This year is the Regatta’s 15^th year, and it is known to be one of the most stunning yachting events in the world. It is South Asia’s most popular boating event and brings in people from all corners of the earth. This year it is said that 40 to 50 yachts will be in attendance. The main highlight is of course the race, although there is always plenty to do on land as well.

Each night a party is held, and each is held in a completely different place. Phuket’s event will be held on the final night at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club in Chalong Bay. Being the last night of the event means it will most likely be the biggest party of them all with presentations, awards and plenty of fun.

Watching the race itself is also exciting and many do just this, following the yachts from island to island. For a map, more information, or to register for this amazing race go to http://www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta.htm.

The fair lasts for seven days and of course takes place at Wat Chalong, which can be found on Chaofa Road in Chalong. During the seven days there are numerous stalls selling anything fried you can think of, as well as stalls selling plenty of goods, clothing and souvenirs that can be had for great prices. The fair comes alive each night with live entertainment that includes dancing, music and Muay Thai among other things, and like all Thai festivals there will also be contests and raffle draws.

Wat Chalong is one of the most important temples on the island and is extremely beautiful, so it is worth visiting regardless of the festival. But I do ask all tourists to please respect the Thai culture and Buddhist religion by making sure that your shoulders and knees are covered once entering the temple grounds. Otherwise just have fun and mingle with the locals.

The Year of the Dragon is the most celebrated of all the zodiacs in the Chinese calendar as it is the mightiest of all the signs. This year marks the Water Dragon and Phuket’s Old Town will light up with fireworks, colourful decorations and people dressed in red. Although in many countries this holiday is celebrated over 15 days, here in Phuket only the first day is celebrated, which in on January 23rd.

For those really wanting to experience this great holiday the best way to do this is to go and join in on the festivities, which of course includes eating. There are certain foods that are believed to bring good luck if eaten on this day. These include fish, dumplings, melon and pumpkin seeds, noodles, sweets and taro cakes. Don’t forget to hit the market, as the Chinese New Year is famous for its bargain prices.

The fair kicks off on January 1^st at 3:30pm and features food kiosks, booths selling local arts & crafts and souvenirs, carnival attractions and fair games, and is something that people of all ages can enjoy. There is also night entertainment in the form of live music and traditional Thai dancing. The fair is a fantastic way for tourists to mingle with the locals and learn more about the lovely Thai culture, as well as taste Thai delicacies and sweets.

Although this is a popular festival used to bring in the New Year, it is also an important charity event. The fair holds a lottery each year and all ticket sales go to the Thai Red Cross in Phuket, which is great organisation aimed at helping locals in need. The event itself is free, however purchasing a ticket is highly recommended, as last year the first prize was a 3 million Baht home.

The Phuket Red Cross Fair will take place at Saphan Hill Park in Phuket town and will run from the 1^st to the 7^th of January. It will begin at 3:30pm each afternoon and carry on into the evening.

The festival takes place at Phuket’s Central Festival and will feature both local and international Jazz musicians. It will run for three evenings, and begins at 18:30 each evening starting tonight (December 16^th). Tonight is titled ‘Trendy Jazz’; tomorrow is listed as ‘Classic Jazz’, while Sunday will be ‘Pure Jazz’. I am not yet sure which type of Jazz I will prefer so I think I may turn up for all three.

Unfortunately I cannot seem to find out how much the tickets are, but from the looks of it if you spend 1,500 Baht at Central Festival Phuket you will receive tickets for two. This seems easy enough to do, as I am sure I can manage to spend that quite easily with all of the shopping and food options available. This is not a large sum of money to spend to enjoy a few good evenings out.

For more information on the event and a list of the musicians visit http://www.centralfestivalphuket.com/events.aspx?Id=127.

The first event to take place is the Phuket Musiq Festival, which celebrates the 84^th birthday of HM The King. This festival will take place from December 2^nd to 5^th at Saphan Hill Park in Phuket Town. It will feature both Thai and international musicians and there will of course be plenty of delicious Thai food to enjoy. The festival will run from 17:00 to 23:00 each night.

Next on the calendar is the famous Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. This is possibly one of Phuket’s most acclaimed events and attracts yachters from all over the world. It also celebrates HM The King’s birthday and this year also marks the 20^th anniversary of the famed event. Those currently in Phuket’s Kata area will probably already notice the hoards of boats and yachters that arrive each day for the event, which will take place between December 3^rd and 10^th. Those not actually racing can also enjoy the event by joining in on the nightly parties. To find out when and where all the action is taking place visit King’s Cup Programme of Events.

Finally, on December 4^th Phuket will hold Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship at Laguna Phuket Resort in Cherngtalay. Although the general entry for this event is now closed it is still possible to go and see all of the action. There are also plenty of things happening from November 28^th leading to the race that anyone can attend. For more information or for the schedule go to Ironman Phuket race schedule.

As a full time Vegetarian it is difficult to enjoy some of Thailand’s amazing cuisine. Some of the most pleasing meals consist of meat, fish, fish sauce and shrimp paste all of which as a vegetarian I cannot eat. But during the Vegetarian Festival I can indulge in all of the delicious food and taste dishes that I normally am unable to eat.

The festival is also a great way to mingle with the locals and learn more about the religious and cultural aspect of Southern Thailand. It is celebrated by the Chinese-Thai community and involves a number of ceremonies where men and women do odd things to themselves to purify their mind and body by giving praise to the Nine Emperor Gods. The parades that show these strange rituals; like piercing sticks through their cheeks, can be seen during the various parades that take place at each of Phuket’s Chinese Temples, which are all located throughout Phuket town.

The festival runs until October 5^th and is a must for all visitors to experience. For a complete schedule of the events go to www.phuketvegetarian.com.

The Racing Fest will take place at Saphan Hin Park in Phuket Town and will feature three races. There will also be fun activities for kids and adults to enjoy between the races. This will begin tomorrow at 08:30 and end on Sunday (the 18^th) at 17:00 with a live stage performance.

On Wednesday make your way to the Phuket Graceland Resort on Patong beach for 09:00 when the surf competition will kick off. This event is part of the ASEAN Surfing Championship and is sure to be a great one. The actual surfing takes place each morning followed by surf clinics throughout the day. The event will end on the 27^th with an awards ceremony followed by a free concert and fashion show.

Both of these events are sure to be thrilling so arrive early if you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Festivals will be held throughout the entire province, all ending in a candle ceremony that takes place in the entire kingdom at 7:19pm. In Phuket town all can enjoy a festival that includes live music and other performances beginning at 4:30pm. In Patong the festivities will begin at 1pm and everyone can join in on the parade along the beach road from 2:15 to 3:15pm. In Kathu the celebration starts at 5:30pm, while in Mae Khao they will begin at 6pm.

Phuket’s Royal Thai Navy will be celebrating by releasing 80 sea turtles, 2,009 bass and around one million shrimps along the beaches at Panwa Bay.

Happy Mother’s day to all mothers in Thailand and a very happy birthday to HM Queen Sirikit.

Phuket lobster is probably the most popular dish and can be especially enjoyed on Rawai Beach while sipping on wine and watching the sunset. Lobster is best tasted during lobster week, running from August 12-21. Grilled fish with coconut husk is an island speciality and a must for all fish lovers, while a variety of others will also be available to enjoy such as deep fried shrimp and grilled snapper.

During the entire month of August over 60 restaurants throughout the island are participating in this fantastic event, offering discounts on their seafood specialities. What a great way to enjoy a holiday in Phuket this month and be able to feast on suburb seafood delights at bargain prices.

For more information and to view the restaurants participating in this event go to www.phuketseafoodfiesta.com