Thailand is synonymous with beautiful islands overflowing with palm trees gently swaying in the warm breeze, crystal clear tropical waters, and white sand beaches. Koh Lipe is no different – just on a micro-scale since the island is only a mere 2 square kilometres. But hey, I certainly won’t hold being small against it!
If that’s not enough to entice you, the sunrises and sunsets from Koh Lipe are picture-perfect. And if you’re looking for something that isn’t a wild party vibe, then this is the island for you!
Now, the first, and most important question, is where to stay in Koh Lipe.
Luckily for you, I’ll cover the three best areas to stay on the island, a variety of accommodation options, and more.
Let’s go.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Koh Lipe?
- Koh Lipe Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Koh Lipe
- Koh Lipe’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
- What To Pack For Koh Lipe
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Koh Lipe
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Koh Lipe?
Right, now I believe the reason you’re here is to find some of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
For me, it was one of the most amazing places I visited whilst backpacking in Thailand and it just felt like it ticked all the boxes for what I imagined before my trip.
There are a variety of accommodation options on Koh Lipe to suit all budgets and general travel requirements. So, let’s take a look at a few of the top spots.
Idyllic Concept Resort | Best Hotel in Koh Lipe
How does a stunning, modern hotel that flows onto the beach from the pool area, complete with loungers and an outdoor bar, sound to you? Pretty epic, right? Well, that’s the order of the day at Idyllic Concept Resort! Prepare to engage in complete chill mode!
Bloom Cafe & Hostel | Best Hostel in Koh Lipe
Budget-friendly – check! Perfect location – check. Awesome coffee – check. It’s easy to see why Bloom Cafe and Hostel is one of the favourite accommodations in Walking Street – and it’s only a 4-minute walk from the beach. Winning!
Lipe Banyan Apartments | Best Private Stay in Koh Lipe
Prefer a private stay for your trip to Koh Lipe? Well, then you need not look further than the Lipe Banyan Apartments at Pattaya Beach. There are some epic units with full sea views from the bedroom so that waking up in paradise can now become a reality and not just a pipe dream!
Koh Lipe Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Koh Lipe
Pattaya Beach
Well, for starters, it’s the most conveniently located area in terms of getting to and from the island. Most boats and ferries arrive at a dock located adjacent to Pattaya Beach.
Walking Street
Walking Street is one of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe for those travellers on a budget. It’s the busiest hub on the island and lacks high-end resorts and fancy accommodation options.
Sunrise Beach
The saying “saving the best for last” rings true when it comes to Sunrise Beach. Not only is it a great place to stay for families, but it’s arguably one of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe
Although Koh Lipe is a quiet destination, there are ample bars, restaurants, activities, and accommodation offerings to choose from. So no need to stress – you won’t be staying in a straw hut in the middle of nowhere… unless you want to! Either way, it’s one of the best Thai Islands and was a highlight of my trip.
Now, there isn’t really a bad place to stay on the island and luckily everything is pretty close, so no matter where you stay, you’re sure to have a great time. For this article, I’m going to focus on three popular areas to stay in Koh Lipe – Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, and Sunrise Beach.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Pattaya Beach is by far the most popular area to stay in Koh Lipe and is conveniently located near the ferry and boat port. There are some awesome spots for relaxing on the beach and there is some nightlife in the form of beach bars and fire shows. There is also a variety of accommodation options available as well as great a mix of dining options too.
Walking Street is the best option to stay in if you’re looking for a more budget option in Koh Lipe. Instead of high-end resorts, you will find backpacker hostels and similar budget accommodations. It is also a great hub to sip on a cold beer, grab some traditional Thai food, and people-watch.
Sunrise Beach offers some of the best sunrises on the island – who would’ve guessed? Aside from that, it offers incredible white sand beaches, is a lot quieter than Pattaya Beach, and has amazing water activities. You can also find some pretty epic resorts here so you need not look any further if you wish to spoil yourself and your significant other. The crystal-clear tropical waters are also pretty inviting too, I reckon it’s one of the most beautiful places in Thailand for sure.
Koh Lipe’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Right, now let’s explore the three recommended places to stay in Koh Lipe in a bit more detail.
As I mentioned above, this island is really one of the best places to stay in Thailand – so they’re all pretty epic! It comes down more to what you’re looking for and what’s best suited to your needs.
1. Pattaya Beach – Where to Stay in Koh Lipe for Your First Time
If you’re visiting Koh Lipe for the first time, then I would probably recommend staying in Pattaya Beach. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, it’s the most conveniently located area in terms of getting to and from the island. Most boats and ferries arrive at a dock located adjacent to Pattaya Beach. It is also a stone’s throw from Walking Street where there are a number of bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities for visitors.
By day, tanning, swimming, and general relaxing on the beaches is the vibe, while vibrant fire shows at beach bars offer great nighttime excitement. There are also plenty of dining options, from traditional Thai to higher-end restaurants, and you’ll find the same variety when it comes to accommodation too.
Ananya Lipe Resort | Best Resort in Pattaya Beach
Now, if you’re looking to treat yourself a little, then the Ananya Lipe Resort is the place to stay in Pattaya Beach. This stunning resort is literally a hop and a skip from the beach so you can come and go at your leisure.
The rooms are both modern and spacious and they provide guests with everything they need for a (more than) comfortable stay. There’s also an awesome pool area for relaxing and having a dip if you get tired of the crystal blue seawater.
