Things to Do in Koh Lipe, Thailand

We fell in love with Koh Lipe the moment we arrived on this little slice of paradise. As Thailand’s southernmost island, Koh Lipe is a dream destination for those seeking white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.

Despite being only 2 km², this island packs a punch! Whether you're a beach lover, snorkeler, or scuba diver, Koh Lipe has it all.

This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know—from how to get there to the best things to do, plus pro tips. to make the most of your trip!

Best Ways to Reach Koh Lipe
How to Get Around Koh Lipe
How Long to Spend in Koh Lipe
Things to Do in Koh Lipe
Where to Eat in Koh Lipe

**This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the upkeep of this blog.

Best Ways to Reach Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe may not be the easiest island to reach, but trust us—it’s worth the journey! With no airport on the island (which is part of its charm), you’ll need to take a ferry from Thailand’s mainland, another island, or even Malaysia.

Fly to Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, or Langkawi (Malaysia).The easiest options are Hat Yai (Thailand) and Langkawi (Malaysia), as they offer the most direct routes.

🚢 From Hat Yai:

Take a 2-hour van or bus to Pak Bara Pier.
From there, hop on a speedboat ferry (1.5 hrs) or a regular ferry (2 hrs) to Koh Lipe.

🚢 From Langkawi, Malaysia:

Take a ferry from Kuah Jetty (approx. 2 hrs).
Since you're crossing an international border, you'll clear immigration upon arrival in Koh Lipe.

🚢 From Other Thai Islands:

Direct ferries connect Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Phuket.

Our Experience

From Hat Yai, we took a van to Pak Bara Pier, and then caught a speedboat to Koh Lipe—our first stop in Thailand! Later, we took a 2-hour ferry from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta.

Booking Tips:

For the van/ferry to Koh Lipe from Hat Yai, we booked in advance on 12go.asia - This link is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the upkeep of this blog.
For ferries between islands (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, etc.), we book on 12go.asia or directly on the island minimum a day before departure.
Pro tip: Compare ferry companies both locally and online at 12go.asia.

How to Get Around Koh Lipe

The best way to explore Koh Lipe is on foot! The island is small and easy to navigate, with a main Walking Streetconnecting the key areas. You’ll also find a few smaller streets leading to hidden gems and quiet beaches. If your hotel is a bit far from the main area, taxis (motorbike taxis with sidecars) are readily available to take you around. But honestly, strolling around and soaking in the island vibes is part of the magic!

How Long to Spend in Koh Lipe

It really depends on what you're looking for! You can easily spend 2 to 3 full days exploring Koh Lipe, soaking in the island vibes, and enjoying its stunning beaches. However, we stayed 5 days because we decided to get our Open Water diving certification here.

Originally, we planned to do it in Koh Tao, as it’s cheaper and well-known for diving courses. But as we strolled down Walking Street, we stopped at a few dive centers to ask questions. That’s when we learned that Koh Lipe’s coral reefs are still incredibly healthy. Another big plus? we had a dedicated instructor just for the two of us.

Things to Do in Koh Lipe

#1 Wander Around the Different Beaches

Koh Lipe is home to some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches, each with its own vibe:

Sunrise Beach – The best spot for early risers, with white sand and crystal-clear water.
Pattaya Beach – The liveliest beach, known for its nightlife, restaurants, and where most boats arrive.
Sunset Beach – A peaceful, laid-back spot, perfect for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
North Point Beach – A secluded paradise with breathtaking views.
Secret beach - A secluded little beach only accessible by a short jungle trek or boat ride.

#2 Get the Best View from Koh Adang

For the ultimate panoramic view of Koh Lipe, hike up Koh Adang Viewpoint, just a short boat ride away. After a 30-40 minute trek, you’ll be rewarded with views of Koh Lipe’s turquoise waters, and white sand beaches. Koh Adang itself has some amazing beaches, perfect for a quiet escape from Koh Lipe’s busier spots.

View of Koh Life form Koh Adang Viewpoint — *View of Koh Lipe from Koh Adang Viewpoint*

#3 Go on a Snorkeling Trip

The waters around Koh Lipe are some of the clearest in Thailand, making it a snorkeling paradise! Join a boat tour to explore nearby coral reefs, swim with colorful fish, and maybe even spot sea turtles and reef sharks.

#4 Kayak to Small Islands

Rent a kayak and paddle to nearby islands like Koh Kra and Koh Usen, just off Sunrise Beach. These tiny islands offer secluded beaches and vibrant marine life. You can easily rent a kayak from Sunrise Beach by the hour.

#5 Scuba Diving

Koh Lipe is a hidden gem for diving! The coral reefs here are incredibly healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, there are plenty of dive sites, including Stonehenge, 8 Mile Rock, and Honeycomb Reef, where you can spot manta rays, seahorses, and colorful nudibranchs. Stonehenge was absolutely beautiful, with a stunning mix of soft and hard corals displaying incredible colors.

We did our Open Water Certification with Lipe Dive Station and highly recommend them! The team was professional and welcoming, the boat was well-equipped, and we felt completely safe and supported throughout the experience. An amazing place to learn to dive!

Scuba Diving at Stonehenge, Koh Lipe

#6 Take a Stroll Down Walking Street

Koh Lipe’s Walking Street is the heart of the island. Lined with local food stalls, bars, souvenir shops, and dive centers, it’s the best place to try Thai street food, grab a cocktail, or simply soak in the island vibes. Don’t miss out on fresh seafood BBQ and coconut donut!

#7 Catch the Sunrise at Sunrise Beach

True to its name, Sunrise Beach is the best place to start your day. The sunrises here are magical, with hues of pink, orange, and gold reflecting off the crystal-clear water. It’s also the perfect time for a quiet morning swim before the island wakes up.

#8 Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach or North Point Beach

For the perfect ending to your day, head to Sunset Beach or North Point Beach. Grab a drink at a beachfront bar, sit back, and enjoy the breathtaking colors of the sunset as the sky turns into shades of orange and purple.