The history of Koh Lipe
About Koh Lipe
The Island
The island’s Thai name, Koh Lipe, originates from its Malay name Pulau Nipis, meaning "Thin Island", likely referencing its narrow shape. Language shifts over time, particularly as Malay terms were adapted into Thai and English, led to variations like Koh Lipeh or Ko Lipey. While some theories link the name to nipa mangrove palms, most agree it simply describes the island’s slender geography.
For centuries, Koh Lipe remained remote, visited only by fishermen and traders. By the late 1800s, the Urak Lawoi established semi-permanent coastal settlements with stilted huts. Their lives followed the rhythms of monsoons and tides, with elders passing down maritime knowledge through oral traditions.
Koh Lipe is a small yet captivating island in Thailand's Andaman Sea, located in Satun Province. Situated in the southernmost part of Thailand, close to the border with Malaysia, the island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, about 30 kilometers from the mainland and 60 kilometers from Langkawi, Malaysia. Surrounded by turquoise waters and home to pristine beaches, Koh Lipe has become a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
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The People
Koh Lipe’s first residents were the Urak Lawoi people, a seafaring community descended from ancient Austronesian migrations. Around 4,000 years ago, their ancestors travelled from mainland Southeast Asia through the Malay Archipelago, a vast island chain spanning modern Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Over generations, these coastal settlers adapted to life on the water, eventually becoming caretakers of the Adang-Lipe islands. Known as "people of the sea", the Urak Lawoi sustained themselves through fishing and foraging, practising animist rituals tied closely to the ocean.
The Progression
The island’s quiet transformation began in the 1980s when adventurous divers discovered its pristine reefs. At the time, Koh Lipe had no roads or electricity, with visitors staying in basic beach huts. Its inclusion in Tarutao National Marine Park in the early 2000s marked a shift toward sustainable tourism, prioritising solar power and small-scale infrastructure over mass development.
Today, the Urak Lawoi remain central to Koh Lipe’s identity. In villages on Koh Adang and the main island, communities preserve traditions like hand-weaving fishing nets and crafting wooden boats. Annual festivals such as the Loy Ruea Chao Le ceremony, where floating lantern boats honour sea spirits, offer visitors insight into centuries-old customs.
Main Arrival and Departure Points on Koh Lipe
Pattaya Beach Entry Point
Pattaya Beach Floating Pier is Koh Lipe’s main pier, busiest in peak season, with longtail boats transferring tourists from ferries and speedboats to shore.
Sunrise Beach Entry Point
Sunrise Beach Pier operates May–Oct as an alternative to Pattaya Pier, offering calmer access to Koh Lipe & nearby islands via longtail boat transfers.
Walking Street Entry Point
Walking Street Entry Point is a small jetty for local transfers and charters, offering direct access to Koh Lipe’s vibrant shops, eateries, and resorts.
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Sunset Beach Entry Point
Sunset Beach Pier is a quiet, scenic spot for private or weather-dependent boat arrivals, offering a peaceful alternative to Koh Lipe’s main piers.
Map of Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe Directory
Places of Worship in Koh Lipe
Important Contact Numbers in Koh Lipe
Tourist Police
For assistance with theft, disputes, or emergencies, contact the 24-hour hotline at +66 75 218 711 or 1155.
Local Police Station
For general law enforcement and emergencies, contact +66 74 728 108.
Koh Lipe Health Center
For basic medical care for minor injuries or illnesses, contact +66 74 728 360.
Satun Provincial Hospital (Mainland)
For advanced medical care, contact +66 74 711 177; accessible by speedboat from Koh Lipe.
Marine Rescue / Maritime Police
For sea emergencies and rescue operations, contact +66 74 714 023.
Fire Department
For fire emergencies, contact 199 through local authorities.
Immigration Office (Koh Lipe)
For visa inquiries and border crossing assistance to Langkawi or Malaysia, call +66 74 783 485.
Tourist Information Center
For assistance with accommodation, tours, and activities, call +66 74 783 557.
Banks and Authorized Money Changers in Koh Lipe
SCB (Siam Commercial Bank) Currency Exchange Booth
Located on Walking Street near the main area, offering currency exchange and cash withdrawal services.
Krungthai Bank ATM and Exchange Booth
Located on Walking Street near Sunrise Beach, with currency exchange services and ATMs for card withdrawals.
