TRAT, Thailand – Koh Chang, located in Trat Province, Thailand, has been ranked as the second-best tropical vacation destination in the world by the prestigious travel and lifestyle magazine, Travel + Leisure, October 18. The Maldives claimed the top spot, while Hawaii in the United States took third place. This recognition highlights Koh Chang’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and tourism potential, positioning it alongside other premier Southeast Asian destinations such as Palawan in the Philippines and Bali in Indonesia.
Neramit Songsang, Head of Mu Ko Chang National Park, expressed his excitement about this achievement, emphasizing that it is a major milestone for Thai tourism. Koh Chang, often referred to as the “Jewel of the Gulf of Thailand,” is known for its lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and thriving coral reefs. The park encompasses the main island and surrounding islets, offering visitors a variety of activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and boat tours to experience the local fishing communities.
In this ranking, the Maldives took first place, with Koh Chang coming in second and Hawaii third. This recognition reaffirms the global appeal of Thai tourism destinations. It is expected to boost Koh Chang’s reputation and attract more international visitors to experience the island’s unique natural and cultural offerings. However, future tourism development must focus on sustainability and conserving the natural resources within the Mu Ko Chang National Park.
The rankings compiled by Travel + Leisure cover popular tropical destinations worldwide, including locations in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, and Europe.
The top 10 tropical vacation spots include:
- Maldives – Maldives
- Koh Chang – Thailand
- Hawaiian Islands – USA
- Fiji – Fiji
- Palawan – Philippines
- Gulf of Chinea Islands – UK
- Costa Rica – Costa Rica
- Bora Bora – French Polynesia
- Mexico – Mexico
- Bali – Indonesia
In the 2025 fiscal year, the Mu Ko Chang National Park, in cooperation with various stakeholders, is working toward achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards to ensure the park’s sustainable future. (TNA)
