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What makes this place attract the moniker 'Maldives of Thailand'?
Explore Koh Lipe – The Lovely Tiny Jewel of Thailand
Koh Lipe is a small island in the Adang-Rawi archipelago, Satun province, Southwest Thailand, near the Malaysia border. It is the southernmost island in Thailand and part of the beautiful Tarutao National Marine Park.
Travelers can reach Koh Lipe by flying to the capital city, Bangkok, then to Had Yai by plane. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Had Yai, but the journey will be long and not much cheaper than flying. From Had Yai, take a taxi or mini-bus to Pak Bara, where you can then take a boat to Koh Lipe.
If you arrive in Had Yai early in the morning, you can reach Koh Lipe in just one day. This route operates year-round. There is a bus leaving Had Yai around 8:30 AM connecting with the high-speed boat in Pak Bara at 11:30 AM. During peak seasons, additional afternoon routes are provided for travelers by the local authorities.
The first to step foot on this island were a group of wanderers with roots from Malaysia, known as the Urak Lawoi. Subsequently, the Chao Ley people, who moved from one island to another in search of the most favorable fishing grounds to sustain themselves and their tribes, inhabited this island.
Gradually, the Chao Ley settled on Koh Lipe and were granted the right to live on the east side of the island (Sunrise Beach). These locals still make a living from fishing, but due to the growth of tourism, their livelihoods are gradually changing. Some have opened restaurants serving local cuisine, offer tourist boat rentals, or run taxi services.
Koh Lipe is considered the most important island in the Adang group, with the largest population. Moreover, it serves as a transportation hub between many islands and the mainland. Approximately 1,000 people live on Koh Lipe throughout the year. The main highlight on the island is scuba diving. Additionally, its beautiful beaches, mild weather, and relaxed atmosphere make Koh Lipe an ideal destination for resort vacations.
The island boasts 4 main beaches: Sunrise Beach stretches along the calm waters of the East Coast. The bustling Pattaya Beach captivates with white-cut bays and glimpses of wooden houses facing the vast sea. This is where taxis, rental boats dock, creating a lively scene throughout the day. Karma Beach on the western tip is an ideal diving spot. Lastly, Sunset Beach, the least developed area on Koh Lipe, is the perfect place to end your day of fun. There is a walking path across the island's center, connecting Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach. Along this route, travelers can find many budget-friendly resorts and vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops.
Koh Lipe offers a variety of wooden houses for rent, resorts ranging from budget to luxury, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking natural scenery. The island is known to be quite crowded, often forcing travelers to endure sleeping on the beach, especially during peak seasons.
The high tourist season on Koh Lipe runs from October to May. Many Thais visit during weekends and holidays, sometimes having to book several months in advance. The peak period extends from December to February each year. Most accommodations on the island are fully booked, so without prior reservations, finding a suitable place can be challenging. Popular rental spots are often booked well in advance, especially during Christmas or New Year's weeks and the weeks before and after these two holidays.
In reality, this is the common situation across Thailand, so the advice is to make reservations in advance. Otherwise, consider coming here during the low season from May to October. Despite many accommodations closing during this period, there are still year-round working establishments. During this season, the island is relatively tranquil, hence referred to as the 'green season.' The plus side is that hotels may offer a 50% discount.
You can explore the entire island on foot. Many concrete paths connect the beaches, but most are not illuminated at night, so bring a flashlight. For those who dislike walking, you can take a motorcycle taxi around the island for prices ranging from 30,000 to 120,000 VND. Long-tail boats will take you to and from any location on the island for around 30,000 VND. Unfortunately, you won't be able to rent motorbikes or cars here.
Every second month, you can assist the islanders in keeping the Adang archipelago free of litter. From 10 AM, the Trash Heroes gather at the pedestrian path on Pattaya Beach to spread out across the archipelago, collecting plastic bottles, old flip-flops, food wrappers, shampoo bottles, and more. Trash Heroes is a non-profit organization helping businesses on Koh Lipe, in return, they receive support in terms of boats, trash bags, food, and drinks every week for volunteers.
According to Zing News
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
TravelMasters.comApril 13, 2016
