Despite damaging media headlines last year, the Thai sunshine island of Koh Tao has been voted ‘Best Island in Asia’ on TripAdvisor.
Globally it also fared well, ranked as the fifth best island in the world in the TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Koh Tao is renowned for pristine beaches and superb scuba diving but last year all the media attention was focused on the murders of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in September.
Two men from Myanmar are currently in custody awaiting trial for the murders.
This and other recent suspicious deaths had raised concerns about tourist safety on Koh Tao and other islands in Southern Thailand.
Following the fallout, Thai authorities have considered a number of measures to improve safety, including banning some all-night beach parties, limiting bar opening hours and wristband trackers.
Thai islands made up half the entries in the top 10 best Asian islands list, with Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan also featured.
Top 10 Best Island in Asia
1. Koh Tao, Thailand
2. Bali, Indonesia
3. Phuket, Thailand
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
5. Lombok, Indonesia
6. Koh Lanta, Thailand
7. Koh Phangan, Thailand
8. Boracay, Philippines
9. Palawan, Philippines
10. Langkawi, Malaysia
