Should You Visit Koh Lipe?

Are you thinking about visiting Koh Lipe, Thailand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Koh Lipe worth visiting?

This island is a good place to visit for three to seven days. Ko Lipe is a small island near Thailand's border with Malaysia. It's part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and it has some of the country's best snorkeling and scuba diving. While it remained completely off most tourist's radars just a few years ago, it has grown in popularity and today it has less of an undiscovered vibe.

Koh Lipe, Thailand Koh Lipe, Thailand

Reasons to Visit Koh Lipe

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Beaches
Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Resorts
There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Hiking
The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Food
There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Koh Lipe might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Koh Lipe here or see if Koh Lipe is expensive here.

Authenticity
Koh Lipe has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Is Koh Lipe worth visiting in the Summer?

This is the low season for travel in Koh Lipe. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable island, especially in the nice weather. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Lipe looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the hiking, and the resorts. Also, you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery.


Summer Weather in Koh Lipe
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in)
August 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
September 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in)

Is Koh Lipe worth visiting in the Autumn?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Lipe, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Lipe looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, take a hike, and relax at the beach. Also, you can experience the beautiful resorts.


Autumn Weather in Koh Lipe
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
November 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in)
December 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)

Is Koh Lipe worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the high season for travel in Koh Lipe, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 27°C (80°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Lipe looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to dine out at amazing restaurants, lounge on the beach, and relax at a luxurious resort. Also, you can take in the beautiful scenery and go hiking.


Winter Weather in Koh Lipe
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in)
February 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
March 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in)

Is Koh Lipe worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Lipe. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (85°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Lipe looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the beaches, and the resorts. Also, you can check out the hiking.


Spring Weather in Koh Lipe
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
June 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Koh Lipe

Museums
Koh Lipe isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Nightlife
Most people don't associate Koh Lipe with a lively nightlife scene. This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Shopping: Koh Lipe isn't exactly a shopper's destination. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Related

What is Koh Lipe most famous for?

Koh Lipe is most famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. The island is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. It is also known for its great resorts and hiking. And many visitors also come to this island for its food. It is often described as small, local, tranquil, and idyllic.

What is the most famous sight in Koh Lipe?

The most popular sight in Koh Lipe is Sunrise Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Koh Lipe on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Sunrise Beach and other attractions here.

How touristy is Koh Lipe? Is it a popular island to visit?

Koh Lipe is an off-the-beaten-path island that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience: $111
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Frontier in the Eastern Adang Archipelago: $25
  • Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch: $24
  • Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: $21
  • 2 Hours Tour Sunset Cruise Around Lipe: $15

How long should I spend in Koh Lipe?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Koh Lipe is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Koh Lipe has a variety of activities such as scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Koh Lipe?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Koh Lipe?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Koh Lipe?.