Kate Taylor/Business Insider
Koh Lipe is my top recommendation if you're seeking an island vacation in Thailand.
- I spent weeks before my recent trip to Thailand trying doing research on the "best" islands to visit.
- After visiting six islands in two weeks, my top recommendation for people seeking a relaxing vacation on an incredibly gorgeous island is to book a trip to Koh Lipe.
- Koh Lipe is a strikingly beautiful place, with electric blue water, white beaches, and jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets.
- The island is also manageable in size, offers great snorkeling trips, and serves as a perfect jumping-off point for island hopping.
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Planning the perfect island vacation to Thailand takes a lot more Googling than it feels like it should.
You have to book flights and find hotels. You need to find the right time to visit, plus how much you need to budget. And, if you're traveling to the Thai islands, Googling is also part of the process of answering a key question: Which of the hundreds of islands should you make time to visit?
For weeks, my Google history was littered with searches like "What island in Thailand is best" and "What Thailand island should I go to" and "Thailand island ranking????" I decided to focus my efforts in the Andaman Sea, knowing I would eventually be flying out of the conveniently located Phuket. The Instagram-famous Phi Phi Islands seemed like a no-brainer. And, a friend convinced me to take some time in the low-key Koh Lanta.
But, after visiting six islands in two weeks, I can say that my favorite island has been one that wasn't even on my original schedule.
I added Koh Lipe to the list of destinations last minute, after rerouting my trip due to coronavirus. And, I could not be happier with my decision.
Koh Lipe is the kind of place that feels like it should only exist on Instagram, with white beaches and electric blue water that is more striking in person than in photos. The sunrises and sunsets were borderline spiritual experiences. The island is manageable in size, easy to navigate, deeply relaxing, and an easy starting point for more island hopping.
The only issue with Koh Lipe is the worry that its growing popularity could turn it into another overcrowded tourist frenzy. So, if you're planning an island getaway in Thailand, I recommend you book a trip to Koh Lipe now - before it is too late.