[Updated 30 Jan 2020]
Not many people have been to or know much about Koh Lipe, despite its proximity to our shores.
Credit: Giphy
But boy, are we missing out! This small Thai island in the Andaman Sea is near the Malaysian border, only about a 90-minute ferry ride from Langkawi island (check out our 4D3N Langkawi-Koh Lipe itinerary!). It's also home to some incredible beaches. While known for being a popular island with divers (as Koh Lipe is located with Tarutao National Marine Park, one of Thailand's oldest marine parks, rich with coral), it's also become an amazing destination for those looking for an island retreat. It's time to explore this small but beautiful island and to help you out, we've rounded up 7 beachfront resorts in Koh Lipe that will bound to tempt you to book that trip.
P.S. Many thanks to our Instagram followers who provided recommendations for accommodations in Koh Lipe which make up the bulk of this list! ?
Disclaimer: Please note that room rates (which exclude service charge and tax) are based on a search as of 30 Jan 2019 for a stay in mid-Feb 2020 and are for two adults (unless otherwise specified). Do note that Koh Lipe's high season is from November to May and as such room rates may reflect current higher prices, as well as being subject to further fluctuations during peak travel periods and over weekends. We recommend that you do a search before booking. Prices are generally lower if you book at least 3 months in advance, so start planning ahead to get the best deals!
1. Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
Credit: @divakazz on Instagram
Why not stay in your very own wooden bungalow, complete with a hammock? At Castaway Resort Koh Lipe, you'll be able to retreat to this beautiful eco-resort located right by Sunrise beach (fun fact: did you know that the three main beaches in Koh Lipe are Pattaya Beach and the charmingly named Sunrise and Sunset beaches?).
Credit: Castaway Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
Don't expect luxurious comfort here, as these traditional-style 'bungalows' are meant to be eco-friendly and require minimal energy, with no air-conditioning included. Given its rustic charm, it's little wonder the place is called Castaway Resort ? But don't worry, the simple, back-to-basics design of the bungalows will be a refreshing change, plus with views of the ocean like these, it won't be much of a hardship!
Credit: @castawayresortkohlipe on Instagram
Koh Lipe is close to one of Thailand's oldest marine parks (Tarutao National Marine Park), so diving is a popular activity here. But even if you don't go diving, there's plenty of other things to do - from yoga classes to Thai massages or just simply enjoying the amazing views of the beach.
Rate: Starts from THB3,200 on their website
Address: Walking Street Koh Lipe, 91000 Ko Lipe, Thailand
2. Lipe Beach Resort
Credit: Lipe Beach Resort on Facebook
A chalet right on the beach? Yes, please! It'll be a slice of heaven to wake up in the morning and simply stroll to the waters of Sunrise beach, where the resort is located.
Credit: @lipebeachresort on Instagram
Lipe Beach resort has a variety of rooms available, starting from the cheaper garden-view chalets all the way to the beachfront ones. They even have family chalets that can accommodate up to four, perfect for those looking for a family getaway or for groups of friends.
Credit: Lipe Beach Resort on Facebook
The stunning waters of Sunrise Beach are definitely a sight for sore eyes, and you're bound to love the lounges the resort has thoughtfully set up too!
Rate: Starts from THB3,200 on their website
Address: Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe สตูล 91000, Thailand
3. Bundhaya Resort Koh Lipe
Credit: Bundhaya Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
Bundhaya Resort promises a tranquil stay with access to the amazing Pattaya Beach.
Credit: Bundhaya Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
Similar to Lipe Beach Resort, Bhundaya has a whole host of room types catering from two people up to four. From Deluxe Rooms housed in the main hotel building to the more traditional-looking wooden bungalows, there's an accommodation type to suite your needs.
Credit: @Bhundaya Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
The resort has a pretty great pool too if you want to switch it up between spending time on the beach. Walking Street is also nearby, so you're conveniently just a short walk away from eateries and other amenities.
#HHWT Tip: Bundhaya has two properties, Bhundaya Resort as well as Bundhaya Villas (which is pricier), so don't confuse the two when booking your stay!
