Thailand: Ko Tarutao Marine National Park, Ko Lipe, Sunlight Beach, sea gypsy boats

Ko Lipe, sometimes called Ko Sipe by the locals was originally inhabited by a small community of Chao Le or 'Sea Gypsies', in recent years the <br/><br/>The island has become the most developed and most popular destination in Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia's celebrated Langkawi. <br/><br/>Malaysia's celebrated Langkawi Archipelago. Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.