Chinese New Year will give some good photo opportunities ...

It's usually a good event... worth taking a camera along...

Lanterns starting to be put up... Maenam Samui.

When is Chinese new year this year?

Not many Chinese where I am just now though Was in China for it last year and soon got fed up of day after day of fireworks

@Draggons... The Chinese had fled CM, but seem to be coming back this week. CNY is January 31..and it will be the year of the horse.

@Draggons... The Chinese had fled CM, but seem to be coming back this week. CNY is January 31..and it will be the year of the horse.

Neigh chance of being home for it this year........... .

@Draggons... The Chinese had fled CM, but seem to be coming back this week. CNY is January 31..and it will be the year of the horse.

Neigh chance of being home for it this year........... .

No need for such a long face.... There's always next year

@Draggons... The Chinese had fled CM, but seem to be coming back this week. CNY is January 31..and it will be the year of the horse.

Neigh chance of being home for it this year........... .

No need for such a long face.... There's always next year

He had an accident with a pair of chopsticks last time. He was in intensive care for a while, although in a stable condition.

It's going to be the year of the horse, so if your wife starts nagging you'll know why!

So what year are you? Watch out I am a tiger!

oh darn I had a chart but it does not work for posting here...

You'll need to look here! http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0002076.html

Watch out for those chop sticks MJP they are particularly bad in London ..... and I guess Draggons is picking out his best dragon suit!.... red, yellow or pink this year ?

And yes there is a lot of banging going on!

Should be a good photo opportunity.... seems ours near me will be tomorrow evening in Maenam, Samui... (January 31)

Get on your horse and check out what's going on in your area.... !

The entrance to CM's 'Chinatown' decorated for the New Year

I know it's lopsided... I wouldn't have lasted 3 seconds if I'd stood in the right spot.... (CM traffic )

We missed most of the dragon bittie, just caught the tail end, so to speak.

Aye, well.... I've seen many a Hogmanay in a similar state, and been carried hame blootered...

Cleaning the temple in preparation for Chinese New Year at Wat Boromracha:

S1293344 by pattayadays.com, on Flickr

These are from last years festival. Hopefully will get some more tomorrow.

Few more images http://oilinki.com/blog/chinese-new-year-2013-phuket

oh my ears are still ringing! Maenam Samui...