipe — 1.5 hours
Pak Bara is 60 km from Koh Lipe. Multiple daily departures.
Dive Conditions & Seasons
Koh Lipe offers diving year-round, but conditions vary significantly between seasons. Water temperature remains warm (28-30°C) throughout the year.
High Season
November — May- •Visibility: 15-30 meters, often crystal clear
- •Calm seas with minimal currents
- •All dive sites accessible
- •Best conditions for courses and beginners
- •Ferry services from all routes (Langkawi, Lanta, Phi Phi)
Monsoon Season
June — October- •Visibility: 5-15 meters, varies day to day
- •Occasional strong currents and waves
- •Some exposed sites may be closed
- •Diving still possible on sheltered sites
- •Only Pak Bara ferry route operates
Nearby Islands
Tarutao National Marine Park encompasses 51 islands, many of which are uninhabited and pristine. These three islands are the closest to Koh Lipe and are popular destinations for day trips:
Koh Adang
The largest island in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, located just 1 km west of Koh Lipe. Covered in dense jungle with hiking trails leading to viewpoints overlooking Koh Lipe. Home to park ranger stations and pristine beaches with excellent snorkeling.
Viewpoint hike & jungle trailsKoh Rawi
A beautiful uninhabited island 5 km west of Koh Lipe, known for its long white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. One of the most popular snorkeling destinations in the park with vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish just offshore.
White sand beach & snorkelingKoh Hin Ngam
A unique small island famous for its beach covered entirely in smooth black stones, polished by the sea over thousands of years. Legend says removing a stone brings bad luck. The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling.
Black stone beach