A beach vacation is incomplete without an excellent sea view stay at a prime location. While planning our 4-day trip to Koh Lipe, we bore this thought in mind and booked Andaman Resort on Sunrise beach, Koh Lipe (the island is a part of the Tarutao National Marine Park). Reaching Koh Lipe from Kuala Lumpur was slightly laborious since we had planned our trip during off-season.
KL - Hat Yai by flight
From airport to Satun Pier by shared 12-seater van (arranged by Andaman Resort)
From Satun Pier to Koh Lipe by ferry (speed boat) - also arranged by the resort.
The van and the ferry was charged THB 3000 for 4 people which we paid once we reached the resort. As our boat crashed through the waves and approached land, the vision ahead was no less than a painting on a grayish white canvas - grey clouds adorning the otherwise blue sky and rain drops adding a tinge of romance. Amidst this spectacular background lay a tiny piece of paradise in the middle of the sea. As I sat mesmerised by the view, our boat reached and docked on the beach. After alighting I realised that our resort was right next to the dock where the boats were moored. From check-in to check-out, complimentary breakfast, room service, cottages with hammocks - everything was impeccable. They even helped us with a map to go around the island. Kayaking and other water-related activities were also available at additional cost and reasonable price. Even the Koh Lipe night market is at walkable distance (a 15 min walk😁😁) from the stay - we used to walk through the back road of the property (the area was huge) which had lamps at regular intervals.
Right across our island was Koh Adang🏝️, larger than the one on which we were hosted. The highest point is trekked to enjoy the view of the rising sun. Unfortunately, because of off-season it was closed, but we managed to book a water taxi and hike up the Rattana waterfall. Quite a lot of exploring to do during peak season including deep diving at night to watch marine phosphorescense.
Safe, serene and not overpopulated by tourists, this island and stay is ideal for couples who are seeking relief from their fast lives.
Despite visiting so many beach destinations, this was by far the best that I had explored, along with the stay which played a significant part in making this trip memorable.