KOH CHANG: Koh Chang, located in Thailand’s Trat Province, has been named the second best tropical vacation destination in the world, following the Maldives, according to a recent ranking by Travel + Leisure magazine. The Hawaiian Islands in the United States secured the third spot. This accolade is part of an ongoing effort by the Department of National Parks to align its management with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Neramit Songsaeng, Chief of Mu Ko Chang National Park, expressed optimism about the impact of this recognition on Thai tourism. The ranking highlights Koh Chang as a premier destination alongside renowned Southeast Asian locales such as Palawan in the Philippines and Bali in Indonesia. Known as “The Jewel of the Gulf of Thailand,” Mu Ko Chang National Park encompasses Koh Chang and its neighboring islands, offering a rich ecosystem with rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs. Tourists can indulge in activities like trekking, snorkelin
g, and boat trips that showcase the local fishing culture.
The Maldives topped the list, with Thailand’s Koh Chang and the Hawaiian Islands following in second and third places, respectively. This acknowledgment reinforces the global allure of Koh Chang’s natural beauty and cultural charm. The ranking is anticipated to boost international tourism to Koh Chang and Thailand, emphasizing the need for sustainable development to preserve the island’s natural resources.
Travel + Leisure’s rankings span popular tropical destinations worldwide, including regions in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, and Europe, illustrating the wide array of tropical travel options. The top 10 destinations are as follows: 1. Maldives, 2. Koh Chang, Thailand, 3. Hawaii, United States, 4. Fiji, 5. Palawan, Philippines, 6. Gulf of China, United Kingdom, 7. Costa Rica, 8. Bora Bora, French Polynesia, 9. Mexico, and 10. Bali, Indonesia.
Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2025, Mu Ko Chang National Park, in collaboration with the Departm
ent of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and other sectors, is focused on advancing national park management towards achieving GSTC standards.