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Phuket Wedding News: Phuket island is the world’s top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds, recent reports have revealed. Large Korean tour operator Hana Tour reports that 23.9 percent of its honeymooning clients chose Phuket, followed by the Philippines (16.4 percent), Hawaii (7.4 percent), Bali (6.9 percent) and Western Europe (6.3 percent).
 
Some 50,000 Korean newlyweds visit Phuket each year, reports Castlewood Group, a Singapore based commercial real estate company. “Korean couples are drawn to the beautiful scenery, nice weather and affordable prices in Phuket,” said Chris Comer, Castlewood’s CEO. “Also, they are attracted to the traditional culture and charm of the island.”
 
Full details on the Castlewood report may be found here: http://castlewoodgroup.hubpages.com/hub/Phuket-A-Popular-Honeymoon-Destination-for-Korean-Couples

Known as one of the world’s most scenic and fun sailing events, The Bay Regatta is set to run from February 1-5. Celebrating its 15th year, the regatta takes competitors through the fabulous sailing waters of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, with parties at picturesque anchorage points each night.
 
“The Bay Regatta appeals to the serious as well as the not-too-serious racers,” say Regatta organisers. “Camaraderie and fun are cornerstones of the event: an often light wind cruise or heavier race day inevitably leads to post-race beverages and lively conversation to be followed by a casual dinner, prizegiving ceremony and entertainment on shore. Yachts include those which regularly compete in Asian regattas and family liveaboards. Low on breakages, low on protests and sometimes low on wind (!) yet always high on enjoyment, the nature of the Regatta speaks for many.”
 
For more information, visit the Ao Chalong Yacht Club website: www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta.htm.

Phuket’s historical downtown district will come alive in celebration of the island’s history and culture in the Old Town Festival from January 28-30.
 
The opening parade starts at 4pm on the 28th at Khanit Hongyok Rd. All the main Old Town streets including Thalang Rd, Soi Romanee, Phang Nga Rd, Dibuk Rd and Krabi Rd will feature music and dance shows, art exhibitions and loads of local food and drink for sale.
 
The festival closes with a candle ceremony at 8pm on January 30.

Phuket’s status as an international island gives it the chance to honour the special days of not only Thailand but many countries beyond. With Australians representing a large proportion of expat residents and visitors, many local businesses will be bearing the Aussie flag, firing up the barbie and marking Australia Day on January 26 with fun and festive activities -- and cold stubbies, of course!
 
Among the local Phuket places marking the event with drink and food promotions are Lilly’s Bar, Bondi Beach Bar, the Irish Times Pub, the Aussie Bar, and the Expat Sports Bar, all in Patong. Lady Pie restaurant in Cherng Talay is also celebrating the event by serving Aussie Pie with mash & peas + lammington + beer for 230 baht starting at 6pm, plus a screening of the Australian film ‘Red Dog’ at 6.30pm.
 
Check the events calendar of The Phuket News for further details: www.thephuketnews.com.

Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most famous Buddhist temple, is a hive of activity this week as its annual temple fair gets underway. The fair takes place in tandem to the Chinese New Year’s celebrations around Phuket. Expect to see row upon row of tasty Thai snacks for sale, as well as an assortment of vendors selling everything from football T-shirts to exotic herbs. Plants and flowers are always a big draw, with many colourful species on display and sold at great prices.
 
Throngs of devotees will line up day and night to make merit at the main hall of worship, and set off hundreds of firecrackers to alert and honour the gods. Live music and traditional dance shows are performed each night during the nine-day event. For kids there are several amusement park rides and games to enjoy. It’s loud, brash and crowded, but the Wat Chalong fair gives visitors a great insight into local festival culture. Best to go after dark when the fairgrounds are a bit cooler, though busier.

A recent survey of sailors has revealed that Thailand reigns as the favourite sailing venue and best regatta location in Asia. Top of the Gulf Regatta in co-operation with the Phuket King's Cup Regatta conducted the survey with regatta sailors to find out sailing trends in the region, provide useful information in helping to attract more sailors to the region, and to improve facilities and services in the region.
 
Thailand was voted as having the best sailing grounds and destinations due to an ideal geography, good weather conditions and beautiful scenery. The survey found that Thailand is the most popular sailing destination in Asia for international sailors, with many returning numerous times to enjoy the cruising grounds and sailing events Thailand has to offer.

More couples from India are planning a Phuket wedding, for 2012 says the Tourism Authority of Thailand. During a meeting with the family of one Indian family set to put on a lavish wedding in Phuket with more than 200 guests next month, TAT Phuket office Director Bangornrat Shinaprayoon said that at least 10 Indian couples are looking to plan a wedding in Phuket this year.
 
Thailand has set its sights on attracting new visitors from India with a new opening of a TAT office in Mumbai last year. The Indian wedding market is seen as particularly attractive, since they often involve large gatherings with no expenses spared. (Source: The Phuket News)

Starting this Thursday, Canal Village at Laguna Phuket in Bangtao will put on a a traditional Thai flea market each Thursday from 3pm to 8pm. The market will have more than 50 stalls selling a variety of local arts and crafts, garments, souvenirs, snacks and refreshments. Free entrance to all.
 
Every vendor is registered under the government-led ‘One Tambon One Product’ programme, which encourages local villagers to earn livelihoods through traditional arts and crafts. The market also features Thai music and entertainment by local children.

Phuket’s usually known for its sun, sand and sea, but it can now add ‘show’ to its range of attractions. The highly successful Bangkok based Siam Niramit show has just opened a fabulous new theatre just outside of Phuket City, offering a unique performance that blends high-tech stage production with age-old legends of Thailand. The show aims to bring in a big audience, featuring a state-of-the art theatre with a capacity for 1,740 guests and more than 100 performers wearing elaborate costumes.
 
The Siam Niramit Phuket show is performed every day except Tuesday. For more details visit siamniramit.com.