Koh Lipe (Sunrise Beach) Ferries

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

Accessing Koh Lipe typically involves a combined journey of land and sea travel. Most visitors first reach Pak Bara pier on the mainland, about 2 hours from Hat Yai (the nearest major transportation hub with an airport and bus terminal). From November to May during high season, direct ferries operate from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe, taking approximately 90 minutes. Connections are also available from nearby islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Langkawi in Malaysia. Upon arrival, long-tail boats transfer passengers from the ferry to Sunrise Beach, as Koh Lipe has no dedicated pier structure. If traveling with a vehicle, secure parking is available at Pak Bara pier for daily or weekly rates.

Nestled in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe is a small island that packs an enormous punch. With its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, this Thai gem offers an escape to paradise that feels worlds away from the mainland. Sunrise Beach, the island's eastern shoreline, serves as a main arrival point for ferries and provides visitors with breathtaking views as the first light of day paints the horizon in spectacular colors.

The prime time to visit Koh Lipe falls between November and April during the dry season, when clear skies, calm seas, and optimal underwater visibility create perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling. December through February offers the most pleasant temperatures, hovering around 28-30°C with refreshing sea breezes. The shoulder months of November and April provide a good balance of favorable weather with fewer crowds. During the monsoon season (May to October), ferry services become limited or may cease entirely, with many businesses closing temporarily. If you're seeking absolute tranquility and don't mind occasional rain showers, late October or early May can offer exceptional value and a more authentic experience.

Koh Lipe serves as an excellent hub for exploring Thailand's stunning Andaman archipelago. From Sunrise Beach, ferries connect to the larger island of Koh Lanta (about 3 hours away), known for its long beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The breathtaking Koh Phi Phi can be reached in approximately 5-6 hours, offering dramatic limestone cliffs and vibrant nightlife. For international travelers, ferries to Langkawi, Malaysia take just 90 minutes, allowing for easy visa runs or an exciting multi-country itinerary. During high season, the stunning Tarutao National Marine Park islands are accessible within 30-60 minutes, offering pristine nature and virtually untouched beaches that make for perfect day trips.

Koh Lipe offers experiences that range from serene relaxation to underwater exploration. Snorkeling and diving reveal spectacular coral gardens with over 25% of the world's tropical fish species found in the surrounding waters. Walking Street, the island's pedestrian-only thoroughfare, buzzes with energy as visitors browse handicraft shops and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants – don't miss the authentic Thai curries and freshly caught fish prepared with lemongrass and lime. Beyond Sunrise Beach, explore the equally stunning Pattaya and Sunset beaches, each with its own distinct character. The viewpoint between Sunset and Sunrise beaches offers panoramic vistas that capture the island's compact beauty, especially magical during early morning hours when the island is bathed in soft light.

Koh Lipe was originally home only to the Chao Ley (Sea Gypsies), whose village on the island's southern side still maintains many traditional ways of life despite the island's growing tourism. The island sits within Tarutao National Marine Park, Thailand's first marine preserve, giving it protected status that helps maintain its natural beauty. Despite being Thailand's southernmost inhabited island, Koh Lipe is so close to Malaysia that during the clearest days, you can actually see the Malaysian mainland from Sunrise Beach. The island's name comes from the local Sea Gypsy language, with 'Lipe' meaning 'paper' – perhaps referring to its flat, small silhouette when viewed from a distance.