It’s official, twice over. Koh Samui has been named the world’s best island for 2026, with Phuket close behind at fifth, according to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Karma Group has skin in both results: Karma Panalee and Karma Sawet, tucked into Samui’s palm-shaded coast, and Karma Royal Boat Lagoon, moored at Phuket’s marina with four quay-side restaurants serving Thai, Italian and French – each a base for Karma Curated Experiences across the islands.
Samui rewards the unhurried – Chaweng’s night markets, Big Buddha at sunset, a Muay Thai bout on Fisherman’s Village pier, a longtail crossing to Koh Phangan for the day. Phuket runs faster and louder: longtail boats, cliff-edge viewpoints at Promthep Cape, and a wok working overtime on pad thai and green curry at every street stall come evening. Between the two, it’s less a choice than an itinerary.
Routing through Bangkok first is worth the extra night: temples by tuk-tuk, riverside dinners, rooftop bars, a food scene the islands can’t match for range. Karma Concierge can recommend where to eat and which partner resorts to book for a Bangkok stopover.
A note for Indian Members: the old 60-day visa-free allowance has been replaced with a 30-day one, which should still give you enough island time to fully unwind!
