Sea Beach at Lipe

For the price, this was great value for money on Koh Lipe. We paid just over 2000 Baht per night in high season. The resort is right on Pattaya Beach and close to the boat piers, so we didn’t need a taxi on arrival. The rooms were spacious, cleaned daily, and fairly modern. Ours had a safe, mini fridge, and TV, and the bed was pretty comfortable. There isn’t much here beyond the rooms and free breakfast, no restaurant or activities. It looks like the place is owned by the larger Bundhaya Resort down the beach: the staff wore Bundhaya shirts, and the free water came in Bundhaya branded bottles. We could rent snorkel gear from Bundhaya Resort and only had to pay the daily fee, with no deposit.

Walk straight off the ferry, through the gates, and you’re at your beach hideaway. The gardens are well kept, and my cute cabin was just as advertised. The staff were lovely and helpful. It’s peaceful, set back a little from the beach but with clear access to it. A quick stroll up the beach gets you to Walking Street, swimming, volleyball, canoeing, massage, restaurants, and lots more. I’d highly recommend it.

The location by the beach and pier is great, the garden is nicely decorated, and the staff are really friendly and helpful. The rooms, though, are old and run down. Water from the shower and sink looked a bit rusty, another sign of the hotel’s age. There’s a connecting door to the adjoining room, which might be an issue if someone is staying there. Luckily, the hotel was nearly empty and nobody was in the room next to ours. I paid under $20 a night, so I wouldn’t be too critical of those issues at that price. Just be aware there’s construction going on now, with more rooms being built.

The private bungalows are beautiful, with generous, comfortable space and lovely greenery outside. Being right beside the beach is great. The main downside is the beach bar next door, the one that blasts music all night, especially on weekends. That might matter less if you’re in a bungalow farther back. For Lipe, it’s a great deal, and I’d recommend it, especially compared with many other island options. This place used to be called Bu-Nga resort, then seems to have closed and reopened as Sea Beach at Lipe, which may explain why there aren’t many reviews yet. I’m guessing it has new management, possibly Bundhaya Resort, since they use Bundhaya towels and water bottles.