Koh Lipe, Satun

Koh Lipe is a small island in the Southern part of the Andaman sea. Ko Lipe due to it being inhabited by the indigenous Chao Lay (literally "people of the sea") who retain ancestral rights to the island. It is located in Satun Province, close to Malaysia (Langkawi island) around 60 Kilometres from the mainland. It is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, a large group of over 70 islands, and also part of a smaller cluster of islands called the Butang Islands or Adang Archipelago.

While several solid backpacker accommodation options remain, Lipe is following an upmarket trend and development is unceasing. New resorts are being built as old ones expand upward and inward to the island's interior. Sadly, most of the pristine jungle in the middle of the island has recently disappeared, replaced by a flat, dusty lot, which will undoubtedly be developed in the not so distant future. Lipe's lush northwestern peninsula remains relatively unscathed, for now.

Koh Lipe is famous for diving and snorkeling, and for the beautiful beaches and the relaxed atmosphere. There are 3 main beaches on Koh Lipe just 15 minutes walking.

• Pattaya Beach  Koh Lipe's main beach is a large sheltered bay with soft powdery sand, crystal clear blue water and good snorkeling right from the beach. With more than a dozen bars, most of which are 

clustered near the entrance to Walking Street, Pattaya Beach is the place to be for nightlife. To the east 

• Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) is a long stretch of white sandy beach and is protected from the monsoon weather in low season, and has a pleasant breeze on most days in high season.

• Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong)  is a small bay facing West to the Butang Islands and is a great place to watch the sunset. The area around Sunset Beach is the most quiet and laid back on Koh Lipe, with very few places to stay, and all of them have been able to retain the feeling of the 'Old Lipe'.