It's 2014 and once again, PIMEX, the Phuket International Boat Show has arrived. This is the 11th year since it started. Once again it is held at the Royal Phuket Marina as the year before, on the 10th anniversary, they had signed an agreement to be the official host for the next 5 years. This years event is from the 9th till 12th January 2014.

Now in its eleventh year, PIMEX is an established and successful event in the marine and leisure calendar. PIMEX 2014 will include a large in-water display, together with 2,500 sqm of indoor, waterfront exhibition space. There will be a diversity of displays from as far afield as China, Australia, Italy and France.

Like its location, PIMEX is a relaxed event where participants celebrate the boating, leisure and luxury lifestyle in an ideal tropical destination. The show is more than boats on display but also an opportunity to see the latest luxury products, properties and engage in some Phuket hospitality. Odd.ly enough, Harley Davidson or Bangkok is making an appearance this year to line the marina with its range of bikes. Seem like a good chance to display them before the up coming 20th anniversary of Phuket Big Bike Week 2014 in April.

In addition, during the 4 days a lucky draw winner for each day gets to go up in a plane ride over the island by local media partner Phuket Gazette and Phuket Airpark. So it seems that the Phuket scene high season just got a lot more fun for everyone.

Phuket is ready to party this countdown new year 2014  with an electronic music festival.  The Creative Electronic Music and Dance Festival began last year by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in collaboration with Department of Intellectual Properties, Amazing Thailand and Karon Municipality. Karon beach in conjunction with Karon beach New Year Countdown 2014 is another exciting event to celebrate New Year 2014 in Phuket. It starts on 30th December and ends 1st New Year monrning.

Another section is Bangtao beach where the Ministry Of Sound is doing it year end party on famous Xana beach on the 28th Dec. It's priced and a norminal Bhat600 for all playgoers. This is a sure banging party as MOS is a major leader in their field.

Lastly, Friendship Beach is also having a fabulous dinner & dance. Music from the 70's to today will be played including Thai dance tracks. DJ Bobby in the house for this plus live fire show and fireworks. All on New Years Eve. So many choices of smaller parties as well all over Phuket so you will be spoiled for choice. Have a great time. Cheers!

This Kee Resort & Spa is a fairly new hotel of about two to three years only. The Phuket Scene is ready because this hotel and plaza complex is ready to take guests into an oasis of bliss. It has been opened to the dead end link of Soi Seadragon which connects to the infamous Bangla Road party district of Patong. Situated is just a short walk away from Patong beach, The Kee Plaza and Sea Dragon Entertainment Complex. Each guestroom is set with warm interior and equipped with the nice amenities. The resort boasts a number of facilities, which includes a fitness center, day spa, restaurant, roof top lounge and a children center. As elegant as Thai silk is, they ensure comfort and luxury for all who visits Patong.

Features:

Hotel

• You will be right in the heart of world-renowned Patong beach Phuket
  
• Minutes to the beach as well as shopping areas
• Swimming pool with water and light shows plus a fountain islands and swim-up bar
• Top-floor sea view suites showcases stunning sunset views over Patong Beach and the bay beyond
• Suite comes with an extra large Jacuzzi tub and a private terrace

How To Get There

• Direct flights from most International airlines to Phuket 
• Many connecting airlines from Bangkok and other destinations in Thailand
  

Recommended Activities 

• Relax in the Jacuzzi or at Patong beach itself
  
• Shop at JungCeylon Shopping Complex
• Party the Soi Bangla that is a stone's throw away
  
• have a massage at the KEE Spa
• Have dinner with a loved one at KEE Sky Lounge
• Island hoping or try a variety of sea activities

Phuket was graced with legendary Hollywood star Jean-Claude Van Damm before around this time last year. He has since sprung into the limelight with a viral video on YouTube. He is ultimately still one of the best action heroes on film and most people remember him for his martial arts prowess. At age 53 he is still admired by many fans and even colleagues in the film industry, especially his leg splits that he has become famous for.

The picture shows him at Phuket's Kalim restaurant, Joe's Dowstairs, with one of the wait staff. It seems that he loves taking photos with people randomly and he even sent a batch of it later.

Currently he is featured in a Volvo trucks video, that has since gone viral with over 40 million hits worldwide, with the emphasis of the Volvo truck's dynamic steering. Of course Van Damm's leg split is the main highlight of the video. A much older looking Van Damm is seen doing what he does best. See the video below to enjoy his feat.

This 600 room gem sits on Karon beach. Relax into an ideal tropical getaway at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. You will find breathtaking views of the serene beachfron. An idle destination for truly unforgettable vacations. Enjoy a wide selection of rooms and suites, recreational activities for adults and kids, a fabulous spa, seven restaurants, all designed to revitalize each visitor coming to Phuket.

Phuket is one of the most comprehensive MICE and events venues in Southeast Asia. The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa offers world-class event management, wedding planning services for engagement parties and ceremonies all in an exotic destination.

