Koh Lipe
 Map of Tarutao MP
Ko Lipe is part of the marine national park Tarutao in the southernmost part of Thailand near the border to Malaysia. The island is small, flat and surrounded by brilliant white sandy beaches. The few people living on Koh Lipe are Chaoleh. They offer long tail boat transportation and sell fresh fish to the resorts. Tourism has become a growing business, but up to now its mainly backpackers arriving on Koh Lipe. New, cheap and middle price bungalow resorts were built, so everybody can find a nice place to spend some relaxing days and nights here, Its a simple life with nothing to do and fresh water and electricity can be a problem. There is no doctor and no cash machine. Its still a hidden paradise far away from Phuket and not so easy to reach. Since 2006 Koh Lipe has a boat connection to Langkawi (Telaga, Malaysia).
Koh Lipe and the many big and small islands north of it are paradises for snorkeling and diving with crystal clear waters and healthy coral reefs. The three sandy beaches allow everbody to find a quiet place from sunrise to sunset. The 1,5 km long Pattaya beach to the south, the sunrise beach to the east and the sunset beach to the northwest belong to the best beaches in southern Thailand. From Koh Lipe you can do daytrips to the other islands of the Tarutao Nationalpark, which are not inhabited and have no resorts.
How to get there: By boat from Pak Bara via Ko Bulon or Ko Tarutao in three hours (leaves at 3 p.m.). Fly to Hat Yai (AirAsia) or Trang (Nokair) and take a Minibus to Pak Bara (needs about 2 hours) or Hat Yao Pier (1 hour). Tigerline boats connect Langkawi with Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Phuket. From Hat Yao Pier the boat leaves at 1 p.m. and arrive at 3.30 at Lipe. You can book the bus from Trang airport and the boat ticket together for 950 Baht onlie.
Regular boat traffic is from Decmber to April, in low season depending on weather conditions. From May to November it is possible, that there are no boats available, so it is advised to check before going. Langkawi can be reached very easily by plane from Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia flies from London to Kuala Lumpur and from KL to Langkawi. More information on www.kohlipethailand.com
Rooms: Many simple fan and air-con huts and some new and modern bungalows were built in the last years. Prices are between 1000 and 5000 Baht. The restaurants are quite good and provide tasty Thai and seafood.
Resort Tipps: Koh Lipe Resort - Bundhaya Resort - Sita Beach Resort
List of resorts for your booking see island map XXL
Good for: Travelers, looking for the simple and natural Thailand, who like to live together very closely with the Chaoleh and dont need any comfort. Of course a must for divers.
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