Koh Lipe – the Last Island Paradise

Koh Lipe brought Satun to the attention of the world when National Geograhic named it as one of its top 20 Best Travelling Destinations in 2012.

“Have you been to Lipe yet?” is the question of the moment at a time when many beach destinations resemble water parks overflowing with crowds of tourists. Word of the pristine beauty of Lipe is attracting visitors of all ages, who are not put off by the long journey to Thailand's southernmost borders. Whether their arrival is by sea, land or air, the boats leaving Pak Bara for Lipe are full.

Pak Bara port provides the link from mainland Satun to Koh Lipe. Travellers arriving by air can fly to Had Yai and get a minivan or rent a car to Pak Bara in Langu district, a journey which takes about one and a half hours. From the Pak Bara pier, the speedboats take just over an hour to reach Lipe. During the tourist season, the boats will stop for photo ops at Koh Khai (on the outward journey only). Koh Khai is famous for the rock formation that arches over the sea's edge and is known romantically as the Arch of Everlasting Love.

Once the boats arrive at Lipe, passengers disembark on the large pontoon floating on the waves, to await the local long-tailed boats that will ferry them to the beaches and resorts. Usually the pontoon floats off Pattaya Beach (the start of Walking Street) but in the monsoon season it's moved to Sunrise Beach. Once you inform the boatmen of your destination and pay the island's landing fee, this paradise set in sky blue waters awaits you.

Once here, you should take the opportunity to visit all of the islands in Tarutao National Park, which was Thailand's first national marine park and has received UNESCO recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park. The park is accessible for 6 months each year from 16 November - 15 May.

Koh Lipe Tips

• Pattaya Beach is the liveliest area on the island with beach bars and a nightlife scene that you won't find on the other beaches. There is also luxury accommodation available at the beach.

• The Walking Street area is the center of life on the island with convenience stores, ATM machines and a large number of restaurants and cafes. Tourists tend to congregate at the well-known roti shops.

• Sunrise Beach extends for 2 km. At one end is Mountain Resort with its fine views, while at the other end everything is extremely peaceful. European tourists prefer to stay at this end of the beach, which is within easy walking distance of Walking Street.

• Transport on the island costs 50 baht per person. Trips around the island cost 400 baht per hour, while transporting luggage costs 150 baht per trip.

• Restaurants on Koh Lipe are quite expensive. You can economize by buying food at convenience stores but prices are also higher than usual because of the transport costs involved. Water in particular is very expensive. Trash Hero refill bottles are recommended and can be refilled for free at shops and hotels that have the sign.