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Maldives of Thailand: 3 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand’s Hidden Gem
Ever wondered what it’s like to step into a postcard? That’s exactly how I felt arriving in Koh Lipe, Thailand’s southernmost island paradise. Often called “the Maldives of Thailand,” this tiny slice of heaven proved to be worth every minute of the journey. Here’s my 3-day adventure that’ll make you want to book your tickets immediately.
Day 1: Welcome to Paradise
The adventure began with a ferry ride from Langkawi, where I had the pleasure of sitting next to a lovely British couple traveling with their adorable dog, Pickle (who apparently looks just like Toto from The Wizard of Oz!). It was an hour ferry ride, and we had to gather all our belongings and transfer from the big ferry to small long boats. Pro tip: The immigration process happens right on the beach, so pack your patience – and maybe a good book.
After exchanging some cash ($100 USD got me 3,440 baht), I did what any sensible traveler would do: hunted down an açai bowl at Bloom Cafe. Worth every bit of the 300 baht!
Where to Stay
I checked into Varin Beach Resort, which would be my home for the next few days. The location? Absolutely perfect.
Beaches & Beyond
My first day was a whirlwind tour of Koh Lipe’s famous beaches:
- Sunrise Beach: Stunning, but watch out for jellyfish!
- Pattaya Beach: Perfect for swimming and impromptu beach naps
- Sunset Beach: Missed the actual sunset (thanks, clouds), but the journey was worth it
Evening Adventures
Dinner brought the first of many Thai food adventures – I ordered what I thought was “chicken chimp” but turned out to be chicken with cashews (much less exotic than I’d imagined!). Word of warning: skip the cheese roti unless you’re a big fan of American cheese in your Thai pancakes. Trust me on this one.
The night ended with a surprisingly chill fire show on Pattaya Beach, followed by some peaceful swing time watching the waves. Perfect end to day one.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Serious Sunburns
Morning started with a classic Thai bathroom experience – the kind where you realize flushing involves pouring water down the toilet. Welcome to island life in Southeast Asia!
Morning Fuel
Started with a huge hotel breakfast (they serve both Asian and Western options) before heading to Elephant Restaurant for what turned out to be the strongest coconut matcha I’ve ever had. Pretty sure I could see through time after drinking it.
Beach Hopping
Today’s beach adventure took us to Sanom Beach, accessed by a charming wooden pathway. The day was spent:
- Swimming in crystal clear waters
- Reading under trees
- Exploring rocky coastlines
- Enjoying a divine Thai chicken salad at Sanom Beach Lipe Resort
Evening Highlights
- Got some malai kofta curry and garlic naan to go from Bombay Indian Restaurant (390 Baht)
- Caught an impressive fire show at Zodiac Bar (the fancy part of the island)
- Picked up a beautiful elephant ring (440 baht)
- Nursed our sunburns with some much-needed aloe
- Treated ourselves to Ferrero Rocher gelato
Day 3: Sunrise Goodbye
Our final morning started early with a mission to catch the sunrise. Despite some initial cloud coverage (and almost giving up), patience paid off with a beautiful show. Shared travel stories with a friendly Canadian woman while waiting – these random connections are what make traveling so special.
Tips for Future Koh Lipe Travelers:
- Bring serious sunscreen – the Thai sun shows no mercy
- Book your next destination through agencies on Walking Street (I paid 1,700 baht for my speedboat to Koh Lanta)
- Try everything except the cheese roti
- Don’t miss Sanom Beach – it’s less crowded and absolutely gorgeous
- Budget around 300-400 baht for main meals at restaurants
- Always carry cash – many places don’t accept cards
Koh Lipe might be small, but it’s packed with enough paradise to make you want to extend your stay. From pristine beaches to friendly faces, this little island offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Just remember to pack your sunscreen – lots of it!
