Koh Samui Named World’s Best Island for 2026 in Travel + Leisure Awards
Koh Samui, Thailand has been crowned the world’s best island in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, capturing a score of 95.64 out of 100 according to subscriber ratings published in July 2026.
Koh Samui Claims the Top Global Spot Following On-Screen Success
Travel + Leisure readers awarded Koh Samui the highest honor in the 2026 World’s Best Awards, unseating previous champions in a significant shake-up for the publication’s annual list. According to reporting from Time Out, the Thai island earned praise for its swanky places to stay, dense jungle terrain, and thundering waterfalls.
Thailand Dominates the Regional Rankings With Phuket at Number Five
Thailand secured a powerful showing across the global index, placing two destinations within the top five spots. While Koh Samui claimed the global crown, Phuket landed at number five on the Travel + Leisure list. Independent Travel data highlights that visitors flock to these archipelagos for diverse experiences, ranging from the high-energy beach parties of Koh Phangan—famous for its monthly Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach—to the child-safe, shallow waters of Koh Lipe near the Malaysian border.
Regional Competitors Balance Wellness and Uncrowded Escapes
The Maldives claimed the number two spot globally, maintaining its status as a premier luxury honeymoon destination. Meanwhile, Bali secured the fourth position, holding strong as a favored destination for spiritual resets and wellness retreats. Independent Travel notes that while spots like Koh Phangan cater to travelers seeking vibrant nightlife and live music at venues such as TropiCoco Beach Resort, quieter locales provide remote bungalows and national park campsites for low-impact explorers.
As island fame proves to be remarkably fickle—evidenced by former top-rankers sliding down the index in recent years—destinations that capitalize on 2026 accolades must balance immediate economic windfalls with long-term infrastructure integrity.