Thailand is renowned for paradise beaches and islands. If this is your alley, read on. There’s truly something for all beachgoers here. Ranging from beaches with luxury resorts, high-octane parties as well as secluded and private ones with limestone karsts popping out of the water, the beachside scene in the country is truly diverse. Speaking of, there’s an island not quite exposed to the public eye in Thailand. If you’re looking to cast off in a peaceful island atmosphere, try Koh Lipe.

So, where is this secluded island? Koh Lipe is a tiny island in the Andaman Sea located 70 kilometers off the southwest coast of Satun Province in Thailand, near the Malaysian border and just five degrees north of the equator. And the specifics? If you are picturing sandy beaches, blues waters and warm weather, well you are right to think of Koh Lipe. Add in some mountainous tropical forests in the interior and you got yourself the picturesque tropical island. And it is quite small and easy to explore by foot.

Accommodation types are quite plentiful. You may choose to stay in a bungalow type place, opt for something even simpler than that or go for your high end luxury resort. And the names of the beaches are quite exotic. Where else can you stay on an island with Sunrise, Sunset, Karma and Pattaya (not to be confused with Pattaya in Central Thailand) as names for its beaches? Theisland’s waters offer some exceptional snorkeling and dive excursions. One estimate has it that 25% of the world’s tropical fish species reside in these waters.

Koh Lipe is just outside Tarutao National Marine Park. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Well, it is! The area boasts a whole bunch of smaller islands, great for hopping between them all! Explore Koh Rawi, Koh Adang and Hin Ngam as these and many are just a short boat ride away.

The island is also home to a unique group of people. The Chao Leh (also known as the sea gypsies) have actually fled Malaysia and Indonesia in the 18^th century and permanently settled on Thai islands in and around the Andaman Sea. There are about 3000 individuals estimated throughout the area. Not a bad place to choose a home for sea dwellers to permanently settle.

Koh Lipe is a haven of solitude and somewhere to be considered by those wanting an all out relaxation holiday. Need more beaches? No sweat, just see what we have in our beach breaks section. You can just feel the sand and smell the sea water and tropical air!

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