Travel Budget for Koh Lipe Visit Koh Lipe on a Budget or Travel in Style

Koh Lipe, Changwat Satun, Thailand
Asia / Thailand / Southern Thailand /
Jump to  down-arrow

Koh Lipe is a tranquil island known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're scuba diving with your friends, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Koh Lipe, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Koh Lipe?

A typical traveler spends $120 (฿3,816) per day on a trip to Koh Lipe. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Koh Lipe based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $52 (฿1,668) on meals
  • $21 (฿657) on local transportation
  • $101 (฿3,215) on hotels

A one-week trip to Koh Lipe for two people costs, on average, $1,678 (฿53,424). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $120
    ฿3,816
  • One Week Per person
    $839
    ฿26,712
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,678
    ฿53,424
  • One Month Per person
    $3,595
    ฿114,480
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,678
    ฿53,424
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,355
    ฿106,848
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,190
    ฿228,960
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Lipe cost?

A one week trip to Koh Lipe usually costs around $839 (฿26,712) for one person and $1,678 (฿53,424) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Koh Lipe on average costs around $1,678 (฿53,424) for one person and $3,355 (฿106,848) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Lipe will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Koh Lipe on average costs around $3,595 (฿114,480) for one person and $7,190 (฿228,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Koh Lipe expensive to visit?

In Koh Lipe, budget travelers spend $53 (฿1,675) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $120 (฿3,816) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $226 (฿7,208) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Koh Lipe can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

Within Asia, Koh Lipe is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Benxi or Kamakura.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Lipe Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Lipe?

The average Koh Lipe trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Lipe travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Lipe cost?

Koh Lipe on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$22
(฿709) 		$50
(฿1,607) 		$94
(฿2,987)
Local Transportation1 $9
(฿288) 		$21
(฿657) 		$39
(฿1,256)
Food2 $23
(฿730) 		$52
(฿1,668) 		$100
(฿3,188)
Entertainment1 $12
(฿370) 		$27
(฿846) 		$51
(฿1,617)
Alcohol2 $2-6
(฿66-197) 		$5-14
(฿150-450) 		$9-27
(฿287-860)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Koh Lipe cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

Who are Budget Travelers?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $53 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Thankfully, Koh Lipe offers plenty of hostels such as Bloom Cafe & Hostel, A Plus Hotel Lipe, and The Chic Lipe. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Koh Lipe will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $120 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Koh Lipe. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Ten Moons Lipe Resort is a good kid-friendly option, and Idyllic Concept Resort is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Koh Lipe here.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $226 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the island, prepare for a pricier experience.



Accommodation Budget in Koh Lipe

The hotel prices in Koh Lipe might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $53, but during peak winter season, expect to pay around $99. Prices vary from $26 to $202, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Koh Lipe for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $101 (฿3,215). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $50 (฿1,607) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $50
    ฿1,607
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $101
    ฿3,215

Hotels in Koh Lipe

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lipe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Koh Lipe

The average hotel room price in Koh Lipe based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $53 in the low season and $99 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Koh Lipe include:

  • AKIRA Lipe Resort starting at $60
  • Idyllic Concept Resort starting at $97
  • Bundhaya Villas starting at $69
  • Sita Beach Resort starting at $45
  • Ten Moons Lipe Resort starting at $111
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.

In this island, several resorts await your choice. You might come across accommodations that include meals or at least breakfast, and many have dining options available onsite.

Planning to spend a week in Koh Lipe? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid winter), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.

Walking is a popular way to explore Koh Lipe, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe does not have a good public transit system. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Those who relish exploring on foot will find plenty to enjoy during their visit. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $21 (฿657) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Lipe. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Lipe is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $21
    ฿657

For the most part, travelers can easily get around the island by foot. There are a handful of motorcycles around, but none are for rent. There are no cars on Ko Lipe, but long-tail boats will take you anywhere you'd like to go along the coast for a small fee. Small concrete paths link beaches so visitors can beach hop, and if you really need it, there are some motorcycle taxis that will take you around the island.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer Pak Bara Pier to Hatyai Airport by Van for $80 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Koh Lipe
How much does it cost to go to Koh Lipe? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Koh Lipe
The price of renting a car in Koh Lipe will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Koh Lipe

While the food in Koh Lipe is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the island. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Lipe can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Lipe is $52 (฿1,668) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $52
    ฿1,668

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Lipe is around $52 (฿1668) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $100. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Koh Lipe are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $16
  • Lunch: $8 to $21
  • Dinner: $16 to $37
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $8

The majority of your hotels will serve food and drinks, both western and Thai. However, if you're more interested in a more cultural experience, there are stand-alone restaurants on the island. Banana Leaf is a charming restaurant and bar. Its food is pretty average, but the drinks are cheap, and every night they play movies on a big projection screen.

The only fine dining restaurant on Ko Lipe is Capriccio. The Italian chef is known for serving local meats with good service for a good price.

Food & Dining Tips

When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.

Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.

