If you're thinking about a trip to Phuket then you're probably wondering when the best time to visit the island is. It all comes down to what you're after. Depending on when you choose to visit Phuket, you could end up battling it out with the locals in a water fight, sitting alone on a secluded beach or caught in the middle of the yearly torture fest.

By far the most exciting time to visit Phuket is during Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. What was once a traditional gesture of pouring a little water on one another has morphed into the world's most intense water fight. It goes on all over Thailand and the islanders in Phuket give it all they've got.

If you don't like getting wet, don't even bother going outside. Songkran takes place April 13 to 15, with April 15 being the big day for the water fight. It's crazy. People line the streets all round the island, armed with water guns, buckets and hose pipes. Some people ride around in the backs of pickup trucks usually with a barrel or two full of water. Patong is where the action is wildest and the madness goes on well into the night. Everyone plays: locals, foreigners, men, women, young, old. It has to be seen to be believed.

For something totally out there, you have to check out the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. It's like nothing else you will ever experience. Entranced men and women (maa song) are said to feel no pain as they walk around the streets with their cheeks pierced with needles, knives, spears and all kinds of interesting objects. If you're squeamish, give this one a miss. The festival happens every year in October.

The festival is also a great time to go veggie and you'll find that most of the local restaurants strike meat from the menu. Get yourself a map and travel to the Chinese temples to see ceremonies and other curiosities. On the last day, head to Saphan Hin, where the festival climaxes with people lining the streets and throwing firecrackers into the road as the maa song walk the final procession through Phuket Town.

Chinese New Year is also a fun time to visit Phuket, especially if you're a fan of Chinese food. The festival isn't quite as bright and glitzy as in Bangkok, but it's still worth seeing if you happen to be in the area. It takes place in February.

New Year's Eve in Phuket is best enjoyed in Patong. Everyone heads down to the beach before midnight to watch the magnificent fireworks display. Street sellers always have a variety of fireworks on offer, although due to most people being drunk, these often end up shooting into crowds of bemused onlookers, so watch out.

Of course, if you just want a quiet holiday, the best time to visit Phuket is from May to October during low season when visitor numbers are way down but the island is still just as beautiful.

Any time is a good time to visit Phuket as far as this author is concerned. But before you go, be sure to get all your Phuket travel information from Phuket Vogue, which has Phuket restaurant listings http://phuketvogue.com/phuket-restaurants/, nightlife reviews and a Phuket blog.