Located in southern Thailand, in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe is one of the country's most beautiful islands. With its pristine white-sand beaches, its crystal-clear emerald waters and its exceptional marine ecosystems, Koh Lipe and its landscapes look straight out of a postcard. Translated as "paper island" for its relatively flat topography, it is the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and underwater exploration. Here's more about this hidden gem of southern Thailand…

Home to the sea gypsies

Before developing into a tourist destination, Koh Lipe was long a refuge for those known as 'the sea gypsies'. Also called the Chao Ley, members of this semi-nomadic ethnic minority have found sanctuary here for over 100 years. You'll find them on other islands throughout the Andaman Sea as well. They have their own dialect, live primarily from fishing (and now tourism) and possess an extraordinary knowledge of the sea. Today, Koh Lipe is home to approximately 700 permanent residents, most of whom are descended from the Chao Ley.

Paradisiacal beaches

Given its tiny size (just 2 km²!), Koh Lipe has only 3 main beaches:

• Pattaya Beach: Located on the southwest, this is where everyone arrives since it's where the boats dock! In other words, it's the most lively beach and the one with the most tourist infrastructure. If you're seeking tranquility, you can head to the small Sanom Beach just next door, accessible through the hotel of the same name.

• Sunrise Beach: Quieter than Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach stretches along the entire eastern coast. The beach is renowned for its stunning underwater world, making it the ideal spot for snorkeling. You can even rent a kayak to reach nearby islets before diving into the fabulous world of Nemo (clownfish are particularly abundant here!).

• Sunset Beach: This is Koh Lipe's most secluded beach, even though it's easily accessible on foot or by boat. Located on the island's northwest, it's the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail…

A paradise for diving and snorkeling

Koh Lipe is part of a cluster of 50 islands within the Tarutao National Marine Park. The marine ecosystems of this archipelago contain 25% of the world's tropical fish species! This is why Koh Lipe is a premier destination for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. There are no fewer than 20 dive sites to explore for all skill levels!

The reefs of the Tarutao National Marine Park are primarily composed of rock formations and pinnacles through which you can observe numerous soft corals, abundant exotic fish and especially large marine mammals! Among the most sought-after species, you'll find dugongs, dolphins (including the Irrawaddy dolphin), sea turtles, whale sharks, sperm whales, sharks (leopard sharks, whale sharks, coral sharks…), rays (manta rays, eagle rays…), barracudas, tuna, pufferfish, snappers, nudibranchs, seahorses, stonefish, scorpionfish and many more! The good news? Most dive sites are less than 30 minutes by boat from Koh Lipe.