You can save money while soaking in the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Visit a local grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic spot for your meal.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Lipe

Travelers flock to Koh Lipe because it is well-known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, romance, and resorts.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Lipe typically cost an average of $27 (฿846) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $27
    ฿846

A few of the most popular sights are:

  • Scuba Diving for $200

Most visitors to Ko Lipe are really looking to see nothing more than a coastline, some white sand between their toes and a fruity drink in their hand. Ko Lipe is perfect for that. Clear, shallow water graces the coasts of the four main beaches on the island. Pattaya Beach is in the south and is also home to one of the island's only nightclubs. Sunrise Beach is on the east coast near the chow lair village. Karma Beach is in the north facing the Adang/Lipe channel, and Sunset Beach is in the west for the best views of - what else - the sunset.

A quick word of warning: if you want to dip your toes in the sand, you may want to keep your shoes on. Stonefish have been spotted in the waters here. While it is a slim chance, the stonefish sting is extremely painful and potentially lethal. Best to just keep your toes covered for your dip.

If you are so inclined to pay your respects to the Thai culture, there is a small Buddhist temple in the center of the island.



You may be inclined to take a relaxing fishing trip, but remember fishing is illegal in Ko Lipe. Do not join any trips, and do not buy any locally caught fish.

A very popular, and very legal activity, though, is diving. The reefs around Ko Lipe are mostly intact since the 2004 tsunami. Some of the best reefs in Thailand are easily accessible from Ko Lipe. The 8 Mile Rock is a challenge for even experienced divers given the currents, but the underwater critters and birds that feed here are magnificent.

The Hin Takorn Dukong is a spectacular reef that's home to every color and type of fish you can dream up. When you dive down you're met with granite stones shaped like building blocks that rise up like the spikes of a castle. Here you'll find hard and soft corals, several types of eel, squid, cuttlefish and sailfish.

If you're interested in more than fish, swim down to the Yong Hua Shipwreck. In 1996 this fish-factory ship caught fire and sank. Today, the shipwreck is covered in marine growth and gets visits form schools of fish all day. Watch out for strong currents, but enjoy the fascinating views.

Sightseeing Tips

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Koh LipeMany travelers consider scuba diving in Koh Lipe to be a must-do activity. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Beaches:
Beaches in Koh LipeBeach relaxation draws many visitors to Koh Lipe. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Hiking:
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the hiking near Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Koh Lipe. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience for $127 details
  • Private Experience with Fishing, Barbeque, Sashimi and Snorkeling for $78 details
  • Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch for $27 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Koh Lipe

You can expect almost no nightlife in Koh Lipe. This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $9.42 (฿300) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Lipe per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $9.42
    ฿300
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Koh Lipe

  • Take advantage of free attractions and activities, such as:
    • When it's peak season in winter, expect to pay more and see more people in the island. Save some cash and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
    • In Koh Lipe, which is quite expansive, you can find diverse price ranges for hotels, food, and activities. To keep your expenses in check, shop around, book ahead, and enjoy the free attractions available.
    • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can help you save money, giving you a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings while you unwind. Packing your days with too many activities often leads to higher expenses. On the other hand, slowing down can lead to lower costs and a more enjoyable experience.

    Budgeting Challenges

    • People flock to Koh Lipe for its fantastic scuba diving, but be prepared for the expenses, as there's little room for saving. Dive trips, gear rentals, and boat tours may take up a large part of your trip budget. Also, don't forget to check your travel insurance to ensure it covers everything, particularly accidents and weather cancellations.
    • Koh Lipe has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
    Expert Advice from Local Travelers

    We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Koh Lipe.

    What makes Koh Lipe a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

    I found it to be fairly cheap but not as cheap as other islands in Thailand. Scuba diving is kindof expensive anywhere in the world, but here it's cheaper than average. The food was great and affordable, though.

    Dominic
    -
    Mar 10 2024
    Related Articles
    Koh TarutaoHat YaiPhuketChumphonKoh SamuiKrabi
    Traveling in Koh Lipe
    Koh Lipe Koh Lipe, Thailand

    Ko Lipe used to be one of Thailand's most gorgeous hidden treasures. While it's still breathtaking, it's certainly not hidden anymore. With a small community of approximately 700 chow lair, or sea gypsies, this region is doing its best to maintain the beauty of its culture and beaches despite the influx of tourism. The rapid development has seen additions of concrete cafes and travel agencies. There are still rich, cultural gems to find in Ko Lipe - you just have to be willing to wander.

    Unfortunately the huge boom in visitors has resulted in water shortages and waste disposal issues. Don't be surprised when you see garbage being burned. This is one of the only options on the island. You can help, however! During your visit many restaurants and bars will refill used plastic, reusable water bottles for free (or at least very little cost). Keep your eyes open for places with white water jugs or standard water dispensers.



    Related:

    Partying in Chiang Mai or other parts of Thailand?

    Going to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?

    Hitting the beach in Koh Samui?

    More Related Articles
    Koh Pha NganAo NangKoh LantaKhao LakKoh TaoKoh Phi Phi

    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



    1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
    2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
    For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


    Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
    About BudgetYourTrip.com

    Search for Travel Costs


    All Countries
    Tour Search

    Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.