Samui Life

Koh Samui Named the World's Best Island for 2026: Here's Why Travellers Love It

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Koh Samui has claimed the number-one spot in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards, beating world-famous destinations including the Maldives, Santorini and Bali. Discover what makes this Thai island such a remarkable destination.

Koh Samui Takes the Number-One Spot in the World

Koh Samui has achieved an extraordinary milestone in international tourism. In July 2026, the island was named the World's Best Island for 2026 in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, earning a reader score of 95.64 out of 100.

The annual awards are based on the opinions of travellers who participate in the magazine's worldwide survey. This year's results placed Koh Samui ahead of some of the most celebrated island destinations on the planet, including the Maldives, the Galápagos Islands, Bali and Phuket.

For an island in the Gulf of Thailand, this is a remarkable achievement and a powerful endorsement of the experiences Koh Samui offers to visitors from around the world.

Read the official Travel + Leisure 2026 island rankings below*.

What Makes This Award Significant?

Travel + Leisure is an established international travel publication, and its annual World's Best Awards survey is one of the best-known reader polls in travel. The 2026 survey attracted more than 207,000 readers, who voted across categories covering destinations, hotels, resorts and other travel experiences.

These results are not simply a list of destinations selected by magazine editors. They reflect the preferences of participating readers, making the awards a useful indicator of which destinations are resonating with experienced travellers.

Koh Samui's score of 95.64 placed it just ahead of the Maldives, which scored 95.38. The result also reflects a broader trend: travellers are increasingly attracted to destinations that combine beautiful natural surroundings with memorable experiences, excellent hospitality, distinctive food and opportunities to relax and recharge.

Although a reader survey cannot represent every traveller's opinion, securing the top position in such an established international awards programme is meaningful recognition for Koh Samui and Thailand's tourism industry.

See the complete 2026 rankings in Travel + Leisure below*.

More Than Beautiful Beaches

Koh Samui's appeal extends far beyond its coastline. The island combines tropical landscapes, traditional Thai culture, local communities and a well-developed hospitality industry, offering visitors a wide range of experiences within a relatively compact destination.

Beautiful Beaches and Turquoise Waters

Aerial view of Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, with white sand and turquoise water

The island's beaches are among its most recognisable attractions. Chaweng offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants, entertainment and a broad selection of accommodation. Lamai combines a beautiful coastline with a more relaxed pace, while Taling Ngam and other quieter stretches of the coast offer opportunities to enjoy a more peaceful side of island life.

Whether visitors want watersports, beachside dining or simply a place to unwind beside the sea, Koh Samui offers a variety of coastal experiences.

Tropical Jungles and Waterfalls

Na Muang Waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation on Koh Samui — Na Muang Waterfall

Beyond the beaches, the island's green interior provides another reason to explore. Tropical vegetation, jungle trails, viewpoints and waterfalls reveal a different side of Koh Samui, away from the busier coastal areas.

For travellers who enjoy combining beach relaxation with outdoor activities, this diversity adds considerable appeal.

Thai Culture and Local Traditions

Golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai temple, Koh Samui — Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha Temple

Koh Samui also offers visitors opportunities to experience Thailand's cultural heritage. Wat Phra Yai, commonly known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of the island's best-known landmarks.

Local temples, fishing communities, markets and traditional neighbourhoods provide a glimpse into everyday island life. In places such as Bophut's Fisherman's Village, visitors can explore local architecture, browse market stalls and enjoy the island's food culture.

These experiences help distinguish Koh Samui from destinations that are known primarily for their beaches.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Another major attraction lies just offshore. Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of islands known for its dramatic limestone formations, sheltered waters, viewpoints and opportunities for kayaking and boat excursions.

The park gives visitors another way to experience the natural beauty of the Gulf of Thailand and makes an excellent addition to a Koh Samui holiday.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's official Koh Samui guide below* provides further information about the island's beaches, activities and surrounding archipelago.

A Destination for Relaxation, Wellness and Luxury

The 2026 award announcement also highlighted Koh Samui's growing reputation as a destination for wellness and self-care.

The island offers everything from luxury pool villas and beachfront resorts to yoga classes, Thai massage, fitness activities and retreats focused on relaxation. Visitors can spend their days exploring the island before returning to a peaceful setting overlooking the sea.

Its hospitality industry caters to a wide range of travellers, from couples seeking a romantic escape to families, adventure enthusiasts and visitors looking for a longer, restorative stay.

