Koh Lipe’s small size hides a coastline of remarkable variety. Powdery sands and turquoise waters wrap around the island, each beach offering its own personality. Some are lively, others are quiet retreats where the only sound is the sea. With no cars and little development beyond the shore, this is island life at its most relaxed.

Top Beaches to Visit

1. Sunrise Beach: Calm Beginnings

   • Running along the east, Sunrise Beach greets the day with golden skies over Koh Adang. It is the longest stretch on the island, with space to wander, swim, or simply sit with a fresh coconut in hand. The northern end remains the quietest, while shallow reefs make it easy to snorkel straight from shore.

     
     

2. Pattaya Beach: Energy and Nightlife

   • This southern bay is Koh Lipe’s social centre. By day, its wide sands fill with loungers and swimmers. By evening, music drifts from bars, fire shows light the night, and the Walking Street comes alive just steps away. Despite the bustle, the water is calm, making it popular with families.

     
     

3. Sunset Beach: Gentle Evenings

   • Tucked away on the west, Sunset Beach is the place to end the day. Smaller and quieter than the others, it is shaded by casuarina trees and opens to deeper water ideal for swimming. As the light fades, it is one of the most peaceful spots on the island.

     
     

4. Hidden Corners

   • Small coves still exist for those seeking solitude. Gipsy Beach near the southern tip is reached by a short jungle path, while Sanom Beach, just off Pattaya, offers a secluded escape with soft sand and calm water.

How to Enhance Your Beach Day

Resorts along Sunrise Beach often provide free loungers for guests, with umbrellas available to rent for a small fee. On Pattaya, beach clubs serve cocktails and light bites with sea views. Massage huts line all three main beaches, offering traditional Thai massage for around 300 THB per hour.

Carry cash for beachside vendors and keep valuables in a waterproof pouch.

Cultural Connections

The Urak Lawoi people have lived along these shores for generations, once moving with the fishing seasons. Spirit poles near Sunrise Beach are still used for offerings to the sea, and during festivals you may see traditional ceremonies that celebrate their bond with the ocean.

Family-Friendly Highlights

Pattaya’s central stretch is shallow and safe for children, while Sunrise has the most shade and nearby facilities. Families can also join weekly beach clean-ups, a fun way to teach kids about conservation while keeping the island pristine.

Eco-Tips

Use reef-safe sunscreen before swimming or snorkelling. Avoid standing on coral or feeding fish, and take rubbish back with you if no bins are nearby. Some local groups host clean-up days where visitors are welcome to join.

Best Time to Visit

From November to April, calm seas and bright skies make for perfect beach days. Between May and October, conditions are less predictable, but sheltered bays such as Pattaya still allow for swimming in the mornings before winds rise.

Quick Guide

• Experience level: Beaches are beginner-friendly, easy to swim and explore

• Family-friendly: Pattaya and Sanom Beach have gentle shallows

• Wildlife: Colourful reef fish, hermit crabs, sea eagles overhead

• Gear to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel set, waterproof bag, quick-dry towel

• Safety note: Watch for boat traffic at Pattaya; swim early for calmer conditions