Aerial view of beautiful beach in Satun province, Thailand. Lipe Island of Heaven.

©JUREERAT GEAWMUANG/Shutterstock

Ko Lipe

Once a serene tropical paradise, Ko Lipe is now a poster child for untamed development on Thailand's islands. Blessed with two beautiful wide white-sand beaches separated by jungle-covered hills and close to protected coral reefs, the centre of Ko Lipe has been transformed into an ever-expanding maze of hotels, restaurants, cafes, travel agencies and shops. The biggest losers have been the 700-strong community of chow lair (sea gypsies, also spelt chao leh), whose ancestors were gifted Lipe as a home by King Rama V in 1909, but who sold it in the 1970s.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Hat Sunset

    Hat Sunset

    Ko Lipe

    With its slender strip of golden sand, gentle jungle-covered hills and serene bay that spills into the Adang Strait on the western side of the island, Hat…

  • Hat Sunrise

    Hat Sunrise

    Ko Lipe

    Hat Sunrise, a sublime long stretch of powder-fine sand, runs along Ko Lipe's east coast and is the best beach on the island. From its northernmost point,…

  • Ko Usen

    Ko Usen

    Ko Lipe

    Ko Usen, one of the little islands opposite Hat Sunrise, has some good coral. Most resorts rent out mask-and-snorkel sets and fins (100B to 200B). Take…

  • Ko Kra

    Ko Kra

    Ko Lipe

    There’s good coral around Ko Kra, one of the little islands opposite Hat Sunrise, but be aware of, and take care around, oncoming long-tail boats. Most…

  • Hat Pattaya

    Hat Pattaya

    Ko Lipe

    Busy Hat Pattaya on Lipe's southern coast has beach bars, seafood and a party vibe during the high season, though long-tails often crowd out swimmers.

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