When visiting such a paradisiac destination like Koh Lipe, choosing where to stay is a decision that can make a trip unforgettable.
Often dubbed “the Maldives of Thailand”, Koh Lipe is a small island with various accommodation options, from hostels to luxury stays. Given it is so compact and walkable, you’ll never be too far from the best beaches on the island.
To help you in your search, I’ve created this quick guide of the pros and cons of staying in each area, with hotel recommendations for all budgets!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links for products or services that I personally endorse and love. Should you make a purchase, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Jess Eats The World!
Things to consider when deciding where to stay in Koh Lipe
In the next sections, I will dive into each of the areas where you should consider staying in Koh Lipe.
However, depending on your traveling style and the goal of your trip, there are a few things to consider which may affect the area you choose to stay in:
Your budget: Koh Lipe is a small island and, as such, accommodation tends to be pricier than in other parts of Thailand (especially during the dry season). While there are plenty of accommodation options, beachfront locations are understandably more expensive. If you are on a tight budget, you might need to consider staying a bit farther from the beach.
The season when you travel: During monsoon season, you might have the beaches all to yourself and find cheap hotel deals, but at the expense of unpredictable ferry schedules and off-season business closures. During dry season (most tourists visit between December and March), prices increase significantly.
Wondering when the best time to visit Koh Lipe is? Check out my full Koh Lipe Travel Guide.
If you want to go diving: Koh Lipe is renowned as one of Thailand’s best destinations for diving, given the variety of dive sites within Tarutao National Marine Park. If you plan on diving during your stay in Koh Lipe, it might be worth considering a hotel near your chose diving school. Some dive schools have their own accommodation and may provide discounts if your stay there – The Hideaway is one of them.
These are the best areas to stay in Koh Lipe:
Sunrise Beach
Sunrise Beach is the second-largest beach in Koh Lipe, and arguably one of the most beautiful. On its northern end, the beach merges with North Point Beach, where many people gather to watch the sunset.
The biggest advantages of staying in Sunrise Beach include the proximity to Kla Island (perfect for kayaking and snorkelling) and for watching the sunrise (or doing some sunrise yoga). This beach also boasts some of the best upscale hotels in Koh Lipe.
Pros:
- As per the name, Sunrise Beach is a great location for early-risers who like to watch the sunrise and for anyone who loves to wake up to stunning views.
- Sunrise Beach is home to some of the best upscale hotels in Koh Lipe. It’s an ideal location for couples and honeymooners.
- Given the close proximity to Kla Island just off the coast, Sunrise Beach is a great starting point for renting a kayak and snorkelling around Koh Lipe.
- There are also a few dive shops and resorts on Sunrise Beach, ideal for those looking to go diving.
Cons:
- Certain sections of the beach get packed with longtail boats operating as taxis or bringing people on day trips around the National Marine Park. The boats take up space on the sand, restricting where you can lay down on the beach.
- Due to its popularity, staying on Sunrise Beach can be pricier than other parts of the island.
Where to Stay in Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe:
These are my recommendations for hotels in Sunrise Beach:
Budget ($)
The Chic Lipe
If you look a little outside of the beachfront area, you can find some budget options! This hostel offers great comfort and modern rooms. Whether you go for a private room or a bed in a dormitory, you’ll be only a couple minutes’ walk from the beach anyway.
Mid-Range ($$)
Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
This is one of the preferred resorts in Koh Lipe for divers, given the resort has a dive shop onsite. This eco-friendly resort does part with some modern comforts in the name of sustainability (no hot water and no A/C).
Premium ($$$)
Serendipity Beach Resort Koh Lipe
If you want a hotel with Thai character as well as modern amenities (and perhaps a private pool!), then check out Serendipity. You won’t regret waking up to some of the the best sea views of Koh Lipe!
Luxury ($$$$)
Irene Resort
This is the most luxurious resort in Koh Lipe, located in the most privileged beachfront area on Sunrise Beach. The resort has only 16 rooms, including its famous beachfront pool villas. Perfect for honeymooners and those looking for the ultimate luxury!
Pattaya Beach
This is the main beach where speedboats and ferries dock when bringing people in and out of Koh Lipe. Pattaya Beach is also the largest beach on the island.
