PHUKET'S walking street festival produced surprises and spectacle galore last night, but the biggest shock of all remains the sight of so many Phuket people actually walking when usually wheels do the moving for them.

Yes, there were thousands of right legs and left legs moving in a synchronised way in every direction, sometimes turning and stopping and even sitting, but being used.

No starter keys to be seen, just smiles and fun being had at the start of three days that turn Old Phuket Town into the island's nightlife hub.

How different Phuket is from one side to the other. Is there another island in the world where east is east and west is west in quite the same way?

The walking street festival has taken wings this year, or at least an oar or two, with boat rides on the canal that was once the island's main passage for trade.

Dragons danced on stage, children drew wonderful messages in chalk on the streets, food came at affordable prices, and everyone had such a good time that some people will even return on Wednesday and Thursday night.

Once one foot moves in front of the other, there's no telling where they might end up.