Dinogo Readers' Top 5 Island Picks in Asia for 2024

According to Dinogo readers, Asian islands are the ultimate destinations for relaxation. This year’s survey highlighted stunning white-sand beaches, top city hotels, vibrant turquoise waters, and leisurely travel experiences throughout the region, from Indian Ocean atolls to hidden gems in the Pacific.

Voting Process Explained

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, offering insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated, casting a total of more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ locations (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Islands were evaluated based on the following criteria:

Natural wonders and beaches
Attractions and activities
Culinary options
Hospitality and friendliness
Value for money

Participants rated each aspect as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The overall scores are derived from the average of these ratings.

What Readers Cherished

Long-time favorites Bali (No. 3) and Koh Samui (No. 4) have again secured their spots on this year’s list. However, T+L readers particularly praised the Vietnamese newcomer Phu Quoc (No. 2), known as the Pearl Island, which features miles of stunning white sand beaches and a local economy still thriving on fishing. “You can truly feel the warm smiles of the local community,” one reader shared. “It’s a must-see destination.” Others highlighted Palawan (No. 5) in the Philippines, the largest among a collection of islands favored by island hoppers, scuba divers, and beachgoers. Another fan mentioned, “The vibrant marine life and corals are incredible,” adding, “the food and accommodations are very budget-friendly.” Yet again, the remote Maldives captured the most attention in our annual survey. Continue reading to discover why.

The Champion

Maldives

Getty Images

Fans have praised the Maldives, a stunning archipelago of nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, for its ideal blend of relaxation and romance, featuring pristine shallows, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious over-water villas spread across its atolls. One traveler expressed, “The scenery is just as breathtaking as every photograph you've ever admired.” Many visitors relished their time in the water, whether swimming alongside colorful tropical fish, kayaking through lagoons, or diving with gentle whale sharks and manta rays. It's no surprise that the Maldives is a favored destination for life's most significant celebrations. “We celebrated our honeymoon in the Maldives, and it was absolutely PERFECT,” shared a reviewer. “It felt like we were isolated in the most stunning location on Earth, surrounded by exquisite sand, crystal-clear waters, and incredible wildlife.”