Koh Libong Travel Guide: A Step Back In Time
I found out about Koh Libong while looking for really quiet, offbeat islands. After spending five days networking with people in a travel conference in Phuket and then 10 days in Koh Lanta where I met more white people than I did Thai, I wanted to slow down a bit and take it easy. That is how this Koh Libong travel guide came to be!
Located in the Trang province, Koh Libong is the perfect place for intrepid travellers. It is a far cry from Thailand’s other glittering, tourist-filled islands. There are no Seven-Elevens here, and no bars with pool tables or sports bars with big screens streaming live matches. Koh Libong is the ultimate island to acquaint yourself with the typical Thai rural life. Koh Libong is the authentic way to travel to Thailand, a place to take long walks and understand the other, non-whitewashed side of this incredible country.
This Koh Libong travel guide will take you through all you need to know before visiting this slice of paradise, and then some. Here’s a word of caution before we go further: only travel to Koh Libong if you are okay with sometimes being the only tourists on the island, with not having a wide range of restaurants and shops to choose from. Koh Libong is for peace seekers, those who can embrace a new culture without judging it, and those who prefer entire beaches to themselves, and a whole lot of time to “do nothing”!
🏝️Visiting Koh Libong? Here are a few quick links at a glance:
✈️Book Flights: Skyscanner for cheapest deals
🚤Book Transfers: 12goAsia
🛌Book Hotels: Booking and Expedia for best deals
🩺Global Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
🧴Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer (Reef Safe), Foxtale (SPF 70)
What's In Here
How to Reach Koh Libong
Let’s dive into the first part of this Koh Libong travel guide: how to get to Koh Libong! Koh Libong is well connected by popular islands, especially since it falls on the Koh Lanta-Koh Lipe route. As a rule of thumb, I recommend booking your Koh Libong ferry tickets through Tigerline Ferry as the options on 12Go Asia are quite limited and expensive.
From Koh Lanta
If you’re looking for Krabi to Koh Libong options, it’s best to start from Koh Lanta. For the journey from Koh Lanta to Koh Libong, there is only one ferry every day at 1 pm (as of 2024) which costs 4000 INR (1698 THB) one way and takes 1 hour, 45 minutes to complete.
Phuket to Koh Libong
If you’re planning to travel from Phuket to Koh Libong, you will have to change the ferry at Koh Lanta. The total travel time of this journey is 6.5 hours and costs 6000 INR (2570 THB) including all connections.
Koh Phi Phi
While travelling from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Libong as well, you will have to change ferries at Koh Lanta. The journey is 2.5 hours to 6 hours long and there are three speedboats departing from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Libong every day. The ticket price is 4,500 rupees (1698 THB).
Koh Lipe to Koh Libong
Koh Lipe was actually the island I went to, after Koh Libong. There is a direct Koh Libong to Koh Lipe speedboat every day, departing at 9, promising a 2-hour journey. Ticket prices are 4,500 rupees (1698 THB).
Places to Stay in Koh Libong
If it hasn’t already been made clear in this Koh Libong travel guide, Koh Libong is still undiscovered by mass tourism, in the middle of the Andaman Sea. While this makes Koh Libong the ideal destination for admirers of tranquillity, it also means that Koh Libong accommodation options are far and few. There are perhaps only a total of 4 or 5 Koh Libong hotels! (That’s music to my ears, idk about you)
Booking.comSo what is the Koh Libong hotel situation? Let’s find out ahead in this Koh Libong travel guide.
Best Place to Stay in Koh Libong: Le Dugong Beach Resort
During my time on the island, I was hosted by the wonderful Le Dugong Beach Resort, one of the best Koh Libong hotels out there. This beachfront resort strikes a perfect balance between affordability and luxury, featuring beautiful wooden bungalows right on the beach. Their toilets have a glass window looking out to the ocean and that was a special “poo with a view” addition!
This Koh Libong hotel also has a fully functional restaurant and their daily breakfast consists of a massive fruit platter with fresh fruit local fruits like watermelon, mangoes, dragon fruit, papaya and a lot more! They also have a fully stocked bar, a rarity on an otherwise alcohol-free Muslim island. The three kittens at the resort were also a wonderful bunch to play with and we would often find them lounging on the porch of our cottage which was always a welcome surprise!
Le Dugong Beach also has complimentary kayaks and paddleboards for the guests’ use and I had a blast kayaking around the tiny rocky island located just off the coast where the resort is located. The manager was a sweetheart too. He made sure we had everything we needed and also arranged for a scooter to rent so we could go around the island effortlessly.
For the price you pay, you get a very comfortable and beautiful experience at Le Dugong Resort and this Koh Libong travel guide highly recommends booking your stay here!
