North Point Beach lies at the northernmost edge of Koh Lipe in Satun Province, in southern Thailand, and forms part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. The beach extends for roughly 300 metres and consists of fine white sand facing the Andaman Sea, with clear, light-blue water and a gentle seabed that allows swimming in calm weather. Rocky sections appear at both ends of the shoreline, creating natural limits to the beach and offering small areas suitable for snorkeling, while the landward side is bordered by thick tropical vegetation and a limited number of small, understated resorts.
Koh Lipe itself is a compact island, measuring about 2 kilometres in length and 1 kilometre in width, within the Adang–Rawi island group. In comparison to Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach, North Point remains relatively quiet and less developed. The site falls under the supervision of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, which applies marine park rules such as entrance fees and controls on construction. North Point Beach is mainly visited by snorkelers, divers and travelers seeking a more peaceful setting, providing a simple coastal experience within a protected natural environment rather than a highly commercial one.
Unique Feature of North Point Beach
North Point Beach is noted mainly for its quiet setting and the presence of a shallow reef area located relatively close to the shoreline, beginning at roughly 50 to 100 metres from the sand. Because of this, snorkeling can be done directly from the beach itself, with generally clear water and regular sightings of marine life such as reef fish, small coral clusters, and occasionally sea turtles, though conditions vary by season.
Its position at the northern end of the island also allows open views across the sea toward nearby islands, including Ko Adang and Ko Rawi. These wide sightlines create a broad coastal outlook that is less common on the more enclosed beaches on the southern side of Koh Lipe where headlands and development tend to limit the view.
Things to Do at North Point Beach
North Point Beach supports a modest range of activities that are largely connected to the marine environment and quiet coastal use, in keeping with its national park status. Visitors commonly engage in snorkeling either directly from the shoreline or by taking short boat trips to nearby reef areas, where marine species such as reef fish and, at times, turtles or small reef sharks may be observed, depending on sea conditions.
Swimming and light wading are possible in the central section of the bay, where the water is generally shallow and calm. Many visitors choose simple beach leisure, resting on the sand under natural palm cover or using rented loungers provided by nearby resorts.
The rocky headlands on either side of the beach permit brief walks along loosely defined coastal tracks, which lead to simple viewpoints overlooking the Andaman Sea. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding may also be undertaken around the northern end of the island, with basic equipment generally arranged through nearby guesthouses or small resorts, though availability can vary.
A limited number of small cafés are located directly along the beachfront, serving items such as freshly prepared seafood, Thai curries, and seasonal fruit, with prices remaining fairly moderate by island standards. Watching the sunset is a common practice, either from the open stretch of sand or from slightly raised rocky sections along the headlands, from where views extend toward the surrounding islands. On certain days, guided nature walks or eco-focused activities organised by the park authorities or resorts may be available, highlighting local plant and animal life, though these are not conducted daily.
Access to North Point Beach
Reaching North Point Beach requires several stages of travel to Koh Lipe, as the island is not directly connected to the mainland. From Bangkok, visitors generally take a domestic flight to Hat Yai Airport, which takes about one and a half hours, followed by a van transfer to Pak Bara Pier lasting roughly one to one and a half hours, with fares commonly in the range of THB 200–400. From Pak Bara, speedboats operate to Koh Lipe, with a journey time of around one hour and typical fares between THB 600 and 800.
Those travelling from Krabi or Trang usually continue by van to Pak Bara Pier, a trip of approximately two to three hours, before boarding the same speedboat service to Koh Lipe. There is also an international sea connection from Langkawi in Malaysia, where direct ferries reach Koh Lipe in about one and a half hours, though ticket prices are higher and vary by season.
Once on Koh Lipe, North Point Beach can be reached either by a short walk of about ten to fifteen minutes from Pattaya Beach pier, or by long-tail boat transfer, normally costing around THB 100–200 depending on demand. As the area lies within Tarutao National Marine Park, a national park entry fee applies, generally THB 400 for foreign visitors, payable at the pier or shortly after arrival.
Best Time to Visit
The period from November through April is generally regarded as the dry season, during which daytime temperatures usually remain between about 28 and 32 °C. Rainfall is limited in these months and sea conditions are mostly calm, making the time suitable for snorkeling, swimming, and extended stays on the beach. The busiest period for visitors is usually from the month of December to March when the weather is generally quite stable.
Between May and October, the southwest monsoon brings more rain and occasionally rough seas. Still, mornings are often suitable for swimming or snorkeling, and accommodation tends to be cheaper, making it a good option for those wanting a quieter visit.
