SNORKELING | Koh Lipe, Thailand

So now you've seen that Koh Lipe is ridiculously beautiful. But what is it like just below the surface? While in Bangkok, I bought a cheap waterproof camera that could afford to get tossed around in the waves. We went on a snorkeling day trip to neighboring islands where I got to test out the camera.

Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_1 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_2 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_3 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_4 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_5Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_6 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_7Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_8Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_9 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_10Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_11 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_12 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_13 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_14 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_15 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_16 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_17 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_18Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_19 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_20 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_22 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_23 Snorkeling_Koh_Lipe_24Snorkeling was fun, but the highlight in Koh Lipe was my first scuba dive! Rick is certified and he took me on a discover dive where I got a taste for sea life. Unfortunately, my camera does not work in such depths but Rick took this shot of me as we were suiting up! Once underwater my inner Pisces took hold and I felt like I was in my element. It won't be my last dive.

scuba

Thanks Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe | Thailand

Bangkok was bangin' and I really enjoyed my intro to Thailand and after a week in Bangkok, it was time to go island hopping. First stop was Koh Lipe. We flew down to Hat Yai and spent a night there before catching the ferry the next day to Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe is, or should I say was one of Thailand's best kept secrets. Apparently the secret is out. For most of this trip we have booked accommodations ahead of time and we decided for the islands to just wing it. Rick was here 3 years ago and didn't have any problems with just showing up and finding accommodations so we decided to throw caution to the wind.

Oops. Caution slapped us in the face. We arrived to find most places booked solid. We did end up getting lucky and found a room at Koh Lipe Backpackers Hostel, but we were back to no A/C and no hot water. Koh Lipe is quickly being developed into a luxury resort island so accommodations for a backpacker budget are slim.

The island was originally inhabited by sea gypsies (Chao Ley) and their small village is now encircled by resorts. By the looks of the village, it does not appear that the locals are gaining from the increased tourism.

KohLipe_1KohLipe_2 KohLipe_3 KohLipe_4 KohLipe_5 KohLipe_6The juxtaposition between the village and what is just steps away is incredible. I wouldn't blame them if they wished tourists never set foot on their island as their beaches and view are breathtaking.

KohLipe_7KohLipe_8 KohLipe_14 KohLipe_13 KohLipe_12 KohLipe_11 KohLipe_10 KohLipe_9KohLipe_15 KohLipe_16KohLipe_17 KohLipe_18KohLipe_19 KohLipe_20 KohLipe_21KohLipe_23KohLipe_22KohLipe_24KohLipe_25KohLipe_26KohLipe_27KohLipe_28KohLipe_29 KohLipe_30Next up? A snorkeling trip!