Sixteen Thai destinations were named in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026, announced at the Green Destinations Global Conference in Kranj, Slovenia, on 27–29 October, and three more received Bronze-level recognition. Explera DMC Thailand explains what the list is, which places are on it, and how agents can use it with clients who ask for responsible travel.
Explera handles ground arrangements as a Thailand DMC for travel agents. Its Thai company, Explera DMC Co., Ltd., holds TAT licence 14/05119, the Tourism Business Licence issued by the Department of Tourism, and the group is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and a member of ASTA (900408341). Write to b2b@explera.co.th.
What is the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories?
Green Destinations, an international sustainable tourism organisation, selects a hundred good-practice stories from destinations around the world each year. A place is chosen for one story it submits about protecting nature, supporting its community, keeping its culture alive or managing visitors well. It is a recognition of that practice, not a certificate for every hotel, boat or tour in the area. Thailand's Department of Tourism led the Thai delegation to Kranj, and the entries were prepared with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). TAT published the Thai results on 3 November.
Which Thai destinations are on the 2026 list?
Nine entries were supported by the Department of Tourism: Mae Hong Son town, Ban Chiang in Udon Thani, Bang Rong–Pa Khlok in Phuket, Khun Khan National Park and Mae Wang National Park in Chiang Mai, Ko Tao in Surat Thani, Phetchaburi Old Town, Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan, and Takua Pa Old Town in Phang Nga. Six were supported by DASTA: Chiang Khan in Loei, Nan Old Town, Sukhothai Old Town, U Thong Ancient City in Suphan Buri, and the Ban Amphoe and Takhian Tia communities in Chon Buri. The sixteenth, Doi Inthanon National Park, was supported by TAT as the model site of its Chiang Mai sustainable product prototype, which our Chiang Mai green destination post explains.
Which places received Bronze recognition?
Ko Tao, Mae Puem National Park in Phayao and Uthai Thani Old Town. TAT and the Department of Tourism call these Bronze-level Green Destinations Awards. Green Destinations' own ceremony page, dated 28 October, lists the same three at Bronze level under its Thailand Good Travel recognition. The safe wording for a client is "Bronze-level sustainability recognition", not "certified". Ko Tao is the only place on both lists: its Top 100 story describes a community-led model for regenerative diving and reef protection, which suits Ko Tao dive programmes.
How can agents use the list?
Buyers in Europe and the UK increasingly ask what makes a trip responsible, and a named, dated third-party list is easier to show a client than a general promise. The 2026 places work as itinerary anchors: Nan Old Town with Doi Phu Kha for a slow northern circuit, Sukhothai and U Thong for early Thai history, Phetchaburi and Takua Pa for old-town walks on the way to the beach, and Ko Tao for divers. Our tours and activities team can build these into a programme, and the rest of what we do is on our Thailand DMC services page.
What should agents reconfirm before printing it?
Three things. First, the list recognises a destination's practice, so ask each hotel, boat or guide for its own credentials; the Department of Tourism reports that 34 businesses now hold its Thailand Good Travel Mark. Second, community sites such as Ban Amphoe and Takhian Tia may suit small groups better than full coaches, so confirm capacity before you promise numbers. Third, quote the recognition as published, with its year, because the list changes every year. A Thailand DMC on the ground can check each point before your brochure goes out.
Next steps
Send us your dates, group size and the places on the list your clients want through our contact page. The trade desk replies within 24 hours.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom: TAT-supported Doi Inthanon among Thailand's Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026
- Green Destinations: 2026 Top 100 Stories
- Green Destinations: Awards ceremony 2026, Kranj, Slovenia
Frequently asked questions
How many Thai destinations are in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026?
Sixteen: nine supported by the Department of Tourism, six by DASTA and one, Doi Inthanon National Park, by TAT. Three places also received Bronze-level recognition.
Is a Top 100 Story the same as a sustainability certificate?
No. It recognises one good-practice story from a destination. It does not certify individual hotels or tour operators there, so ask suppliers for their own credentials.
Which Thai places received Bronze awards in 2026?
Ko Tao in Surat Thani, Mae Puem National Park in Phayao and Uthai Thani Old Town. Green Destinations lists them under its Thailand Good Travel recognition at Bronze level.
Can Explera build an itinerary around these destinations?
Yes. As a Thailand DMC, Explera can work with these places. Send your dates, group size and preferred places, and the trade desk will reply within 24 hours with a programme and one package price.
