Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands

Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: A Detailed Review

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and untouched beaches, a day spent on the Koh Lipe Backyard tour might just be what you need. This roughly 5.5-hour adventure around Koh Lipe and its nearby islands offers a mix of snorkeling, beach lounging, and cultural touches—all for an accessible price point of about $24.20 per person. While the experience is generally well-rated, with a 4.5/5 score from four reviews, it’s worth digging into what makes it special—and what might not.

One aspect we really appreciate is how this tour packs in multiple stops across some of the most scenic islands in Tarutao National Park. It’s a great way to maximize your day without feeling rushed, especially with the inclusion of professional guidance and all the essential snorkeling gear. But a potential downside is that some reviews mention disappointing moments during the first stop—which highlights that, like all tours, your experience can vary depending on the day and guide. This tour suits travelers who want a balance of snorkeling, scenic beaches, and a taste of local island life without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who loves authentic, well-organized trips with knowledgeable guides, this experience could be a perfect fit. However, if you prefer luxury or private tailored experiences, you might want to explore options that offer more exclusivity. For most, though, this tour offers value, fun, and a chance to see some of Thailand’s most beautiful waters.

Key Points

• Affordable price point with all necessary gear included
• Multiple island stops, including well-known and lesser-known spots
• Professional, English-speaking guides ensure safety and good information
• A mix of snorkeling and beach time for varied experiences
• Includes lunch and essentials like water, fruit, and safety equipment
• Limited group size (max 10) for a more personalized feel
• Some reviews mention uneven experiences, especially during initial snorkeling spots
• Weather-dependent – cancellations possible if weather is poor

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The adventure begins at the Star Travel office on Koh Lipe, conveniently located near Pattaya Beach. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended, giving you time to meet the crew, get suited up with snorkeling gear, and listen to safety instructions. The guide, who speaks English, is key to making the trip enjoyable and safe, and from reviews, it’s clear that some guides are more personable and knowledgeable than others. One reviewer specifically mentioned the “irritable guide,” which shows that while most guides are helpful, the experience can depend on who is leading the boat that day.

First Stop: Koh Lipe

Your journey kicks off with a quick ride around Koh Lipe itself. This isn’t just a scenic photo op—it’s a chance to see the hidden beaches and coral reefs that make the island famous. The snorkeling here is free of charge, but the main focus is getting ready for the longer stops ahead. This stage is crucial in setting expectations, but some travelers found the first snorkel “stressful,” especially when the guide seems less attentive or the conditions aren’t ideal.

Koh Jabang: A Coral Wonderland

Next, the boat heads to Koh Jabang, where the real underwater magic unfolds. The soft coral formations—pink, lavender, and red—are truly stunning, creating a vibrant backdrop for a variety of marine life like feather stars, sea anemones, and fish. As one reviewer described, “There are phylum porifera, sea whip, sea anemone, feather star and beautiful fish,” which hints at the diversity you can expect. Typically, this stop lasts around an hour, giving plenty of time to snorkel and appreciate the reefs.

However, it’s worth noting that admission to the coral reef isn’t included, so if you want to snorkel here, bring some cash for a minor fee. From the reviews, it’s clear that this stop is the highlight for many: “The waters are splendid, and the beaches are beautiful,” said a traveler who loved the underwater scenery. It’s an excellent spot for those who enjoy vibrant coral gardens.

Koh Hin Ngam: The Lucky Black Pebble Beach

The next stop is Koh Hin Ngam, famed for its polished volcanic stones that line the beach. The stones are black, smooth, and have a mysterious, almost otherworldly feel. There’s a local legend that stacking 12 rocks and making a wish here might bring good luck—something many travelers find charming. This stop is about an hour long, perfect for walking along the pebble beach and snapping photos. Again, access to the black stones isn’t included in the tour fee, but the scenery and legend add a cultural layer to the trip.

Koh Yang & Koh Rawi: Beaches and Soft Coral Reefs

After exploring the volcanic stones, the boat heads to Koh Yang, where shallow waters overgrown with soft corals make for excellent snorkeling. Reviewers loved this spot, describing the reef as “big boulders overgrown with fantastic soft corals,” and noted that the shallow areas are ideal for snorkeling beginners.