Importantly, Koh Samui is not limited to one type of holiday. Visitors can enjoy a high-end resort experience, discover local restaurants, explore the island independently or combine several styles of travel during a single visit.

This variety is one of the reasons the island continues to attract international attention.

The White Lotus Effect

Couple enjoying a traditional Thai massage together at Anavana Beach Resort, Koh Samui — Couples Thai massage at Anavana Beach Resort

Koh Samui has also received renewed international exposure through the third season of HBO's The White Lotus, which used locations in Thailand, including Koh Samui, for its story.

The series brought the island's luxury resorts, tropical scenery and beachfront settings to a much wider international audience. Travel publications subsequently highlighted Koh Samui as a destination for travellers interested in visiting locations seen on screen.

However, the island's appeal extends well beyond its television exposure. Its beaches, natural attractions, food, culture and established hospitality industry were already important parts of its identity.

The award provides further evidence of Koh Samui's international appeal at a time when more travellers are discovering what the island has to offer.

Want to see the filming locations for yourself? Read our guide: Where Was White Lotus Filmed? Koh Samui's Stunning Locations Revealed. For additional reading, see Vogue's guide to Koh Samui and The White Lotus below*.

International Recognition for Koh Samui and Thailand

The award has also attracted attention from Thailand's tourism authorities and national media.

Thailand's government publicly welcomed the result, highlighting the island's combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and culinary experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has also described Koh Samui as a destination that balances international hospitality standards with its distinctive local character.

The recognition comes as Thailand continues to promote quality tourism, improve visitor services and encourage more sustainable development.

Koh Samui's success is significant because it places a Thai island ahead of numerous internationally recognised destinations. Phuket also performed strongly, ranking fifth in the same global island list.

For Thailand, the results reinforce the country's position as a major international holiday destination. For Koh Samui itself, the recognition offers an opportunity to introduce the island to new visitors while encouraging the continued protection of the natural and cultural qualities that make it special.

Further details are available from the Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom below* and the Thai government's announcement of Koh Samui's global ranking below*.

Watch: Koh Samui Named the World's Best Island for 2026

A YouTube video discussing Koh Samui's achievement provides another way to explore the news and its significance.

Watch the video: Koh Samui, the Island Voted the Best in the World for 2026 below*

The announcement is an opportunity to look beyond the headline and appreciate the combination of natural beauty, local culture and hospitality that has helped put Koh Samui at the top of the international rankings.

Planning a Visit to Koh Samui?

For anyone considering a visit, the award offers another reason to put Koh Samui on the travel list.

The island provides opportunities to enjoy beautiful beaches, explore tropical landscapes, discover Thai culture, take boat trips to neighbouring islands and experience a diverse range of accommodation and dining options.

Visitors can create a holiday around relaxation, adventure, food, wellness or a mixture of all four. And while the international recognition is welcome, the island's real appeal lies in the experiences that travellers discover for themselves.

Koh Samui's first-place finish in the 2026 World's Best Awards is a proud moment for the island. It recognises what visitors have long appreciated: a destination where natural beauty, warm hospitality and a distinctive sense of place come together.

Koh Samui is officially the number-one island in the world in Travel + Leisure's 2026 reader rankings. For those who have already visited, the result may come as no surprise. For everyone else, it could be the perfect reason to discover the island for themselves.

Stay on the World's Best Island at Anavana Beach Resort

White sandy beach and shady trees at Anavana Beach Resort, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui — White Sandy Beach at Anavana Beach Resort

If the world's best island is calling you, Anavana Beach Resort (formerly Poppies Samui) is the perfect place to experience it. Set right on the soft white sand of central Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui's best-known stretch of coastline, our beachside jungle retreat puts you steps from the sea and close to everything that helped Koh Samui win this award.

Spend your days exploring the island's beaches, temples, waterfalls, Ang Thong Marine Park and other interesting nearby islands, then return to lush tropical gardens, a relaxing traditional Thai massage and dinner at our award-winning beachfront restaurant.

Sunrise over the Gulf of Thailand seen from the beach at Anavana Beach Resort, Chaweng Beach — Sunrise from our beach on Chaweng

Early risers are rewarded with beautiful sunrises over the sea, right from our beach. Chaweng faces east, so each morning begins with the sun rising over the Gulf of Thailand and soft golden light across the sand. It's the perfect time for a quiet walk along the shoreline or a swim in the calm, clear water before the beach comes to life.

To make your stay even more rewarding, we offer exclusive promotions and special offers throughout the year when you book direct. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family holiday or a long, restful stay on the world's best island, we have the perfect package for you. Explore our special offers HERE