ABOUT KOH LIPE

Have you ever heard about Koh Lipe ? That is the question from my friend who recently just came back from backpacking to me. It is said the island is the " MALDIVES OF IN SOUTH EAST ASIA ". 

So, I have decided to do backpacking to Koh Lipe, as I am so in love staying in beaches :)

Koh Lipe Thailand - one of the most beautiful islands at the Tarutao Marine Park and currently one of the most sought after places for island lovers. This small island sits at the Southern most part of the marine park and the name Koh Lipe (pronounced Lee Pay) comes from the local sea gypsy name which means Paper Island. Koh Lipe is also known as the Maldives of Thailand as the waters here are amazingly crystal clear while the unspoiled beaches are donned with pure white sand. The paradise is also known by many other spellings such as Koh Lipeh, Ko Lipey, Ko Leepay and Ko Lipe.

Speed boat ferries arriving on the beach

Koh Lipe is also easily accessible as there are various ways from Phuket, Ko Lanta, Pak Barra and also Langkawi Island in Malaysia. I did an article on this and you can find out more information about Getting To Koh Lipe. There are no airports so the only way here is via the modern speed boat ferries. Journeys are estimated at about 1-2 hours depending on which point you choose.As for my experience, I have visited Koh Lipe during the high season via Langkawi and also during the low season via Pak Barra jetty in Satun which is in Southern Thailand. After you arrive at the immigration office for your passport chop and want to take a longtail boat taxi to your resort at the other beaches, they charge a fee of 40-50 Baht per person.

Being around for many years, this paradise island was originally settled by a band of sea gypsies from Malaysia, known as the 'Chao Lei' people and was once a secret little backpacker haven with only budget styled beach chalets while backpackers would bring wares to sell on the walking street and around the island. Some of the back packers would even camp out on the beaches back then.

Only until about 4-5 years ago, some businessmen saw the opportunity and started investing here opening up larger styled resorts and businesses. At the current moment, the island operates on two seasons, Low Season from May till September and High Season from October till April. You will find that during the rainy season, about 60% of the island comes to a standstill where prices are slashed to about 50-60% off peak rates.

Map of Koh Lipe showing the resorts and places

Things to take note before visiting Koh Lipe Thailand

• There are no ATMS there
• The nearest ATM Machines are in Pak Barra jetty or Langkawi jetty
• Some businesses on Lipe will do Credit Card Advances at 5%-8% commission
• Foreign Currency can be changed at most resorts but at terrible rates
• There is only one Immigration Hut located at the end of Pattaya Beach next to Bundhaya Resort
• A local Police Station is also available behind the Immigration Office
• The only way in and out of Koh Lipe is via Ferry or Speedboat
• There are no taxis or cars on the islands
• Do not participate in Fishing Trips as it is illegal
• There is only one small clinic at the local Chow Lay village called Topoe
• A helicopter landing area is there for major emergencies
• Visa on arrival over land or sea is only 14 days for foreigners
• Alternatively, you can do a visa run to Langkawi, Malaysia and back within a day
• There is a small local church available in the Chow Ley village