Wednesday 31 October 2012

Goodbye to October 2012

Time to say goodbye to October 2012!

It has been a good month for the weather this October version of the year 2012. Plenty of sunny days and right now, at the end of the month it's warm, sunny and dry.

There were some occasional showers and we had a freak storm pass by late in the month but overall it was a good month and much better than average and most certainly not a mixed bag, weather wise.

Guan Yu, Hua Thanon deity head

The main deity's head overlooking the Guan Yu shrine in Hua Thanon

It's been a busy month for me with a visit to the Alambic rum distillery in Ban Thale and a much more emotionally laden visit to the government hospital in Surat Thani town where my mother in law stayed for just over two weeks and underwent surgery for cancer.
She's actually back home right now and we're waiting for word from the doctor to see what the updated situation is.

For work it has been really busy with an IDC on Koh Samui early on this month and yesterday I finished an IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia. Next week I will be home again for about 10 days before I take off once more, this time to the Philippines for an IDC on Malapascua.

bring on November and it's monsoon but let's cross our fingers that we won't get washed away by rain this year!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31st October, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is finishing October off with what looks like another lovely and sunny day. Current temp at 7am is 26C

On Gili Air in Indonesia the good weather patch also keeps continuing, another blue sky welcomed us this morning. Current temp at 8am local time is 29C
Yesterday shortly after noon and between 2pm we had some dark clouds again and about 3 drops of rain came down and then it all passed again. It's brewing!

The PADI IDC here has now been completed and tomorrow the exams start! Today is a day off and I would've gone diving if it wouldn't have been fro some ear problems!

Gili Air, Indonesia full moon

Gili Air, Indonesia full moon last night

Yesterday saw a lovely and warm day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 31C

The forecast is looking good for the next 7 days, come Tuesday next week we may get some more overcast though but besides an occasional tropical shower, the monsoon still seems to be far away. Enjoy while it lasts!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th October, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui wakes up under a nice blue sky this morning with  current temp at 7am of 26.2C

On Gili Air in Indonesia the good weather continues and another sunny day is in the making. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C
It's still steaming hot during the daytime but yesterday around 2pm dark clouds with thunder gathered but it all went pass without a drop. Soon the rainy season should start here though!
The current PADI IDC should finish later today, keep an eye out for an update on my dive blog.

Gili Air, Indonesia blenny

This small blenny fish says hello during last night's night dive on Gili Air's 

Yesterday Samui had a lovely, warm and dry day. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast is still looking good until mid next week. Mild and mainly sunny weather.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Monday 29 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th October, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is laying back and relaxing in a late October sun! Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

On Gili Air in Indonesia the sun also keeps rocking on. We have another cloudless sky over the island although on a regular base we can see the rain clouds over on Lombok. The last couple of days it's been very hot during the day with now wind to speak of anymore. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C

Gili Air, Indonesia graffiti

Part of the 21st century hitting Gili Air; graffiti on the island, somebody left his tag!

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 30.3C

The forecast is still looking for the next 7 days. Plenty of sunshine and possibly an occasional tropical showers. How's that for the end of October!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Sunday 28 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th October, 2012

Today's weather;

The sun is out and about around Koh Samui although there are some clouds as well. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C

On Gili Air in Indonesia another sunny day is in the making with blue skies ahead of us. The wind has dropped completely and the temperatures have gone up instead. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C

Gili Air, sailing ship

A sailing ship anchoring in front of Gili Air's beach

Yesterday saw a sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 30.6C

The forecast shows sunny days ahead of us with some tropical showers possibly just before next weekend.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Saturday 27 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th October, 2012

Today's weather;

The sun is out and about on Koh Samui again this morning and the bad patch of weather seems to be behind us for a while again. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

On Gili Air in Indonesia the weather remains stable and we have once more a cloudless, windless and sunny sky with a current temp at 8am (local time) of 28C
Some hard needed rain seems to be on it's way soon though!

