The Best Beaches in Koh Lipe — A Complete Guide

Koh Lipe’s beaches are the stuff of travel dreams — powdery white sand, water so clear you can count the fish beneath the surface, and a horizon of distant islands stretching into the Andaman Sea. Despite being a small island, Koh Lipe is blessed with three distinctly different beaches, each with its own atmosphere, character, and appeal. Whether you want a lively stretch with beach bars and watersports, a quiet spot to watch the sunrise, or a dramatic sunset over the sea, Koh Lipe has the perfect beach for you.

Pattaya Beach — The Heart of Koh Lipe

Overview

Pattaya Beach is the main beach on Koh Lipe and runs along the island’s southern shore. Don’t let the name mislead you — this Pattaya is nothing like its mainland namesake. It’s a beautiful, 800-metre stretch of white sand facing the open Andaman Sea, with calm, shallow water ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Pattaya Beach is where most ferries arrive, and it’s the most developed beach on the island — though “developed” is relative on Koh Lipe. You’ll find a good range of restaurants, dive shops, beach bars, and accommodation, all set within lush tropical vegetation rather than concrete high-rises.

Swimming and Snorkelling at Pattaya Beach

The water at Pattaya Beach is exceptionally clear. The coral reef begins just off the western end of the beach, making it one of the most accessible snorkelling spots on the island — simply wade in and swim out. You’ll encounter damselfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and, if you’re lucky, reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom.

Best snorkelling spot: The reef at the western tip of Pattaya Beach, near the rocks.
Water conditions: Generally calm November through April. Some swell possible during low season.

Eating and Drinking at Pattaya Beach

The beachfront restaurants at Pattaya Beach offer everything from fresh grilled fish and Thai curries to Western breakfasts and cocktails at sunset. Several beach bars set up on the sand in the evenings, making it the most social of Koh Lipe’s beaches after dark.

Staying at Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach has the widest range of accommodation on the island. Green View Beach Resort is a highly recommended eco-resort directly on Pattaya Beach, offering beachfront bungalows in a lush, natural garden setting — the perfect base for exploring the island.

Sunrise Beach — Peaceful and Pristine

Overview

On the island’s northeastern shore, Sunrise Beach (also called Hat Chao Ley) is Koh Lipe’s longest and most serene beach. It faces northeast toward the open sea, catching the first light of day in a way that gives it its name. The atmosphere here is noticeably quieter than Pattaya Beach — there are fewer beach bars, the accommodation is more spread out, and the crowd tends to be those who prioritise peace over proximity to the action.

Why Visit Sunrise Beach

Best sunrises — The northeast-facing orientation makes this the place to be at dawn.
Long, flat beach — Ideal for long walks along the shore at any time of day.
Great snorkelling — Reef patches close to shore with healthy coral communities.
Shallow, warm water — Safe for children and beginner swimmers.
Less crowded — Noticeably more tranquil than Pattaya Beach, especially in the mornings.

Snorkelling at Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach has several coral reef patches accessible from the shore. Head toward either end of the beach for the best reef access. The marine life here includes sea turtles (a frequent sighting), various reef fish, and occasional reef sharks. The water is shallow and clear, making it excellent for snorkelling without a boat.

Getting to Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach is a 10–15 minute walk from Pattaya Beach via Walking Street, the island’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. The walk itself is enjoyable, passing restaurants, shops, and dive centres.

Sunset Beach — Secluded and Spectacular

Overview

Sunset Beach on Koh Lipe’s western shore is the smallest and most secluded of the island’s three main beaches. It’s a short walk or longtail boat ride from the rest of the island, and its relative remoteness has kept it beautifully peaceful. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are extraordinary — the sun drops directly into the Andaman Sea, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple.

Why Visit Sunset Beach

The best sunsets on the island — A must-visit at least once, ideally with a cold drink in hand.
Quieter and more secluded — Fewer visitors than Pattaya or Sunrise Beach.
Rocky reef directly offshore — Excellent snorkelling without needing a boat.
Beautiful natural setting — Jungle-backed and hemmed by rocky headlands.

How to Get to Sunset Beach

Walk west from Pattaya Beach along the path through the resort area (approximately 15–20 minutes), or take a short longtail boat from Pattaya Beach (around 100 THB, a few minutes’ ride). The walk can be steep in places — wear shoes for the path.

Snorkelling at Sunset Beach

The rocky reef at the northern end of Sunset Beach is one of the most vibrant snorkelling spots reachable without a boat trip. The reef is shallow and the coral is relatively intact. Look for moray eels hiding in crevices, schools of silver fish in the mid-water, and colourful nudibranchs on the rocks.

Other Beaches and Snorkelling Spots Near Koh Lipe

While the three main beaches get most of the attention, the surrounding waters contain several outstanding snorkelling and diving locations accessible by longtail or speedboat:

Koh Rawi — An uninhabited island with pristine coral and crystal-clear water, approx. 30 minutes by longtail
Koh Adang — The large jungle island directly north of Koh Lipe, with beautiful beaches and walking trails
Jabang Beach (Koh Adang) — A secluded, uninhabited beach on Koh Adang’s southern shore

Beach Tips for Koh Lipe

Bring reef-safe sunscreen — The national park rules encourage mineral-based reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral.
Water shoes are useful — Some beach entry points have rocks and coral fragments.
Visit beaches in the early morning — Before the day-trippers arrive, the beaches are gloriously empty.
Don’t touch the coral — It is fragile and legally protected within the national park.
Dispose of rubbish responsibly — The island’s waste management infrastructure is limited; carry a bag for your litter.

Koh Lipe Travel Guide → | Things to Do in Koh Lipe → | Where to Stay in Koh Lipe →

Stay Steps from Pattaya Beach

Green View Beach Resort is a beachfront eco-resort on Pattaya Beach, with direct access to the beach and the reef. Wake up to the sound of the Andaman Sea and spend your days exploring the best beaches Koh Lipe has to offer.

Book Your Stay at Green View Beach Resort →