The 10 Best Islands in the World to Visit in 2026: A Complete Travel Guide

Bangkok Airways Round Up

• The Best Island of 2026 in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 is Koh Samui in Surat Thani, Thailand, which took the No. 1 spot with an impressive score of 95.64. The island stands out for its combination of beautiful beaches, tropical forests, waterfalls, and nearby islands, along with premium accommodations, world-class spas, restaurants, and a wide range of activities.
• The best islands of 2026 are spread across regions around the world, each offering its own distinctive charm. Highlights include the Maldives at No. 2, known for its clear turquoise waters and world-class private island resorts; the Galapagos Islands at No. 3, a nature-focused destination renowned for rare wildlife and unique ecosystems; and Phuket at No. 5, which combines beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints, creative local cuisine, and Old Town culture.

The Best Islands in the World for 2026 were ranked by Travel + Leisure. The list features standout destinations across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, each with its own unique charm.  Bangkok Airways invites you to discover the 10 Best Islands in the World to Visit in 2026, complete with key highlights and the best times to experience these remarkable destinations for yourself.

How Travel + Leisure Readers Ranked the World’s Best Islands for 2026

Travel + Leisure has announced the results of its 2026 World’s Best Awards, marking the 31st year of the annual reader-voted survey. More than 207,000 readers around the world took part this year, casting over 661,000 votes across categories including cities, hotels, resorts, airlines, and emerging destinations. 

For the World’s Best Islands category, readers rated destinations based on their overall travel experience, considering factors such as natural beauty, beaches, atmosphere, accommodations, food, and the distinctive character of each island.

Meet the World’s 10 Best Islands of 2026

1. Koh Samui, Thailand

In 2026, Koh Samui in Surat Thani, Thailand, was ranked the No. 1 island in both the world and Asia in the Best Islands in the World category of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, earning an impressive score of 95.64. The island stands out for its diverse natural beauty, from beaches, tropical forests, waterfalls, and coconut groves to the surrounding islands of the Gulf of Thailand. 

Some of the highlights of Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand, include:

• Lamai Beach: A popular beach known for its peaceful and private atmosphere, ideal for relaxing, swimming, and water activities. It is also home to the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, distinctive natural rock formations, and beautiful sunset views.
• Thong Takian Bay (Silver Beach): A small beach between Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach, known for its clear waters and picturesque rock formations. It is perfect for relaxing, photography, and snorkeling, with panoramic views of the bay available from The Cliff Bar & Grill.
• Overlap Stone: A scenic hillside attraction near Lamai Beach with two main viewpoints. Overlap Stone 1 is known for its iconic giant balancing rock and elevated views over Lamai Beach, Overlap Stone 2 features creative photo spots such as the Giant Hand, Goddess, and Cave View, along with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Discover more of Koh Samui’s many charms here:

• Koh Samui Travel Guide: Things to Do & Must-See Attractions
• Koh Samui Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Clubs, and Beach Parties
• Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits
• Top Snorkeling and Diving in Koh Samui: Best Spots & Tips

Best time to visit Koh Samui: 

April to September, when the sea is generally clear and calm, perfect for enjoying Samui’s beaches and marine activities. Travelers can also explore nearby islands, from diving around Koh Tao to visiting Koh Phangan for the famous Full Moon Party.

2. Maldives

When it comes to the world’s best islands, the Maldives remains one of the most outstanding destinations. In 2026, it ranked No. 2 in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. The Maldives consists of around 1,190 islands spread across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, many of which have been developed into private island resorts. 

Travelers can enjoy a wide range of experiences, from diving with reef sharks, octopuses, and sea turtles to picnicking on secluded sandbanks, indulging in world-class spa treatments, and trying water activities such as jet skiing and flyboarding.

Some of the highlights of the Maldives include:

• Malé: The lively capital offers a glimpse into everyday Maldivian life, from exploring the local fish market and visiting the historic Hukuru Miskiy mosque to learning about the country’s past at the National Museum of the Maldives.
• Maafushi: A welcoming local island known for its more accessible travel options, with beaches, restaurants, and cafés. Bikini Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the sea, and the nearby Fish Tank dive site offers the chance to swim among large schools of fish. 
• Vaadhoo Island: A small island in Raa Atoll famous for the spectacular Sea of Stars, a natural phenomenon caused by bioluminescent plankton that glow blue along the shoreline at night, making the beach appear to sparkle like a star-filled sky.

Discover more must-visit places across the Maldives here: 

• Dreamy Maldives Islands for Every Kind of Getaway
• Top Things to Do in the Maldives: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide
• Must-Visit Dive Sites in the Maldives for Scuba Lovers

Best time to visit the Maldives: 

November to April is the best period to visit the Maldives, with pleasant weather, plenty of sunshine, and clear seas.

3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

For travelers who are passionate about conservation and nature, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are a highly recommended destination, renowned for their rich biodiversity and rare wildlife. Located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, much of the archipelago is protected and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. 

