The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Phuket has been included in the ‘World’s Best Places to Visit’ and ‘Best Places to Visit in Asia’ 2019 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said: “Each time a Thai destination is included in a ranking of the ‘world’s best’ places to visit, it serves as a welcome recognition that Thailand continues to offer visitors from around the globe memorable holiday experiences.”

Phuket was ranked number 8 out of 30 in the ‘World’s Best Places to Visit’ list and number 3 out of 15 in the ‘Best Places to Visit in Asia’ list. The island also features in a slideshow of ‘The World’s 30 Best Places to Visit”.

U.S. News & World Report said of Phuket: “Pure white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs await travellers who visit Thailand’s southwestern island of Phuket. For picture-perfect views, travellers should plan to visit Patong Beach, Phang Nga Bay and Promthep Cape. What’s more, Phuket’s colourful shrines, elephant sanctuaries and Laem Hin Pier, which features floating restaurants that dish out fresh seafood, are sure to impress.”

Along with Phuket, other Thai destinations also featured in the ‘Best Places to Visit in Asia’ rankings. The number six spot went to Chiang Mai, the number 9 spot to Bangkok and the number 12 spot to Railay Beach in Krabi province.

The list describes Chiang Mai as: “One of the most interesting destinations in Thailand” and to where an itinerary “should include tours of breath-taking temples, trips to night markets, a visit to an elephant sanctuary or two and a wander through the beautiful Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.”

And Bangkok as being: “filled to the brim with eye-catching Hindu sites, non-stop nightlife and incredible Thai cuisine. Here, you’ll find the world’s largest open-air market, a world-class aquarium housed in an eight-level shopping mall, a 150-foot golden Buddha statue, and so much more.”

While Railay Beach: “features glistening white sands and is surrounded by limestone rock formations” and that “As if the beach couldn’t get more alluring, you’re only able to reach it by boat.”

About U.S. News & World Report’s Travel Rankings

The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions. It is believed that this unbiased approach makes its rankings more useful than simply providing its own editors’ personal opinions. However, it cited that even though the  rankings of hotels, vacations and things to do are based on a wide collection of independent opinions, the best options for travellers may not be those ranked No. 1 or No. 2. It reasoned that travel experiences are personal ones whereas it hoped that the rankings can serve as helpful guideposts as travellers plan their next trip. For more information, please visit: https://travel.usnews.com/Methodology/