About Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a small island that is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park located in Satun Province.

Satun is a small province in the south of Thailand that borders Malaysia, facing the Andaman Sea . The province possesses renowned picturesque islands with verdant forests and mountainous land. The majority of the locals are Chao Lay and speak a dialect unique to their culture. It is located 973 kilometers from Bangkok and occupies an area of 2,478 square kilometers with 80 kilometers of coastline.

Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao National Marine Park . Its landscape is full of underwater peaks, excellent beaches , calm and peaceful coves, jungle and mangrove swamps . Snorkeling can be found at Koh Lipe (Lipe Island), while neighbouring Adang Island has stunning primary forest with mountainous terrain and waterfalls.

Tarutao National Marine Park :

Tarutao is was the first marine park in Thailand . It is famous for its distinguished history and natural beauty. Located in the Andaman Sea 40 kilometers from town and 22 kilometers from Pakbara Pier. The park borders Moo Koh Phetra National Park in the north and the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the south. The park occupies an area of 1,490 square kilometers and comprises 51 islands. There are seven large islands Koh Tarutao, Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Lipe, Koh Klang, Koh Ba Tuang and Koh Bit Si . Tarutao was proclaimed a National Marine Park on 19 April 1974 and declared by UNESCO as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve in 1982. The best time to visit is from November to April .

Koh Tarutao is the biggest island in the park that covers an area of 152 square kilometers. The island is teeming with verdant forests and white sandy beaches. There is camping and diving facilities. Penitentiary Memorial on Tarutao Island comprises two parts; Ao Talo Udang Prison is at the southernmost bay of Tarutao Island and Ao Talowao Prison, a prison for common and political prisoners which is situated in the south and the east of the island. The historical six-kilometers road trail was built by prisoners connecting Ao Talowao to Ao Talo Udang and is 12 kilometers long.

Moo Koh Adang Rawi is located 40 kilometers from the east of Tarutao Island or 80 kilometers from town. The 30 square kilometers island possesses beautiful sandy beaches and coral reefs. There are several small islands around Moo Koh Adang Rawi including Koh Lipe, Koh Dong, Koh Hin Ngam and Koh Yang . Diving can be done around Koh Adang and Koh Rawi. The area of Koh Adang is mountainous and covered with forest and has a large waterfall where the waters run all year round.

Koh Lipe is located 2 kilometers from the south of Koh Adang. This is where a sea gypsy village is situated. On the 13th-15th day of the waxing moon in May and November, sea gypsies would gather for a traditional celebration for 3 days and 3 nights. They would join in building a boat to float in the sea in the belief that this would predict their fishing fortunes. The island offers coral reefs, a beautiful bay and white sandy beaches.