Koh Lipe sits at the southern edge of Tarutao National Marine Park - 700 kilometres from Bangkok, 50 kilometres from Malaysia - and the isolation has consequences: no cars, no big resorts, no international airport. What there is: three good beaches, coral reefs in genuinely good condition, and a pace that most Thai islands can’t match in peak season. Choosing your beach is the key decision.
Sunrise Beach: longest sand, most choice
Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) on the east coast is the island’s main accommodation strip - around 800 metres of sand backed by low-rise resorts and casuarina trees. The water is calmest in the morning before the afternoon wind picks up. This is where most mid-range and some budget options cluster.
Budget (approximately ฿500–900/night as of 2026):
Castaway Resort - Basic fan-cooled bungalows within short walk of the main Sunrise Beach stretch. One of the most affordable options with direct east coast beach access. From approximately ฿500/night.
Mid-range (approximately ฿1,500–5,500/night as of 2026):
Idyllic Concept Resort - Well-maintained air-conditioned rooms and a pool on the main east coast beach. One of the best mid-range picks on the island for beach access, facilities, and consistent standards. Books out early from December through February. From approximately ฿1,500/night.
Boo Boo Lipe - A well-positioned property on the prime stretch of Sunrise Beach, sea-facing rooms, established reputation for reliable service. Upper end of mid-range worth the premium for beachfront position. From approximately ฿3,000/night.
Luxury (approximately ฿7,000+/night as of 2026):
Serenity Resort & Residences - The most considered luxury property on Koh Lipe, with pool villas and direct Sunrise Beach frontage. For couples and small groups who want full-service on an island that mostly runs at a simpler level. Book well ahead for peak-season weeks. From approximately ฿7,000/night.
Sunset Beach: quietest, best evening light
Coastal resort with greenery and ocean views at sunset.
Sunset Beach on the west coast requires either a 20-minute walk across the island or a water taxi (฿50–100) to reach. The reef at the northern end is accessible from shore and the late-afternoon light is the best on the island. The beach faces across to Koh Adang’s forested profile.
Budget:
Nornee Bungalows - Simple rooms near the quieter west coast beach. The distance from Walking Street makes it genuinely peaceful compared to the Pattaya Beach area. From approximately ฿600/night.
Mid-range:
Serendipity Beach Resort - Bungalows in a relaxed garden-style setting on the west coast, with reef access from shore. Quieter than anything on Sunrise Beach. From approximately ฿1,200/night.
Luxury:
Mountain Resort - Hillside pool villas above Sunset Beach with sea views across to Koh Adang. The elevated position gives privacy and the best panoramic views on the island. Resort provides water taxi transfers to the beach below. From approximately ฿4,500/night.
Pattaya Beach: most central, busiest
Aerial view of turquoise water and green island, Ko Tarutao.
Pattaya Beach in the centre faces south and is where boats land - passengers wade in from anchored vessels or take a small water taxi to shore. Walking Street, the island’s commercial strip, runs parallel to the beach and has the most restaurant and bar options within a few minutes walk. Good for short stays; less ideal for a quiet week.
Lipe Beach Resort - Budget rooms at the main landing beach, convenient for boat arrivals and the central restaurant strip. From approximately ฿700/night.
Practical notes
National park fee: ฿200 for foreign visitors, collected on arrival by boat (as of 2026). Keep the ticket - rangers occasionally check.
Cash: ATMs are on the island but charge high fees (approximately ฿200–250 per withdrawal) and can run dry in peak season. Bring sufficient baht from the mainland.
Closed season: Roughly May to late October. Exact dates shift slightly year-to-year. Check with Pak Bara pier operators before planning travel in June or October.
Connectivity: 4G coverage from the main beaches but can be slow in peak season. Cafés on Walking Street have Wi-Fi.
For diving and snorkelling day trips to Stonehenge, Koh Adang, and Koh Rawi, browse Koh Lipe tours and activities. For the full island guide see Koh Lipe travel guide.