These protections have helped preserve its remarkable natural landscapes, from rugged coastlines to volcanic terrain, as well as its rich biodiversity, with more than 9,000 species recorded across the archipelago. 

One of the Galapagos Islands’ greatest highlights is their extraordinary wildlife, including Galapagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, Darwin’s finches, and sea lions.

Best time to visit the Galapagos Islands: 

December to May offers warmer weather and calm, clear seas, perfect for diving. From June to November, cooler and mistier weather offers good conditions for wildlife watching and hiking.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, one of Indonesia’s most popular islands, was ranked the No. 4 Best Island in the World in 2026 by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The island stands out for its rich blend of nature, culture, and travel experiences, with volcanoes, rice terraces, beaches, and waterfalls to explore, along with activities such as surfing, diving, and wellness retreats. 

Some of the highlights of Bali, Indonesia, include:

• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: An iconic temple on Lake Beratan, surrounded by mountains and known for its striking 11-tiered meru shrine, making it one of Bali’s most recognizable landmarks.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Lush green rice terraces stretching across the valleys in the highlands north of Ubud, showcasing Bali’s traditional Subak irrigation system, a centuries-old water management tradition recognized by UNESCO as part of Bali’s cultural landscape.
• Nusa Penida: Best known for Kelingking Beach and its dramatic T-Rex-shaped limestone cliff. In 2026, Kelingking Beach was ranked No. 16 among the world’s best beaches in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best.

Best time to visit Bali: 

April to September brings pleasant weather, clear skies, and calm seas, perfect for diving, surfing, and exploring Bali’s natural attractions.

5. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and often known as the Pearl of the Andaman, ranked No. 5 among the Best Islands in Asia-Pacific in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and wide range of activities, from diving and hiking to island-hopping. Phuket also serves as a convenient gateway to nearby destinations such as the Phi Phi Islands, the Similan Islands, and Phang Nga Bay.

Beyond its natural beauty, Phuket also stands out for its rich cultural heritage, particularly the Sino-Portuguese architecture found throughout Phuket Old Town and along Thalang Road. The island is equally celebrated for its local cuisine, including dishes such as Hokkien noodles, Moo Hong, O-Tao, and Khao Yam Bai Pa Hom. Its long-standing culinary traditions and multicultural influences contributed to Phuket being designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015.

Another charm of Phuket is its variety of scenic viewpoints, including:

• Promthep Cape: One of Phuket’s most famous sunset viewpoints, best visited in the late afternoon, with sweeping views over Ya Nui Beach, Nai Harn Beach, and the nearby islands of Koh Kaeo Noi and Koh Kaeo Yai.
• Windmill Viewpoint: A scenic spot for sea and sunset views, where travelers may also see paragliders soaring above the coastline.
• Karon Viewpoint: A popular viewpoint overlooking Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach, all lined up along the coast from an elevated perspective.
• Black Rock Viewpoint: A lesser-known viewpoint on a hilltop, offering wide panoramic views of Promthep Cape, Ya Nui Beach, Nai Harn Beach, and the surrounding islands.

Discover more places to visit around Phuket, Thailand, here: 

• Best Beaches in Phuket: From Patong to Hidden Gems
• Best Sunset Spots in Phuket – The Ultimate Guide
• Experience the Never-Sleeping Vibrance of Phuket’s Nightlife
• Top Diving Spots in Phuket for Beginners and Pros

Best time to visit Phuket: 

December to March offers pleasant weather and calmer sea conditions, making it an ideal time for swimming, relaxing on the beach, and exploring scenic spots around the island.

6. Seychelles

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, ranked No. 6 among the World’s Best Islands in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest and least populous countries, Seychelles is renowned for its pristine nature and world-class beaches, particularly Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island, known for its clear turquoise waters and striking granite boulders.

Some of the highlights of Seychelles include:

• Victoria: The capital city on Mahé Island, home to the iconic Victoria Clock Tower, inspired by Little Ben in London, and the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, featuring diverse tropical plants and giant tortoises. 
• Île Cocos: Part of the Île Cocos Marine National Park and a popular snorkeling spot in Seychelles, known for its coral reefs and hawksbill turtles, with opportunities to spot whale sharks, particularly from August to November.
• Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve: A natural palm forest on Praslin Island that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is famous for the rare Coco de Mer, which produces the world’s largest seed, and is also an important habitat for the endemic Seychelles black parrot.

Best time to visit Seychelles: 

April to May and October to November are transition periods between the monsoon seasons, bringing calmer weather and clearer seas. These months are perfect for beach trips, diving, and capturing beautiful coastal scenery.

7. Fiji

Fiji, an island nation in the South Pacific consisting of more than 300 islands, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich natural landscapes. It is an ideal destination for relaxing, diving, surfing, and exploring nature. Beyond its tropical scenery and marine activities, Fiji is also known for its local culture and warm hospitality.

Some of the highlights of Fiji include:

• Mamanuca Islands: A group of around 20 islands off the western coast of Viti Levu, easily accessible from Nadi and Port Denarau. The islands are home to resorts, vibrant coral reefs, and numerous dive sites suitable for different experience levels. Highlights include Malolo Island, a popular base for diving and snorkeling, and Monuriki Island, the uninhabited island made famous as a filming location for Cast Away.
• Yasawa Islands: A chain of around 20 volcanic islands northwest of Viti Levu, known for secluded beaches, rugged peaks, sea caves, and remote coral reefs. The islands are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and hiking, with opportunities to encounter marine life such as sharks, turtles, and manta rays.
• Natadola Beach: One of the most famous beaches on Viti Levu, known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, water activities, and surfing, including waves suitable for beginners.

Best time to visit Fiji: 

May to October is Fiji’s dry season, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall, good for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and exploring the islands’ natural scenery.

8. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation south of India, brings together beaches, nature, wildlife, and culture in one destination. The island features tropical forests, mountains, and diverse wildlife, including wild elephants, leopards, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. It is also home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For wildlife lovers, a safari at Minneriya National Park offers the chance to see wild elephants, while Yala National Park is one of the country’s best-known destinations for spotting leopards. For travelers who prefer beaches and surfing, Mirissa Beach on the southern coast offers a laid-back seaside atmosphere and is popular for swimming and surfing. Nearby highlights include Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill, both offering scenic views of the coastline.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka: 

December to March is a great time for exploring southern and central Sri Lanka, with generally pleasant weather. For surfing, May to September is a popular season on the east coast.

9. Dominica

Dominica, a small island nation in the Caribbean, is known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean for its remarkably rich natural landscapes, including rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, and coral reefs. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, divers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The waters around the island are also home to resident sperm whales that can be encountered year-round.

A must-visit highlight is Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, covering nearly 7,000 hectares of tropical forest and volcanic landscapes. The park is home to hot springs, bubbling mud pools, waterfalls, and natural lakes, with Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest boiling lakes, as its most famous attraction. Other highlights include Emerald Pool and the Valley of Desolation, where steam vents, hot springs, and bubbling mud reveal the island’s volcanic activity up close.

Best time to visit Dominica:

December to April brings pleasant weather, perfect for hiking to Boiling Lake and enjoying water activities. From June to November, the island becomes especially lush and less crowded, with a quieter atmosphere and vibrant natural scenery.

10. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago of Tanzania, is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Its two main islands are Unguja and Pemba, and it is often known as the Spice Island for its long history of cultivating spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. 

Beyond its white-sand beaches and clear waters, Zanzibar has long been a favorite among travelers worldwide. It was voted a world-favorite island in both 2023 and 2024, and most recently ranked No. 10 among the World’s Best Islands in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026.

Another charm of Zanzibar is its blend of nature, history, and culture. Stone Town, a historic quarter inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, bustling markets, and intricately carved wooden doors. The waters around Mnemba Island are popular for snorkeling among colorful coral reefs and marine life. Kendwa Beach is also a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching Zanzibar’s famous sunsets. 

Best time to visit Zanzibar: 

June to October has the best weather, with clear skies and cooler breezes, making it ideal for relaxing by the sea. This period is also popular for combining a Zanzibar getaway with a safari on mainland Tanzania.

Find Your Perfect Island Based on How You Travel

Rank	Island	Best For	Signature Experience
1	Koh Samui, Thailand	– Wellness seekers – Couples – Island lovers	– Wellness Retreat  – Island Hopping
2	Maldives	– Honeymooners – Luxury travelers – Divers	– Private island resorts – Secluded sandbanks – World-class diving
3	Galapagos Islands, Ecuador	– Wildlife lovers – Eco-travelers – Nature enthusiasts	– Rare wildlife encounters – Volcanic landscapes – Nature expeditions
4	Bali, Indonesia	– Culture lovers – Surfers – Wellness travelers	– Hindu temples – Rice terraces – Surfing & wellness
5	Phuket, Thailand	– Beach lovers – Food lovers – Culture seekers	– Island-hopping – Local gastronomy – Scenic viewpoints & Old Town
6	Seychelles	– Couples – Nature lovers – Photographers	– Pristine beaches – Granite landscapes – Snorkeling & marine nature
7	Fiji	– Divers & snorkelers – Surfers – Adventure travelers	– Coral reefs – Surfing – Island exploration
8	Sri Lanka	– Wildlife lovers – Culture enthusiasts – Surfers	– Wildlife safaris – UNESCO heritage – Surfing beaches
9	Dominica	– Hikers – Eco-travelers – Wildlife enthusiasts	– Rainforest trekking – Boiling Lake – Whale watching
10	Zanzibar, Tanzania	– Culture lovers – Beach travelers – Safari travelers	– Stone Town – Spice culture – Beaches & safari add-ons

Q&A About Best Islands in the World in 2026

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