Holidays in Phuket
Touch down in Phuket, your gateway to island escapes, night markets, and mango sticky rice worth crossing continents for.
Fly direct from London Heathrow to Phuket from October 2026.
Reset in Phuket
This is the Thailand you’ve seen in films and saved in group chats. Dramatic limestone cliffs. Longtail boats drifting between islands. Food stalls perfumed with chilli and coconut. And a laid-back energy that hits as soon as the plane door opens.
Phuket’s more than a beach break. It’s your launchpad to the islands. Stay close for spa hotels and rooftop bars in the south, or head north to Khao Lak for peaceful resorts, slow mornings and barefoot luxury. Choose the south and west coasts for rooftop bars, restaurants and easy access to beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon. Head north towards Mai Khao for a quieter pace, or use Phuket as a starting point for Phang Nga Bay, nearby islands and a longer Thailand adventure.
Savings to make you smile
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Pick your perfect month
Why choose Virgin Atlantic Holidays?
Fly direct to Phuket, with our new seasonal service
Fly from London Heathrow to Phuket 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.
Discover the getaway that’s just your pace
Phuket is calling. With our direct overnight flights, you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to dive into turquoise waters, golden beaches, and unforgettable sunsets. To make the most of your tropical escape, we recommend staying 8 nights or more because paradise is best savoured slowly.
Phuket moments, pending
Experiences that slow you down, lift you up, and quietly take over your camera roll.
The best things to do in Phuket range from exploring the colourful streets and food stalls of Phuket Old Town to sailing through Phang Nga Bay, snorkelling in clear Andaman Sea waters and watching sunset from the island’s southern viewpoints.
Local colour & culture
Pinch-me moments
Beach days
From thrill to chill
More inspiration
Where to stay in Phuket
Why Phuket makes a great base for a Thailand holidayWhy Phuket makes a great base for a Thailand holiday
Island hopping from Phuket: best day trips and islands to visitIsland hopping from Phuket: best day trips and islands to visit
Essential information for Phuket
Do I need a visa?
British citizens do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days.
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Turn your flight into the first highlight of your holiday with a little extra luxury.
One trip, more Thailand
From beaches to temples and sunsets to skylines, Thailand’s beauty was made to be explored from more than one angle. Add an extra stop to discover the perfect balance of culture, flavour and coast - here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
The best time to visit Phuket for sunny beach days and calmer seas is generally from November to March. This is Phuket’s drier season and also its busiest period. The wetter months can bring heavier showers, but they may suit travellers looking for a quieter, greener island experience.
A seven-night Phuket holiday gives you time to settle into island life, enjoy the beach and explore highlights such as Phuket Old Town and Phang Nga Bay. Stay for 10 to 14 nights when you want a slower beach break or plan to combine Phuket with Bangkok, Krabi, Khao Lak or another Thai island.
Wherever you base yourself, leave space for unplanned moments: an extra swim before breakfast, a long lunch overlooking the Andaman Sea or one more sunset from the sand.
The best area to stay in Phuket depends on the kind of holiday you want. Patong suits travellers looking for nightlife and plenty of restaurants, while Kata and Karon combine accessible beaches with a more relaxed atmosphere. Mai Khao and the island’s north are better suited to peaceful resort stays, and Phuket Old Town offers heritage architecture, local cafés and a stronger cultural focus.
For more information, take a look at our guide on where to stay in Phuket.
Phuket offers much more than beach time. Walk through Phuket Old Town to discover colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, independent cafés, museums and local food, or visit Wat Chalong to experience one of the island’s best-known temples.
On the water, take a boat trip through the limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay or spend the day snorkelling around nearby islands. Back on Phuket, try a Thai cooking class, browse a night market or end the day with a sunset overlooking the Andaman Sea.
Taxis, hotel transfers and ride-hailing apps are the simplest ways to get around Phuket. Journey times can be longer than expected because the island is large and traffic is often busy, so it is worth choosing a hotel close to the beaches, restaurants or activities you plan to visit most.
Hiring a private driver can work well for a full day of sightseeing. Travellers considering a car or scooter should check licence, insurance and local driving requirements before setting off.
Good question. We'd recommend light, breathable clothing for the tropical climate, plus swimwear, beach shoes or sandals, a sun-hat and strong sunscreen. Don't forget a light rain jacket if you’re travelling during the shoulder or monsoon months. If you're planning to visit temples, make sure to bring respectful clothing (covering shoulders and knees).
Other handy bits would be an adapter for UK plugs (Thailand uses 220 V, 50 Hz) and a small day-bag for excursions.
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it can be helpful to carry some cash.
Many nationalities can enter Thailand under a Visa-exemption for up to 30 days, but always check current rules before you travel. Find out more here.