Thailand holidays
Limestone cliffs, longtail boats and golden temples at dusk – Thailand’s calling.
Change pace in Thailand
From Phuket’s golden sands and Khao Lak’s easy calm, to Krabi’s towering cliffs and Bangkok’s buzz - Thailand stirs every sense. Whether you’re chasing adventure or craving downtime, we’ll help you do it your way.
And from October 2026, reaching paradise is even easier with direct Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow to Phuket.
Fly direct to Phuket, with our new seasonal service
Fly to Phuket from London Heathrow, three times a week from October 2026. 13 hour flight time.
Please note: when flying with Virgin Atlantic, your outbound flight from London to Phuket will travel overnight, arriving in Phuket the following day.
Savings to make you smile
Switch to Thai time
Bring your best angle. Thailand’s got the rest.
Local life and culture
Beaches and boat days
Food and flavours
Worth making time for
Where to stay
Holidays in Phuket
Holidays in Khao LakHolidays in Khao Lak
Holidays in Bangkok
Holidays in Phi Phi Island
Essential information for Thailand
Do I need a visa?
British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand without a visa (visa exemption) for the purpose of tourism for up to 60 days.
Double up on your Thailand adventure
From beaches to temples and sunsets to skylines, Thailand's beauty was made to be explored from more than one angle. Discover the perfect balance of culture, flavour and coast - and make your holiday go even further. Here's a couple of ideas to get you started:
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
The sweet spot for Thailand holidays is during the cool & dry season from November to February. You’ll usually get more comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and plenty of sunshine across much of the country. From October 2026, Virgin Atlantic will be flying direct to Phuket for the winter season, which lines up neatly with the start of Thailand’s peak winter weather.
If you prefer fewer crowds or better value, look at the shoulder months around late October or early March). Just keep in mind Thailand’s weather varies by region, so a quick sense-check for your chosen coast is always worth it
For starters, you could pair a few nights in Bangkok (temples, rooftop bars and markets) with beach time in Phuket or Khao Lak, then add an island hop if you fancy it. Getting around is straightforward too, with internal flights between major cities, plus coaches, ferries and speedboats for coastal and island routes.
If you’re travelling in the winter season, it’s set to be even easier to reach the South, as Virgin Atlantic is launching seasonal direct flights from London Heathrow to Phuket from 18 October 2026.
And if you’d like a hand stitching it all together, our travel experts can help plan the right route, pacing and transfers. Call 0344 209 8706 and we’ll take care of the details.
Thailand is a welcoming and popular destination, it’s generally easy to get around, and the main tourist areas (including Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak and Koh Samui) are well set up for visitors.
As with anywhere, it pays to travel with your usual good habits, keep an eye on valuables, use reputable transport and tours, and take a moment to understand local customs and laws. For the most up-to-date guidance, it’s always worth checking the UK government’s Thailand travel advice before you go, as it includes any region-specific updates.
Thailand packs best when you keep it light, practical and heat-friendly. A few essentials to bring:
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days (and warm evenings too)
Swimwear, plus beach footwear and a sun hat
High-factor sunscreen and insect repellent (especially for evenings)
A light rain jacket or fold-up waterproof, handy in rainy season and for the odd tropical shower
Temple-ready outfit: something that covers shoulders and knees for respectful visits
A UK plug adaptor, Thailand uses Type A, B and C plugs, and the electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, so most UK chargers are fine (but do check your devices)
A smart-casual option for rooftop drinks, resort dinners or a city stop
If you’re heading into Phuket, you’ll definitely want the beachwear front and centre.
Thailand has a beach for every kind of holiday, from easy, lively stretches to quiet, toes-in-the-sand calm. If you want variety (beaches, restaurants, day trips), Phuket is a great place to start. For something more laid-back with long, open shoreline, Khao Lak is a favourite. Over in the Gulf, Koh Samui brings palm-fringed bays and a relaxed island rhythm.
If you’re chasing those dramatic limestone backdrops and boat-day scenery, look towards the Krabi coastline and island-hopping spots nearby, where you can find smaller coves and show-stopping views.
Not sure which coast suits you best, or travelling with different “beach personalities” in one group? Our Virgin Atlantic Holidays experts can help you choose the right resort and location, whether that’s family-friendly, adults-focused, or a luxury escape with sea views.
Currency: Thailand’s currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in cities and many hotels, but there may be minimum payments, and it’s worth keeping some cash for markets, small cafés and boats.
Visas: If you’re travelling on a full British citizen passport, you can currently visit Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism (and some business engagements), with the option to extend in-country for up to 30 more days. Rules can change, so it’s smart to check the latest guidance before you fly. Also, Thailand requires travellers to complete a digital arrival card before arrival (currently available within 3 days of travel).
Insurance: Travel insurance isn’t the glamorous part of planning, but it is the sensible part. Make sure your policy covers your full itinerary, any multi-centre travel, and the activities you plan to do, plus medical costs and emergencies.
Yes, Thailand is brilliant for families. Many resorts have kids’ clubs, family pools and spacious rooms, and you’ll find local restaurants and attractions are generally very welcoming with children.
Direct Virgin Atlantic flights to Phuket from October 2026 make travelling even simpler, and our Virgin Atlantic Holidays team can help arrange family-friendly transfers, excursions and stays designed for all ages.
Most travelers can enjoy a visa-free stay for up to 30 days if arriving by air (or 15 days by land). However, check the latest regulations based on your nationality to ensure a smooth journey.
While not mandatory, it’s wise to check with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations, such as Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid. Staying healthy means more time to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer.