Willy Thuan is a prominent travel writer and photographer, renowned for his deep knowledge of Phuket, Thailand, where he has resided for over 20 years. As the creator of Phuket 101, a widely respected travel blog, Willy shares invaluable insights into the island’s hidden treasures, local culture, and must-visit attractions. His dedication to showcasing Phuket beyond the typical tourist trail has made him a trusted resource for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

In this Q&A, we delve into Willy’s journey, his insights on Phuket, and his expert tips for navigating this beautiful island. Join us as we explore his unique perspective, shaped by extensive experience and passion for all things Phuket.

The Luxury Signature: Hi Willy, it’s a pleasure to speak with you today. We’ve been following the incredible work you do on Phuket 101 for quite some time. We even came across a mention of your website in an article we published in our magazine as far back as 2015.

We are absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about your personal journey, experiences, and to share your expertise on the beautiful island of Phuket.

First off, could you please share with our readers a brief introduction about yourself?

Willy: I was born in France a long time ago and started traveling in the 80s, back when travel was far less casual than it is today. Even though I grew up in a beautiful seaside town called Les Sables d’Olonne, I knew early on that I wasn’t meant to stay in France. My most challenging experience was crossing the Sahara by hitchhiking to reach Niger and Burkina Fasso and back. I continued exploring the world, working as a set designer from the Bahamas to Tahiti and Mexico to Japan. Traveling opened my mind and gave me new perspectives. I fell in love with Asia early on and decided I would never return to Europe, no matter where or how I settled in this part of the world.

What brought you to Thailand, and Phuket in particular?

Willy: Initially, I planned to work in Japan, a country I’ve always admired. But in the 90s, the economy there wasn’t ideal, and since I had no intention of going back to Europe, I had to pick a place to stay and work in Asia. I arrived in Phuket in 1990 with no job, no connections, very little money—but plenty of motivation. Back then, Phuket looked entirely different. Most of the roads were just dirt paths, and the island felt like paradise on earth. After working briefly in a hotel, where I discovered my first computer, I started a graphic design and advertising company. Soon, I realized that working in Thailand and vacationing in Japan was a much better lifestyle—far less stressful!

How did you get started as a photographer?

Willy: I studied photography in my 20s, but at the time, the focus was on wedding photography and darkroom techniques rather than artistic expression. However, I learned the fundamentals—using reflex cameras, various lenses, and mastering different shooting angles. Since film was limited, I had to make every shot count, which shaped my photography.

In 2000, I was hired to develop and grow Phuket.com, but sourcing enough photos, especially of hotels, was a real challenge. In 2003, I bought my first digital camera, a Fujifilm FinePix 700. Though basic by today’s standards, it was a game-changer and made photography much more accessible.

We’d love to learn more about the beginnings of your website. How did Phuket 101 come about, and what inspired you to start it?

Willy: I launched Phuket 101 in 2011, 15 years after settling here. There were a few blogs about Phuket at the time, but they were quite niche, and I felt they didn’t fully address travelers’ needs. Phuket is full of hidden gems and offers endless photo opportunities. Running the blog also gave me an opportunity to rediscover the island. I realized I had only scratched the surface of what this place offers, and writing about it allowed me to explore it from new angles.

What is your process for curating travel content that resonates with your audience?

Willy: Over the years, I’ve paid close attention to travelers’ questions, feedback, complaints, and dreams—whether through Facebook, direct messages, or conversations. I’ve always been driven by the idea of helping different types of travelers. Every group has unique needs—families with children, groups of friends, couples seeking a romantic escape, solo travelers, party-goers, and even those with mobility challenges. Gathering practical, useful information for all these groups can be difficult, but I do my best to address each one.

At this point, you’ve probably published hundreds of articles about Phuket. What challenges do you still face today, and how do you overcome them?

Willy: The biggest challenge is staying creative, original, and relevant. With so much information available, it’s crucial to create fresh content and avoid repetition. We publish new stories regularly, but we also go back and update older posts to keep them accurate and useful. Phuket changes quickly, and since I manage the site and photography alone, keeping up with everything is demanding. However, I enjoy the process of constant improvement—both for the content and the user experience.

Let’s move on to talk about Phuket itself. In your opinion, what sets the island apart from other destinations in Thailand?

Willy: Phuket offers more than 40 beaches and is surrounded by incredible islands. Phang Nga Bay, with its limestone cliffs, is a natural wonder within easy reach. The island also has impressive temples, excellent seafood, and a growing number of exceptional hotels. Whether visitors are drawn by the nightlife, vibrant markets, or southern Thai cuisine, Phuket has a distinct personality that makes it truly special.  All this is within reach of an easy day trip!

In the years that you’ve spent covering Phuket, how much do you feel the island and its community have evolved?

Willy: Phuket has seen rapid growth, especially in recent years—perhaps too fast. Despite the road expansions and underpasses, traffic remains a significant issue during peak seasons. The southern part of the island still attracts a younger, budget-conscious crowd, while the northern part, once considered too remote, has become the high-end area with luxury resorts.

What’s the biggest misconception about Phuket that you’d love to debunk?

Willy: Many people think all of Phuket’s beaches are overcrowded or that the island only caters to single men. With over 40 beaches, it’s not hard to find peaceful places to stay. Often, visitors choose the most popular beach and then complain about the crowds—forgetting that others have made the same choice!

What are your favorite experiences in Phuket? What would you consider as must-try activities for tourists in general?

Willy: Phuket’s appeal lies in its variety—there’s something for everyone. The local cuisine often flies under the radar, but it’s exceptional, especially if you know where to go. Beyond seafood, Phuket has a surprisingly vast food scene worth exploring, but it requires a bit of effort to go there.  Once again, a private cruise to Phang Nga Ba or to the nearby islands is a must and some of the private speedboats are relatively affordable for families or friends travelling together. If you can, go to the lesser-known beaches, some can be surprisingly quiet. Check Phuket 101 to find these!

For higher spenders looking to splurge, do you have any recommendations for experiences that are worth indulging in?

Willy: Phuket offers stunning pool villas along the coast, many with dedicated staff. The island is home to a wide range of luxury hotels that showcase Thai hospitality at its finest. For a memorable experience, private cruises on luxury yachts to nearby islands are also an excellent choice.

What practical tips can you share with those wanting to explore Phuket, especially for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their trip?

Willy: If it’s your first visit, think about the type of holiday you want—it will help you decide which beach is right for you. During the high season (December to May), the southern beaches can be busy. If you prefer tranquility, consider staying in the northern part of the island. Patong Beach is perfect for those seeking nightlife, while Bangtao Beach offers a blend of scenic beauty, quality resorts, and excellent dining.

No matter where you stay, most tours include hotel transfers, so you don’t have to worry about location. Plan at least one day trip to Phang Nga Bay and one to a nearby island. Also, be sure to visit a night market and try the local food at least once.