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

Plenty of us celebrated Labor Day this week, however September 1st was additionally globally acknowledged as World Seaside Day, and there aren’t any stipulations on what colours are acceptable to your swimwear.

In honor of what needs to 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.

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

Such as you, all of us at Travel Off Path are chomping on the bit for the following 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.

Irrespective of 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 mentioned, 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 really comes with a combined bag of evaluations.

The identical approach 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, positive, you are able to do all these issues too, however an entire lot extra with such inviting locals internet hosting buzzing markets and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

Alternatively, you may 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 repute 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 rather more open-minded than The Maldives’ tightrope tradition, venturing off to a shocking island like Koh Lipe is simpler to succeed in and arguably has extra to do.

Plus, in typical Thai trend, you do not need to 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 High Seashores To Go to

There are 3 most important seashores to go to on Koh Lipe, all with their very own distinctive enchantment.

In the event you’re 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 Dawn Seaside (Hat Chao Ley) is for you.

In the event you’re like me and simply get uninterested in individuals’s presence, then the seclusion of Sundown Seaside (Hat Pramong) is asking your identify.

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

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

It is not essentially the most enjoyable given the town noise, nevertheless it’s an excellent place to begin should 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 Seaside and Bulow Seaside being honorable mentions.

Pack Your Strolling Footwear: You Can Discover The Entire Island On Foot

Wanna go ‘splorin?

Strolling Road is the North Star of Koh Lipe, even connecting the aforementioned seashores, Pattaya and Dawn.

Whether or not the lengthy flight right here has your again creaking in want a well-known Thai Therapeutic massage, or your sense of journey is asking eager to take diving classes, otherwise you need to recharge at a restaurant or fashionable bar, Strolling Road has all of it.

When you arrive by speedboat or ferry from Pattaya, Strolling Road 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.

Whereas Strolling Road solely covers a few third of a mile, in idea, you might stroll virtually the whole lot of the island should you wished to.

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

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

Sam Sears

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