Koh Lipe has three main beaches — Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Each of the island’s beaches offers a different feel and atmosphere, with Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe’s main stretch of sand and most popular beach.
Ao Sunset beach, Koh Lipe © argenberg
As well as the island’s three main beaches, there are several smaller, less crowded beaches on Koh Lipe. Karma Beach, located on the island’s far north tip, is a quieter alternative to the larger beaches that offers great views of the sunrise and sunset.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is Koh Lipe’s most popular beach. Its clear water makes it a great place to swim and snorkel, while a good selection of bars and restaurants make Pattaya Beach a convenient place to spend the day and evening.
There are numerous resorts built along Pattaya Beach, ranging from inexpensive bungalows to upmarket resorts. Almost all boats travelling to Koh Lipe land at Pattaya Beach, meaning you’ll pass through here even if you’re staying elsewhere on the island.
Sunrise Beach
Sunrise Beach is a long white sand beach located on the eastern side of Koh Lipe. Much less crowded than Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach has a selection of resorts, bars and restaurants that are spread along the beachfront.
Two small islands, Koh Kra and Koh Usen, are located a short distance off Sunrise Beach and attract snorkellers. Sunrise Beach’s clear water and calm weather make it arguably the best beach on Koh Lipe for snorkelling.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is the smallest of Koh Lipe’s three main beaches, with a relaxed atmosphere and far smaller crowds than Sunrise or Pattaya Beach. As its name suggests, Sunset Beach faces to the west and has beautiful sunsets.
There are several resorts on and around Sunset Beach, many of which are aimed at couples and solo travellers looking for a quiet place to stay. There are also several small restaurants, bars and shops built around the beach that make it a convenient place to stay.
Karma Beach
Karma Beach is a small beach located in the far north of Koh Lipe. Technically, the beach is part of nearby Sunrise Beach. Karma Beach overlooks Koh Adang and has beautiful clear water that attracts swimmers and snorkellers.
Quieter than Koh Lipe’s three main beaches, Karma Beach is a peaceful place to relax during the day. The beach is famous for its beautiful sand spit, which changes direction depending on the season.
Things To Do On Koh Lipe
Snorkelling and diving are two of the biggest attractions on Koh Lipe, although there’s lots to do on the island. From dive sites to scenic viewpoints and walks, learn about the best things to do on Koh Lipe.