Páros, which topped last year’s list, fell to 24th place in the 25-strong ranking that rated islands based on their natural attractions and beaches, as well as activities and sightseeing opportunities.
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Páros Island in Greece. Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor |
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island with a population of over 50,000 people. It is renowned for picturesque white sand beaches, dense tropical forests, high-end resorts and sacred Buddhist temples.
“This first-time winner in the Gulf of Thailand with an array of elevated accomodations, luscious jungles, and roaring waterfalls has become a leading destination for self-care,” the survey wrote.
Despite its growing reputation as a luxury destination, Koh Samui has retained much of its original charm through its coconut groves, small beachfront bungalows and coastal villages.
The island gained international attention following its appearance in the third season of the acclaimed TV series “The White Lotus.”
These are the world’s 10 best islands in 2026 as voted by readers of American magazine Travel+Leisure:
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Maldives
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Bali, Indonesia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Seychelles
- Fiji
- Sri Lanka
- Dominica
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
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