Koh Lipe is a small island in Satun Province in southern Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border. It forms part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is surrounded by clear coastal waters, coral reefs, and smaller islands. The island is known for its sandy beaches, shallow bays, and compact village area, where most places can be reached on foot. Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach are the main stretches of coast, each facing a different direction and offering different views of the surrounding sea and islands.

Koh Lipe has strong connections with the Urak Lawoi people, a sea-oriented Indigenous community traditionally associated with the islands of the southern Andaman coast. Fishing and knowledge of coastal waters have long been important to their way of life. The island's local community includes a Buddhist temple and a village area where residents, fishermen, and businesses share space. Traditional fishing practices remain visible alongside tourism, while local celebrations and religious observances reflect the wider cultural traditions of southern Thailand. Koh Lipe's position within the Tarutao island group has also made it part of longstanding maritime connections across the Andaman Sea.

The surrounding marine environment is a major feature of Koh Lipe. Snorkeling and diving sites around the island provide access to coral reefs and habitats supporting tropical fish and other marine species. Nearby islands within Tarutao National Marine Park include Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Hin Ngam, which are known for forested hills, beaches, rocky shorelines, and offshore reefs. Koh Adang rises directly across the channel from Koh Lipe and provides hiking routes to viewpoints overlooking the island. Boat trips offer access to additional reefs and small islands throughout the national park.

Seafood is an important part of Koh Lipe's food culture, with restaurants serving locally caught fish, squid, crab, prawns, and other Andaman Sea products. Southern Thai dishes such as spicy curries, tom yum, and seafood salads are widely available, while the island's small walking street contains restaurants, snack stalls, and fruit vendors. Coconut, mango, pineapple, and other tropical fruits are common additions to meals and drinks. The combination of a small island community, Urak Lawoi heritage, national park surroundings, and extensive coral reefs gives Koh Lipe a distinctive place within Thailand's southern islands.