BIKE WEEK on Phuket this year will be the biggest in Asia, says organiser Wittaya Singkala, of Ride Thailand magazine.

About 5000 motorcycle riders from almost 30 countries are expected to attend, another festival to boost Phuket tourism.

The event is expected to bring a much-needed 800 million baht boost to island revenue.

The week actually consists of three days, April 10-12, but plenty of participants are expected to either arrive early or leave late.

The Phuket Bike Week Exhibition at Jungceylon will feature the latest in gleaming chrome, and the odd bit of leather.

Bike Week entry cards are available from 100 baht to 1000 baht, depending on activities. The 1000 baht ticket comes with a tee-shirt souvenir, a hat, a VIP dinner card and stickers.

The cards attract local business discounts of 30 to 50 percent.

On April 10, various competitions will be held at Jungceylon from 4pm with the grand opening at 6pm. From 7.30pm, the big Beach Party begins at Loma Park. Carabao and Tom Dandee will be among the performers, with the concert wrapping up at midnight.

On April 11, a big ''Ride for Peace '' begins at Loma Park in Patong at 4pm and roars south to Karon and Kata, then on to Nai Harn and Cape Promthep.

At 6.30pm a dinner will be held at Tainaan Restaurant, opposite Central Festival. Visitors from 26 countries are expected to attend.

From 8.30pm, the Beach Party continues at Loma Park with Job To Do, Pongthep and American Indian dancers performing. Look out for cowboys, too.

On April 12, from 4pm, look for a tattoo contest at Jungceylon. And at 6pm, the Miss Phuket Bike Week contest will be staged. Back comes the beach Party from 8pm with Pong, Pae Hyrock, Jeab Pisut, and a collection of supermodels.

Coming next year: perhaps the launch of a motorcycle or two, as Bike Week gets even bigger and better.

Details about this year's events are available from Khun Sumon on 076 352069 or 081 6919346.

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