Getting to Koh Lipe

Q: We are planning a diving trip to the Thai island of Koh Lipe at the Castaway Beach Resort. What is the quickest and most cost effective way to get to Koh Lipe. Would it be via Thai Airlines or Malaysia Airlines. We know that Koh Lipe is closest to the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Also, do either of these airlines offer baggage allowances on diving gear (soft gear only)? - Peter Palmer

A: In high season (November-April), you can travel via Thailand or Malaysia using their respective airlines, but in the low season only the Thai route via Hat Yai/Bak Para remains open. The price depends heavily on what special fares are available on the international route, as local fares are not expensive. Using Thai Airways, you would fly to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. From there you need to fly to Hat Yai in the south of Thailand. Airlines flying this route from Suvarnabhumi are Thai and AirAsia, with budget carriers Nok Air and One-Two-Go fly from Don Muang Airport. From Hat Yai you would catch a minibus or hire a taxi to Pak Bara (1.5-2 hours), where ferries depart for Koh Lipe throughout the year. The ferry trip takes between 45min. and one hour to reach Lipe. There is no pier on the island so you will be met by longtail and taken to the beach of your choice. Using Malaysian Airlines is an easier trip. You would fly to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Langkawi. Malaysia Airlines flies from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, while AirAsia flies from the low-cost terminal 20 minutes away. On Langkawi you catch a ferry to Koh Lipe, a one-hour journey. This ferry service only runs From November to April. Neither Thai Airways International or Malaysian Airlines offer special allowances on diving gear. It forms part of the regular baggage allowance. When the weight of the diving equipment exceeds the allowance, an excess rate is charged per kilogram. (28/11/10)