Rate: Starts from THB3,566 on Agoda
Address: 147 Moo.7 Tambon Koh Sarai district Muang, Satun 91000 Thailand
4. Cabana Lipe Beach Resort
Credit: Cabana Lipe Beach Resort on Facebook
Next up is a resort located on the Sunlight Beach side of Koh Lipe! Cabana Lipe Resort is as picturesque as they come, offering views of green-and-blue waters dotted with boats ?
Credit: Cabana Lipe Beach Resort on Facebook
The resort offers rooms housed in double-storey chalets. Choose a sea-facing room for maximum viewing pleasure. The rooms come with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including free WiFi, refrigerator, kettle, hairdryer and TV.
Credit: Cabana Lipe Beach Resort on Facebook
Rate: Starts from THB4,420 on their website
Address: 404 Koh Lipe M.7, Koh Sarai, Muang, Satul, Satun, Thailand 91000
5. Mali Resort Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe
Credit: Mali Resort Pattaya beach Koh Lipe on Facebook
We're following up with another resort located on Pattaya Beach - Mali Resort. This beachfront property has chalets tucked within coconut trees and other lush greenery. It's the perfect spot to get your fill of sea activities - from snorkelling to kayaking and diving.
Credit: Mali Resort Pattaya beach Koh Lipe on Facebook
The spacious rooms offered by Mali Resorts Pattaya Beach will be a wonderful place to retreat to when you're not frolicking on the beach. Choose from cottages outfitted with dark hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and verandas ? You choose from cottages in the Garden Wing or those with a beachfront view. There are also Balinese-style villas that boast a more traditional aesthetic that would further enhance your stay.
Credit: Mali Resorts Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe
Stroll around the resort at night and soak in the seaside atmosphere, made all the more inviting with the soft lights and hammocks calling to be lounged in!
Rate: Starts from THB4,300 on their website
Address: 306/1 Moo 7, Pattaya Beach, Koh Sarai, Koh Lipe, Changwat Satun, Satun, Thailand 91000
6. Wapi Resort
Credit: Wapi Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
Stay at your own chalet nestled among trees and shrubbery that provide an intimate atmosphere. At Wapi Resort, located on Sunrise Beach, you'll have your very own bungalow equipped with a verandah to enjoy during your stay.
Credit: Wapi Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
Don't let the lush green setting fool you though, the resort is located right by the beach, with hammocks and lounge chairs for you to laze on. The resort also provides snorkelling gear for guests' usage, with plenty of coral reefs nearby to explore. The beach faces east, which makes for amazing sunrise views.
Credit: Wapi Resort Koh Lipe on Facebook
All the bungalows are kitted out with air-conditioning, TV, fridge and WiFi for a comfortable stay. Wapi Resort also has Family Cottages that can cater up to 6 for larger groups.
Rate: Starts from THB3,370 on Agoda
Address: Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe, Satun 91000
7. Idyllic Concept Resort Koh Lipe
We decided to stick to accommodations below MYR200 for this list, however, when we had asked for recommendations for accommodations in Koh Lipe on our Instagram, Idyllic Concept Resort (which is somewhat pricier) popped up repeatedly, so we decided to include it as a bonus!
Credit: @idyllic.lipe on Instagram
Look at pictures of Idyllic Resort and it's easy to see why it's popular - the resort located on Sunrise Beach boasts modern design accommodations with contemporary furnishings, which, coupled with its beachfront location, makes for an appealing proposition.
Credit: Idyllic Concept Resort on Facebook
The resort is a sprawling property, with over 11 types of accommodations available, ranging from rooms to villas. The stylish rooms all have the same pleasing contemporary design, equipped with all the amenities you could need.
Credit: @lexxyy_hunter on Instagram
Don't forget to check out the resorts two swimming pools - including one facing the beach that calls for a dip and offers amazing views.
Rate: Starts from THB4,428 on Agoda
Address: Sunrise Beach, Lipe Island, Thailand
And there you have it! 7 beautiful beachfront resorts that would be perfect for your next beach getaway. With stunning blue waters, less crowded beaches, and amazing accommodations - Koh Lipe is calling! ?