This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Ko Lipe.
For those that enjoy the island lifestyle that Ko Phi Phi offers, Koh Lipe is a further step back in time. Less developed than it's other island neighbours, Phi Phi and Lanta, Koh Lipe offers travelers an idyllic tropical island paradise. It is so small that foot is the common transport method with the odd motorbike or trike taxi. There are no cars on this island.
One of the main attractions of Koh Lipe is the fantastic scuba diving that is available on all shores of the island. Snorkeling is also possible by either joining the dive boats or just slipping on your fins and mask on the beach and swimming out to the reef, which is located just twenty metres offshore.
The scuba dive companies offer modern equipment at reasonable prices. Most dive sites are within a ten-minute traditional Thai longtail boat ride and the dive shops offer courses and fun dives in many different languages. Boats are the only way to access Koh Lipe. They usually arrive and leave twice daily to Langkawi (Malaysia) or to Ko Lanta.
For many here, the most popular activity is sunbathing on the sandy beaches, some of which actually look like a postcard.
Koh Lipe has some terrific restaurants offering local Thai and also other international cuisine at cheap prices. Nightlife is not as vibrant as some of the other islands, but there is still a vibe centred along the main Walking Street, but things tend to quieten down after about 11 p.m. Walking Street has plenty of places to eat; drink; shop; organise accommodations, tours, and onward transport; get a massage; or buy souvenirs.
Accommodation is easy to find from Koh Lipe hostels and upper-end resort style places to low-budget beach bungalows.
Written by local enthusiast for Ko Lipe hostels
RayJ