A warm, windy island that offers something for most anyone, southern Thailand's Ko Lipe has a range of accommodation options and fantastic marine life that attract a healthy number of tourists each year. Still, it's easy to find tranquil surroundings here, even during peak season, with several coves and walks through the jungle from one beach to another -- be sure to bring along a torch for evening walks though!

For those who prefer some variety after several days on the beach, there are plenty of boat trips on offer and the many snorkelling/diving opportunities should not be missed. Keep in mind though that being a part of Ko Tarutao National Park, fishing is illegal around the island, so steer clear of fishing trips and seafood -- it's sometimes been caught illegally.

There's a Chao Lay village near Sunrise beach, with several shops and basic medical dispensary. Travellers with medical expertise are invited to register at the dispensary in case there's an emergency on the island. When walking through the village and near the school, please wear appropriate clothing. Few Chao Lay are directly employed by tourism, aside from the longtail drivers who meet the ferries and take tourists to Lipe for 50B per person. This is an important source of income for them, and the price is non-negotiable.

There have been increasing complaints about problems of litter and waste disposal on Ko Lipe. It is a small island, ill-equipped to cope with the volume of tourism it is now receiving, so try to tread lightly. If you've got a free day try to rustle up a few people and go do a bit of cleaning. One of the most important things you can do is refill plastic water bottles, and this can be done at Pooh's or Sunrise Restaurant.

Orientation
Ko Lipe is a small island, a very small island. Arguably one of the smallest islands in Thailand that does a steady tourist trade. So small in fact, you can walk around the entire island in a matter of hours.

The island has three main beaches, Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach, all of which are interconnected by a network of sand/dirt footpaths. You WILL NOT need to hire a motorbike on Ko Lipe.

Koh Lipe.com is an excellent external resource for visitors to Ko Lipe, with information about ferry times, accommodations, diving, and other activities.

The Chao Lay village has a small medical clinic, but for anything more serious than a cut finger, it would be wisest to head to the mainland.

There are NO banks on Ko Lipe. Be sure to bring enough cash with you. Pooh's can arrange cash advances for the truly desperate (8%), but it is much easier if you just bring enough cash with you.

Internet access is available by expensive satellite connections. The going rate is 3B/minute and there are computers at Pooh's, Books Cafe, and the resorts on Pattaya Beach. Books Cafe sells/buys/exchanges used novels, magazines, and travel guides, and sells postcards and stamps.