FROM the moment the boy child saw his first Harley, pulled on his mother's hand and said: ''Waaaah! I wanna ride thaaaaat!'' Phuket Bike Week was born.

The 2009 version has something for everyone, and we do mean everyone. If you want a new tattoo, large or small, no problem.

If you need to exert your individuality with a glowing, growling highly polished machine beneath your butt, we can tell you where to go.

If you want to bump into Carabao, see what the Governor looks like in black, and sample some of the many delights that come with two legs on two wheels, you've come to the right place.

And there's plenty more to see and do after last night's opening. ''Waaah! I wanna ride thaaaaat!''


Phuket Bike Week: April 10-12
With a roar, Bike Week this year becomes the largest in Asia and a great revenue booster for the island's economy. Parties, performances, and gleaming chrome aplenty can be expected.
In Pictures, Phuket Bike Week: April 10-12

Songkran Water Festival, April 12-13
Wet and even wilder than usual, with the special release of 209 turtles: that's the Songkran water festival on Phuket with events scheduled all over the island, especially at the beach resorts.
Songkran Water Festival, April 12-13

Jungceylon Bargains Begin from March 28
Shopping Boost Jungceylon pulls back from an expansion program to do what it does best: attract more shoppers through the 300 outlets in its Patong mall.
Jungceylon Bargains Begin from March 28

Patong Beach Feels the Downturn Bite
Photo Album Having bounced back relatively quickly after the tsunami, Patong now faces a difficult time of a different kind. Just how bad is life along the beachfront? Phuketwan went to find out.
Patong Beach Feels the Downturn Bite

Chinese New Year in Chalong and Patong
Photo Album Phuket, truly the festival island, has something for every cultural taste as Chinese New Year brings renewed hope of world peace and the occasional tourist with money to spend.
Chinese New Year in Chalong and Patong

New Year 2009, Patong Beach: Photo Special
Photo Album Hundreds of sky lanterns floated into the black night over the sea before partygoers in Patong let loose with a celebration to see in the New Year.
New Year 2009, Patong Beach: Photo Special