Then, there’s a lunch stop at Koh Rawi, known for its pristine white-sand beaches. The included lunch package (which typically features a rice and chicken meal) gives you a break from the water and a chance to relax on the sand. While some reviews mention the meal being basic, it’s generally appreciated as good value considering the price and the fact that drinks and snacks are provided.

Final Stop: Koh Adang

The tour concludes with a quick visit to Koh Adang, where we can enjoy one last swim amidst colorful fish and coral. This final snorkeling session, about an hour long, offers a fitting end to a day filled with underwater discovery. Travelers often mention the beautiful underwater scenery here and the chance to see marine life close-up.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s value lies in its inclusivity: snorkel masks, fins, life jackets, water, seasonal fruit, and a basic insurance policy are all provided. The lunch is also included, which many appreciate as it saves time and money during the busy day.

However, some costs are on you—namely, the adult and child National Park entrance fees and tips. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange transportation to the meeting point, which is conveniently near public transit.

The Real Experience: Insights From Reviews

While most ratings are positive, reviews highlight some caveats. One reviewer, Jesper_K, expressed frustration, mentioning an “irritable guide” and feeling that the first snorkeling stop was “stressful,” with poor visibility. They also found the lunch disappointing—”stranding in the baking sun for hours,” suggesting that the timing and comfort might not suit everyone.

Conversely, Zuhair_L shared a glowing review, describing the trip as “incroyable” and praising Koh Lipe’s waters, beaches, and the overall experience. This highlights that, like any outdoor activity, weather, guides, and personal expectations can influence perceptions.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Arrive early at the meeting point to meet the crew and get your equipment.
• Bring cash for optional park fees and tips, as these aren’t included.
• Dress comfortably and bring sun protection—sunblock, hats, and sunglasses.
• Be prepared for variable weather; the tour can be canceled if conditions are poor, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Set realistic expectations—the first stop may not always be ideal, but subsequent island visits often make up for it.
• Group size is limited to 10 travelers, making it more intimate than large tour groups.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to see the best of Koh Lipe’s surrounding islands without paying a premium. Snorkelers of all experience levels will find plenty to enjoy, as shallow reefs and vibrant marine life are plentiful. If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized, guided excursions with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a reliable way to explore multiple islands efficiently.

It’s also perfect for those who love beach lounging—the stops at Koh Rawi and Koh Hin Ngam offer some of the most picturesque beaches in the area. However, if you prefer private, luxury experiences or have specific dietary or accessibility needs, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

The Koh Lipe Backyard tour offers a solid value for travelers eager to explore the stunning islands and underwater world around Koh Lipe. With a mix of snorkeling in vibrant reefs, relaxing on pristine beaches, and enjoying a simple lunch, it caters well to those who appreciate a balanced, social, and active day.

While not flawless—some reviewers mention uneven guide service or the first snorkeling stop—it generally delivers memorable moments and plenty of photo-worthy scenery. The small group size and inclusion of essential gear make it accessible and comfortable for most.

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-organized adventure that covers some of the most beautiful spots near Koh Lipe, this trip is a strong contender. Just remember to keep your expectations realistic, arrive prepared, and embrace the imperfect beauty of outdoor exploration in Thailand’s tropical paradise.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear? No, the tour provides snorkel masks, fins, and life jackets as part of the package, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Is lunch included? Yes, a lunch package with seasonal fruit and a rice and chicken meal is included. Keep in mind that some travelers found the meal basic, but it’s usually sufficient for refueling.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, making it more intimate than many larger group excursions.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are possible, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if that happens.

Are park entrance fees included? No, the fees for the national park are paid separately and are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring? Water, sun protection, a towel, and cash for optional expenses are recommended. The tour includes drinking water and seasonal fruit.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup available? No, the tour does not include pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation to the meeting point accordingly.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Koh Lipe Backyard tour. It’s a wonderful way to see some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands—just go with an open mind and a sense of adventure.