Discover more about the Hidden Gem of Koh Lipe

Describe Koh Lipe in one word? Paradise! This Thai island can be a nightmare to get to, with a 8 hour boat ride from mainland Thailand, but escaping here from Langkawi is so much easier and an absolute must if you are in Langkawi. When you disembark form the ferry you can’t help but be mesmerised by the turquoise water and brilliant white sand beaches. We had to pinch ourselves a little bit! The ferry from Langkawi is just 2 hours, and when you step off, crystal clear sea and white sand awaits you.

The vibe on Koh Lipe is very family friendly with buddhist monks walking in the streets, flip-flop clad builders, dive schools competing for your business, chill out (beach) bars and eateries all along the two main streets covering every type of international and local cuisine. You can walk from one side of the island to the other in around 10 minutes. There’s all the convenience things travellers need from internet cafes to laundrettes and transport if easy to come by in small-motorised golf buggy style motorbikes. It’s an island to chill on, dive (and snorkel from) and explore the beach fronts and smaller neighbouring islands with kayaks and paddleboards. It’s also an island of cats which our two were very fond of after leaving our two cats at home!

Castaway Resort Koh Lipe – our week on Koh Lipe was like a holiday from travelling! Whilst still on a budget we felt so spoilt spending a whole week here on this pristine beach with amazing staff who couldn’t do enough for us or our children. The food was excellent, with pancakes for breakfast, tempura for lunch and thai curries for dinners, and whilst a little more expensive than the restaurants on the main roads, it wasn’t such a difference that eating here a few times was totally ok. Castaway resort is rustic – the showers are cold and there is no air conditioning, but we survived for a week and got used to the rustic lifestyle, the cold showers even became quite the blessing. We set up camp each day by the beach bar and the staff were so attentive to us and our children and there were lots of other families there and children to play with. There was yoga on site, swings from the trees and hammocks, beach games and toys, and the snorkelling off the beach was fabulous with plenty of nemos to spot in the calm waters. You cna also hire kayaks and there is a dive centre on site.

Benny’s at the Beach, Sunset Beach (or Phuritra beach) – warning, this is a fair trek down a lot of steps so leave the pushchair at home and use the carrier. You will also need a lot of mosquito repellent, but come prepared and you will be rewarded with THE best sunset ever! Benny’s is a bar on a beautiful beach, with rocks and plenty of space for children to play on, whilst parents enjoy a beer and the views – a total win-win for everyone! Whilst the kids run in and out the very small and calm waves (think ripples) you can thoroughly chill out and relax! It’s around a 15 minute ‘taxi’ ride from the main stretch of bars and restaurants and don’t leave it too late to head back as there isn’t a frequent stream of taxis after night falls but you will get one if you don’t mind waiting.