Ko Lipe in 2026: What It Actually Costs Now (Spoiler: A Lot)
Photo courtesy of Nomadic Matt
Ko Lipe has gone from backpacker secret to expensive tourist trap in about 15 years. If you're expecting cheap island vibes, prepare for sticker shock.
The reality: Ko Lipe is now one of Thailand's most expensive islands. Basic beach bungalows that used to cost ฿300 ($8.60) now start at ฿2,500 ($72) per night. Decent places with AC? You're looking at ฿4,000-6,000 ($115-172) minimum.
What Ko Lipe Actually Costs Now
I priced out a week in Ko Lipe for January 2026. Here's what you're facing:
Accommodation: ฿2,500-8,000 ($72-229) per night for anything decent. The ฿800 ($23) beach huts are long gone, replaced by "eco-resorts" charging Bangkok hotel prices.
Food: Pad thai starts at ฿250 ($7.20) — that's double what you'll pay on Koh Chang or Koh Phangan. A basic Thai meal runs ฿350-450 ($10-13). Western food? ฿600-900 ($17-26) for a burger.
Transport: Getting there costs ฿1,200 ($34) each way from Hat Yai via speedboat, plus whatever it takes to reach Hat Yai first. No cheap slow boat options.
Daily total: Budget ฿4,500-5,500 ($129-158) per day minimum. That's budget. Mid-range travelers easily hit ฿8,000+ ($229) daily.
Why Ko Lipe Got So Expensive
The island has exactly three beaches, all packed with resorts now. Limited supply, massive demand from day-trippers and package tourists. Plus, everything gets shipped in from the mainland — including the workers, since there's barely any local population.
The tourism board markets it as "Thailand's Maldives," which tells you everything about the direction they're going.
Here's the Thing
Ko Lipe is gorgeous. Crystal clear water, white sand beaches, solid snorkeling. But you can get 80% of the same experience on Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai for literally half the cost.
Koh Kradan comparison: Basic beachfront bungalows ฿1,200-1,800 ($34-52) per night. Pad thai ฿120 ($3.40). Much fewer crowds, similar water quality.
Koh Ngai: Even cheaper at ฿900-1,500 ($26-43) for decent accommodation. Less developed, which means lower prices but also fewer dining options.
When Ko Lipe Makes Sense
If money isn't tight and you want that postcard-perfect beach experience with good restaurants and reliable Wi-Fi, Ko Lipe delivers. The infrastructure is solid — proper bathrooms, consistent electricity, decent internet.
For Instagram content, it's hard to beat. Those sunset shots from Pattaya Beach are legitimately stunning.
If you're island-hopping and can afford one splurge destination, Ko Lipe works as your "nice" stop between cheaper islands.
What I'd Actually Do
Skip Ko Lipe unless budget isn't a concern. Hit Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai instead — you'll save ฿3,000+ ($86) per day and still get incredible beaches.
If you must go to Ko Lipe: Visit during shoulder season (May or September) when prices drop 30-40%. Book accommodation way in advance — the cheap(er) places fill up fast.
Day trip option: Stay on Koh Lanta and take a day tour to Ko Lipe for ฿1,800-2,200 ($52-63). You'll see the beaches without paying resort prices.
The old Ko Lipe — where you could spend a month for ฿30,000 ($860) — is gone. Today's Ko Lipe costs more than many European beach destinations. Plan accordingly.
Planning a trip to Thailand's southern islands? Use our free budget calculator to compare real costs across different islands.
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