Phuket ranked world’s 8th best place to visit

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

US News said it evaluated sights, culture, scenic beauty, food scene and more to compile its list of the world's 30 best places to visit.

Topping this year’s ranking is New Zealand’s South Island, followed by Paris and Bora Bora, a South Pacific island.

Phuket, says US News, “offers something for everyone, especially budget-minded travelers.

“Activities like spa treatments and boat tours come with low price tags, as do accommodations. For stunning scenery, check out the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay and lounge on Phuket's gorgeous white sand beaches (Freedom Beach and Bangtao Beach are two visitor favorites).”

It also recommends visiting Wat Chalong Temple and the Big Buddha, before pointing readers to “the island's lively nightlife scene”

Phuket is scheduled to become the first place in Thailand to reopen to foreign tourists without quarantine on July 1. Tourists who can verify they have been inoculated against Covid-19 and test negative can fly into Phuket and move around freely. Similar tourism schemes will launch in other destinations like Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang Nga and Surat Thani later when more locals have been vaccinated and preventive measures have been put in place.