Four Krabi Marine Sites Win Asia's Readers' Choice Awards 2026
Four marine tourism sites in Krabi Province — Railay Beach, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang Beach, and Maya Bay — have won 2026 Readers' Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveler. The awards reflect Thailand's success in marine conservation and sustainable tourism management, with Maya Bay's recovering blacktip reef shark population cited as a key indicator of ecosystem restoration.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suthat Chomklin announced good news: four marine tourism sites in Krabi Province have won the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards at the Asia level from Condé Nast Traveler, a world-leading travel magazine. The awards reflect Thailand's success in marine conservation. The minister received a report from Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director-General Yanyong Nakwiroj about the achievement of four marine tourism destinations in Krabi located within national park boundaries: Railay Beach, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang Beach, and Maya Bay. These sites were voted by travelers worldwide in a survey conducted from April 1 to June 30, 2026. The minister said the success stems from systematic natural tourism management by the Department, including setting carrying capacities, seasonal closures for ecosystem recovery, and strict environmental measures. Maya Bay stands out as a prime example of nature restoration alongside sustainable tourism. The recovery is evident in the marine ecosystem: blacktip reef shark numbers in Maya Bay have risen continuously, from a previous high of 278 during the September 2026 closure to a record 451 in the latest survey on November 3, 2026 — the highest since monitoring began in 2023. Director-General Yanyong detailed the four award-winning sites: 1. Railay Beach (Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park) — ranked 2nd Best Beach in Asia and 1st in Southeast Asia with 94.44 points, notable for towering limestone cliffs and Andaman Sea beaches. 2. Koh Lanta (Mu Ko Lanta National Park) — ranked 3rd Best Island in Asia with 97.50 points, reflecting stunning nature and tranquil atmosphere. 3. Ao Nang Beach (Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park) — ranked 10th Best Beach in Asia with 85.56 points, a key tourism hub and gateway to Andaman islands. 4. Maya Bay (Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park) — ranked 18th Best Beach in Asia with 79.74 points, distinguished by its bay scenery and emerald waters. The ministry will continue supporting natural tourism management to standard, alongside ongoing conservation and restoration, to balance tourism and environment. The minister thanked national park staff, local communities, operators, and tourists for their joint efforts in protecting marine resources.
