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The perfect island getaway may look different for each traveller, but for the readers of Travel + Leisure, Koh Samui’s variety of lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, white sand beaches and luxury wellness resorts puts it at the top of the list for 2026. And we can’t disagree, honestly.
The annual World’s Best Awards rankings, voted by their readers, consider each island's natural attractions, activities, food, friendliness and overall value.
After placing in the top 15 last year, Koh Samui climbed up the ranks and overtook Paros, Greece, to claim the title of the world's best island for 2026 with a score of 95.64 out of 100 – narrowly beating the Maldives, which came in second with 95.38.
Phuket, also not far behind, taking fifth place on the list, making island hopping in Thailand a new must with two of the world’s best islands in the top five.
What is it about Koh Samui that won the travellers’ hearts?
Just a little over an hour from Bangkok by plane, yet worlds away from the concrete jungle’s fast pace, this tropical paradise lets you go from sunrise hikes in the mountains to sipping sunset cocktails by the beach all in the same day.
Lush green jungles, crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches and enough wellness retreats to keep your zen levels well above average, Koh Samui has something for most. And, recently reaching an even wider audience after serving as the main filming location for The White Lotus season three.
While the dark comedy series may be fictional, the island’s postcard-worthy scenery, warm Thai hospitality and luxurious private pool villas are as real as it gets. Throw in vibrant beachside parties, award-winning spas and fiery southern Thai dishes, Koh Samui brings together adventure, wellness and local culture all on one island.
Still not convinced? Take your pick from Travel + Leisure’s 10 best islands in the world for 2026 and see which island paradise tops your list:
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Maldives
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Bali, Indonesia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Seychelles
- Fiji
- Sri Lanka
- Dominica
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
No matter which island you think deserves the top spot, it’s hard to go wrong spending a few days unplugging from the world, sipping drinks by the water and enjoying the slow island life.