A budget-friendly trip to Koh Lipe, starting with booking a cheap flight across the year (but found an even cheaper one before the trip T_T) and taking a chance on a 3-day, 2-night tour package to Koh Lipe for 1999 baht. Let's see if it actually works out.

Arrival date 11/3/60 at Don Mueang Airport, we looked for free food. If you use a mobile phone, don't forget to claim your rights.

Upon arrival at Hat Yai Airport at 13:35, I opted for a budget-friendly approach by forgoing the airport shuttle service. Instead, I chose to walk to my accommodation, which was conveniently located within a short distance of the airport. The walk took approximately 100-150 meters, leading me to a bus stop. Fortunately, I encountered a blue van (Airport-Transportation) and boarded it, informing the driver of my destination, the Agricultural Market. The fare was 30 baht.

It takes no more than 20-30 minutes to reach the agricultural market (not the vegetable market, haha, but the second passenger transport station).

If you're hungry, you don't have to buy a ticket yet. You can walk to the building (formerly new) to find something to eat first. It's not expensive, with 2 dishes for 50 baht. The taste is spicy, in the southern Thai style.

With full bellies, they walked to Channel 9 Pak Bara and bought tickets for 110 baht each.

Everyone who wants to go to Lipe must board a boat at Pak Bara Pier. So, you can get off at the last stop and sleep because it takes 2 hours. ZZzzz However, our accommodation was before the pier, so we had to get off at the mouth of the alley and call the resort car to pick us up. But luckily, we met a kind uncle driver who took us to our accommodation. Thank you, uncle.

Our accommodation faces the sea, offering stunning views. The beachfront zone is slightly more expensive at 1200 baht, while the interior zone ranges from 700-900 baht, providing affordable options.

The mother and child are very mischievous. 555

The surroundings of the accommodation are pleasantly shaded.

In the evening, we went out to watch the sunset over the sea.

For food, you can either rent a car and drive to eat outside, or eat at the accommodation. We left our stomachs here for 2 nights. The price is not as expensive as we thought. It's a single dish for 60 baht. I must say that the shrimp and squid are very fresh and delicious.

8:30 AM on December 3, 1960, a van picked us up for a one-day tour. We boarded the boat at Pak Bara Pier.

We will join this tour.

We boarded a large speedboat at 9:30 AM, accommodating all 43 of us. No need to worry about seasickness, as the boat has a roof, minimal water spray, and less impact than smaller vessels, ensuring a comfortable journey.

The first place to visit is Koh Kai, also known as the Stone Gate Arch or the Arch of Eternal Love. It is believed that if you bring your partner and walk hand-in-hand through the large gate and out the small gate, your love will be strong and everlasting. ♥

The waters surrounding Koh Kai are home to extensive coral reefs, primarily composed of staghorn coral. Due to the island's tranquility, a significant number of sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs each year during the month of November.

The next stop is Koh Lipe. Oh my, even the scenery while the boat is approaching the shore is so beautiful that I can't help myself.

Koh Lipe offers a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, bars, a walking street, and pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters. Affordable snorkeling and diving tours, both within and outside the island, are readily available. Tourists prefer staying on the island rather than on the mainland due to the abundance of diving opportunities and the reduced travel time.

The walking street is quiet during the day as most people are out scuba diving.

The guide gave us ample time here. At noon, the sun was blazing, and we were sure to get wet if we went swimming. After a while, we had lunch on the boat, where we were instructed on how to use the snorkel before going snorkeling.

Today's diving spot is behind Hin Ngam Island. In our opinion, the water here is clear, but there are fewer fish than in Krabi (perhaps because Krabi feeds the fish bread, which is not good). However, the underwater nature is more abundant here.

The dive was cut short before I had my fill. T_T

And then continue to Hin Ngam Island.

Stone stacking is now prohibited. According to the guide, this is because tourists used to stack stones, aiming for the highest possible pile. When tourists left, strong waves would crash against the rocks, causing them to fall and break. This resulted in a large number of broken stones. Therefore, this rule was implemented to protect the stones and ensure that future visitors can enjoy them. It's a good initiative to help preserve the stones for everyone to appreciate, not just for individual enjoyment.

The island is said to be cursed, and those who steal the stones will face misfortune. It is best to leave the stones where they are and simply enjoy the memories of your visit.

And lastly for today, White Sand Beach (Koh Rawi).

This island boasts a stunning waterfall, perfect for swimming and snorkeling amidst crystal-clear waters. The vibrant coral reefs offer a breathtaking underwater spectacle. Meanwhile, I captured captivating photographs of the iconic deadwood, a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

In addition, there are many hermit crabs, which can be seen walking all over the beach.

I wish I could freeze time here. I haven't seen enough. I don't want to go back.

After spending some time on the island, it was time to head back to the mainland. I'm confident that anyone who spends a day trip here will be left wanting more and will definitely return for another visit. I know I certainly will be.

Arrived at the port at 5:08 PM. Time flies! I haven't had enough fun yet. T_T

The path leading up from the pier is lined with stalls selling local snacks. Among them, the "Phuk Rak" cookies are particularly delicious. Be sure to try them!

We arrived at the accommodation just as the sun was setting.

13 March 2023, 11:30 AM. We took a van from the resort to Kim Yong Market for 150 baht (250 baht to the airport). It was convenient. We stopped by Kim Yong Market to buy souvenirs and had lunch at In the Hole restaurant, which we saw reviewed online. However, all three of us agreed that the food was too sweet.

The journey back to the airport cost 30 baht on a shared songthaew, and I returned home safely. Although the trip was planned for three days, I only had one full day to explore. However, the experience exceeded my expectations, and I will definitely return. I love you, Koh Lipe!

Cost per person (excluding souvenirs)

Tour price @ Mandavi Tour 3 days 2 nights = 1999 Baht

Round-trip airfare = 595 Baht

The fare for a blue songthaew to the agricultural market is 30 baht.

The fare for a van to Pak Bara is 110 baht.

The fare for a van from the accommodation to Kim Yong Market is 150 baht.

The fare for a songthaew to the airport is 30 baht.

Food and water for 4 meals = 528 baht

Total = 3442 Baht