Almost ten years passed between my first and second visits to Koh Lipe. So I was, quite literally, a different person when I returned after first setting foot on the island.

This explains part of the profound shift in perspective I experienced. As I spent several days in early 2024 enjoying the beauty and intoxicating atmosphere of Lipe and the neighboring Adang, I realized that everything I loved this time had probably already been "there" the last time; I just hadn't noticed it then.

I have other theories on this as well – and I will discuss them in the following sections. However, the aim of this post is to answer a much simpler question: Is Koh Lipe worth a visit?

First impressions aren't everything.

Had you asked me in 2015, I probably would have concluded that Koh Lipe was worth a visit. However, considering my behavior in the following years, my recommendation is rather lukewarm. While Koh Lipe did have stunning beaches and great hotels, it was also expensive and far too crowded for an island of its size (let alone one that was considered a hidden gem).

I would be failing to admit that part of this stemmed from my own perception – I was less experienced in travel back then and also less attentive to many of the finer details that I now take for granted. However, I also think that Koh Lipe has stabilized again, perhaps as a result of the pandemic. Prices are still high, but they have risen faster elsewhere in Thailand; the island's beauty has been preserved despite the significantly increased development.

Why I changed my opinion about Lipe

The beaches

I've always loved beautiful beaches, and Lipe's beaches have always been great. However, since I stayed at the far end of the island in 2015, at Sunset Beach (the worst of Lipe's three main beaches), I didn't have enough time to truly appreciate the beauty of Sunrise Beach. The shallow lagoons around North Point, in particular, are like swimming pools right in the ocean.

The hike

Another reason why Koh Lipe is worth a visit? You can easily (and cheaply) rent one of the dozens of longtail boats moored along the beaches and take a boat to Koh Adang. Pine Beach, near the jetty, is at least as beautiful as any other beach on Koh Lipe itself, and the hike to the Chado Cliff viewpoint is an unforgettable experience; the view from up there is simply breathtaking.

The mood

Nine years ago, Koh Lipe seemed somewhat directionless, but that has changed – after the pandemic, the island found its own style. While prices are still high, they aren't rising as rapidly as elsewhere in Thailand; they reflect the increasingly upscale yet relaxed lifestyle. Koh Lipe's pedestrian zone is also fantastic, offering a high concentration of excellent restaurants and shops relative to its length.

The lightness

Koh Lipe is worth a visit for its simplicity alone. Upon arrival, the walk to your accommodation almost never takes longer than 15 or 20 minutes; after checking in and freshening up, it usually takes no longer to reach your next destination. Furthermore, no sense of direction is needed: Pattaya Beach is at one end of Walking Street, Sunrise Beach at the other. As long as you can walk straight ahead (and back), you're all set.

Another phase of life

Koh Lipe has changed in important and noticeable ways – and so have I. It struck me, as I soaked up the sun in the shallow waters off North Point (glancing down at the Nomad Bar and wishing for one of their cocktails), that Koh Lipe's particular blend of leisure, luxury, and natural splendor might just suit someone approaching 40 better than someone who has just turned 30.

Accommodation in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe offers a range of beachfront accommodations, but I would advise against considering anything outside of Sunrise Beach. Pattaya Beach is overcrowded (and not particularly beautiful at low tide); Sunset Beach is too far from the rest of the island to serve as a base for excursions. My favorite accommodations on Sunrise Beach are the Bulow Casa Grande View Resort and the Mali Resort.

Of course, you don't necessarily have to stay right on the beach to make Koh Lipe a worthwhile travel destination. If you can tolerate the hustle and bustle in front of and behind the hotel, accommodations like the Leelawadee Lipe Resort are ideal, as they are directly connected to the island's main pedestrian area. They are also significantly cheaper than accommodations right on the beach – which admittedly isn't a factor for some travelers.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Lipe

How many days should I spend on Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe may be small, but there are two good reasons why you should spend 3-5 days there (instead of just 1-2). First, there's plenty to do, both on the main island and on the neighboring island of Koh Adang (where you can hike and swim), and at the many snorkeling and diving spots nearby. Second, Koh Lipe's beaches are perfect for relaxing. Plan to spend at least a full day there.

What is so special about Koh Lipe?

Since my last visit to the island, I see Koh Lipe as a kind of "grown-up" version of Railay Beach, which also feels "younger." By that, I mean that the buildings on the island are of a higher quality and more modern; the crowd tends to be younger, and the weather is less harsh than in Railay. When I think about the feeling that Railay used to evoke in me, it actually reminds me of Koh Lipe.

Is it possible to swim in Koh Lipe?

Yes! The beaches of Koh Lipe are among the best in Thailand for swimming. With their shallow, clear, and calm waters and sugar-white sand, Sunrise Beach and North Point are like small pools in the sea. Pin Beach on nearby Koh Adang is also a fantastic spot for swimming.

Conclusion

Is Koh Lipe worth a visit? Absolutely – if you haven't made any travel plans yet, you should definitely go! When I think back to my first visit to the island almost ten years ago, I feel I was wrong about my readers and myself. I didn't recognize Koh Lipe for the gem it is back then, and as a result, I didn't return for almost a decade. In my opinion, Koh Lipe probably has the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and manages to combine an authentic and unspoiled feel with the comfort most of us crave. Need help planning your Thailand island adventure? Request your personalized Thailand itinerary today!