Kasikorn Bank (KBank) Exchange Counter
The location, near Pattaya Beach entrance, offers convenient currency exchange and ATM access.
Lipe Currency Exchange (Local Operator)
Located on Walking Street near Papaya Mom Restaurant, it accepts multiple currencies and offers cash exchange services.
Tourist Exchange Kiosks
Quick cash exchanges for popular currencies like USD, EUR, SGD, and MYR are available at various locations along Walking Street.
ATMs for Currency Withdrawal
Located at Walking Street, Pattaya Beach, and Sunrise Beach, offering quick cash exchange for popular currencies like USD, EUR, SGD, and MYR.
Restaurants and Cafes in Koh Lipe
Papaya Mom Restaurant
Located on Walking Street, this Thai restaurant offers authentic dishes and fresh seafood in a vibrant setting.
Paijoe Restaurant
Located in the Sunrise Beach area, this Thai restaurant offers a variety of local specialties and curries.
Benny’s On the Beach
Location: Sunrise Beach.
Thai and international fusion with beachfront dining.
Type: Thai Restaurants.
Madame YooHoo’s Restaurant
Located on Walking Street, this budget-friendly Thai restaurant offers local meals like pad Thai and fried rice.
Kaixolipe
Located at Pattaya Beach, this Thai restaurant offers fresh seafood infused with authentic Thai flavors.
Ton Sai Seafood
Located on Walking Street, this seafood restaurant serves freshly caught seafood, grilled or prepared Thai-style.
Rak Lay Restaurant
Located at Pattaya Beach, this seafood restaurant specializes in BBQ seafood and authentic Thai dishes.
Castaway Resort Restaurant
Located at Sunrise Beach, this seafood restaurant offers grilled seafood and cocktails in a relaxed, scenic setting.
La Luna Italian Restaurant
Located on Walking Street, this international restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and Italian desserts.
Elephant Beach Bar & Restaurant
Located at Pattaya Beach, this international restaurant offers Western comfort food such as burgers and steaks.
OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant
Located on Walking Street, this international restaurant offers a variety of pub food, including burgers, nachos, and Thai dishes.
Sunrise Beach Restaurant
Located at Sunrise Beach, this international restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes and fresh seafood.
Bloom Café & Bistro
Located on Walking Street, this international restaurant offers a variety of breakfasts, salads, and light snacks.
Cafe Tropical
Located on Walking Street, this spot offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, including smoothies, fresh juices, and salads.
Cafe Lipe
Located on Walking Street, this spot offers vegan-friendly options like tofu stir-fries and fruit bowls.
Zodiac Seesun Restaurant
Located at Sunrise Beach, this beachfront cafe and bar offers international and Thai dishes with a stunning sunset view.
Sea La Vie Beach Bar & Restaurant
Located at Sunrise Beach, this beachfront café and bar offers light meals, tropical drinks, and refreshing cocktails.
Ten Moons Restaurant
Located at Sunrise Beach, this beachfront café and bar offers a delightful mix of Thai and Western dishes for a relaxing dining experience.
The Box Coffee
Located on Walking Street, this coffee shop offers premium coffee, pastries, and light snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
OMG! Smoothie Bar
Located on Walking Street, this coffee shop and dessert spot offers refreshing smoothies and healthy bowls.
Tutu Beach Café
Located at Pattaya Beach, this coffee shop and dessert spot features Instagram-worthy, pink-themed interiors, perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Bloom Café
Located on Walking Street, this coffee shop offers freshly brewed coffee and tropical fruit shakes, perfect for a sweet treat or pick-me-up.
Aloe Café
Located at Sunset Beach, this coffee shop offers light snacks and stunning ocean views, perfect for a relaxing break.
King Crab Halal Food
Located on Walking Street, this halal restaurant offers delicious Thai dishes and fresh seafood.
Dew Mini Halal Restaurant
Located near Pattaya Beach, this halal-certified Thai restaurant offers authentic local cuisine.
Maya Bar & Restaurant
Located on Walking Street, this bar offers a fusion of Thai and Western cuisine paired with creative cocktails in a vibrant dining atmosphere.
Peace & Love Bar & Restaurant
Located at Pattaya Beach, this bar offers Caribbean-inspired dishes and beach BBQ for a relaxed dining experience.
Boom Boom Bar
Located at Pattaya Beach, this bar offers simple beachside eats like grilled fish and fries, perfect for casual dining with a view.
