Koh Samui Crowned Asia-Pacific's Best Island at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

On June 25, 2026, Koh Samui made history for Thai tourism by claiming the top spot as the #1 Best Island in Asia-Pacific at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. The award, decided by readers of the prestigious travel magazine, placed Thailand's jewel of the Gulf of Thailand ahead of Phu Quoc, Vietnam (#2) and Bali, Indonesia (#3).

The recognition did not stop there. Samui International Airport ranked #2 among the best airports in Asia-Pacific, surpassed only by Singapore's Changi. And five luxury resorts on the island simultaneously placed in the top 10 Best Beach + Island Resorts in Thailand, painting a comprehensive picture of Koh Samui's dominance.

An Award Decided by Real Travelers

Unlike committee-based awards, the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards are determined entirely by reader votes from premium travelers around the world. This makes the recognition especially meaningful — it reflects genuine visitor satisfaction across every touchpoint, from beach quality and resort standards to ease of getting there and the warmth of local hospitality.

Voters considered all dimensions: the quality of accommodation, natural beauty, variety of activities, ease of transport, and the overall experience. Koh Samui came out on top across all of them.

The Numbers Behind the Recognition

Koh Samui's award-season success mirrors a strong run of tourism statistics:

• In 2024, the island recorded 2,781,564 air arrivals — a 21% year-on-year increase that surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels (2.4 million passengers)
• January–April 2025 continued the trend with another 9% growth over the same period in 2024
• Cruise tourism grew too, with 35 cruise ships bringing over 65,000 passengers in 2024
• Average daily hotel rates (ADR) climbed 9% in 2024, then jumped another 21% in April 2025

The primary market remains European visitors, who account for 56% of international arrivals, led by Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.

Five World-Class Resorts in the Top 10

The island's standing in luxury hospitality is underscored by five properties placing simultaneously in the Travel + Leisure ranking for Best Beach + Island Resorts in Thailand:

Each of these properties has built its reputation on blending architecture with the island's natural landscape, delivering five-star service while keeping the surroundings intact.

The Airport That Sets the Tone

One of the more eye-catching results was Samui International Airport's #2 ranking among the best airports in Asia-Pacific — second only to Singapore's Changi.

Travelers consistently praise Samui Airport for the way it "blends seamlessly with natural surroundings while maintaining passenger comfort." With its distinctive orange-roofed terminal nestled among palm trees, the airport was designed to make arrival feel like the beginning of a holiday, not just a transit point. For luxury travelers, that first impression matters enormously.

What Officials and the Industry Are Saying

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksamisaengchan welcomed the results and stated:

"This underscores Thailand's growing strength in sustainable and high-value tourism. Koh Samui has demonstrated its capacity to receive international visitors at a luxury standard while maintaining its natural environment — strengthening its global appeal."

Silavadee Resort echoed the sentiment on behalf of the entire island community:

"The recognition marks a proud moment not only for Thailand, but for everyone who calls Samui home — from local communities and hospitality teams to restaurants, wellness providers, tour operators, and island businesses. Ease matters for international travelers, and a smooth arrival sets the tone for the entire stay."

What Makes Koh Samui Stand Out

At 228 square kilometers, Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and home to over 40 distinct beaches, ranging from the lively Chaweng to quiet, secluded coves perfect for those seeking privacy.

What sets the island apart is the balance it strikes between world-class luxury and authentic local life. Alongside five-star resorts, visitors find working temples, fresh markets, family-run seafood restaurants, and a local culture that feels genuinely lived-in rather than staged. That combination — real place plus premium infrastructure — is increasingly rare in a region where mass tourism has diluted the character of other island destinations.

Thailand's tourism momentum has been building steadily. Chinese visitors returning to Thailand have been part of that story, and the sector is now tracking toward a target of 33 million international arrivals in 2026.

What Comes Next

Following the award, the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand reaffirmed a "quality over volume" strategy for Koh Samui: distributing tourism revenue into local communities, advancing eco-tourism development, improving safety infrastructure, and ensuring that the island's global reputation is built on a foundation that lasts.

For international travelers weighing their next island escape in Asia, the message from Travel + Leisure's readers is clear — you do not need to go far. The best island in Asia-Pacific is in Thailand.

---

Sources: The Thaiger · The Star Malaysia · Thai PBS · Silavadee Resort (data as of 25 June 2026)