Why Phuket makes a great base for a Thailand holiday

By Virgin Atlantic | 10 July 2026 | 10 minute read

A woman in a red dress looks out at the dramatic formations of Phang Nga Bay

One base, many sides of Thailand

Phuket may be best known for its sweep of sandy beaches, warm Andaman Sea, and reliably photogenic sunsets. But look beyond the sun lounger and you’ll discover a brilliantly well-connected base for exploring southern Thailand. Best of all, you can unpack once and see plenty of the country without turning your holiday into a tour of hotel check-in desks.

Stay in Phuket and you can shape your holiday around whatever takes your fancy. Slow mornings beside the sea. Long-tail boat trips to limestone islands. Lunch in Old Town, then sunset from a west-coast viewpoint. And when you feel like going further, Phuket is a natural starting point for nearby islands, the laid-back shores of Khao Lak, the wild beauty of Khao Sok National Park, or another part of Thailand via its international airport.

Not to mention that from October 2026, Virgin Atlantic will fly direct from London to Phuket, taking you straight to one of Thailand’s best starting points in style.

A couple on sunloungers on the beach laugh and look out to sea together

A beach for every kind of day

Phuket’s coastline is one of its biggest draws, but no two stretches feel quite the same. Some are lively, with beach clubs, watersports, and restaurants close at hand. Others feel quieter and more tucked away, where the soundtrack is mostly waves folding onto the sand.

Patong is known for its energy and nightlife, while Kata and Karon offer a more relaxed beach atmosphere with plenty nearby. Further north, beaches such as Bang Tao, Mai Khao, and Nai Yang tend to feel calmer and more spacious.

Choosing the right part of the island can make a real difference to your holiday. Our full guide to where to stay in Phuket explains the main areas, what each one is like, and who they suit best.

A photograph of Old Town Phuket's Sino-Portugese shopfronts

Make time for Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town reveals a very different side of the island, and a few unhurried hours is plenty of time to take it in.

The streets here are lined with colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, small cafés, galleries, temples, and family-run restaurants. Look up and you’ll spot decorative shutters, ornate façades, and pastel colours softened by the sun. It's a particularly lovely place to wander in the morning, when the streets are cooler, or towards evening, when the lights come on and dinner starts calling.

Sunday’s walking street market, held on Thalang Road, is a popular time to visit. Expect local snacks, handmade goods, music, and plenty to tempt you into staying a little longer.

A close up of a noodle dish being eaten with chopsticks

The food alone can fill an itinerary

Phuket’s food scene stretches from plastic stools and night-market grills to polished restaurants with sea views. Southern Thai cooking is often bold, fragrant, and generous with spice. Look out for rich curries, fresh seafood, noodle dishes, grilled meats, and roti served crisp at the edges and soft in the middle - with your choice of topping, for good measure.

Phuket also has its own distinct food culture, shaped by Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan influences. Old Town is one of the best places to explore it, moving easily from generations-old local favourites to modern cafés and polished restaurants. Beach areas offer plenty of choice too, including relaxed spots where sandy feet are very much part of the dress code.

A woman paddleboards past a limestone formation rising out of the water

Some of Thailand’s best island scenery is close by

Look beyond Phuket and the landscape changes quickly. The island is a natural jumping-off point for boat trips into Phang Nga Bay, where steep limestone karsts rise dramatically from green-blue water. You can also travel towards the Phi Phi Islands, visit quieter beaches, snorkel over reefs, or kayak through caves and sheltered lagoons.

Different trips suit different moods. Some pack several famous sights into one day, while others take a slower route aboard smaller boats. Sea conditions and journey times vary by season, so it is worth choosing a reputable operator and checking exactly what is included before booking.

For more ideas, take a look at our guide to the best day trips from Phuket.

Phuket's Big Buddha seen from above at dusk

Discover Phuket’s cultural side

Phuket’s cultural landmarks offer another way to get to know the island. The Big Buddha is one of its most recognisable sights, sitting high above southern Phuket with sweeping views across the landscape. Access to the Big Buddha can change, so it's worth checking the latest local guidance before you visit.

Wat Chalong is another important stop, known for its ornate rooftops, intricate details, and peaceful courtyards. Together, they offer a glimpse into the beliefs, traditions, and everyday rituals that shape life on the island.

Fly direct to Phuket with Virgin Atlantic

Phuket is warm all year, but the drier months from around November to April are usually the best time for beach days, boat trips, and exploring the islands beyond. Virgin Atlantic will fly direct from London to Phuket seasonally from October to March, putting you right in the sweet spot.

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