Family compound on Gili Air, Indonesia

A family compound on Gili Air in Indonesia

Yesterday saw the return of the sun around Samui island and it was a nice day. Max temp reached 30.5C
Diving around Samui waters is also very good at the moment with various whale shark sightings recently and the by now resident bull sharks at Sail Rock making for very memorable dives.

The forecast for the next 7 days looks good, plenty of sunshine and no wind to speak of. Enjoy it while it lasts and the rainy season will come knocking on Samui's door.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Friday 26 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th October, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is starting out nice and sunny this morning. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's sunny just like every other day since I arrive here a week ago. Yesterday was cloudy at times but the sun peeked through on plenty of occasions. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C

Today is a Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha, so Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends or Selamat Lebaran as they say in Indonesia.

The PADI IDC on Gili Air with PADI 5* IDC Center Oceans 5 has reached the half way mark!

Gili Air in Indonesia, the main road, leading to the harbor

The main road on Gili Air, which runs in the middle of the island from the harbor in the South to the North end

Yesterday saw a sunny morning and afternoon but rain in-between, around midday and the early afternoon around Samui. Max temp reached 30.1C

The forecast for the next 7 days is looking bright and sunny!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Thursday 25 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th October, 2012

Today's weather;

The worst seems to over for Koh Samui and after yesterday's torrential rainfall the sun is peaking through again this morning and there are just a few clouds at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

On Gili Air in Indonesia we had an early morning cloud layer which is now being taken apart methodically by the sun! Current temp at 8am local time is 27C. Apparently the strong afternoon and evening winds should be subsiding.

Chaweng Beach in stormy weather

Chaweng beach yesterday, in front of the Centara Grand Beach resort, photo taken by my good friend Matchima Kunkaew

Yesterday it still rained but not as much as the day before around Samui. Max temp reached 28.4C

The forecast predicts a little bit of rain this morning for Samui and as of tomorrow things start to clear up and especially after the weekend the weather looks splendid again with sunny skies.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's raining cats and dogs right now on Koh Samui and it was like this almost all night long as well. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's another sunny day in the making. Current temp is 27C


Sunset yesterday on Gili Air

Yesterday saw a little bit of rain during the daytime around Koh Samui but strong rain almost all night long. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast is showing rain for today and tomorrow but after that it should be dry again and possibly with some sunshine. 

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd October, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui had a weather change, it's cloudy again but dry at the moment but it looks like rain will be on later today. There was loads of rain last night already. Current temp at 7am is a chilling 24.8C

On the other hand, Gili Air is beaming under sun rays, once more! Current temp here is 27C
The PADI IDC here is in full swing!

Gili Air, Oceans 5

PADI 5* IDC Center Oceans 5 on Gili Air in Indonesia, home away from home!

Yesterday saw a dry start of the day on Koh Samui but the afternoon, evening and night saw plenty of rain. Max temp reached 30.6C

The forecast predicts plenty of rain this afternoon and during the night, spilling over to Thursday. After that we might get a sunny weekend and a cloudy start of the new week.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Monday 22 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd October, 2012

Today's weather;

At last, back online and hopefully with daily, uninterrupted updates again. It just shows how much we depend on technology.

Koh Samui is fairly cloudy this morning although the sun is peeking through. Current temp at 7am is 26C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's splendid again, a blue sky welcomed us this morning and the current temp at 8am local time here is 27C

Gili Air, Indonesia

The first ferry leaving for Lombok this morning

Yesterday saw a little bit of rain during the afternoon but before and after there was sunshine. Max temp reached 30.6C

The forecast looks good for the next 7 days although there's this weird, freak like storm that's supposed to hit Samui for a few hours during the afternoon and evening. Wednesday still shows some wind but after that it's supposed to be nice again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Sunday 21 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st October, 2012

Here's a quick update to let you know that all is good and I'm back online. I arrived safely two days ago on Gili Air in Indonesia but since i arrived the internet was down until late this afternoon when it came back on again, slowly.

I've been busy in the meantime with a PADI IDC an diving and didn't have time to update until this late time today.

