Paradise in South Thailand
White sand beaches, turquoise clear water, coconut palms, calm and friendly atmosphere… None of the words used to describe paradise are a lie when talking about Koh Lipe island in Thailand.
Koh Lipe island is located off the southwest coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea close to Malaysian border and Malaysian island Langkawi. Koh Lipe is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park.
Back then
It´s easy to say that Koh Lipe is my favorite island. I still remember the feeling when my toes touched the sand in the island for the first time in 2011. Back then Koh Lipe was very different. After I arrived to sunset beach we walked under the sign “Walking Street” to get the other side of the island. Well, I wouldn´t ever used the word “street”. The Walking Street was just a small , root -strewn path. There was only a few very simple wooden bars and restaurants on the way to the other side of the island.
Beaches were calm, it was easy to find a spot to be alone. There was only a few hotels, all budget friendly. Snorkeling was very good and marine life was diverse. Coral reef starts from the beach and there was so many colors. Island was kind of wild and free of the real world.
Today
Over the years I have visited there six times, the last time last year. I still arrived to the same sunset beach and felt the same powder soft, white sand under my toes, saw the same crystal clear turquoise sea front of me and still felt the same happiness. But a lot have changed since my first time.
The development of the island has been huge and not just in good way. Instead of the root -strewn path now the Walking Street is actual street. Along it, there is now a long line of restaurants and bars, beaches are more crowded and there´s hotel for every taste and wallet.
Snorkeling is still one of the best things to do in Koh Lipe. Marine life is still diverse. Compared to many other reefs, even though Koh Lipe chorals have lost some of it´s color there´s still quite many shades left. However, somehow this small island has managed to retain something same from my first time. The atmosphere is still mainly calm and always friendly.
Best things to do in Koh Lipe
- Snorkeling
- Relaxing on the beach
- Hiking
- Eat good food
- Enjoy life
Pros
- Paradisiacal
- Turquoise water and white sand
- Good food
- Diverse marine life
- Friendly people
Cons
- Far
- Some people think it´s already bit too popular
- Longtail boat traffic at the some of the beaches
- No shopping
