Diverse Tourism – Koh Similan's Ao Kuek Bay in Phang Nga Ranks Among World's Top 10 Beaches
Ao Kuek Bay in Phang Nga's Similan Islands has been ranked the world's 10th best beach for 2026 by global tourism experts, recognizing its pristine waters and strict conservation practices including daily visitor limits and mandatory coral-
Thailand remains a destination that travelers worldwide must visit at least once in their lifetime, and the country's beautiful southern seas proved their worth again when Ao Kuek Bay in Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga Province, was ranked 10th best beach in the world for 2026.
The ranking comes from "The World's 50 Best Beaches 2026," compiled by a global network of over 1,000 tourism experts whose votes were tallied on May 4, 2025. Artthapol Charoenchunsa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, explained that the ranking was determined by sea and nature tourism influencers, and that beyond Ao Kuek's striking beauty, the ranking also considered conservation efforts and area management practices.
"This success reflects Thailand's pride and demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive management measures," said Artthapol. "These include limiting visitor numbers according to carrying capacity, seasonal resource restoration closures, and strict waste management, resulting in high levels of integrity in marine and coastal ecosystems."
The director-general noted that the park limits daily visitors to Ao Kuek Bay to no more than 1,700 people. Around the bay, there are four deep diving spots: Donald Duck Bay, Turtle Rock, Turtle Gully, and Snapper Alley, all subject to strict diving regulations and conservation measures. Divers must hold an Advanced certification and tour operators must employ park-registered Dive Masters. Sunscreen must be coral-safe, and tourists must take all waste back with them or dispose only of easily biodegradable items.
About 80% of current visitors are foreigners who typically book through tour operators, giving tour businesses a critical role in enforcing visitor limits and educating tourists about regulations. Artthapol emphasized that this success serves as a model for upgrading national parks nationwide to promote Thailand's sustainable conservation tourism.
According to Similan Islands National Park's Facebook page, "Similan" comes from the Malay word meaning "nine" and consists of nine islands arranged north to south: Ko Huuyong, Ko Payang, Ko Payran, Ko Meang, Ko Ha, Ko Hok, Ko Payu, Ko Similan, and Ko Bangu. Later, Koh Tachai and Koh Bon were added, bringing the total to 11 islands.
Ao Kuek Bay, located on Koh Similan (Island Eight) about 70 kilometers offshore, is the largest island in the archipelago. Its distinctive features include pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear water revealing the sandy bottom and fish schools below, and colors that shift from light blue near the shore to deep blue in deeper waters. The bay's northern end features the iconic "Sailing Rock" landmark, a massive boulder perched on a cliff to the left of the bay.
