Thailand's best island, direct from Gatwick.
Phuket's peak season runs December through March: 32°C, bone-dry skies, and some of the clearest water in Southeast Asia. Norse Atlantic is flying there non-stop from London Gatwick from £457 return. That's four months of perfect beach weather, reachable in roughly 11 hours without a single layover.
✈️ The deal
- From: London, UK (Gatwick)
- To: Phuket, Thailand
- Airline: Norse Atlantic
- Stops: Non-stop
- Price: £457–£550 return
- When: December, January, February, March
Example dates:
04/12/2026 – 22/12/2026
04/12/2026 – 24/12/2026
13/01/2027 – 28/01/2027
22/01/2027 – 04/02/2027
03/02/2027 – 16/02/2027
05/02/2027 – 16/02/2027
03/03/2027 – 18/03/2027
10/03/2027 – 18/03/2027
💰 How far does your money go?
A pad thai from a street stall costs around £1.50. A cold Chang beer at a beach bar is about £0.90. A full sit-down meal with rice, a curry, and a drink comes in under £5. On a moderate daily budget of £25–£35, you eat well, get around, and still have money left for a sunset cocktail.
☀️ The weather
December through March is Phuket's dry season, the best time to visit. Expect clear skies, low humidity, and temperatures between 29°C and 33°C. The sea is calm, visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best, and rain is rare. February and March are the hottest months, with barely a cloud in sight.
🏨 Where to stay
Phuket suits every budget, from Old Town guesthouses to clifftop villas.
The Memory at On On Hotel – 9.2/10 · From £25/night
A beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese mansion in Phuket Old Town. Ideal for travellers who want character over resort life.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort – 8.9/10 · From £120/night
Set on a hillside above Kamala Beach with stunning Andaman Sea views. Pools, restaurants, and a spa, without the full-luxury price tag.
Trisara Villas & Residences – 9.5/10 · From £350/night
Private-pool villas perched above a secluded bay in Nai Thon. One of the most exclusive resorts in Southeast Asia.
🎯 What to do
Phuket is more than beaches. The island packs in culture, food, and adventure.
Big Buddha – The newly restored 45-metre marble statue dominates the island skyline. The views from the hilltop over Chalong Bay are genuinely stunning.
Phang Nga Bay kayaking – Paddle through limestone caves and emerald lagoons to reach James Bond Island. Nothing in Europe looks like this.
Thai cooking class in Old Town – Visit a local market, pick your ingredients, and cook five dishes from scratch. You'll leave with skills that last longer than the tan.
Phi Phi Islands boat trip – Maya Bay's white sand and turquoise water are still some of the most photographed scenery in the world. Go early to beat the crowds.
🗺️ Where to go from here
Phuket is a gateway to one of the most island-rich coastlines on the planet.
Phi Phi Islands – Dramatic limestone cliffs and clear water, 1.5-hour ferry from Phuket. Koh Phi Phi Don has accommodation; Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay) is day-trip only.
Krabi and Railay Beach – Accessible only by longtail boat, Railay's cliffs and sea caves feel like another world. 1.5-hour ferry from Phuket.
Koh Lanta – Laid-back island with long sandy beaches and a relaxed vibe. 1.5-hour ferry, better suited to a multi-night stay than a day trip.
Khao Sok National Park – Ancient jungle, floating bamboo lodges, and a serene lake surrounded by karst peaks. About 2 hours by minibus from Phuket.
Koh Samui – A short domestic flight opens up the Gulf of Thailand islands, including Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Norse Atlantic has made a direct London-Phuket flight genuinely affordable. At £457 return, you'd spend more flying to some European capitals in peak season. Book before the cheap seats go.
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