The Thai government welcomes Koh Samui's selection as the most beautiful island in the Asia-Pacific region at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026. This result reflects the effectiveness of destination management and the ability of the luxury tourism industry to meet international standards.
This award, presented by the prestigious travel and lifestyle magazine Travel + Leisure , further affirms Koh Samui's position as a world- class tourist destination, distinguished by its stunning natural landscapes and high-end resort services.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksamisaengchan assessed that this achievement demonstrates Thailand's increasingly strengthened position in the field of sustainable and high-quality tourism.
According to her, Thailand's second-largest island (after Phuket) has harmoniously combined world-class resort services with excellent preservation of natural values, thereby enhancing its attractiveness to international tourists.
Koh Samui's tourism infrastructure is also recognized, with Samui International Airport ranking second in the Best Airports in the Asia-Pacific region category.
The airport is second only to Changi Airport (Singapore). The organizers praised its design, which harmonizes with the natural landscape while still ensuring convenience and comfort for passengers.
In the category of Best Beach and Island Resorts in Thailand, Koh Samui has five resorts in the top 10, including: Cape Fahn Hotel Koh Samui (ranked 2nd), Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (ranked 5th), Kimpton Kitalay Samui (ranked 7th), Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort (ranked 8th), and Centara Reserve Samui (ranked 9th).
This result further solidifies Koh Samui's reputation as a leading destination for the luxury resort segment.
The Thai government has stated that it will continue to promote sustainable tourism development on the islands, focusing on improving safety, infrastructure, and transportation connectivity.
The plans include upgrading infrastructure, expanding air connections to island tourist destinations, and distributing tourism revenue more equitably to local communities.
Officials also reaffirmed their commitment to developing sustainable tourism models that preserve natural resources for future generations while enhancing the long-term resilience of the economy.