Ko Lipe

The island falls outside the protection of the Ko Tarutao National Park and is being rapidly developed as a result. For now, there’s nothing on the scale of Ko Lanta or Ko Phi-Phi, but you don’t need a crystal ball to see what fate has in store for Ko Lipe. Most of the developments are at Hat Pattaya on the southern coast and near the chao leh (sea gypsies) village on the eastern coast. Luckily, the rest of Ko Lipe is still very laid-back with peaceful jungle trails and some delightful secluded beaches, which retain their original Robinson Crusoe atmosphere. Probably the most beautiful is Sunset Beach, which has fabulous views over to ...

The island falls outside the protection of the Ko Tarutao National Park and is being rapidly developed as a result. For now, there’s nothing on the scale of Ko Lanta or Ko Phi-Phi, but you don’t need a crystal ball to see what fate has in store for Ko Lipe. Most of the developments are at Hat Pattaya on the southern coast and near the chao leh (sea gypsies) village on the eastern coast. Luckily, the rest of Ko Lipe is still very laid-back with peaceful jungle trails and some delightful secluded beaches, which retain their original Robinson Crusoe atmosphere. Probably the most beautiful is Sunset Beach, which has fabulous views over to Ko Adang. A footpath leads here from behind the village school. There’s good coral all along the southern coast and around Ko Kra, the little island opposite the chao leh village. Most resorts rent out mask and snorkel sets and fins and can arrange long-tail trips to Ko Adang and other coral-fringed islands.

About the Expert

Joe Cummings has contributed to more than 35 guidebooks, maps, atlases, phrasebooks and photographic works, including his bestselling Lonely Planet Thailand and Buddhist Stupas of Asia: The Shape of Perfection.