The main advantage of staying in Pattaya Beach is the proximity both to the port and Walking Street – the main street in Koh Lipe, where you’ll find most of the island’s restaurants, bars, shops, massage parlours, pharmacies, and tour agencies.
Pros:
- Pattaya Beach is the most commercialised beach in Koh Lipe, which makes it one of the most convenient locations to stay if you like to be near the Walking Street’s shops, restaurants, and local amenities.
- There is a larger offer of budget and mid-range accommodations in Pattaya Beach, compared to Sunrise Beach or North Point Beach.
- The proximity to Walking Street and the number of beach bars (even one or two organising fire shows every night) results in very lively evenings in Pattaya Beach.
- Pattaya Beach is especially attractive to families, as there are more family-friendly resorts here, with most amenities close-by along Walking Street.
Cons:
- Given that it’s the main point of entry and exit in Koh Lipe, there is a lot of foot traffic and boat noise on Pattaya Beach when compared to other more serene parts of the island. Longtail boats also take up space on the sand, restricting where you can lay down on the beach.
Where to Stay in Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe:
During my trip, I chose to settle at the Mali Resort Pattaya Beach. The resort is perched on the sandy beach, with the villas and bungalows quietly hidden away under palm trees.
As the resort is located on the quieter side of Pattaya Beach, it is a great option if you still want to be close to all the amenities of Walking Street and the beach bars (all just a few minutes away on foot), while enjoying a more serene environment.
We didn’t stay long at the resort, however, as we went out exploring the island and visiting different beaches on most days, but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Other accommodations I recommend in Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe:
Budget ($)
Lipe Banyan Apartments
For those on a smaller budget, travelling as a family or with a group of friends, these apartments may be the perfect choice. The apartments are fully furnished, and slightly removed from the beachfront, yet only a few steps away.
Premium ($$$)
Sita Beach Resort
For couples and families looking for a more standard resort experience, the Sita Beach Resort has you covered. From swimming pools to the spa, and the buffet breakfast, you’ll have plenty of reasons to spend time at the hotel.
Luxury ($$$$)
Ananya Lipe Resort
For those looking for a more luxurious holiday, the Ananya Lipe Resort offers just that. Great both for couple and families, the hotel’s beach bar is one of the best spots for watching the sunset in Pattaya Beach.
North Point Beach
North Point Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Koh Lipe, especially among travellers looking to snorkel at low-tide and to watch the sunset.
The accommodations around North Point Beach are predominantly high-end resorts, as it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Lipe. The advantage of staying here is being able to enjoy some of the best views on the island in a more serene location.
Pros:
- North Point Beach is considered by many as the most beautiful beach in Koh Lipe. Staying here gives you easy access to an area that many travellers walk across the island for.
- As a popular sunset-watching spot, there are a few beach bars and restaurants around North Point Beach. The Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar (now called Ting Tong) even organises full moon parties and fire shows in the evenings.
- When the tide lowers, you can easily snorkel right from the beach. We spotted many tropical fish, coral, and enormous sea urchins.
Cons:
- North Point Beach is probably one of the furthest points from the Walking Street. Since Koh Lipe isn’t a big island, it’s only a 15-minute walk, but it might be worth choosing a hotel with an onsite restaurant.
- Given that accommodation options are predominantly high-end resorts, North Point Beach is likely the most expensive area to stay in Koh Lipe. As the beach merges with Sunrise Beach, you may want to consider finding an accommodation there if you’re on a budget.
Where to Stay in North Point Beach, Koh Lipe:
These are my recommendations for hotels in North Point Beach, Koh Lipe:
Mid-Range ($$)
Mountain Resort Koh Lipe
This resort is the go-to option for travellers on a modest budget who would like to stay in this area. While enjoying some of the best views of the island, the resort also arranges regular shuttle services to Walking Street, taking care of the journey for you.
Premium ($$$)
Zodiac Seesun Resort
While technically located on Sunrise Beach, this resort is actually near the tip where both Sunrise and North Point beaches meet. Boasting one of the coolest beach bars on the island, and beachfront villas, the Zodiac Seesun Resort is the ideal place for a relaxing stay.
Luxury ($$$$)
Bulow Casa Grand View Resort
This luxurious resort has one of the best locations right on North Point Beach, with views facing Koh Adang across the sea. The boutique-style rooms are perfect for honeymooners, and the resort restaurant is ideal for watching the sunset each evening.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a more secluded location in Koh Lipe, away from the commercialised hubs and main tourist hotspots.