Lipe Banyan Apartments | Best Private Stay in Pattaya Beach
Lipe Banyan apartments are located just west of Pattaya Beach, but who’s in a rush when you’re staying in paradise? Besides, it’s only a 7-minute walk anyway so you won’t be tiring yourself out!
All units have a garden view but it’s the units with the sea view that you really want to nab. Imagine waking up to uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea while sipping on your morning coffee. That’s what I like to call pure bliss!
Buffalo Thai Home | Best Apartment in Pattaya Beach
Buffalo Thai Home is the perfect little apartment located just back from Pattaya Beach, within walking distance from the white sand beaches. It’s the ideal spot for those who are looking for something affordable, clean, and simple.
The rooms are just large enough to swing a cat in but don’t let that worry you. There’s so much to do and see during the day so it will just be a spot to lay your head to rest at night!
Things to See and Do in Pattaya Beach
- Grab a sunset cocktail at one of the many bars along the beach
- Have a beach day packed full of tanning, relaxing, and swimming
- Explore the nearby islands on a half or full-day boat tour
- Go snorkelling in the waters just off the main beach
- Watch a fire show as dancers light up the beach at night
- Learn to SCUBA dive with one of the local dive schools
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Walking Street – Best Area to Stay in Koh Lipe on a Budget
Walking Street is one of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe for those travellers on a budget. It’s the busiest hub on the island and lacks high-end resorts and fancy accommodation options. Instead, you’ll find more budget-friendly options like hostels and backpackers to lay your head to rest at night.
It’s also pretty close to Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach so you’ll be centrally located and can easily access both. There are also some epic street food vendors to grab some traditional Thai cuisine from so you’ll get that authentic experience at the same time. A win-win situation!
A Plus Deluxe Hotel | Best Hotel in Walking Street
A Plus Deluxe Hotel is a great option for couples that won’t break the bank while simultaneously offering the perfect location in the middle of Walking Street. The spacious rooms are the ideal spot to come back to relax after a busy day of adventuring.
The Reef Hotel & Studios | Best Studio in Walking Street
The Reef Hotel & Studios offers guests a bit more of a private stay if you’re not in the mood for the communal vibe of a hostel. It’s also the epitome of the age-old saying “location, location, location” and is a short walk from both Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach.
Bloom Cafe & Hostel | Best Hostel in Walking Street
Bloom Café & Hostel is one of the favourite accommodation options in Walking Street – and it’s easy to see why. Awesome budget dorm rooms that are spacious and clean, with a café that serves epic coffee directly below the hostel. Plus, it’s only a 4-minute walk to the beach – talk about convenience!
Things to See and Do in Walking Street
- Go for a traditional Thai massage at one of the local parlours (Beware of dodgy establishments!)
- Grab a bowl of Thai noodles from a street vendor
- Book a snorkelling tour at one of the travel shops
- Grab a toasted sandwich from the 7/11 – A backpacker classic!
- Have a Chang beer at one of the many cool bars along the street
- Cruise the street and people watch and you immerse yourself in the hub of Koh Lipe
3. Sunrise Beach – Best Neighborhood in Koh Lipe for Families to Stay In
The saying “saving the best for last” rings true when it comes to Sunrise Beach. Not only is it a great place to stay for families, but it’s arguably one of the best places to stay in Koh Lipe – hands down! Also known as “Hat Chao Ley”, the beautiful white sand beach (which is arguably one of the best places to visit in Thailand) stretches for more than a kilometre and is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise from.
It’s the perfect place for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts but is equally for those looking to relax and get pampered.
Idyllic Concept Resort | Best Hotel in Sunrise Beach
Looking for a high-end hotel that literally flows onto the beach with modern, spacious rooms and an epic pool area complete with loungers and a bar? Then you need not look further than the Idyllic Concept Resort at Sunrise Beach. It’s all you need and more for an incredible tropical getaway!
Salisa Resort | Best Resort in Sunrise Beach
Salisa Resort is the epitome of the Koh Lipe vibe – an epic, laid-back resort a stone’s throw from the beach. Imagine waking up in paradise, opening your curtains, and watching the sun rise ahead of another perfect island day – well dream no more!
The Hideaway | Best Hostel in Sunrise Beach
Wrapping things up in Sunrise Beach is a more budget-friendly option. The Hideaway features wooden bungalows with both private and dorm room options, set just back from the beach. You’ll have the best of both worlds here – a chilled and relaxed spot close to the beach and Walking Street. Talk about convenience!
Things to See and Do in Sunrise Beach
- Watch the sunrise from the white sand beach in the morning
- Rent a kayak or a SUP and go for a paddle on the sea
- Go snorkelling off the main beach and see some beautiful marine life
- Have a beach day full of relaxing, tanning, and swimming
- Visit the small neighbouring islands of Koh Kra and Koh Usen
- Have an evening beer or cocktail at one of the beach bars
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to where to stay in Koh Lipe:
What To Pack For Koh Lipe
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a Thailand trip is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Koh Lipe
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Koh Lipe.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
I hope that this guide has helped you to decide where to stay in Koh Lipe as you plan for your epic adventure to the quaint Thai island. There’s a great mix of accommodation options, from budget hostels like Bloom Cafe & Hostel, all the way up to epic hotels like Idyllic Concept Resort. It all depends on what you’re looking for and your budget.
So, dust off that passport, book that flight, and get in adventure mode. Koh Lipe awaits!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Thailand.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Thailand.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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