Phuket: A new gem among the top 25 travel destinations in 2026!

Phuket: A new gem among the top 25 travel destinations in 2026!

Bangkok, October 27, 2025: Big reason to celebrate for Phuket! The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced that the popular holiday island of Lonely Planet was voted one of the 25 best travel destinations in the world for 2026. This honor is a real push for the maritime beauty and lively lifestyle of the island, which has always attracted not only package tourists, but also adventurous travelers who are looking for something special.

The opportunity to achieve this award speaks to the unique coastal lifestyle, dynamic urban atmosphere and rich cultural identity that Phuket has continued to refine in recent years. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of TAT, makes it clear how important this recognition is to Phuket's appeal. “It demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to quality, responsible tourism,” she notes.

Inspiring experiences and new journeys

Lonely Planet highlights in its review that Phuket has established itself as an inspiring island destination where beach relaxation is combined with creativity and local charm. The publication has also unveiled a new itinerary for the island, curating experiences across beaches, gastronomy, art and design. This excludes popular places like this Lard Yai Walking Street and that Phuket Raya Restaurant a. This information is a great motivation to discover the island's rich culture and offerings.

The mention of Phuket has already caused an international stir. CNN lists the island as one of the "25 Places to Visit in 2026," further raising awareness of Thailand's tourism offering and adding to existing awards such as the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.

Sustainability in focus

Another exciting chapter in Phuket’s development is the “Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030” initiative. This has the ambitious goal of making the historic old town the first CO2-neutral region in Thailand by 2030. The opening ceremony, which was presided over by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, was attended by numerous representatives from local government and the private sector.

The initiative, launched by the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of tourism. Among other things, a system for real-time tracking of carbon dioxide emissions will be introduced, which will allow overall resource consumption to be better controlled. In order to achieve the goals, waste separation and recycling are essential parts of the plan.

The attractions like that Sunday pedestrian zone Lard Yai attract numerous visitors every week - almost 30,000 and show that Phuket wants to be not only a destination but also a pioneer in sustainable tourism.

Overall, Phuket is well on its way to becoming a shining example of international travel that respects both tourists and the environment.