Book Le Dugong Beach Resort on Booking
Other Koh Libong Hotels
Sunrise Homestay, situated slightly inland, is a cozy retreat, and perhaps the cheapest and most basic of all hotels in Koh Libong, with all necessary facilities available. Andalay Beach Resort Koh Libong is a high-end luxury beach resort, just a few meters down the beach from Le Dugong. Other options include Libong Beach Resort and Libong Garden Beach Resort.
Best Things to Do in Koh Libong
And now the most important part of this Koh Libong travel guide: what is there to do in Koh Libong once you actually get here? Well, let me just say that despite its modest size, a wealth of experiences awaits those who choose to arrive at this breathtaking offbeat island in Thailand.
Visit the Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge lives up to its name. It is…well, a stone bridge, a gracefully arched rock formation that spans over the sea, on the beach. During low tide, the water recedes and you can actually go under the bridge, or even climb over. It’s a really picturesque spot, and there is also a swing right beside and it was honestly one of the most unique places in Thailand I went to, highly recommended in this Koh Libong travel guide.
The stone bridge is located in the northwest region of the island. To get here, follow the Google map location. You will eventually get on a dirt road and might want to ditch your scooter and walk the rest of the way in the forest as the dirt road gets quite bad in some places. (You’ll know it once you see it).
I imagine this is also a perfect sunset spot (though I visited during the day). If timed right, I heard you can see the sun delicately descending, casting a warm, golden glow that beautifully filters through the arch of the bridge, a sight I would’ve loved to see. The Stone Bridge is definitely one of the best Koh Libong things to do.
Hike Up Point Dugong
Koh Libong has for years served as a natural sanctuary for the gentle sea mammals, dugongs (or sea cows as they are also called). There are supposed to be about 100 Koh Libong dugongs living off the coast of Koh Libong. The only other place I’ve heard where you can easily spot dugongs is Neil Island in India (though I didn’t see one there as well).
Point Dugong, a high limestone rock named in honour of the cherished sea mammal, is an unmissable adventure on Koh Libong. The drive to get to the starting point of Point Dugong is quite beautiful too. Once you get there, you first have to climb a series of stairs until you reach the cave and that’s where the real adventure begins!
You will be hiking well inside the cave and at certain points, there are literal ropes hanging because there is no other way but to rappel up the huge boulder inside the cave! At some points, we were also on all fours, and it made for quite an unexpected workout first thing in the morning!
At the end of a climb is a viewpoint where you can apparently spot the movements of Koh Libong dugongs in the sea below. (We didn’t see any). The viewpoint is actually a nice spot anyway with benches, as you get to have panoramic views of the fishing village and the Andaman Sea, making it one of the fun things to do in Koh Libong.
We actually started hiking well beyond this viewpoint and climbed really steep and razor-sharp limestone cliffs on all fours just because…adventure. It was a fun thing to do if you like to put yourself in tricky situations for adrenaline. Comfortable hiking boots or sandals are definitely recommended! Koh Libong travel guide
Go On Long Tail Boat Trips
Long-tail boats, also known as Ruea Hang Yao in Thai are iconic fishing vessels of Thailand and some other parts of Southeast Asia, including the idyllic Koh Libong. Koh Libong is the largest island in Trang province, making it the central hub for locals commuting to neighbouring islands such as Koh Mook and Koh Kradan with long-tail boats, the preferred local mode of water transport.
And while we tourists travel to Koh Libong via speedboats, going on a long-tail boat trip is a fun way to acquaint yourself with the local way of life, and one of the best Koh Libong things to do. We booked a boat trip to Koh Mook and Koh Kradan at Le Dugong Resort itself and were joined by another couple staying at the resort. You might want to also add Koh Ngai to this trip (we didn’t). Koh Libong travel guide
Koh Mook is known for Tham Marakot, or Emerald Cave which is the most thrilling experience in Thailand! The best part of it is swimming through a completely dark cave and emerging at a tiny beach flanked by natural vegetation. On the other hand, Koh Kradan had great snorkelling and a beautiful beach with a quiet vibe. On my next trip to Thailand, I would definitely want to spend a few nights in Koh Kradan!
Explore Quiet Beaches
One of the best things to do in Koh Libong according to this Koh Libong travel guide is to revel in its tranquil and picturesque beaches, most of which you will often find completely to yourselves.
The southwest beach of Lang Khao also known as Wild Beach is where most resorts are located. It’s a really long beach so even though this is where most people often are, it still never feels crowded. There is some great Koh Libong snorkelling right off its shore too. I saw a massive puffer fish and lobsters and giant clams snorkelling right off Le Dugong Resort.
Panyang Beach in the south is also renowned for its vibrant underwater life, perfect for Koh Libong snorkelling and even chances to swim with dugongs. Tub Beach on the east is a haven for birdwatchers and boasts an impressive habitat for migratory birds. In the north, Tung Yaka Beach in the northwest is located between the Stone Bridge and Lang Khao Beach. It’s a sandy beach great for sunbathing and swimming. There are no corals here so low chances of snorkelling. But we did see a small guitarfish on the sandy ocean bed!
