Thai islands dominate travellers' choice in Asia

THAILAND — Koh Tao leads five islands from Thailand named among the top 10 destinations in the list of best islands in Asia, in the latest survey by TripAdvisor released on Tuesday (April 21).

The resort island in Surat Thani province was ranked the best in Asia ahead of Bali in Indonesia, according to the survey. Phuket came third followed by Koh Samui, also in Surat Thani, and Lombok in Indonesia.

Koh Lanta in Satun province was voted the sixth favourite place, followed by Koh Phangan in Surat Thani, and Boracay and Palawan islands of the Philippines. Popular Langkwai island in Malaysia wrapped up the top 10 choices.

All best islands in Asia are located in the Southeast Asia region.

“We are thrilled that five of Thailand’s islands have once again been featured with the top 10 islands in Asia for the 2015 Traveller’s Choice awards,” the world’s popular travel site quoted Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul as saying.

The survey was conducted by reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions on the island from travellers over a 12-month period.

The ministry has launched a campaign to restore the image of Koh Tao after two British tourists, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, were murdered on the island in September last year. Two Myanmar men have been charged in connection with their deaths.

Koh Tao was also voted the fifth choice for the most favourite islands in the world with Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos islands named the world’s number one. THE BANGKOK POST