The Ultimate Lipe Island: Crystal Clear Waters in Satun, Thailand (Video Included)

After the rainy season, we must descend from the lush mountains of Chiang Rai and embark on an adventure sailing through the clear blue waters and crashing waves. Just the thought of it brings joy to my heart.

We actually went on this trip a long time ago under the Take a Break project (the competition ended in a draw), but we didn't get around to posting it for you to read. It just so happened that during the long period of self-isolation due to the COVID-19 situation, we were missing our travel experiences even more, so we took the opportunity to dig up some photos and funny stories from our trip to share with you for some light reading.

The time has come to sail south to Satun Province, and of course, the beauty of the Satun Sea or Lipe itself is not to be missed.

This four-day, three-night trip began with a flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai International Airport on Thai Smile Airways. We then explored Satun by rental car from Budget. Our itinerary included diving, sightseeing, and dining, allowing us to experience new and exciting activities.

Don't wait any longer, pack your bags and join us on a trip!

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Embark on a Journey - First Trip to the Southern Sea in Life
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We departed from Bangkok to Hat Yai International Airport on Thai Smile Airways flight WE259. All flight attendants took good care of us and the passengers. Every time we turned around, we saw smiles from the flight attendants. Just looking at them made us feel comfortable and warm.

We headed straight to the Budget booth to rent a car, which was very easy to find. The staff welcomed us with a bottle of cold water each and explained the car's features in detail. They then took us to the car, which was a Toyota Fortuner. I must say, the car was brand new and very clean.

“I want to listen to that song, the Fortune Cookie song!”

This is not a problem, as the Budget Toyota Fortuner allows for convenient smartphone music playback via phone connection.

We safely arrived at our destination, Satun Province. Without delay, we rushed to Pak Bara Pier. We contacted Abang to take us on a boat trip to the first unseen location, the **Thousand Peaks Stone Castle**.

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**One of Satun's Landmarks - Thousand Peaks Stone Castle**
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To reach the Thousand Peaks Castle, our tour boat anchored at the front, and we had to kayak in. So we paddled the kayaks gently. Left, right, left. Left, right, left. We were soaked from the start of the trip. Before we even got tired of paddling, we were able to soak in the beauty of the small bay surrounded by hundreds of thousands of peaks, towering like castle spires. It was truly a magnificent and breathtaking natural wonder.

Returning from the Prasat Hin Panyot, we stopped by the Dragon's Spine Sea in the middle of the Andaman Sea. We were surprised to find a group of Oppa there!

After visiting the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, our guide dropped us off at the pier. Feeling a bit parched, we decided to search for a stylish café in Satun. We headed to the trendy i-Tea Me FarmSuk, a must-visit spot for coffee enthusiasts. The warm ambiance and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The baristas were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Throw the coordinates hard >>> https://www.facebook.com/iteamefarmsuk Follow this link.

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Small boat leaving the shore - to Lipe, Koh Khao Yai
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After a short break at a coffee shop to wait for the departure time to Lipe, ferry tickets can be purchased at Pak Bara Pier. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as they will provide you with a queue number. Those with earlier queue numbers will have priority boarding and the opportunity to choose better seats.

Roundtrip boat fare: 700 THB per person (speedboat)

There are two daily departures to Koh Lipe: 11:00 AM (morning) and 3:00 PM (afternoon).

(We were also informed about a mail boat, but it was reportedly out of service during our visit. The price is unclear and may be cheaper.)

The hotel we stayed at, Adang Resort, is located on Koh Khai, an island opposite Koh Lipe. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, surrounded by lush forests, making it feel like a private island getaway. If you want to visit Koh Lipe, it's easy to do so, as the resort offers free round-trip boat service.

The hotel also offers free kayaks, allowing guests to paddle around the island and enjoy the sunset. For those who appreciate peaceful nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect place to visit.

Coordinates, sis >> https://adangresorts.com

Visiting the Sea of Satun - Hin Ngam Island

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The allure of this beach lies in its unique black stones. From afar, it may appear as a black sand beach, but upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a collection of small and large stones. It is advisable to wear sandals as the uneven terrain can make walking barefoot uncomfortable.

The water in Satun is incredibly clear, allowing you to see the coral reefs clearly.

Visiting the Sea of Satun - Hin Son Island

Two massive boulders appear precariously balanced, defying gravity despite numerous earthquakes. This natural wonder showcases the remarkable stability of these巨石, defying expectations and showcasing the enduring power of nature.

After a short swim, Bang took me to a nearby beach. Unlike the crowded beaches we had passed, this one was secluded and pristine. Bang explained that it was located on the outer side of the island, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters and a seabed of dazzling white sand. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend taking a dip in this idyllic paradise.

No swimming pool is as big as this one.

