Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe sits inside Tarutao National Marine Park, in the Adang-Rawi group at the far southern end of the Andaman coast, and it is small enough to cross on foot in twenty minutes. Three beaches define it: Pattaya Beach where the speedboats anchor, Sunrise Beach facing the cliffs of Ko Adang, and quieter Sunset Beach at the western end. Between them runs Walking Street, a concrete lane of guesthouses, dive shops and kitchens. The water is the reason to come, with visibility among the best in the country and reefs within swimming distance of the sand. Longtails run day trips to the uninhabited islands around it and across to Ko Adang's viewpoint climb.

What you actually see

• Sunrise Beach - the long east-facing strip looking across to Ko Adang.
• Walking Street - the island's single lane of kitchens, shops and dive schools.
• Snorkelling by longtail - reef stops off Ko Hin Ngam, Ko Rawi and the pinnacles.
• Chado Cliff on Ko Adang - a steep half-hour climb for the view back over Lipe.

When to go

The season runs from about November to April. During the southwest monsoon many boats stop, businesses close and the crossing from Pak Bara gets uncomfortable. February and March give the clearest water. Speedboats take around ninety minutes from Pak Bara, and the national park fee is collected on the beach as you land rather than at a gate.

Honest expectations

Building on Lipe outran the park rules years ago, and the island now has water and rubbish problems nobody hides well. Prices are high for what you get, power and water can cut, and the beach fills with anchored speedboats by mid-morning. The park fee is charged again if you leave and come back. Sandflies are a genuine and underestimated nuisance.

Nearby

Ko Adang and Ko Rawi across the channel, and Pak Bara pier on the mainland.