Three Thai beaches, including Phuket’s Freedom Beach, make world top 50
Paradise Beach on Koh Kradan, in 23rd place, is described as “Thailand’s most peaceful island shore”, while Freedom Beach on Phuket’s west coast ranks 27th and is noted as a “quiet and secluded beach haven”.
Three Thai beaches made the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 list released on May 4, with Phuket’s Freedom Beach ranked 27th alongside Donald Duck Bay in Phangnga and Paradise Beach in Trang. The annual beach ranking placed Donald Duck Bay 10th, Paradise Beach on Koh Kradan 23rd and Freedom Beach on Phuket’s west coast 27th.
Donald Duck Bay leads Thailand’s entries
Donald Duck Bay, also known as Ao Kueak, was the highest-ranked Thai beach and was described by the list as “one of Thailand’s most distinctive shores.”
It sits at the northern end of Similan Island No. 8, the main island of Mu Koh Similan National Park in the Andaman Sea off Phangnga. The beach is known for granite boulders shaped like the head of Donald Duck, with the best-known lookout often called the Similan Islands’ “postcard spot.”
The bay is also a popular snorkelling site during the national park’s open season, typically from November to May. Seasonal monsoon closures are used to help preserve its natural condition.
Ranking cites seclusion, natural conditions
Paradise Beach on Koh Kradan was described as “Thailand’s most peaceful island shore,” while Freedom Beach was noted as a “quiet and secluded beach haven.”
The website said the list is compiled each year from votes by thousands of experienced travel professionals. Those votes are reviewed by the World’s 50 Best Beaches team and its panel of Beach Ambassadors.
The final rankings are based on criteria including uniqueness, wildlife, untouched surroundings, natural soundscape, ease of access, calm waters, low crowd levels and overall idyllic conditions.
This year’s global top three were Entalula Beach in the Philippines, Fteri Beach in Greece and Wharton Beach in Australia. In the 2025 rankings, Bang Bao Beach in Trat placed third, while Freedom Beach ranked 28th.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/travel/3249435/three-thai-beaches-make-worlds-50-best-list
