Ko Samui Wins Top Island Award At Asia Pacific Travel Awards

Bangkok, 3 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomes Ko Samui’s first-place ranking in the Best Islands category of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, organised by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.

Ko Samui topped the Best Islands list, with Phuket sixth and Ko Chang tenth. In the Best Cities category, Bangkok ranked second and Chiang Mai tenth, giving Thailand five placements across the Asia Pacific destination categories.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Ko Samui’s top ranking reflects the strength of Thailand’s island destinations, where quality hospitality, natural beauty, local identity, and responsible development shape the visitor experience. The recognition also affirms the appeal of Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Chang, and Chiang Mai, each offering distinctive strengths in culture, wellness, gastronomy, nature, and local connection. TAT will continue to promote quality travel that creates lasting value for visitors, communities, and destinations nationwide.”

Ko Samui’s recognition highlights its balance of international-standard resorts, sophisticated dining, beachside luxury, and enduring local character. The island offers coconut landscapes, waterfalls, jungle trails, fishing communities, and access to Ang Thong National Marine Park, positioning it as a refined island destination with a strong sense of place.

Phuket’s sixth-place island ranking reinforces its role as a major international gateway and complete island destination, combining beaches, marine tourism, culture, gastronomy, wellness, and urban lifestyle experiences. Ko Chang’s top-10 ranking supports TAT’s direction to promote destination dispersal towards nature-rich coastal destinations with strong local appeal.

Bangkok’s second-place ranking reflects the capital’s appeal as a centre of culture, dining, shopping, hospitality, creativity, and urban travel. Chiang Mai’s top-10 city ranking further highlights Thailand’s strength in culture-led, wellness-oriented, and community-connected travel.

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 were based on a readers’ survey, with nominees selected by the Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia team of editors and expert contributors across the region. Voting was open worldwide from January to April 2026, with no pay-to-play participation. Category types and top-10 or top-five formats varied by country to reflect the size and strengths of each destination and industry segment.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Ko Mae Ko, Surat Thani, Surat Thani

Na Mueang Waterfall, Ko Samui, Surat Thani

Promthep Cape, Phuket

Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai

Laoya Island is located in Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park, Trat

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, Bangkok

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