Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is the only island of all Tarutao National Marine Park with tourism development. The small island of Adang-Rawi Archipelago is home to the largest permanent settlement, about 800 people, and the only with water available throughout the year. It was originally settled by a group of sea gypsies, also known as Chao Ley in Thai, originally from Malaysia; in fact, the island’s name means “Paper Island” in Chao Ley dialect. Koh Lipe, with an area of just 2 square kilometres is a real small tropical paradise, one of the most beautiful islands in Andaman Sea. Tourists come here more numerous in recent years, attracted by its pristine beauty, white sandy beaches and amazing turquoise waters, which make the island one of Thailand's best seaside destinations. Almost unknown until a few years ago, Koh Lipe is still outside the mass tourism but nevertheless offers good guest accommodation and facilities. In the island there aren't roads, just small walking paths that connect the coasts between them, no cars or scooters for rent, the vehicles are limited to few mini-taxis, like golf carts, owned by hotels and used to carry heavy luggage of tourists. Transfers between the beaches can also be carried on board of typical long-tails boats; however most of visitors like to walk on foot. The narrow paths of island are a mix of shops, travel agencies, Scuba Centres, restaurants, bars and all kinds of accommodation. Small hotels and bungalows, made up wood and bamboo, are built directly on the main beaches or in nearby vegetation, with hammocks on which to relax in solitude. The several restaurants offer the classic dishes of southern Thailand and international cuisine. The nightlife is limited to a few bars that come alive with soft lights, music lunge and the shows offered by the fire jugglers. The stay in Koh Lipe flows slowly, there is not much to do besides sunbathing on its pristine beaches or take boat trips to explore the many nearby islands and enjoy snorkelling or diving. The island's coastline is characterized by white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal waters and tropical vegetation, a stunning set that recalls the Caribbean landscapes. There are four main beaches on Koh Lipe: Pattaya Beach in the south, the most popular and main tourist centre; Sunrise Beach on the east, near Chao Ley village; Karma Beach in the north, facing the island of Koh Adang; and Sunset Beach in the west. In addition there are a few small sandy coves and the two privately-owned Sanom Beach and Bila Beach. Pattaya Beach, known as Hat or Haad Bundhaya by local, is a 1.5 km long strip of white and soft sand with a beautiful view over whole bay and its western limestone cliffs. In the last decade, Koh Lipe has also become one of the most popular destinations for diving in the Andaman Sea. Koh Lipe is surrounded by over 30 islands and islets, hundreds of reefs and rocky outcrops all within easy reach with day trips.Read More