Wander Around Batu Pute Village
Batu Pute, a charming fishing village within Koh Libong is a glimpse into the local way of life at Koh Libong. The houses here are elevated on stilts in a traditional manner. The Leekpai Bridge (which is actually the old fishing pier) and the Dugong Tower on the pier are some places to check out in the village, making for one of the best things to do in Koh Libong. Koh Libong travel guide
The Dugong Tower is about 4-5 storeys tall. From its summit, if fortunate, you can catch a glimpse of a dugong. If you don’t want to go through the difficulty of climbing Point Dugong, this might be a better place for you! The tower also provides sweeping views of the majestic Point Dugong and its limestone cliffs. The view of the village is also quite something from here.
Where to Eat in Koh Libong
While the dining options in Koh Libong are limited (two and a half to be precise), the restaurants here have a small-town, homely charm where you can explore truly traditional Thai dishes.
A standout favourite is the Fisherman’s Kitchen, which offers affordable seafood (the cheapest you will have throughout the country), delectable fried tamarind fish, and the best mango sticky rice you will ever have. This small dhaba-like place is within walking distance of Le Dugong Beach Resort, so most of our dinners took place here. Highly recommended in this Koh Libong travel guide!
Just down the road, closer to the beachfront, Mao Nom Cafe stands as a quaint white shed where coffee and Thai teas are served to perfection.
Completing Koh Libong’s culinary trio is the Star Coffee Bar and Restaurant, a one-woman operation that goes beyond just offering food. When I was there, this restaurant was closed. But I’ve heard the wide variety in cuisine and coffee here is a true delight in an otherwise quiet island. The owner also helps with assisting with transportation, providing information on budget-friendly rentals and even reducing ferry prices. This cafe wins its own star in the Koh Libong travel guide!
Getting Around in Koh Libong
The easiest way to explore the charming island of Koh Libong is by renting a scooter. Banphero Pier serves as a convenient hub for most rentals, but your resort would be able to help out as well. There are no tuktuks in Koh Libong but a rather unique contraption of bike taxis, equipped with a side carriage accommodating up to three people! Koh Libong travel guide
Best Time to Visit Koh Libong
According to this Koh Libong travel guide, for an optimal visit, plan your trip between November and April, coinciding with the island’s cool dry season. During these months, the temperature remains warm but more bearable, providing favourable conditions for exploration.
Birdwatching enthusiasts will find March and April particularly appealing, as these months showcase the diverse avian population. The allure of Dugongs transcends time frames, and they remain a constant presence on the island throughout the year.
In contrast, July to October marks the rainy season when Koh Libong weather gets unpredictable, making sightseeing challenging. However, if you do end up travelling to Thailand during this time period, don’t forget to check out the best places to visit Thailand in July!
Koh Libong Travel Guide – FAQs
Is Koh Libong worth visiting?
As already mentioned in this Koh Libong travel guide, Koh Libong is a beautiful and quiet island, undoubtedly worth a visit, especially if you are interested in seeing Dugongs and being on an island where you would be the only handful of tourists around. It’s the ideal place to take a break and enjoy activities like snorkelling and kayaking, or even do nothing but sunbathe, walk around and read!
How do you see dugongs in Thailand?
Dugongs are native to South Asia, though mostly concentrated in the Andaman seas. You can catch glimpses of them through various guided tours on long tail boats or even on a kayaking trip yourself. Koh Libong is known for its dense Dugong population and there have been multiple sightings of them feeding on the healthy bed of seagrass in the ocean. This Koh Libong travel guide also mentions the island’s variety of viewpoints like the Point Dugong peaks and the Dugong tower to catch glimpses of them.
What is dugong famous for?
Dugongs are famous for being marine mammals known for their unique and gentle behavior. Often referred to as “sea cows,” they are herbivores that graze on seagrasses in shallow coastal waters. Dugongs are recognized for their slow-paced and peaceful nature, making them amiable creatures. They are cousins of the manatee and are found in warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.
Is there alcohol in Koh Libong?
Yes, but in limited spaces. Koh Libong alcohol can only be found in resort bars, like the Le Dugong Beach resort. This is because the island has mainly a Muslim population so there are no public bars or liquor shops around. Koh Libong travel guide
How many days are enough for Koh Libong?
According to this Koh Libong travel guide, Koh Libong is a small island with a variety of activities and sights to offer. Depending on your interest anytime between 3 to 5 days is recommended. For those who prefer an easy viewing experience, covering one or two sites a day, a longer stay would be much more fruitful as this would allow them time to enjoy the quiet beaches and treks that the island has to offer. For individuals who prefer an action-packed schedule, 3 days is plenty to discover everything the land has to offer.
Is there an ATM in Koh Libong?
Banking services are very limited on Koh Libong Island. This Koh Libong travel guide recommends carrying an ample amount of cash before coming to Koh Libong as online transactions might cause issues.
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