Of course, on the day of my photo walk on Koh Lipe, I also took the time to visit my good friend Darius at his lovely place, Cafe Lipe. Just a few days earlier, on Monday morning at 9:45, we had met right there to take part in something very special. At 10:00, we left with a group on a banana boat to visit a small nearby island and clean up trash that had been carelessly thrown into the sea.
It was a powerful reminder of how much damage can be caused by simple, thoughtless actions – and how much of a difference a few people can make when they take action together. The project was not just about picking up plastic and bottles, it was about protecting this beautiful island region, supporting the CleanPlanet initiative, and showing others that change starts with small steps.
@louis88/cleaning-up-ko-lek-beach-700kg-of-trash-collected-around-koh-lipe-thailand
| My Article | |
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 | Cleaning Up Ko Lek Beach - 700kg of Trash collected around Koh Lipe, Thailand@louis88/cleaning-up-ko-lek-beach-700kg-of-trash-collected-around-koh-lipe-thailand |
New Friends – Laughs and Talking About Cleaning the Planet at Cafe Lipe
When I came back to Cafe Lipe during my photo walk, I found the same warm and lively energy. Friends and familiar faces were already there. The area in front of the café is always full of life. You never know what you might see.
Sometimes you spot travelers carrying huge backpacks or rolling suitcases across the sand like pros – or even balancing them on their heads, which looks funny but very practical. Then there are the beach dogs, which are a big part of daily life on Koh Lipe. Some of them are strays, but many actually have owners and just enjoy spending their days wandering around, sleeping under chairs, and greeting tourists.
Cafe Lipe is also known for its many long-time guests. Some visitors have been coming back here for years, making it their favorite stop on every trip. Darius has built more than just a café – he has created a little community hub, where people connect, share stories, and plan activities like beach cleanups, snorkeling trips, or just relaxed evenings with live music.
For me, Cafe Lipe is more than a place to drink a coffee. It is where ideas grow, where people come together, and where I always feel welcome – even thousands of kilometers away from home. And the best part? Every visit brings something new, whether it is a great conversation, a funny dog moment, or a beautiful photo to take.
Massage... Massage...
As you walk through Walking Street on Koh Lipe, you cannot help but hear the many voices calling out from all directions. People are offering special deals and services with big smiles and warm voices. One of the most common things you hear is:
“Massage, massage!”
The ladies from the massage shops call out in a very friendly and polite way, often saying something like,
“Hello my friend! You want Thai massage? I take care of your body.”
It is nothing strange or uncomfortable – it is simply part of the everyday life in tourist areas across Thailand. It has become a kind of tradition, especially in places like Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and here on Koh Lipe. Massage is a big part of Thai culture and has been practiced for hundreds of years.
In fact, one of the most famous massage schools in the country is located at Wat Pho in Bangkok – the same temple where the giant reclining Buddha can be found. Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and people from all over the world go there to learn the original techniques.
For me personally, I now prefer to get a massage only from someone who has trained at Wat Pho. It just feels different – more professional, more balanced, and really helpful for the body. But that is just my choice. On Koh Lipe, most massage places still offer great service, and the atmosphere is relaxing and calm.
Of course, massage is not the only thing being offered. As you walk further, you will also hear people calling out about clothing, souvenirs, and handmade jewelry. Most of the shop owners are in a good mood, laughing, joking, and always ready to make a deal. They are not too pushy – just full of that typical Thai island energy that makes you feel welcome and relaxed.
These small interactions, the sounds of music in the background, the smell of street food, and the smiling faces – they all create the feeling that you are truly in Thailand. It is a special mix of tradition, friendliness, and modern tourism, and it is one of the reasons why I enjoy coming back here so much.
But of course, there is also food – lots of it! One food stand in particular caught my attention. It was located right along Walking Street and had a small grill full of different meat and vegetable skewers. The smell was amazing, and you could hear the sound of sizzling oil as the skewers slowly cooked over the hot coals. Some were spicy, some sweet, and some with that famous Thai satay flavor that comes from peanuts, soy sauce, and spices. Thai street food is not only cheap and tasty, it is also a big part of daily life and culture.
While we were checking out the food, something else caught our eye – or better said, caught 
And no photo walk on Koh Lipe would be complete without the sea in the background. Everywhere you go, there are always small longtail boats, gentle waves, and the soft sound of water. Whether you are walking through Walking Street or relaxing near the beach, the sea is always just a few steps away.
Thank you all so much for your feedback and your support!
It means a lot to me to share these small stories and moments with you.
I will see you in the next blog post with more beautiful photos and more memories from my time on Koh Lipe, Thailand. Until then, take care and keep exploring!