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Exploring the Sea of Satun - Witnessing the Fiery Coral Reefs
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Continuing on to the coral viewing under the sea, Bang took us to an area called the "fire coral." Out of curiosity, I went down first. I gasped as I opened my mouth, almost unable to contain myself. The coral was truly breathtaking. It resembled a pile of deep red flames. Everywhere I looked, I saw this unique beauty. I decided to feast my eyes on this sight and then return to the boat.

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Learning the Way of Life - Bagan Besar
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Before we begin, let's get to know Bangan Besar. Bangan Besar is a village that offers ecotourism, but what exactly does that mean?
Well, it's like staying in a local village, experiencing their way of life, eating and living like them, and immersing yourself in the authentic local atmosphere.
Plus, you'll be surrounded by nature and have the opportunity to participate in mangrove and coral reef planting to help conserve the environment. Isn't that a fantastic concept? Let's go on an exciting journey to Bangan Besar!

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- Red Dragon Spine -
Bakagan Besar Geo Park, also known as the Red Dragon Spine, is named after its unique red sandbar. Legend has it that the sand in this area is entirely red. The sand is not fine like regular sand but resembles small pebbles. When the tide recedes, a stunning and unusual red ridge emerges.

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- Bakungan Besar Amazon -

The area where we planted the mangrove forest is Bakungan Besar Amazon, a region known for its rich biodiversity, from mudskippers to bats in the trees. At Bakungan Besar Amazon, we planted mangroves and immersed ourselves in nature, breathing in the fresh air with full lungs. Bang also mentioned that the abundance of mangroves is due to tourists planting them, making it a true example of ecotourism.

The majestic Lampu Tunnel, standing tall amidst the mangrove forest, enticed us to explore its depths. We couldn't resist the allure and ventured inside to discover what awaited us... But what we found, we'll leave for you to see. 😉

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Bagan Besar Aquarium: An Immersive Underwater Experience

Instead of observing marine life through glass tanks, Bagan Besar Aquarium offers a unique and immersive experience. As the tide recedes, shallow pools are formed, allowing visitors to walk amongst the exposed seabed and observe a diverse array of marine creatures up close.

Venture through the "Starfish Kingdom," where these fascinating creatures hide beneath the sand, revealing only glimpses of their colorful bodies. Moving on, encounter a vibrant coral reef teeming with life. Witness the playful antics of mudskippers, crabs, and tiny shrimps amidst the intricate formations of brain coral and other diverse species.

"Bang 'Aj', or as we call him 'Bang Bang', took us to watch the villagers clamming in this area. Bang Bang taught us that to dig for clams, you need to use the pointed end of a metal rod to pry up the rocks. Small and large clams will be hiding under the sand. If you find one, you'll likely find many of its friends nearby. And tonight, we'll be having a barbecue with seafood!"

-Bakanyai BBQ Seafood-

This evening's menu features the seafood we and Bakanyai painstakingly gathered earlier. As the heat from the grill reaches them, the shells slowly open, revealing the succulent, pearly white flesh within. The aroma is intoxicating, and the taste… oh, the taste! The sweetness of the shellfish, regardless of their variety, is simply unparalleled.

"Did you secretly marinate these in sugar, Bakanyai?" we jokingly ask.

Bakanyai responds with a knowing chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

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- Kayaking in the Big Bakkan -
The next morning, we had our last sightseeing program, which was kayaking through the mangrove forest. This was the same area we walked through yesterday, but now the water was high enough to paddle through. The highlight was paddling through the Lamphu Tunnel.

Paddling through the stunning natural scenery, listening to the sound of water, birdsong, and the gentle breeze on our faces, breathing in the fresh air, it felt like we had entered another world, peaceful and filled with joy. We truly felt like we were taking a break.

Trip Summary

Transportation

✈ Thai Smile Airways >> Bangkok (BKK) - Hat Yai (HDY)

Budget Rental Car

Accommodation

Adang Resort

Bakanyai Homestay

🚩 Café

🍵 iTea Me Farm Suk

Kim San Fresh Coffee

🚩 Route

Day 1:

• Morning: Explore the ancient ruins of Prasat Hin Phan Yot, a stunning stone castle complex.
• Afternoon: Hike the Dragon's Spine, a dramatic mountain ridge offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a refreshing drink at iTea Me Farm Suk, a trendy cafe with a unique atmosphere.
• Night: Head to Kim San Coffee for a delicious cup of locally roasted coffee.

#Day2 >> Scuba diving tour of Tarutao National Marine Park - Hin Ngam Island - Adang Rawi Island - Dong Islands - Hin Sorn Island

Day 3: Bakangai Village - Red Dragon Ridge - Mangrove Planting - Coral Reef Walk - Shellfish Gleaning - BBQ Seafood

Day 4: Kayaking through the Mangroves - Exploring the Lamphu Tunnel

This sentence describes the fourth day of an activity, which involves kayaking through a mangrove forest and exploring the Lamphu Tunnel.