Kelingking beach in Nusa Penida Island, off the southeastern coast of Bali Island, Indonesia. Photo by Trinh Nam Thai
Banana Beach in Thailand and Kelingking Beach in Indonesia have been named among the world’s 18 best beaches as part of Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations.
Located at the southern tip of Phuket, Banana Beach on Koh Hey (Coral Island) ranked sixth on this year’s list.
“At Banana Beach, you’ve got everything you need for the perfect beach day. Go snorkeling or diving around the stunning coral reefs, or grab a board and catch some waves,” Tripadvisor editors recommended.
Despite its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, the beach remains largely empty, as it lacks restaurants and tourist services.
Kelingking Beach, famous for its breathtaking cliff formations, powdery white sand, and blue-green waters, ranked 16th.
From above, the cliffs encircling Kelingking Beach resemble the spine of a massive animal or a roaring dinosaur. Nearby, a row of restaurants serves traditional local dishes, with popular options including fried rice with sea fish and shrimp, often accompanied by crispy shrimp chips.
Isla Pasion in Mexico was named the world’s most beautiful beach this year, followed by Elafonissi Beach in Greece.
The 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
The awards highlight travelers’ favorite destinations, helping people plan unforgettable trips and discover the world’s best experiences.
No Vietnamese beaches appeared on this year’s Tripadvisor ranking.
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