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Koh Kood vs. Koh Lipe: Best Beaches & Which to Visit?

Planning a trip to Thailand and can't decide between Koh Kood and Koh Lipe?
Both islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and amazing snorkeling, but they’re very different in vibe, crowd levels, and activities.

I’ve visited both islands multiple times, and in this 2025 guide, I’ll break down Koh Kood vs. Koh Lipe so you can choose the perfect island for your next trip!

💡 Quick Answer: Koh Kood vs. Koh Lipe

👉 Koh Kood is Thailand’s most peaceful island, with long, quiet beaches, waterfalls, and a relaxed vibe. 🏝️
👉 Koh Lipe is livelier, with great snorkeling, beach bars, and island hopping. 🐠

✅ Best for peace & nature: Koh Kood
✅ Best for nightlife & activities: Koh Lipe
✅ Best beaches: Koh Kood for quiet, Koh Lipe for snorkeling

🏆 Which Island is Best for…?

💑 Best for honeymooners? 👉 Koh Kood (quiet, romantic, and secluded) 💕
🎒 Best for backpackers? 👉 Koh Lipe (lively and social)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for families? 👉 Koh Kood (safe, calm, and kid-friendly)
💻 Best for digital nomads? 👉 Koh Lipe (better WiFi and more cafes)
🐠 Best for snorkeling? 👉 Koh Lipe (clear water and nearby reefs)
🚶‍♀️ Best for walkability? 👉 Koh Lipe (you can walk the whole island)

🏝️ Koh Kood – Thailand’s Hidden Gem

Koh Kood is often called "Thailand’s last unspoiled island", and I 100% agree. The first time I visited, I was blown away by how empty the beaches were—it felt like I had found a secret paradise!

Unlike many other Thai islands, Koh Kood has no high-rise hotels, no 7-Eleven, and barely any nightlife—just pure nature, stunning beaches, and a handful of quiet resorts. 🌿

Why You’ll Love Koh Kood

✔️ Fewer tourists – even in high season, beaches feel almost private
✔️ Untouched nature – waterfalls, jungles, and mangroves to explore
✔️ Some of Thailand’s best beaches – long, quiet stretches of soft white sand
✔️ Perfect for relaxation – slow pace, no party scene

Best Beaches in Koh Kood

🏖️ Ao Phrao Beach – Long, peaceful, and perfect for sunset 🌅
🐠 Bang Bao Beach – Great for snorkeling and crystal-clear water
🌊 Klong Chao Beach – The most famous and best for swimming

Things to Keep in Mind

❌ Getting around requires a scooter – the island is big, and taxis are expensive
❌ Limited nightlife & shopping – don’t expect a buzzing town center
❌ Fewer nearby islands to explore – unlike Koh Lipe, you’ll need to travel far to visit other well-known islands

🛵 Pro tip: If you want to explore Koh Kood properly, rent a scooter—it’s the best way to see waterfalls, hidden beaches, and local fishing villages!

📍 Read next: How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Kood (Full Guide)

🌊 Koh Lipe – The "Maldives of Thailand"

Koh Lipe is more developed and social than Koh Kood but still has that postcard-perfect turquoise water. Unlike Koh Kood, it has bars, restaurants, and a walking street, making it livelier.

The first time I went to Koh Lipe, I was surprised by how small the island is. You can literally walk across the entire island in 15 minutes! Despite its size, there’s a lot to do—snorkeling, island hopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Why You’ll Love Koh Lipe

✔️ Incredibly clear water – some of the best snorkeling in Thailand 🐠
✔️ Walk everywhere – the island is small and easy to explore on foot 🚶‍♀️
✔️ More restaurants & nightlife – lots of food options and beach bars 🍹
✔️ Easy access to island hopping – nearby Koh Adang & Koh Rawi are stunning!

Best Beaches in Koh Lipe

🏝️ Sunrise Beach – Stunning views and calm waters in the morning.
🍹 Pattaya Beach – The busiest beach, but great for nightlife.
🌅 North Point Beach – Beautiful beach for day and evening! Grab a cold drink at one of the cool beach bars while relaxing by the water. 🍸 My favorite is Zodiac See Sun Beach Bar!

🏆 So, Which Island Should You Choose?

👉 Want peace, space, and untouched beauty? Go for Koh Kood.
👉 Want a more social scene, walkability, and easy access to activities? Koh Lipe is for you.

No matter which island you choose, both are amazing! 🌴✨

🚆 How to Get to Koh Kood & Koh Lipe

✔️ How to get to Koh Kood:

• Take a flight from Bangkok to Trat Airport ✈️
• Taxi to Laem Sok Pier 🚖
• Ferry to Koh Kood ⛵

✔️ How to get to Koh Lipe:

• Flight to Hat Yai Airport ✈️
• Minivan to Pak Bara Pier 🚐
• Speedboat to Koh Lipe 🚤

📍 Read next: Full Guide: How to Get to Koh Kood

FAQ: Koh Kood vs. Koh Lipe

Which is cheaper, Koh Kood or Koh Lipe?

✅ Koh Kood is usually cheaper because it has fewer luxury hotels and less demand. Koh Lipe, being more famous, is pricier—especially for beachfront accommodation.

Which island has better nightlife?

✅ Koh Lipe has way more nightlife! With beach bars, live music, and fire shows, it’s great for socializing. Koh Kood is very quiet at night, with only a few restaurants open late.

Which island is better for snorkeling?

✅ Koh Lipe wins! 🌊 The nearby coral reefs and marine life around Koh Lipe make it one of the best snorkeling destinations in Thailand. Koh Kood has decent snorkeling, but not as vibrant.

Is Koh Kood or Koh Lipe better for couples?

✅ It depends on the couple!

• If you want romantic seclusion and nature → Koh Kood 🌿
• If you want a mix of beaches, bars, and activities → Koh Lipe 🍹

Can you island-hop from Koh Kood or Koh Lipe?

✅ From Koh Lipe, yes! It’s easy to visit Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and the Trang Islands. From Koh Kood, island-hopping is limited to Koh Chang and Koh Mak.