Koh Samui: The Jewel of Thailand Crowned as the World’s Best Island in T+L 2026 Awards
Thailand’s tropical gem, Koh Samui, has made history by claiming the title of Best Island in the World for the very first time in Travel + Leisure‘s prestigious 2026 World’s Best Awards. This achievement dethrones Greece’s Páros, which held the top spot in 2025.
The annual awards, announced on July 7, 2026, are based on insights gathered from more than 207,000 readers worldwide. This makes them one of the most widely recognized reader-voted rankings in the global travel industry. Koh Samui earned a remarkable score of 95.64 out of 100. Readers praised its world-class wellness retreats, lush jungle scenery, thundering waterfalls, and a booming portfolio of luxury resorts.
Koh Samui’s rising global profile has been further amplified by its starring role in The White Lotus Season 3. This has cemented its image as a destination synonymous with sleek resorts and sophisticated beachside luxury. Additionally, Samui International Airport also earned a No. 2 ranking for Best Airports in Asia-Pacific, just behind Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Other Winners in the 2026 T+L Awards
- Patina Osaka (Japan) – Best Hotel in the World
- EVA Air – Best Airline in the World
- San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) – Best City in the World
- Singapore Changi Airport – World’s Best Airport
The full rankings are available at travelandleisure.com and in the August print issue, hitting newsstands on July 17.
Source: PR Newswire – Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards