Phuket island scored top spot in the latest 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice™ Awards for Islands and gained the second spot in Asia and 8th in the global ranking.
The largest island in the Kingdom and a magnet for lovers of the sun and sea, Phuket was described by TripAdvisor users as an island with “blue lagoons and salmon sunsets that make for a dream-like atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal”. It also said: “Water sports are the most popular activities, though once you’ve had enough sun there’s still plenty to explore at the island’s aquariums, gardens and Buddhist temples.”
TripAdvisor said it highlights the world’s top islands based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations, worldwide, gathered over a year, as well as traveller booking interest registered on TripAdvisor.
Ms. Barbara Messing, TripAdvisor Chief Marketing Officer, added “With common traits like breathtaking beaches, exciting activities and popular hotels and restaurants, the Travellers’ Choice Islands are favourites of the TripAdvisor community. While most of these islands have year-round appeal, TripAdvisor booking data shows that bargain hunters can save on their hotels when staying at the top islands during the shoulder season rather than the peak.”
Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, commented “We are glad that our destinations continue to be among the top choices for a great island vacation. Phuket has some of the best beaches in the world and a huge range of attractions, while Samui and Ko Tao with their warm seas and nearby marine parks allow visitors to enjoy a combination of stunning scenery and friendly local culture.”
According to TripAdvisor, Phuket is the second-best island in Asia after Bali, Indonesia, which was ranked fifth in the survey. Regionally, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are ranked third and fourth respectively.
The world’s top 10 islands for this year are:
1. Maui in Hawaii, United States
2. Santorini, Greece
3. Jamaica, Caribbean
4. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
5. Bali, Indonesia
6. Mallorca, Spain
7. Mauritius, Africa
8. Phuket, Thailand
9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
10.Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Full details: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Islands