Jungceylon and Central Festival are Phuket’s indoor shopping malls and combined have over 200 shops. Most of these are known name brand outlets, but each of these also has a shopping arcade where some great souvenirs can be had at bargain prices.

The twice a week Indy Market on Dibuk Road is not to be missed. This market sells all sorts of things from Thai snacks to ladies’ handbags and makes for a fantastic evening out. If you miss it you can always go to the weekend market where you will find pretty much anything, as it is a bit like a mini Chatuchak Market. Coming here is definitely something you will remember, and you don’t even need to buy anything to enjoy it. The market is an attraction all on its own. It can be found on Talad Tai Rot near Central Festival and runs from 16:00 to 22:00 every Saturday and Sunday.

There are of course plenty of other shops scattered throughout the entire island, with many being located in Patong. No matter what you are looking for you are sure to be able to find it in Phuket.

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 first must on my list is ‘Curry Fridays’ at Navrang Mahal India Restaurant, which is located at Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa. I absolutely love Indian food so I am looking forward to spending a few Friday evenings here enjoying the curry buffet, which costs 449 Baht per person. The food will also go down great with a 50 Baht glass of beer.

Next on my list is to taste a delicious gourmet meal by One Star Michelin Chef Guillaume Salvan at the Pavilions in Choeng Thale. This extraordinary chef will be at the resort from January 12^th to 14^th, which the resort is calling ‘Gourmet Week’. A meal is not cheap but well worth the 2,800 Baht for a once in a lifetime chance to taste this highly acclaimed chef’s food. This is open to all in Phuket, not just guests of the resort, but book fast as seats are filling up.

Finally, I will end this week’s post with 2011’s best-rated restaurants in Phuket. The not-to-be-missed fine dinging restaurant for those visiting Phuket is Andara Resort & Villa’s Silk Restaurant & Bar, while Patong’s Baam Rm Pa is also rated as one of the best. For cheaper eats try Phuket Town’s Kota-Khao-Mun-Kai or Choeng Thale’s Baan Suan Layan Restaurant.

Like in any country, New Years Eve is a night that all should take extra caution and care. There will be plenty of people driving under the influence, or intoxicated and looking for a brawl, as well as those looking to take advantage of others. So I urge all to be very careful tonight no matter how you choose to bring in the New Year, but still remember to have some fun.

I wish everyone a safe and happy New Years!

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.

James Bond Island consists of two forested limestone islands as well as a 30 metre high limestone rock that is just to the west of the islands. The entire sight and its surroundings are spectacular and all visitors will be in awe as soon as the islands come into sight, making for fantastic holiday photos.

It is best to visit James Bond Island on a tour, as it will include all transfers, a guide and lunch. A minivan will leave Phuket and take you to Phang Nga Bay pier where visitors will then board a longtail boat and head out to the islands. Most tours first stop on Koh Panyee for lunch, which is also a beautiful island in the bay. Afterwards the boat will continue on to the stunning main attraction. Some tours will even include kayaks as opposed to the longtail boat, which in my opinion is an added bonus.

No holiday in Phuket should go without a day trip to this amazing attraction. Although it can get a bit over crowded at times it is still well worth it, and is sure to be the highlight of any vacation.

For the remainder of the day health officials will be conducting public awareness activities at the Kaset Market, Big C and Super Cheap, which are all popular locations in Phuket Town. The Patong Municipality is also doing their part by undertaking the same on Soi Bangla, the Jongceylon shopping complex and other popular spots around Patong.

The government offices are not only trying to educate the Thais but foreigners in Phuket as well. It is shocking how many people still engage in unsafe sex, even in this day and age. I urge all people in Phuket, locals, expats and tourists to PLEASE use a condom and lets hope that someday we can bring the numbers down to zero. You can pick up a free condom throughout the day at any of the locations I mentioned above.