Phuket ranked world's 8th best place to visit - Nation Thailand

*Thailand's largest island is named the eighth most attractive global destination in rankings based on expert opinions, reader votes and current trends.*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:08 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket has been named the world’s eighth best place to visit in 2021, according to a recent ranking by US News & World Report, an American media company known for its annual travel lists. The recognition comes as the island prepares to reopen to international tourists on July 1, a move expected to boost the local economy and tourism sector.

The US News & World Report list assessed destinations worldwide based on expert evaluations, reader opinions, and current travel trends. Phuket was highlighted for its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and affordability, placing it among the top ten global destinations. The ranking noted that Phuket “offers something for everyone, especially budget-minded travelers,” with accessible options for accommodation, spa treatments, and boat tours.

Among the island’s attractions, the report singled out the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, the white sand beaches of Freedom Beach and Bangtao Beach, and cultural landmarks such as Wat Chalong Temple and the Big Buddha. Phuket’s lively nightlife was also mentioned as a major draw for visitors.

This international recognition comes at a crucial time for Phuket, as it gears up to become the first destination in Thailand to welcome foreign tourists without mandatory quarantine since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the new scheme, vaccinated travelers who test negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to fly directly to Phuket and move around the island freely, providing a significant boost to local businesses that have struggled during the global downturn in tourism.

The reopening is expected to have a positive impact on both residents and businesses in Phuket, many of whom rely heavily on income from international visitors. Local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are preparing to accommodate an anticipated influx of tourists, while authorities continue vaccination efforts and implement health and safety measures to ensure a smooth transition.

Phuket’s inclusion in the top ten destinations list is likely to further enhance its appeal to international travelers looking for scenic, affordable, and culturally rich experiences. As the island leads the way in Thailand’s tourism recovery, similar reopening schemes are expected to launch in other destinations such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani as vaccination rates increase.

Officials and business owners in Phuket will be closely monitoring the reopening’s impact in the coming weeks, as the island seeks to safely revive its vital tourism industry and maintain its reputation as a world-class travel destination.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/thai-destination/40001594