Ko Samui Tops Travel + Leisure Awards: Thailand Travel Update

Ko Samui has been named the top island in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand noting the achievement on 3 July 2026. Phuket and Ko Chang also placed in the top ten islands, while Bangkok and Chiang Mai earned listings in the Best Cities category.

What's happening

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 published destination rankings that put Ko Samui at number one in the Best Islands category. Phuket placed sixth and Ko Chang came in tenth. In the Best Cities category, Bangkok ranked second and Chiang Mai ranked tenth. The Tourism Authority of Thailand acknowledged the results on 3 July 2026 and highlighted how these placements reflect different strengths across Thai destinations, from resort standards and culinary offerings to cultural and nature experiences.

What this means for travellers

Rankings like these push destinations into the spotlight and affect how travellers plan. Expect Ko Samui to feature more prominently in international itineraries and travel promotion which can translate into stronger hotel and restaurant demand during peak periods. If you prefer quieter stays, book earlier and target midweek arrivals on Ko Samui where possible. For visitors heading to Phuket, the island’s continued recognition supports its reputation for high-end resorts and leisure options, including the The Best Beach Clubs in Phuket to Chill This Summer and popular weekend dining options found in our Top 5 Sunday Brunches in Phuket You Must Book.

In Bangkok, the city’s high placement signals a strong pull for cultural visitors and food-focused travellers. Use the ranking as a prompt to balance classic sights with local nightlife. Our guide to 7 Best Bars in Thonglor and the roundup of Bangkok’s Best Night Markets will help you plan evenings that match the quality expectations suggested by the award listings.

Plan around it

If you are scheduling travel to these destinations after the 3 July 2026 announcement, practical planning reduces stress and cost. For island travel, confirm ferry and flight connections in advance and check resort cancellation rules. On Phuket consider transport options beyond taxis; secure vetted providers or book reliable alternatives ahead of arrival and compare long- and short-term options like those in our Top 5 Best Motorbike Rental Shops in Phuket list if you plan to explore independently.

Safety and local rules matter. Phuket authorities updated beach safety measures in 2026; review those updates before you swim and choose beaches with lifeguards where possible. See our summary in Phuket Boosts Beach Safety After Drownings for the latest guidance and practical tips for coastal travel. For city visits, reserve time for slower experiences that match a higher standard of hospitality, such as museum visits and curated cultural tours. Our guide to The best museums in Bangkok will help you pick exhibits and plan museum days around your other activities.

Finally, if you want to prioritise quieter, locally focused stays: choose smaller boutique properties, ask about community initiatives at hotels, and look for tours that include local guides and village visits. Those choices align with the elements travel publications reward and will offer a more authentic experience while demand grows.

Source: TAT News