Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)
Sunrise Beach is Koh Lipe's showpiece — a long, east-facing sweep of blindingly white sand where the shallows glow turquoise until late morning and longtail boats bob in rows waiting for snorkelling trips to the Adang-Rawi archipelago. It's the best swimming and lounging beach on the island: gently shelving, largely seagrass-free, and big enough to find your own patch even in high season. The northern end looks across a narrow channel to Koh Adang's jungle peaks — the classic Lipe photograph. Walking Street's restaurants and dive shops are a five-minute stroll away, and beachfront resorts here range from bamboo bungalows to boutique villas.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe), round out your day in Koh Lipe with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe, in Thailand's far southern Andaman near the Malaysian border, is the country's closest answer to the Maldives — powder-white sand at Sunrise and Pattaya beaches and water in improbable shades of turquoise, with snorkeling straight off the shore into the protected Ko Tarutao Natio.
Elephant
Beloved Walking Street hangout serving comfort food, coffee, smoothies, and cocktails with live music nightly.
Tarutao National Park
A sprawling marine national park of 51 forested islands with rich coral reefs and a fascinating colonial-era past.
Papaya Mom Restaurant
A popular mid-range Thai restaurant on Walking Street, open daily for breakfast through dinner.
Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe) worth visiting?
Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe) holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,200 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Koh Lipe.
What are the opening hours of Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)?
Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe) is typically open 00:00-23:59 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)?
The best months to visit Koh Lipe are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Chinese New Year — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close).
Where is Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe) located?
Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe) is at Ko Tarutao, Mueang Satun District, in Koh Lipe. Getting around Koh Lipe: Walking — the island is under 3 km end to end; Motorbike taxis with sidecars for luggage runs.
Location Info
Ko Tarutao, Mueang Satun Districtkohlipeisland.org/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Chinese New Year
Getting there
Speedboats run from Pak Bara pier (Satun) in about 1.5 hours (฿650–900). Most visitors fly or take the train to Hat Yai, then a combo minivan-and-boat ticket (~4.5 hours door to door). In high season, ferries also connect from Koh Lanta and Langkawi (Malaysia).
Getting around
- •Walking — the island is under 3 km end to end
- •Motorbike taxis with sidecars for luggage runs
- •Longtail boats between beaches and to Koh Adang/Koh Rawi
Where to stay near Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Maricilla Beach
A pristine, highly regarded beach on Koh Lipe known for calm waters and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Pattaya Beach
A sheltered Koh Lipe beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxed beachside dining.
North Point Beach, Koh Lipe
A quieter, highly rated beach on Koh Lipe's northern tip with calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sunset Beach
A tranquil west-facing beach on Koh Lipe, known for calm waters and vivid evening sunsets.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Where to stay near Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)
Find hotels in Koh Lipe on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Chinese New Year
Getting there
Speedboats run from Pak Bara pier (Satun) in about 1.5 hours (฿650–900). Most visitors fly or take the train to Hat Yai, then a combo minivan-and-boat ticket (~4.5 hours door to door). In high season, ferries also connect from Koh Lanta and Langkawi (Malaysia).
Getting around
- •Walking — the island is under 3 km end to end
- •Motorbike taxis with sidecars for luggage runs
- •Longtail boats between beaches and to Koh Adang/Koh Rawi