A lot of us celebrated Labor Day this week, but September 1st was also globally recognized as World Beach Day, and there are no stipulations on what colors are acceptable for your swimwear.
In honor of what should be a worldwide holiday (amirite?), the travel experts in all things Asia at Agoda revealed their top picks for the best secret beaches in the region.
Ranging from Vietnam islands to India’s tranquil oases, even seasoned travelers like me never knew existed, the most notable is of course located 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 at the bit for the next season of White Lotus, but the next best thing is to pack up your bags, grab your passport, and visit this phenomenal country firsthand.
No matter which trendy TV shows inspire us, there’s no denying the popularity of Phuket, and even more so Koh Samui, given the newfound White Lotus fame.
That being said, there are numerous hush-hush hideaways off the radar for many travelers, including one Agoda just revealed that’s offshore from Pattaya, dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand“, boasting fewer crowds, stunning shores, and captivating culture.
Koh Lipe: Thailand’s Closest Semblance To The Maldives
As bucket-list worthy as the Maldives seems to be on paper, it actually comes with a mixed bag of reviews.
The same way Bora Bora has also been dubbed “Boring Boring”, you land in one of the prettiest locales on Earth, but then what?
Did you fly across the globe to sit down and stare off in the distance with nothing to do but swim, read a book, or roam the resort?
In Thailand, sure, you can do all those things too, but a whole lot more with such inviting locals hosting buzzing markets and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Alternatively, you can opt for day trips to Pattaya, another fun destination that has undergone a makeover to become significantly more family-friendly, following its former reputation for dark tourism.
Between a plethora of aquatic thrills from snorkeling and diving the crystal clear waters to sipping Mai Tais beachside, as Thailand is much more open-minded than The Maldives’ tightrope culture, venturing off to a stunning island like Koh Lipe is easier to reach and arguably has more to do.
Plus, in typical Thai fashion, you don’t have to fork over a month’s salary to spend a night in luxury, such as the 4-star Idyllic Concept Resort, going for $130 this fall.
Koh Lipe’s Top Beaches To Visit
There are 3 main beaches to visit on Koh Lipe, all with their own unique appeal.
If you’re the type that likes to wake up to a glowing sunrise or cap off your day with a cocktail in hand, then there’s no doubt Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) is for you.
If you’re like me and easily get tired of people’s presence, then the seclusion of Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong) is calling your name.
Living up to its name, Sunset Beach lies on the western side of the island, away from more popular beaches like that of Sunrise, yet it’s just as picturesque with vibrant waters and white-sand shores.
Then there’s Pattaya Beach, which you could likely pinpoint given the name. Located along the main port for ferry arrivals to nearby Pattaya, this beach has a more urbanized feel with shops and beachfront bars.
It’s not the most relaxing given the city noise, but it’s a great starting point if you’re residing in the town center.
All 3 of these round out the top 3 of travelers’ favorite beaches 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 beaches, Pattaya and Sunrise.
Whether the long flight here has your back creaking in need a famous Thai Massage, or your sense of adventure is calling wanting to take diving lessons, or you want to recharge at a cafe or trendy bar, Walking Street has it all.
Once you arrive by speedboat or ferry from Pattaya, Walking Street has numerous luggage storage facilities too.
The downside is this is where you’ll find the most crowds, especially come sundown, once your epic beach day wraps up.
While Walking Street only covers about a third of a mile, in theory, you could walk almost the entirety of the island if you wanted to.
Koh Lipe is a small island, stretching approximately 1.25 miles long and less than three-quarters of a mile wide.
There are no cars on the island, so you won’t stand out like a sore thumb making your way on foot — it’s the norm.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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