Thailand has been ranked Asia's leading beach travel destination for 2026 and fifth in the world by Travel And Tour World (TTW), reported in a press statement by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The country placed above the Philippines, Maldives, Indonesia and India in TTW's Asian rankings, while Greece took the top global position. Australia, Mexico and Spain filled second to fourth places respectively.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the result marked another strong showing for Thailand on the international tourism stage.
Thailand fifth in global beach list
Thailand was placed fifth in TTW's Top 50 Beach Travel Destinations in the World for 2026. It followed Greece, Australia, Mexico and Spain, and ranked ahead of the United States, Turkiye, the Philippines, Italy and Portugal.
The global top 10 was listed as:
Greece
Australia
Mexico
Spain
Thailand
United States
Turkiye
Philippines
Italy
Portugal
Other Asian countries named in the wider regional listing included Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China and Vietnam.
TTW said leading beach destinations were not defined solely by attractive coastlines. Its assessment also reflected the overall travel experience, combining natural scenery, vibrant local culture, marine biodiversity, welcoming hospitality and responsible tourism.
From the Andaman coast to the Gulf
Thailand's appeal, according to the tourism authority, lies in its clear waters, beaches, tropical islands and distinctive landscapes. Visitors can combine beach breaks with diving, local communities, food and cultural experiences.
The country offers coastal destinations on both the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, giving travellers a broad choice of islands and seaside areas. Images accompanying the announcement included Maya Bay and Similan Islands National Park, two of the country's best-known marine locations.
Picture courtesy of Manager Online
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22 September 2026
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