Is Koh Lipe really the Maldives of Thailand?

Vol. 26 - March 2025

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People sometimes call Koh Lipe the “Maldives of Thailand.”

And when you’re standing in waist-deep water that stays clear for meters around you, it’s easy to see why.

But what makes it better (for us) is how simple it still feels, no seaplanes, no isolation, no need to over plan. Just an island you can actually enjoy without being overcrowded.

Happy travels from Ploy, Jochem & Moana ❤️

A travel story

Getting to Koh Lipe takes a bit of effort since it sits near the Malaysian border, which is probably why it still feels this untouched.

The boat ride from Pak Bara is open sea most of the way. Closer to the island, the color changes fast. Deep dark blue turns into bright, clear water.

You arrive on a floating dock and step straight into it. Sand, boats, and water all in the same view.

As the island is not very large, most people end up around Sunrise Beach. The water there is usually flat, and you can walk out quite far while it stays shallow. It is the kind of place where you look down and can see everything clearly, even without trying. Try to imagine paradise, and you’ve got the picture :)

This is where the Maldives comparison starts to make sense. Not in a luxury, overwater villa way, but in how the water looks and how close it is to everything.

Along this stretch, places like Idyllic Concept Resort sit right on the sand. Rooms face the sea, and within a few steps you are already in the water. It gives you that same feeling of being right next to it all the time, without needing to plan your day around it. If you don’t feel like the sea (and sand) you can always choose the pool, something Moana often prefers.

Mornings are usually the best. The sea is calm and warm, the light is soft, and there is space to just walk straight in and float. Longtail boats sit in the distance, barely moving.

Later in the day, it’s easy to cross the island. It only takes a few minutes. Walking Street runs through the middle with small restaurants, fruit shakes, and dive shops. It’s a bit busier, but useful when you want food or a change of scene.

Then you head back toward the beach again.

Snorkeling trips run daily and are easy to arrange. Within 15 to 20 minutes by boat, you reach nearby islands with clear water and coral. You jump in, float around and spot the beautiful bright colored fish and corals, then move to the next spot.

Everyone compares Koh Lipe to the Maldives, but it feels completely different. No resorts separating you from everything. Just small beaches, longtail boats, delicious Thai food, and water so clear you keep going back in without thinking.

• 7:30 am : First a beach swim // Get up and start the day in the water. Sunrise Beach is usually calm in the morning, and the light is soft. You can walk straight in and it stays shallow for quite a while.

• 8:30 am : Breakfast by the sea // Head back for breakfast at your hotel or a small beachfront spot. Coffee, fruit, eggs, it’s all super fresh. Sitting near the water, enjoy the view.

• 10:00 am : Pool or back to the sea // If you are staying somewhere like Idyllic Concept Resort, this is a good time to switch between the pool and the beach. The pool faces the ocean, so you still feel connected to it.

• 11:30 am : Walk to Walking Street // Take a short walk across the island. Stop for a fruit shake along the way. Mango, coconut, or pineapple are easy choices.

• 12:30 pm : Lunch break // Pick a casual restaurant near Walking Street. Grilled seafood, fried rice, or something simple. No need to plan too much, there are plenty of options.

• 2:00 pm : Snorkeling trip or beach time // Option one is to book a half-day snorkeling trip. Boats take you to nearby islands with clear water and coral.
Option two is to stay on the island and just swim. Around Sunrise Beach, you can see fish even close to shore.

• 4:30 pm : Back to the hotel // Head back, shower, or just sit for a bit. This is usually the hottest part of the day, so it is a good time to slow things down indoors or by the pool.

• 5:45 pm : Sunset on the quieter side // Walk to the other side of the island for sunset. It is less busy and the light is softer. Good time for a short walk along the beach.

• 7:00 pm : Dinner near Walking Street // Go back toward the center for dinner. Seafood BBQ, Thai dishes, or something easy. It is casual everywhere.

• 8:30 pm : Night walk on the beach // End the day with a walk along the sand. The temperature drops a bit, and the island feels different at night.

If you liked this week’s edition, here’s what’s worth to Eat, See and Explore:

Food on Koh Lipe is simple and easy to get into. A lot of places are casual, close to the beach, and built around fresh seafood. You’ll see grilled fish, prawns, squid, and spicy Thai dishes on most menus.

The best part is you don’t need to plan much. Just walk, stop where it looks good, and eat.

On The Rocks (Serendipity Resort)
Set on rocks overlooking the sea, this is one of the nicer places for dinner. Good for seafood, Thai dishes, and a clear view out over the water. Best around sunset.

Elephant Beach Bar & Restaurant
Right on the sand at Sunrise Beach. Very relaxed setup with Thai food, grilled seafood, and drinks. Easy place to stop after swimming.

Bloom Café (& Hostel)
A small café on Walking Street. Good for coffee, smoothie bowls, and lighter food if you want a break from Thai dishes.

Sunrise Beach
The clearest water on the island and usually very calm. Best early in the morning when it is quiet.

Koh Adang Viewpoint
A short boat ride away. There is a hike up to a viewpoint where you can see all of Koh Lipe from above. It is worth the effort if you want a different perspective.

Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
A giant golden Buddha overlooking the city from Pratumnak Hill. Walk up the staircase lined with naga statues and you’ll get wide views across Pattaya Bay.

Sunset Beach
Smaller and quieter. Good place to end the day, especially if you want something less busy.

Walking Street
The main path through the island. Restaurants, small shops, dive centers, and fruit shakes all in one place. It comes alive more in the evening.

Snorkeling just off the beach
You don’t always need a boat. In some areas, especially around Sunrise Beach, you can already see fish close to shore.

Koh Kra sandbar (low tide)
At low tide, sandbars appear between small nearby islands. You can walk out into shallow water with almost no waves.

Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar (sunset side)
A relaxed spot for sunset without the bigger crowds. Bean bags, simple drinks, and open views. Easy place to sit for a while without it feeling busy.

Monkey Beach on Koh Adang
Most people only go to the viewpoint, but this beach is worth the extra stop. It is quiet, backed by jungle, and the water is just as clear.

Always useful :)

Songs for discovering Thailand: from scenic drives to hidden escapes. New vibes added every week .

Click on any of the tracks below to get in the travel mood.

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