A warm, windy island that offers something for most anyone, Ko Lipe's
range of accommodation options and fantastic marine life attract a
healthy number of tourists each year. Still, it's easy to find tranquil
surroundings here, even during peak season, with several coves and
walks through the jungle from one beach to another -- be sure to bring
along a torch for evening walks, though!
For those who prefer some variety after several days on the beach, there are plenty of boat trips on offer and the many snorkeling/diving opportunities should not be missed. Keep in mind though that being a part of Tarutao National Park, fishing is illegal around the island, so steer clear of fishing trips and seafood -- it's sometimes been caught illegally.
There's a Chao Lay village near Sunlight beach, with several shops, a school that offers expensive internet access, and basic medical dispensary. Ko Lipe is not That developed, so don't expect too much. Travellers with medical expertise are invited to register at the dispensary in case there's an emergency on the island. When walking through the village and near the school, please wear appropriate clothing (Koh Lipe is still "old-school" Thailand and Thongs, bikinis and overt displays of affection are frowned upon) Few Chao Lay are directly employed by tourism, aside from the longtail drivers who meet the ferries and take tourists to Lipe for 30B per person. This is an important source of income for them, and the price is non-negotiable. Please do your part to help the Indigenous people of Thailand and Koh Lipe.
There have been increasing complaints about problems of litter and waste disposal on Ko Lipe. It is a small island, ill-equipped to cope with the volume of tourism it is now receiving, so try to tread lightly. If you've got a free day try to rustle up a few people and go do a bit of cleaning. Please take what you brought with you back with you! Koh Lipe and everyone on it will appreciate that!
Orientation
Ko Lipe is a small island, a very small island. Arguably one of the smallest islands in Thailand that does a steady tourist trade. So small in fact, you can walk around the entire island in a matter of hours.
The island has three main beaches, Pattaya Beach, Sunlight Beach and Sunset Beach, all of which are interconnected by a network of sand/dirt footpaths. You WILL NOT need to hire a motorbike on Ko Lipe.
The Chao Lay village has a small medical clinic, but for anything more serious than a cut finger, we'd suggest heading to the mainland.
There are NO banks on Ko Lipe. Be sure to bring enough case with you. Many Places can arrange cash advances for the truly desperate, but it is much easier if you just bring enough cash with you.
For those who prefer some variety after several days on the beach, there are plenty of boat trips on offer and the many snorkeling/diving opportunities should not be missed. Keep in mind though that being a part of Tarutao National Park, fishing is illegal around the island, so steer clear of fishing trips and seafood -- it's sometimes been caught illegally.
There's a Chao Lay village near Sunlight beach, with several shops, a school that offers expensive internet access, and basic medical dispensary. Ko Lipe is not That developed, so don't expect too much. Travellers with medical expertise are invited to register at the dispensary in case there's an emergency on the island. When walking through the village and near the school, please wear appropriate clothing (Koh Lipe is still "old-school" Thailand and Thongs, bikinis and overt displays of affection are frowned upon) Few Chao Lay are directly employed by tourism, aside from the longtail drivers who meet the ferries and take tourists to Lipe for 30B per person. This is an important source of income for them, and the price is non-negotiable. Please do your part to help the Indigenous people of Thailand and Koh Lipe.
There have been increasing complaints about problems of litter and waste disposal on Ko Lipe. It is a small island, ill-equipped to cope with the volume of tourism it is now receiving, so try to tread lightly. If you've got a free day try to rustle up a few people and go do a bit of cleaning. Please take what you brought with you back with you! Koh Lipe and everyone on it will appreciate that!
Orientation
Ko Lipe is a small island, a very small island. Arguably one of the smallest islands in Thailand that does a steady tourist trade. So small in fact, you can walk around the entire island in a matter of hours.
The island has three main beaches, Pattaya Beach, Sunlight Beach and Sunset Beach, all of which are interconnected by a network of sand/dirt footpaths. You WILL NOT need to hire a motorbike on Ko Lipe.
The Chao Lay village has a small medical clinic, but for anything more serious than a cut finger, we'd suggest heading to the mainland.
There are NO banks on Ko Lipe. Be sure to bring enough case with you. Many Places can arrange cash advances for the truly desperate, but it is much easier if you just bring enough cash with you.