So, where next?
Touch down in Phuket, your gateway to island escapes, night markets, and mango sticky rice worth crossing continents for.
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.
Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. T&Cs apply.
Make more of your Phuket getaway with a free half day city tour excursion added to your holiday. From days out to unforgettable experiences, there’s even more to look forward to, beyond your hotel.
Use the code FREETOUR at checkout.
Valid for travel between 18 Oct '26 - 26 Mar '27. Book by 3 Nov '26. T&Cs apply.
Book a Tropical View Suite, receive a complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Tropical View Suite or book a Garden Suite, receive a complimentary upgrade to Whirlpool Garden Suite.
To qualify for the room upgrade please ensure you are selecting the upgraded room type option at the time of booking. Available for stays until 31 Mar '27. Book by 30 Nov '26.
Save up to 55% off your accommodation costs.
Valid for travel before 30 Apr '27. Book by 31 Oct '26.
Stay 5+ nights and receive a complimentary room upgrade from a Superior Balcony to a Superior Ocean Front Balcony or from One Bedroom Suite Ocean Coral Lounge to One Bedroom Suite Ocean View Coral Lounge.
To qualify for the room upgrade please ensure you are selecting the upgraded room type option at the time of booking. Available for stays between 1 Oct '26 - 31 Oct '27. Book by 30 Nov '26.
Stay 3+ nights and get a complimentary meal - your choice of a Thai set or a classic Western three-course menu, with a soft drink on the side. Stay 6 nights and two meals are included.
For 1–2 guests per room, per stay. Valid for stays from 1 Nov '26.
Save up to 17% on your accommodation rates.
Valid for stays before 31 Oct '26. Book by 31 Oct '26.
Stay 8+ nights and recieve 1 night for free.
Valid for stays between 1 Nov '26 - 31 Oct '28. Book by 31 Oct '28.
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. To allow for this, please search for an 8-night holiday to enjoy 7 nights at your resort.
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.
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
Explore the colour-soaked streets of Old Phuket Town, where Sino-Portuguese facades hide cafés, shrines and family-run shops. At the weekend, the roads close and the night market takes over with smoky grills, crafts, and a buzz that keeps you wandering long after dark.
Perched high above the island, the Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most recognisable landmarks. Its hilltop setting still marks one of the island’s most peaceful panoramas, and a reminder that Phuket’s spiritual side is never far from view.
Join a local cooking class and find out just how much lemongrass and chilli it really takes to spice up a green curry. From pounding curry paste to perfecting pad Thai, it’s a delicious way to understand Thailand - and bring a little of it home with you.
Wat Chalong is Phuket’s most important temple, and a beautiful place to pause between beach days. Ornate pagodas, drifting incense and the low hum of daily ritual offer a glimpse into the island’s spiritual rhythm.
From Cape Promthep’s famous sunsets to Samet Nangshe's Phang Nga view (plus plenty more lookouts across the island), Phuket knows how to put on a show. Arrive early, stay late, and watch the sky shift from gold to deep violet - camera optional, goosebumps likely.
Spend time at an ethical sanctuary where the focus is on care, not performance. You’ll learn about rescue stories, help prepare food, and watch these gentle giants roam freely. It’s the kind of experience you’ll still be thinking about on the flight home.
Hop aboard a boat from Phuket and set out across dramatic karsts, stopping at the famous James Bond Island. Or head further afield to the Phi Phi Islands, where turquoise bays and snorkeling spots steal the spotlight. Either way, it'll be a day that feels properly cinematic.
Slip into a kayak and explore the hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay, where towering cliffs open into quiet pockets of emerald water. It’s slower, quieter, and the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’ve found somewhere secret.
Kata and Karon strike that sweet spot between lively and laid-back. Wide sands, swimmable waters and just enough cafés and beachside spots to keep things easy. Bring a book. Or don’t.
For clearer water and postcard-worthy surroundings, head south. Nai Harn’s sheltered bay is great for a relaxed swim, while Freedom Beach rewards the extra effort with soft sand and bright blue water that’s made for snorkelling on calm days.
If you like your beach days sociable and your nights unapologetically lively, Patong is your place. For a change of tempo, Rawai’s waterfront brings fishing boats, open-air restaurants and sunset views that feel rooted in everyday island life.
Just north of Phuket, Khao Lak offers long, peaceful beaches backed by jungle-clad hills. It’s less about beach clubs and more about space, sunsets and properly switching off - all within easy reach of Phuket airport.
In Patong, the night arrives loud and lively, with clubs, bars and music spilling onto the streets. A few blocks away, Banzaan Night Market keeps things grounded with local flavours. Big night or low-key bite, take your pick.
After sunset, parts of Patong and Kata Beach glow for a different reason. Fire dancers spin, sparks fly and the shoreline becomes a stage. Grab a drink, take a seat in the sand and watch the heat rise.
Tension, meet your match. From beachside Thai massages to full spa rituals, Phuket makes switching off feel effortless. Book an hour or a full afternoon. Either way, you’ll leave lighter than you arrived.
Swap the shoreline for slides at Andamanda Phuket near Phuket Town, or head to Splash Jungle in Mai Khao for lazy rivers and gentler zones. It’s an easy win for families - and anyone who still loves a fast ride.
Simply choose your experiences in the Extras section when booking your flight and hotel online.
Phuket has a way of turning every day into a story worth telling – these experiences are your invitation to see its best side. Explore our range of tours, tickets and experiences and book ahead with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, so everything's taken care of before you arrive.
British citizens do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days.
Turn your flight into the first highlight of your holiday with a little extra luxury.
Premium cabin
Upper Class cabin
A little extra goes a long way. Premium gives you more space, thoughtful touches and a smoother airport experience, so you can relax from take-off to touchdown.
More room to relax
A smoother airport experience
Pack with confidence
Thoughtful touches onboard
From the moment you arrive at the airport to the moment you land, Upper Class transforms your journey into an experience that's every bit as memorable as the destination.
The ultimate way to unwind
Your VIP airport experience
Travel with more
An exceptional dining experience
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.
From island calm to city charm.
Call our experts on 0344 209 8706.
Paradise found - twice.
Call to book on 0344 209 8706.
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.
