Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Lipe
Laid-back and secluded
Backing a secluded beach near some of the best and safest snorkelling sites on Lipe, Bila Beach is a reliable choice for drifting into total relaxation while forgetting what day of the week it is.
Placed over a steep hillside leading down to the beach, the bamboo-and-thatch bungalows sit tangled into the forest like bird’s nests. They come with polished concrete or bamboo floors, fans, firm beds with mosquito nets, large bamboo porches and partially open-air cold-water bathrooms with basin sinks; at least one of them also bags you a sea view from the shower. The value is solid, especially when you consider the private beach.
The place hasn’t changed for years and we’ve long dug the mellow scene created by longhaired Thai owner Tom, who shakes up cocktails and plays bass-heavy beats for guests and walk-in patrons hanging on the spacious seafront bamboo terrace. You’ll also find plentiful beach chairs, hammocks, kayaks, snorkelling gear and a few docile dogs. With a great northwestern outlook to Ko Rawi, this is prime sunset territory as well.
The kitchen whips up tasty Thai food and sandwiches, and you can pop up to nearby Forever Restaurant for some variety. WiFi is free as well. Expect a 15-minute walk to Walking Street—with some hills on the return trip. Bila usually closes for August and September.
Address: North coast, Ko Lipe
T: (097) 359 7946 ; (087) 570 3684;
Email: bilabeach@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.bilabeach.weebly.com/
Coordinates (for GPS): 99º17'48.6" E, 6º29'18.02" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 600B to 1,500B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Bungalow fan private bathroom 1,200 baht closer to beach and 1,400 baht for larger bungalow. | 1,000 baht | 1,000 baht |
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.
Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Lipe
