Finding out that hidden paradise is almost a lost cause these days. On a recent trip, I was very much on the hunt for the quintessential postcard Thai island experience: clear turquoise waters, powdery sand, and a slow, intentional pace of life. I finally did in Koh Lipe, a small L-shaped gem set in the South Andaman Sea. At a few km at most in size, it is the ideal place to unplug.
If in 2026 you’re breaking out here, check out the top ten things you don’t want to leave out.
- Wander Down Walking Street
Through which runs the lifeblood of the island, Walking Street is a charming pedestrian street that connects the main beaches. With a range of unique boutiques, intimate bars, and local tour operators, it is also car-free and great for an evening walk.
- Feast on Sweet Street Treats
On Walking Street, there is no way off the island without a visit to the iconic local pancake stalls. I fell into a routine of getting the freshly made banana and coconut pancakes. They are warm, what they do best, and easily the best sweet treat in the whole of the island.
- Bask in the Sunshine on Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is a favourite with our guests, which is no wonder to see. That place has a long expanse of brilliant white sand in the shape of a crescent. Also, what you get is very still and clear water. It is a perfect place to put out your beach towel, read that new book you bought, and while away the afternoon.
- Find Serenity on Sunrise Beach
At a more relaxed pace, go to Sunrise Beach. The sand is very soft and powdery, on which are placed Thai long-tail boats that have colourful ribbons tied around them. This is a tranquil strip of coast where you may lie in a beach hut and hear the soft sound of the waves.
- Catch the Sunset at Sunset Beach
True to its name, this gem is the go-to spot to end your day. In a very private section of the coast, which also includes a couple of great pop-up beach bars. As you are there, try a cold drink and feel your toes in the sand while the sky changes to a fire orange at sunset.
- Groove to Live Music at Pooh Bar
As night sets in, Walking Street comes to life with acoustic music. Pooh Bar is a live music institution that puts on great bands. I had a brother who was a huge live music fan, and he would have gone to Pooh Bar every night to experience the dynamic, friendly island nightlife.
- Indulge in an Oceanfront Thai Massage
Nothing outdoes the experience of a traditional Thai massage, which you can have right by the sea. At the beach resorts, you will see massage tables out in the open air on the sand. It is a budget luxury that will fully work out the kinks from travel.
- Embark on a Snorkelling Adventure
Surrounding the island of Koh Lipe is a very colourful array of marine life. We recommend that you book a half-day long-tail boat tour to the nearby unpopulated islets. The coral reefs are a spectacle of colour, and you will also get to see schools of tropical fish.
- Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
If you take a nighttime snorkelling tour, the experience is quite special. At full dark, once the sun has set, you see the bioluminescence of the plankton. It is magical to watch the water light up with each of your strokes.
- Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing
On Koh Lipe, what you should do is let go of that structured plan. The small size of the island makes it very walkable via its sandy paths. Give yourself that freedom to slow down, to fall into an easy-going routine and in that, you will truly enjoy the slow island pace.