The main advantage of staying around Sunset Beach is enjoying undeveloped spots, great sunset views (as per the name), a beautiful natural backdrop, and a more off-the-radar experience.
Pros:
- Sunset Beach is one of the less-developed parts of Koh Lipe, providing a more rugged and quieter environment, with quick access to the beach and beautiful nature views over Koh Adang.
- As the name suggests, Sunset Beach is a popular spot for watching the sunset!
Cons:
- Given its secluded location, Sunset Beach is one of the furthest points from the Walking Street, requiring a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute motorbike-taxi ride. As such, it’s ideal to choose a hotel with an onsite restaurant.
- Sunset Beach is a rockier beach than others, and requires going down steps to reach it, which may be less-optimal for families with small children.
- Depending on the season, there can be quite a lot of rubbish wash up on the beach.
- As a more low-key base, there isn’t much to do after dark on Sunset Beach. If you want to stay in a lively area, consider staying in Pattaya Beach, instead.
Where to Stay in Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe:
Premium ($$$)
Ten Moons Sunset Villas
The Ten Moons resort is the one I’d recommend for this part of the island. It’s perfect for couples, boasting private pool villas with stunning views and direct access to a private beach. If you’re looking for a secluded holiday location, this is it!
Walking Street and Inland
If you are on a tight budget, staying further away from the beachfront and looking for accommodations inland is the right move.
As Koh Lipe is such a compact and walkable island, you’ll never be far from the main beaches. Plus, a big advantage of staying near Walking Street is the convenience and easy access to all the shops and restaurants.
Pros:
- As most of the island’s amenities, shops, and restaurants are along Walking Street, staying in this central area is very convenient.
- Given the size of the island, staying near Walking Street means being within walking distance from all the most of the popular beaches in under 15 minutes, at most.
- As most of the high-end resorts are located at the beachfront, choosing to stay inland in Koh Lipe is the perfect option for travellers on a tight budget, as accommodations are cheaper.
Cons:
- While staying centrally in Koh Lipe gives you easy access to multiple beaches, it obviously means having to walk to reach the beach every time (or taking a bike-taxi).
- As the most commercialised area in Koh Lipe, the hustle and bustle around Walking Street doesn’t exactly scream “relaxing holiday”. This may not be ideal for those looking for a serene escape, such as honeymooners and families with small children.
Where to Stay inland and around Walking Street, Koh Lipe:
These are my recommendations for hotels inland and around Walking Street, in Koh Lipe:
Budget ($)
Bloom Cafe & Hostel
Located bang-right on Walking Street, this hostel is the perfect option for those on a tight budget. You can book comfortable, private bedrooms, as well as beds in shared dormitories.
Mid-Range ($$)
The Reef Hotel & Studios
This hotel offers cozy and spacious rooms and studios, slightly off Walking Street (away from the noise) and only 5 minutes away on foot from Sunrise Beach!
My experience staying in Koh Lipe
I visited Koh Lipe at the end of February, hoping to secure some dry and sunny weather.
I planned my trip less than 3 months in advance, and I quickly realised my mistake – many of the hotels I liked were fully booked, and the ones that remained displayed prices much higher than what I had anticipated for a Thailand trip. This is what you get when you travel in peak season!
As it happened, we luckily just about avoided an unusual weather system that caused floods in the Gulf of Thailand. This goes to show how climate change is making even the dry season weather unpredictable.
Due to limited time, we only stayed in Koh Lipe for 3 nights, and I really regret not having been able to stay longer. I could have easily stayed for at least 5 nights without getting bored in this paradise island.
If I planned my trip again, I would extend my trip by a couple of days, I’d plan my trip at least 3-6 months in advance, and I would’ve booked a hotel on Sunrise Beach or North Point Beach.
Where to stay in Koh Lipe FAQ
Last thoughts
I hope this post helps you plan your next trip to Koh Lipe and deciding where to stay. There are plenty of options, but no matter what you pick, I’m sure you’re going to love it!
Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any questions regarding any part of this post – I’ll do my best to help.
Visiting Thailand soon? Check out my Thailand guides below:
Planning to visit Koh Lipe and wondering where to stay? Pin this post to save it for later!
