Three Thai islands have been ranked among the top 10 in the Asia-Pacific region in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026, with Koh Samui taking the top spot, Phuket ranking sixth and Koh Chang tenth.
Travel + Leisure Luxury, an online luxury travel magazine, said Koh Samui has managed to develop into one of the world’s most famous island destinations without sacrificing its soul.
“Riding high following its starring role in the television series The White Lotus (season three), the island is now synonymous with sleek resorts, sophisticated dining and polished beachside luxury,” the magazine said in its citation.
“Yet beyond the glamorous veneer, many original charms remain. Coconut groves still shape the landscape, while waterfalls, jungle trails and local fishing communities offer glimpses of a slower Samui. Offshore, Angthong National Marine Park continues to provide one of southern Thailand’s great natural escapes,” the report continued.
The ranking placed Phu Quoc in Vietnam second, followed by Bali in Indonesia, Palawan in the Philippines and Penang in Malaysia.
Phuket ranked sixth, ahead of Langkawi in Malaysia, Boracay in the Philippines and Sumba in Indonesia, while Koh Chang was placed 10th.
