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Ko Samui Named Asia Pacific's Best Island at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Thailand has achieved strong results at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, with Ko Samui taking first place in the Best Islands category. The annual awards, organised by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau, also recognised Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Chang and Chiang Mai, highlighting Thailand's broad appeal across both island and city destinations.
Ko Samui tops regional island rankings
Ko Samui claimed the number one position among Asia Pacific's best islands, while Phuket ranked sixth and Ko Chang entered the top ten in tenth place.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the award reflects Ko Samui's successful combination of luxury hospitality, natural beauty and authentic local character. The island offers international-standard resorts, fine dining, pristine beaches and easy access to Ang Thong National Marine Park, alongside coconut plantations, waterfalls, rainforest trails and traditional fishing communities.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai recognised among Asia's leading cities
Thailand also performed strongly in the Best Cities category. Bangkok secured second place, while Chiang Mai ranked tenth, giving the country a total of five entries across the destination categories.
"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," said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
She added that the recognition also highlights the diverse strengths of Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Chang and Chiang Mai, each offering distinctive experiences in culture, wellness, gastronomy, nature and community-based tourism. TAT will continue promoting high-quality tourism that creates long-term value for visitors, local communities and destinations throughout Thailand.
Diverse destinations strengthen Thailand's tourism appeal
Phuket's sixth-place ranking underlines its position as one of Asia's leading island destinations, combining beaches, marine tourism, cultural attractions, gastronomy, wellness experiences and a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Ko Chang's inclusion among the region's top ten islands supports Thailand's strategy of encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known coastal destinations with strong natural assets and authentic local experiences.
Bangkok's second-place finish reflects its international reputation as a centre for culture, cuisine, shopping, hospitality and creative industries, while Chiang Mai's ranking reinforces northern Thailand's growing appeal for cultural tourism, wellness experiences and community-based travel.
Awards based on international reader voting
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 were determined through a global reader survey. Nominees were selected by the editorial team and expert contributors of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.
Voting took place between January and April 2026, with no commercial participation or paid entries. Award categories and the number of ranked destinations varied according to the size and characteristics of each country and tourism sector.
Image Credit: © TAT
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