The spa prides itself in something they call "Equilibrium". A place to De-stress, wind down and relax as you are pampered from head to toe in opulence and tranquility. There is also a gym for those in need of their daily exercise fix. Not forgetting the beautiful garden lush, free form swimming pool for all to enjoy.

This is one Phuket resort you really have to stay in to truly appreciate a pleasant holiday.

Over the last week the Phuket Bike Week 2013 has been ongoing and so has the Miss Phuket Bike Week Contest 2013. It's just part of the annual festival and who doesn't know that bikes & babes are just the norm when it comes to events like this. This year it's been another friendly rivalry for all contestants who have also been enjoying themselves around the bikes, poolside, the beach and the Loma park grounds where the event is held every year.

The finals was held after the "Ride For Peace" from Patong to Chalong to Promtep Cape and back to the event area where there was a band performance first then the finals itself. The contestants looked a little nervous but composed. In addition they all looked fabulous on stage. The winner, by popular vote, took away the title and 30,000 Baht in prize money. Not too ba for a week's work indeed.

Not forgetting, when one event ends in Phuket, another begins. The Phuket Pride Week 2013 kicks off on Monday 22nd April with an opening night street party on Soi Paradise at 10pm. Don’t miss the fun, spectacular grand parade on Saturday 27th April, with its colourful floats and flashy costumes. The Phuket Pride Week 2013 runs until 28 April.

Phuket big bike week 2013 kicked off today. It started in the afternoon where all the stores got ready, stage up and going and food and drink stalls perked up for revelers and enthusiast alike.  All day through out Patong people could hear these loud roars of the engines as they made their way into the town.

By evening most had gathered to the Loma park area where the stage was set up and a special dinner hosted for VIP guest and revelers. A live rock concert was held after for the guest. Prior to that, several speeches and presentations were done with tokens of appreciation for certain deserving people that have been assisting through the 19 years that the event has been going on. There was a lot of people looking at all the crazy bikes whereby a lot of custom job ones truly did stand out.

Big bike week will really go BIG next year as they celebrate 20 years in Phuket. Who know what they will come up to but sure the likes of the bikers, sponsors, advertisers and all the people that go to Phuket every year will be having a roaring good time. See what you're missing.

Bamboo House Phuket is ideally located in the quiet part of Karon area and only a few minutes away from Karon Beach, shopping, the city's entertainment and most tourist attractions. Bamboo House is an ultra stylish boutique hotel offering a unique combination of sleek yet minimalist decor with a bamboo theme echoed from the pool garden outside all the way through to subtle details in every room.With top of the range hi-tech amenities and inclusive high speed wireless internet available in each room.

Bamboo House is ideal for holidays makers and family. It offers you unique and pleasurable experience and distinctive modern accommodation in Karon beach that makes your holiday more comfortable. Bamboo House Phuket has two categories of rooms which are Standard room and Superior room. The only difference is the Standard room’s location which is at the ground floor. Everything inside the room is all the same.

2013 Phuket Pride Week will be from 22nd till 28th April but it kicks off on the eve with a pool party on the 21st. Phuket Loves You (PLU) is designated as the organizer for this years event. PLU, an
organization that leans towards helping the gay, lesbian and transgender community in Phuket, has been around for sometime but it is their first time as organizer.

As it is the Phuket nightlife ladyboy scene is not about to simmer down even if high season will end by March. They are gearing up for more fun in the sun with a parade contest, football sessions, Mr Gay competition, loads of parties in Soi Crocodile and a huge party at the end with specially   flown in DJ's for it as well.

Hotels & resorts on Phuket are filling up as well as it is near Phuket's Big Bike Week as well.  For more info, look at the itinerary  to see if this is for you. All are welcome even those that are straight.


 Sunday 21st
Pre-Pride pool Party at CC Hideaway 4pm to 10pm

Monday 22nd
10 pin bowling competition 3pm to 6pm
Gay Quiz night at Rendezvous 8pm to 10pm
Soi Paradise Pride opening night street party 10pm to 11pm

Tuesday 23rd
All day Pool competition by Kiss Bar & Sundowners
Pre Grand Auction Thai bufet dinner at Connect 6pm to 7.30pm
Grand Charity Auction at Backstage 7.30 to 10pm
Soi Paradise Street party 10pm to 11pm

Wednesday 24th
Volleyball tournament - morning and afternoon
Club One Seven Art festival. Cocktail reception from 1pm
Film screening of ‘Living with the tiger’ at Prince of Songkla University
Aquarius Foam Party 6pm to 9pm
The Newspaper Pride dining experience - wine tasting, dinner & entertainment. 8pm to 10pm
Soi Paradise street party 10pm to 11pm
Mr Gay Fongkaew Phuket competition – heats start 11pm after street party In street and My Way

Thursday 25th
5-a-side football competition - afternoon
The Boat Bar ‘Sunset beach party’ at Iguana Beach 5pm to 9pm
Soi Paradise Pride closing party 10pm to 11pm
Mr Gay Fongkaew Phuket competition – Finals start 11pm after street party In street and MyWay

