Sunrise Beach, or "Hat Chao Ley" in the local tongue, serves as the primary gateway to the soul of Koh Lipe. Spanning approximately 2 kilometers along the island's eastern coastline, it is significantly longer and more serene than the bustling Pattaya Beach. The beach is named for its unobstructed orientation toward the eastern horizon, offering a daily celestial display that begins around 5:45 AM. Geographically, it is protected from the monsoon winds during the high season (November to May), resulting in "glass-like" water clarity that makes it one of the premier swimming spots in the southern Andaman Sea.

The bathymetry of Sunrise Beach is unique; the sea floor slopes gently, creating a vast area of shallow, turquoise water. Approximately 50 to 100 meters offshore lie two small islets, Koh Kra and Koh Usen. These rocky outcrops act as natural breakwaters and are surrounded by surprisingly resilient fringing reefs. Divers and snorkelers can find various species of hard corals, including massive brain corals and staghorn corals, which serve as habitats for clownfish (Nemo), parrotfish, and even occasional sightings of juvenile blacktip reef sharks during high tide.

At the northernmost tip of the beach, near the Mountain Resort area, lies the "Karma Beach" sandbar. This is a dynamic geographical feature where two opposing currents meet, depositing sand into a curved hook or "spit" that changes shape daily based on the tides. During low tide, this sandbar emerges as a pristine white walkway extending into the deep blue, creating a stark, photogenic contrast. This area is also influenced by the cooler currents flowing from the deep Andaman trench, often making the water here slightly more refreshing than at the southern end of the beach.

Historically and culturally, the beach is the ancestral home of the Urak Lawoi (Sea Gypsies), who were the original inhabitants of Koh Lipe. While tourism has grown, you can still see traditional long-tail boats moored along the shore, painted with vibrant colors and adorned with symbolic fabrics at the bow for spiritual protection. These boats remain the primary mode of transport for local fishermen and for eco-tours to the surrounding Adang-Rawi Archipelago, maintaining a vital link between the island's modern economy and its maritime heritage.

• From Pak Bara Pier in Satun, take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Lipe (approx. 1.5–2 hours). Once on the island, Sunrise Beach is easily accessible by a 10–15 minute walk from the Walking Street or via a local motorcycle taxi (Saleng).

• Arrive before 6:00 AM to catch the most beautiful sunrise along the beach

• Bring your own snorkeling gear to save rental costs and explore the reefs right from the shore

• Check the tide schedule in advance if you want to see the sandbar at the northern end of the beach

• Wear reef shoes to protect your feet from corals and rocky seabed

Admission Fees:

• No entry fee for the beach itself. However, visitors must pay the Tarutao National Park entry fee

• 200 THB for foreigners and 40 THB for Thai nationals (keep the ticket for island hopping)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, 24 hours (Best visited from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM)