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Koh Lipe is a tiny island near Thailand's border with Malaysia. It sits inside Tarutao National Marine Park, ringed by clear water and coral. Flying takes 4h 30m - 5h 45m. By land and sea, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe at $35 (1,140 THB). It's a long haul, though. The direct ferry costs more, but it's quicker than the bus.
Distance from Phuket to Koh Lipe
Phuket and Koh Lipe are about 184 km (114 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h 30m and 15h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Lipe
There are three ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Lipe. You can choose between the bus, flight, and ferry. The journey takes 4h 30m–13h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $35 (1,140 THB).
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Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lipe
Being much smaller than many of the popular Thai islands, the number of accommodations is also smaller. This means that prices are higher on Koh Lipe, and a lot of the accommodations are luxury resorts that come with a price tag. Places tend to start around $30 (990 THB) for a room, a lot higher than the rest of Thailand, but also cheaper than most of the world.
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Lipe, for all budgets:
BudgetNest Hostel
Nest Hostel isn't the kind of place that you shout from the rooftops about, but it is one of the cheapest and best-rated places to stay on Koh Lipe. The rooms are clean, comfortable and peaceful. Dorm rooms are also available if you want to save even more money.
Here you're only 300m from Pattaya Beach and within walking distance of the other main beaches on Koh Lipe. The staff are amazing and make you feel instantly at home.
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Close to the beach
- Amazing staff
- Dorm and private rooms available
Dorm rooms start from $13 (430 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfLipe Garden Beach Resort
When visiting a tropical island like Koh Lipe, the dream is to stay seconds from the beach right? Lipe Garden Beach Resort helps you to make that dream come true. You can hear the gentle sound of waves crashing from your bungalow.
The rooms are simple, but comfortable, each coming with their own private balcony with a seating area and hammock. As well as the perfect beach location, you're also close to the Walking Street and pier.
- Directly on the beach
- Bungalow style rooms
- Private terrace
- Great location
Bungalows start from $55 (1,820 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfAnanya Lipe Resort
The best way to describe this place is with one word — WOW! Ananya Lipe is the kind of resort most of us can only dream of. The beautiful rooms have swim-up pools or you can go for a swim in the huge lagoon-style pool and grab a drink from the bar while you're still in the water!
Tired of the pool? Don't worry, the beach is only steps away. And that's if you can be persuaded to leave your stunning oasis of a room and huge bathrooms. If you opt for a room with a jacuzzi, you're probably never going to want to leave. This place is amazing!
- Huge swimming pools
- Beautiful and comfortable rooms
- Right on the beach
- Delicious free breakfast
Rooms start from $160 (5,300 THB) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, near the Malaysian border. An ocean lover's dream, you'll find colourful coral gardens just a few metres from its shores. The waters surrounding the island are said to be home to 25% of the world’s tropical fish species!
Combine this with Koh Lipe’s pristine beaches and clear blue waters, and you’ll understand why it’s becoming such a famous destination for snorkelling and diving. What we love most is that fewer tourists are travelling to Koh Lipe, making it the perfect place to get away from it all.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Phuket to Koh Lipe, roughly 184 kilometres (114 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $35 (1,140 THB). The quickest trip takes 4h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Phuket to Koh Lipe?
The distance from Phuket to Koh Lipe is 184 kilometres (114 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe?
Journey times from Phuket to Koh Lipe overlap: bus + ferry 13h 30m - 15h 30m, flight + ferry 4h 30m - 5h 45m, ferry 5-7h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,140 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
