Ko Lipe, Thailand
Near the border of Thailand and Malaysia lies a tiny and beautiful island called Ko Lipe. Together with Ko Adang, Ko Rawi and other smaller islands, they form the island Ko Adang-Ko Rawi archipelago located 40 km away from Tarutao National Park. Inhibited by only 500 Chao NÃ?¡am/sea gypsies, this is your Robinson Crusoe island. Unlike Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe is still very undeveloped and rustic. Most of the bungalows are pretty basic with fan, and they usually shut off their electricity after 9 pm. For air conditioning and full electricity, stay at Varin Resort or Mountain Resort. Ko Lipe is blessed with long white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water, and some secluded bays while Ko Adang and Ko Ravi’s mountainous slopes provide good hiking and jungle trekking. For snorkeling and diving, head over to the local dive shops on Ko Lipe and arrange a trip around Ko Lipe, Ko Adang, and Ko Rawi. The coral reefs here are healthy and intact with a wealth of tropical fish and marine life. You can also island hop to other smaller islands such as Ko Ngai and Ko Hin Gham. At Ko Hin Gham, check out the natural stones in decorative patterns which are scattered about the beach. When night falls, head over to Pooh Lipe bar and enjoy the only live music on the island.
How to get there:
From Bangkok, you can take a night train or fly with a low cost carrier to Hat Yai. Take a minibus to Pak Bara from across the Hat Yai Train Station. The journey takes about 2 hours. From Pak Bara, take a ferry to Ko Lipe. Ferry schedules are subject to change, so please get the latest information from your resort
From Southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, etc.), the easiest way is to travel to Trang Bus Station and then take a minibus to Pak Bara. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. From Pak Bara, take a ferry to Ko Lipe. Ferry schedules are subject to change, so please get the latest information from your resort.
From Langkawi, Malaysia, there are normally four ferries to Ko Lipe during high season, but in the low season, the schedule could change due to weather condition. The ferry departs from Telaga Harbour at Langkawi to Koh Lipe. For enquiry, please contact Tel: +604 9592202 or email info@telagaharbour.com.
Accommodation:
- Varin Resort: +66 (0)1 543 0505
- Mountain Resort: +66 (0)74 728 131
- Pooh Lipe: +66 74 728 018
Best time to visit:
December through May.
To find out more about tropical island paradise in Southeast Asia and travel tips to Asia, go to http://www.foreverbee.com.
