Move Over Phuket! This Lesser-Known Island Is The “Maldives Of Thailand”

Lots of us celebrated Labor Day this week, however September 1st was additionally globally acknowledged as World Beach Day, and there are not any stipulations on what colours are acceptable to your swimwear.

In honor of what must be a worldwide vacation (amirite?), the journey consultants in all issues Asia at Agoda revealed their prime picks for the very best secret seashores within the area.

Ranging from Vietnam islands to India’s tranquil oases, even seasoned vacationers like me by no means knew existed, essentially the most notable is in fact situated in Thailand, a postcard paradise gleaming with white-sand shores and unmatched cultural delights.

Like you, all of us at Travel Off Path are chomping on the bit for the subsequent season of White Lotus, however the subsequent smartest thing is to pack up your luggage, seize your passport, and go to this phenomenal nation firsthand.

No matter which fashionable TV exhibits encourage us, there is no denying the recognition of Phuket, and much more so Koh Samui, given the newfound White Lotus fame.

That being stated, there are quite a few hush-hush hideaways off the radar for a lot of vacationers, together with one Agoda simply revealed that is offshore from Pattaya, dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand“, boasting fewer crowds, beautiful shores, and fascinating tradition.

Koh Lipe: Thailand’s Closest Semblance To The Maldives

As bucket-list worthy because the Maldives appears to be on paper, it truly comes with a combined bag of critiques.

The similar method Bora Bora has additionally been dubbed “Boring Boring”, you land in one of many prettiest locales on Earth, however then what?

Did you fly throughout the globe to sit down down and stare off within the distance with nothing to do however swim, learn a e book, or roam the resort?

In Thailand, certain, you are able to do all these issues too, however a complete lot extra with such inviting locals internet hosting buzzing markets and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to go for day journeys to Pattaya, one other enjoyable vacation spot that has undergone a makeover to develop into considerably extra family-friendly, following its former status for darkish tourism.

Between a plethora of aquatic thrills from snorkeling and diving the crystal clear waters to sipping Mai Tais beachside, as Thailand is far more open-minded than The Maldives’ tightrope tradition, venturing off to a surprising island like Koh Lipe is simpler to achieve and arguably has extra to do.

Plus, in typical Thai style, you do not should fork over a month’s wage to spend an evening in luxurious, such because the 4-star Idyllic Concept Resort, going for $130 this fall.

Koh Lipe’s Top Beaches To Visit

There are 3 predominant seashores to go to on Koh Lipe, all with their very own distinctive attraction.

If you are the sort that likes to get up to a glowing dawn or cap off your day with a cocktail in hand, then there is no doubt Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) is for you.

If you are like me and simply get bored with individuals’s presence, then the seclusion of Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong) is looking your identify.

Living as much as its identify, Sunset Beach lies on the western facet of the island, away from extra common seashores like that of Sunrise, but it is simply as picturesque with vibrant waters and white-sand shores.

Then there’s Pattaya Beach, which you might seemingly pinpoint given the identify. Located alongside the principle port for ferry arrivals to close by Pattaya, this seashore has a extra urbanized really feel with outlets and beachfront bars.

It’s not essentially the most stress-free given town noise, but it surely’s a terrific place to begin when you’re residing within the city heart.

All 3 of those spherical out the highest 3 of vacationers’ favourite seashores ranked on TripAdvisor, with Sanom Beach and Bulow Beach being honorable mentions.

Pack Your Walking Shoes: You Can Explore The Whole Island On Foot

Wanna go ‘splorin?

Walking Street is the North Star of Koh Lipe, even connecting the aforementioned seashores, Pattaya and Sunrise.

Whether the lengthy flight right here has your again creaking in want a well-known Thai Massage, or your sense of journey is looking desirous to take diving classes, otherwise you need to recharge at a restaurant or fashionable bar, Walking Street has all of it.

Once you arrive by speedboat or ferry from Pattaya, Walking Street has quite a few baggage storage amenities too.

The draw back is that is the place you will discover essentially the most crowds, particularly come sunset, as soon as your epic seashore day wraps up.

While Walking Street solely covers a couple of third of a mile, in principle, you might stroll virtually the whole lot of the island when you wished to.

Koh Lipe is a small island, stretching roughly 1.25 miles lengthy and fewer than three-quarters of a mile extensive.

There are no vehicles on the island, so you will not stand out like a sore thumb making your method on foot — it is the norm.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.