Thailand’s Donald Duck Bay in the Similan Islands has been ranked 10th in the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026, with two beaches in Trang and Phuket provinces placing 23rd and 27th.
Donald Duck Bay, also known as Ao Kueak, lies at the northern end of Similan Island No. 8, the main island of Mu Koh Similan National Park in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Phangnga province.
Though relatively small, the bay is famous for its boulders, which resemble the head of the Disney character, Donald Duck.
The beach is popular among tourists for snorkelling during the park’s open season, typically from November to May, while seasonal monsoon closures help preserve its natural condition.
The southern provinces of Trang and Phuket are also home to two other ranked beaches.
Paradise Beach on Koh Kradan in Trang, 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”.
The ranking is conducted annually by thousands of experienced travel professionals, with votes reviewed by the World’s 50 Beaches team and its panel of Beach Ambassadors.
This year, the Philippines’ Entalula Beach ranked first, followed by Fteri Beach in Greece and Wharton Beach in Australia.
See the full list here.