Friday 26th
Big Stage Event at the football field Patong Beach
Park and booths open at 4pm stage entertainment from 6pm to 11pm

Saturday 27th
Grand Parade through the street of Phuket starts from Soi Tan at 4pm
Judging for ‘Best parade entry’ 3.30pm
Big Stage Event at the football field Patong Beach
Park and booths open at 4pm stage entertainment from 5pm when Parade arrives to 11pm

Sunday 28th
Pride closing Tea Dance party in Soi Paradise with music from
Kiss bar and ‘hog roast BBQ’ from Bistro restauarnt 4pm to 8pm

The Ultimate Pride closing big club night at Boat bar, with nternational guest Dj’s, special appearances and show. 10pm to late.

The Phuket Center Apartment is located In Phuket Town. It is one of the best centralized hotels. Really near to everything and easy to go to all the shopping, nightlife, etc from the location. These serviced apartments make for an excellent base from which to explore the history of the area. Being in the town center gives you access to banks, supermarkets and numerous restaurants within walking distance from the apartment. Visit China Town for some excellent shopping, and some of the Sino-Portuguese mansions in the older part of town are worth a see. Getting to Patong is inexpensive in the public transport that leaves regularly all through the day. All units in the hotel enjoy kitchen facilities, wireless internet access, hot water and a mini bar. Facilities in the complex include a beauty salon, laundry and a gym.

The Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach opened recently as the new kid on the Phuket scene. It sits at the corner of Hatpatong road and Taweewong road (Beach road). So guest are just a stones throw away to the beach. More towards the quiet side of Patong away from the main entertainment and shopping area but still a short distance away even if you walked.

Holiday Inn Express is marketing value added benefits include Express Breakfast & complimentary Internet in each room. Consider becoming a Priority Club Rewards member to earn points towards free hotel stays, retail certificates or airline mileage.

The hotel features 276 brand new rooms with or laze by the poolside for ultimate relaxation. All rooms are well-designed with full amenities with everything you need for a great stay. It is bound to quickly become a favorite by many guest due to it's location that is so close to the beach and the reputation of Holiday Inn. Oddly they also have another hotel near to this one that is also on the verge to opened later in the first quarter of the year.

The Phuket International Airport sits at the northern part of Phuket island. This truly is inconvenient as it sits so far from everything and everyplace people are heading to but there's no choice and we all have to live with the high priced taxi service that they have going on. For departure, good idea would be to set a deal with a taxi driver wherever you are in Phuket and not do it with any agency. You'll save a lot if you bargain with the driver directly.

The Phuket airport is fairly large and strangely with almost 3 million passengers a year, it all flows fairly smoothly when you're processing your check-in for arrival or when departing. The airport is still under going an upgrade but many people get a little lost with the fact that they have a terminal 2 that is hidden and passengers need to go to a different section on a different level for certain airlines to be checked in but they need to head back to terminal 1 area to get to the departure lounge. Yes, it's all a little confusing so be thankful you need to be there two hours ahead of time or you will be overwhelmed by the airport confusion. Oddly, they do not have an information counter to provide directions for passengers at the Phuket airport even though there is over 50 different airlines that have routes there.

Many people going for a holiday in Phuket have fears of missing their flight but there are many Phuket airport hotels which are very close by and still makes for a great time but only draw back is, it is not as busy in terms of the famous Phuket nightlife scene as it is in a remote location. However, it is great for a family holiday in Phuket.

The airport interior has a lot of food and beverage stores to grab a quick bite or if you feel you need a last taste of Thai food before heading back. There's also a foot massage and spa at the departure lounge so that could help kill some time or even prepare you to relax for your long flight ahead. Another thing, many do not know that they have a baggage storage service area at the airport. This is good for people that may leave Phuket for a short trip elsewhere in Thailand and return to pick it up later rather than carry everything around. Really useful for golfers with their golf bags.

Overall Phuket Internationl Airport is an adventure in itself but once you've been through it you can easily find your way around for years to come. 

Phuket's Patong Carnival always has these specially modified car show vehicles for the parade as they have massive sound systems built into the cars. They very in amount of speakers but you can see that it comes from the sides, back and even inside the car doors. By night fall their light effects on the modified cars add to the mesmerizing effects of the songs played.

Each car simply packs high energy pulsating music so as to provide the parade contingent with lively attention and it saves the Phuket municipality from added cost on lining the beach road  with added speaker and sound systems for the Patong Carnival. It also brings much attention to each contingent as they pass by the crowds who are taking photos and videos. Many car enthusiast can't get enough of these cars as they light up in a myriad of colors and the music effect brings it to life all by itself. It's no wonder that the cars are a show stopper at the Patong Carnival all by itself.

Phuket carnival and the upbeat car show gets better each year. Don't be surprised that one day we might see a monster truck appear in the parade. Wonder what sort of sound system that could bring?