Koh Lipe Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Koh Lipe is accessible exclusively by boat, with regular ferry services connecting from nearby hubs like Pak Bara pier on the mainland (approximately 1-2 hours), Langkawi in Malaysia (90 minutes), and other neighboring islands in the Andaman Sea. During high season (November-May), speedboats operate daily from Pak Bara, while the low season sees reduced schedules, typically 3-4 times weekly. Many visitors first travel to Hat Yai (the nearest major city with an airport and bus terminal), then take a minivan to Pak Bara before boarding the ferry. Upon arrival, longtail boats transfer passengers from the floating pontoon to Pattaya Beach, as the island has no permanent pier.

Nestled in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe is a small Thai island with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This idyllic destination, often called the 'Maldives of Thailand,' offers a balance of relaxation and adventure for travelers arriving by ferry. From quality snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs to the laid-back island atmosphere, Koh Lipe presents an authentic Thai island experience without the overwhelming crowds of more developed destinations.

The ideal time to visit Koh Lipe is during the dry season from November through April, when clear skies and calm seas create good conditions for ferry travel and water activities. December to February offers pleasant temperatures, averaging 28-30°C with refreshing breezes and good underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving. The monsoon season (May to October) brings occasional heavy rainfall and rougher seas, with some ferry services reduced or suspended during June-October. However, visiting during the shoulder months of November or April can offer a good balance of weather, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation rates.

Koh Lipe serves as a hub for exploring Thailand's Andaman archipelago. From here, ferries connect to the larger island of Koh Lanta (approximately 3-4 hours), known for its long beaches and national park. Just 30 minutes away by speedboat lies Koh Adang, offering jungle hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking Koh Lipe. Island hoppers can also reach Koh Tarutao (1 hour), Thailand's largest island in the marine park, featuring pristine beaches and wildlife. During high season, international connections to Langkawi, Malaysia operate daily, making Koh Lipe a convenient border-crossing point with its own immigration checkpoint.

Koh Lipe boasts three main beaches, each with distinct character, vibrant Pattaya Beach, tranquil Sunrise Beach, and laid-back Sunset Beach, all within walking distance on this compact island. The surrounding waters offer good snorkeling directly from shore, with Sunset Reef and Karma Beach featuring coral gardens with tropical fish. Walking Street, the island's pedestrian thoroughfare, comes alive each evening with restaurants serving fresh seafood and authentic Thai cuisine, particularly the southern Thai specialties influenced by Malaysian flavors. For adventurous travelers, booking a full-day island-hopping tour reveals hidden coves and remote snorkeling spots throughout the Tarutao National Marine Park, home to some of Thailand's most preserved underwater ecosystems.

Originally home to the nomadic Urak Lawoi (Sea Gypsy) people, Koh Lipe still maintains a small indigenous community on the island, with their unique language and maritime traditions continuing today. Despite being Thailand's southernmost inhabited island, Koh Lipe has no cars or motorbikes, transportation occurs entirely on foot along sandy pathways or by longtail boats circling the coastline. The island sits within the protected Tarutao National Marine Park, Thailand's first marine national park established in 1974, and was once a haven for pirates who hid in the archipelago's hidden coves and caves during the 19th century.