When visiting the best island in Thailand, which we all know is Koh Lipe, you have to build in time for some of the best Koh Lipe day trips to the nearby islands. Program 2 is one of the best day trips from Koh Lipe.
There are a ton of things to do in Koh Lipe, but getting out on a boat and exploring the nearby islands is the best. Here is everything you need to know about Koh Lipe Program 2 day trip.
Koh Lipe Program 2: Koh Hin Saun, Koh Lok Goi, Monkey Beach, Koh Dong, Koh Pung, Koh Hing Gnam
While many visitors love Koh Lipe Program 1 for its close proximity to Koh Lipe, Program 2 is another excellent option if you’re interested in exploring the outer islands in the archipelago.
Although you’ll be in transit for longer, the boat capacity is smaller, and the reefs are generally less crowded, which is one of the biggest benefits of taking the Program 2 tour. Please keep in mind that the first stop on Program 2 is approximately one hour away from Koh Lipe, although the following stops are clustered together, so there is less traveling once you arrive.
Related: How to Get to Koh Lipe – 3 Easy Ways
What Koh Lipe islands does Program 2 stop at?
The Program 2 itinerary takes you to the following stops by longtail boat:
- Koh Hin Saun
- Koh Lok Goi
- Monkey Beach
- Koh Dong
- Koh Pung
Your first stop on the Program 2 itinerary is Koh Hin Saun. While most other attractions in Program 2 are underwater, the highlight of Koh Hin Saun is actually on land. This mysterious island is known for its unique rock formations, which are stacked on top of each other in a delicate balance.
After admiring the landscape (and possibly going for a short swim), you’ll head to Koh Lok Goi. Snorkeling here is absolutely stunning, with seemingly endless miles of blue coral covering the shallow ground. If you’d rather explore by foot, then there’s a small trail that leads from the beach toward the center of the island.
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From here, the longtail boat will take you to Koh Dong, a deserted island where you’ll have lunch. With the sea breeze blowing through your hair and the tranquil waves lapping at the shore, Koh Dong is one of the most scenic places to sit back and enjoy the solitude.
Your tour might also include a trip to Koh Dong’s Monkey Beach. As its name suggests, this deserted island is home to large monkey colonies. If you do end up visiting the monkeys, take extra precautions, as they can get aggressive in the presence of food or shiny objects (like that expensive camera of yours!).
After lunch, you and the group will visit Koh Pung. This island is referred to by several names on tour, such as Ko Usen and Koh Raba, although all of them are indeed the same island.
Make sure to spend a little bit of time snorkeling in this area. While it’s common to spot gorgonians, anemones, and soft corals, some lucky swimmers might also encounter larger creatures like whale sharks, manta rays, and even marbled stingrays. The currents around Koh Pung are relatively strong compared to other areas around Koh Lipe, so be extra careful if you’re not the most experienced swimmer.
The last stop on Koh Lipe day trip program 2 is Koh Hin Gnam, a relatively small one with a very picturesque beach. Instead of white sand, you’ll see that the beach is littered with black volcanic stones. Locals swear that stacking the stones on top of each other brings good luck, so make sure to spend a few minutes creating your own balanced rocks while visiting.
While docked, you’ll also have one last opportunity to go snorkeling. The marine life here is quite different than other places in the archipelago, with an abundance of redfin butterflyfish, moray eels, red sponges, and Christmas tree worms darting in and out of the corals.
Once you board the boat, your captain and tour guide will take you back to Koh Lipe. Along the way, you’ll likely cruise along the south coast of Koh Adang (a stop on the Program 1 tour), where you’ll enjoy scenic views.
Related Article: Koh Lipe Beaches
How Long is Program 2 Koh Lipe Day Trip?
The Program 2 tour leaves around 9:00 in the morning and returns back after 5:00 in the evening. Of course, you might find that some tour operators leave a little earlier to beat the crowds. Because of the distance traveled, this is a slightly longer tour than Program 1.
How much does Program 2 Cost?
You can also expect to pay a little more for Program 2 – anywhere from 650 to 750 baht per person. Included with your ticket is lunch, water, snacks, and snorkel equipment rental. You can also pay a little more to have a private snorkel guide, who will swim with you and give you tips on what to look for in the water. Similar to Program 1, you might also be required to pay the 200 baht entrance fee at Tarutao National Park, so make sure to have extra cash on you during the trip.
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If you haven’t already, make sure to check out day trip Program 1 or Sunset Tour to visit even more islands near Koh Lipe. There isn’t a bad day trip from Koh Lipe!
Don’t forget your insurance! You never know when you’ll need it. We suggest getting travel insurance with Safety Wing. Which coverage includes medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more. Often rates are as low as $12 a week.