Ko Lipe, Tropical island in Satun Province, Thailand.
Ko Lipe is a tropical island in Satun Province with three main beaches: Sunrise Beach on the eastern shore, Sunset Beach on the west, and Pattaya Beach facing south. These beaches connect via narrow paths that wind over hills and through the central settlement.
The island's name comes from a Malay term meaning thin or slender, reflecting its narrow shape. It was incorporated into Tarutao National Marine Park in the 20th century and gradually transformed from a quiet fishing settlement into a tourist destination.
The Urak Lawoi people, who have lived as fishers in these waters for generations, continue to shape the island's character through their maritime way of life. You can encounter their presence in modest fishing villages and in the rhythms of daily work along the shore.
You can reach the island by speedboat from Pak Bara pier year-round, though travel times vary with the season and weather conditions. Multiple ferry connections from different starting points operate between October and June, so checking current options before your trip is wise.
The waters here support a remarkable concentration of coral reef species found nowhere else with such density, making it a hotspot for underwater research and observation. Snorkelers and divers often encounter marine life that appears rarely in most other locations.
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