Photos by A Cruising Couple
It's no secret that Thailand boasts exquisite islands full of breathtaking beaches, picturesque limestone cliffs and glassy turquoise waters. With so many paradisiacal options, how does one decide which Thai islands to visit? We were plagued with this very question while trying to finalize our Thailand itinerary. Luckily, sometime throughout the planning process, we stumbled upon Thailand's southernmost island, Koh Lipe.
And now, after three weeks of traveling throughout Thailand, we can easily say Koh Lipe was the most spectacular place we visited. So is Koh Lipe the most beautiful island in Thailand? It just might be. Have a look at these photos and then let us know what you think:
Koh Lipe is a small island, one of many that comprise the Tarutao National Marine Park. More specifically, Koh Lipe is part of the Adang Archipelago, a group of about 10 islands, all uninhabited - save for Koh Lipe.
READ MORE: Thailand's Islands on the Andaman Sea: A Backpacker's Take
Snorkeling and diving around Koh Lipe is world-class. Explore a kaleidoscope of colors while observing vivid reefs and bright tropical fish. Fantastic snorkeling is available right off the beach; in fact, be careful not to step on the coral while wading out into the ocean during low tide! Alternatively, numerous dive shops in town can bring all levels of divers to nearby reefs.
There are three primary beaches on Koh Lipe: Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach and Pattaya Beach. Pattaya Beach tends to have the most action while Sunset Beach is the quietest. Our favorite was Sunrise Beach, not only for the brilliant colors that swept across the sky each morning but also because of its perfect balance between laid-back beach bars and restaurants and quiet sandy stretches.
Koh Lipe's top attraction is its diving and snorkeling. However, there's more to do should you feel so inclined to pull yourself from your hammock. Exploring the nearby islands, kayaking, treating yourself to a Thai massage or experiencing local village life are just a few of the most popular options.
READ MORE: The 10 Hottest Under-The-Radar Destinations
Traditional Thai long boats dot the coastline and provide perfect transportation for exploring the surrounding National Park.
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