Koh Lipe sits at the heart of Tarutao National Marine Park, surrounded by islands with the kind of tropical scenery travellers dream about before they arrive. If you’re staying at our resort on Sunrise Beach and wondering which nearby islands are worth visiting, this guide covers the four best options, how to reach them, and the practical details that make planning straightforward.
Koh Adang: Adventure meets natural beauty
Koh Adang is the largest island near Koh Lipe, and it strikes a satisfying balance between activity and quiet. The beaches here are spacious and far quieter than Lipe’s main shores, especially if you arrive mid-morning. Guests who want a bit of exploration without sacrificing relaxation time tend to enjoy this island most.
The hiking trails are worth your time. A path winds up to a viewpoint overlooking several neighbouring islands, and on clear days the panorama is genuinely memorable. Snorkelling along the reef sections is excellent, with vibrant coral and plenty of fish. During the rainy season, you can also reach waterfalls inland, which adds another dimension to a visit.
Getting there: Around 10 to 15 minutes by longtail boat from Sunrise Beach.
Koh Rawi: Pure relaxation
If your ideal day involves very little beyond a quiet beach, hammocks, and clear water, Koh Rawi delivers. The sand is wide and soft, the kind you want to sink your toes into, and there are shaded spots set up specifically for day-trippers to kick back.
The snorkelling is reliable. You can wade in from the beach and find yourself among coral formations within moments. The atmosphere is calm almost to the point of feeling private, which is exactly what many guests are looking for after a few days on Lipe’s busier stretches. We often recommend this island for a slower pace, perhaps pairing it with a morning snorkel stop elsewhere.
Best for: Leisure-focused days and anyone who wants to truly disconnect for a few hours.
Koh Bulon Leh: Off the beaten path
For guests who want something quieter and less developed, Koh Bulon Leh fits the bill. Southwest of Koh Lipe, it sees far fewer visitors, and the island has kept a low-key, eco-friendly character. The reefs here are shallow and calm, making them suitable for swimmers of all confidence levels.
This is the choice for travellers who want to feel genuinely remote, even just for an afternoon. There’s minimal infrastructure, which is part of the appeal. Our team has had guests return from Koh Bulon Leh saying it was the highlight of their trip precisely because it felt so untouched compared to more popular stops.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path experiences and peaceful swimming conditions.
Koh Kradan: Thailand at its most scenic
Koh Kradan earns its reputation as one of Thailand’s most photogenic islands. The sand is powdery and white, the water shifts through shades of turquoise, and the visibility underwater is among the best in the region. It’s a shorter boat ride further out, which means fewer visitors and a more unhurried feel.
Snorkellers can head straight off the beach and find impressive coral gardens within minutes of entering the water. Underwater photographers and casual snorkellers alike tend to find Koh Kradan memorable. Most tours include this island as part of a multi-stop itinerary, so it’s easy to combine with Koh Adang or Koh Rawi in a single day.
Best for: Scenic beauty seekers and anyone who prioritises beautiful beach conditions.
How to reach the islands
Most guests visit via longtail boat tours departing from Sunrise Beach or Pattaya Beach. This is the most straightforward option and works well for first-time visitors. Full-day tours typically run five to seven hours, covering multiple islands in a single excursion. Alternatively, you can charter a private longtail boat for more flexibility, ideal if your group wants to set your own schedule or linger at specific spots.
Not every boat is equal on this route — some stop three times, others four, and the quality of lunch varies. It pays to ask a few questions before committing.
| Transport option | Duration | Cost per person | What’s included | |—|—|—|—| | Longtail boat tour | 5–7 hours (full day) | THB 1,200 – 2,000 | Snorkelling gear, lunch, multiple island stops | | Private longtail boat | Flexible | From THB 2,500 | Custom itinerary, direct departure from Sunrise Beach |
Prices vary between operators, and we always suggest confirming what’s included before booking. Our front desk team is happy to point you toward operators we trust.
Practical tips for island-hopping from Koh Lipe
Weather matters more than people realise. The dry season from November to April generally offers the calmest seas and clearest visibility for snorkelling. During the shoulder months, conditions can shift quickly, so it’s worth checking the forecast the night before a planned trip.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, even if your tour operator provides some. Protecting the coral matters here, and it’s a small step that makes a difference.
Arrive early at the beach if you can. Morning departures tend to mean lighter winds and smoother water, plus you’ll have first choice of the best snorkelling spots before the afternoon boats arrive.
Finally, pack light. A dry bag for your phone, a towel, and your camera are really all you need. Most tours provide snorkelling equipment and lunch, so you can leave the heavy lifting to the boat crew.
> Insider Tip: Ask our team about which islands are quietest on specific days. Based on where our guests have been and what we’ve heard from operators, we can often suggest timing your island-hopping to avoid the busier departure waves.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How far is Koh Adang from Koh Lipe? A: Koh Adang is approximately 10 to 15 minutes away by longtail boat, making it the closest island worth visiting.
Q: Do I need to book island-hopping tours in advance? A: During peak season, it’s wise to book a day or two ahead. In quieter months, you can often arrange tours the same morning through operators on Sunrise Beach.
Q: Are the islands suitable for children? A: Yes, particularly Koh Rawi and Koh Bulon Leh, which have shallow, calm waters. Koh Adang and Koh Kradan offer excellent snorkelling for older children who are comfortable in the water.
Q: What should I bring on a day trip? A: Reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water shoes if you have them, and a waterproof phone pouch or dry bag. Most tour operators provide snorkelling gear and lunch.
Q: Can I visit multiple islands in one day? A: Absolutely. Most full-day tours from Sunrise Beach include two to four island stops, depending on conditions and the operator’s route.
Our team at Salisa Resort is always here to help you plan your days on the water. Whether you want the full itinerary or just a quiet morning on Koh Rawi, we can point you in the right direction and help make it happen. Enjoy exploring the islands — Sunrise Beach will be here when you return.
For more details, see this guide to best islands near koh lipe to visit from SmartEnPlus.