The weather is great here! Warm an sunny although there's a very strong wind this evening. We're at the start of the rainy season though and rain could be ours anytime. Current temp at 10pm is 26C

Gili Air harbor,

Gili Air harbor yesterday morning

Yesterday was also nice, sunny and warm. Unfortunately I haven't had contact with home on Koh Samui yet! It looked nice and sunny tough today with a current temp at 7pm of 28C and yesterday saw a max temp of 30.8C

The forecast predicts kind of a freak storm Tuesday afternoon and evening around Samui with plenty of rain but straight after that it should be nice and dry again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Friday 19 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Kuala Lumpur airport. Current temp is around 25C. I'm on my way to Lombok in Indonesia


My hotel last night in-between the Kuala Lumpur airport terminals

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Thursday 18 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy this morning around Koh Samui and the sun came out sporadically but it looks like a loosing battle for the sun today, so far. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

Later today I'll be off to Gili Air in Indonesia for the last PADI IDC there this year. New for me will be the stop over in Kuala Lumpur (well, the airport is 50 km outside of the city!), one night on the way out and one night on the way back home.

North Chaweng Beach


Yesterday saw a sunny day and it was warm again with a max temp of 30.6C

The forecast is changing slightly, with lots of rain predicted for today, a couple of showers until next Wednesday when the wind is supposed to pick up again.

It also seems that the bi-yearly wind change has taken place a few days ago. Now the wind blows in on the Chaweng and Lamai side of the island again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th October, 2012

Today's weather;

Today we see more of a haze than overcast around Koh Samui and the sun is working hard to break through. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Leelawadee

Leelawadee flower in our garden, also known as frangipani or plumeria

Yesterday saw overcast all day long with the sun trying to break through during the afternoon. It was strong enough to get the UV beams a chance to tan you in case you were near the water. Max temp reached 29.2C
It looks like it may have rained last night.

The forecast shows hardly any rain over the next 7 days but the question will be how much sunshine we will get!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Food on Wheels; Som tam or papaya salad on foot

Yes, this edition of Food on Wheels is hardcore, no wheels today but on foot. The real deal!
These ladies are a common views around Thailand but especially on the beaches. The lady in this picture is a som tam or papaya salad seller, one of Thailand's all time favorite food items, which comes in many variations!

Som tam on foot, Chaweng beach

Dressed for a day on the beach and in the sun, with the carry on chair in case she needs to sit down for making som tam

The whole country eats som tam and especially the 'som tam isaan' style with pla ra (fermented fish) is special and not easy to stomach for a Westerner.

Som tam on foot with a buyer, Chaweng beach

A typical scene where a customer doesn't even get off his bike and buys 'on the go'
Just imagine how heavy this load is and she carries this for hours and kilometers on an end!

During my early years on Samui, I used to work a lot at what is now called the Centara Grand Beach resort in Chaweng and in those days I ate plenty of som tam's with sticky rice and some barbecued chicken or pork. The front 'hanger' has a bucket with glowing coal and is used to BBQ meat and sticky rice (try it)!

Som tam on foot with a buyer, Chaweng beach

Of to new, hungry customers, which should be really soon!

If you see these ladies walking around, stop them and ask for som tam Thai and just point at the meat you would like to eat and they will serve up a treat for just a few baht! Enjoy!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th October, 2012

Today's weather;

Overcast is the hovering over Koh Samui this morning although the sun sometimes very weakly shines through. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Chaweng future Central Festival

The site of the future Central Festival in Chaweng is undergoing some drastic changes

Yesterday saw plenty of rain during the morning but shortly before noon the rain stopped. It remained cloudy but dry for the rest of the day. Max temp reached 29.2C

The forecast is still looking good, mostly dry with some rain over the weekend.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Monday 15 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th October, 2012

Today's weather;

This morning it's cloudy and wet around Koh Samui, it's raining  right now. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Sunset over Koh Samui

Sunset yesterday

Yesterday saw another sunny day and once more it was warm. Max temp reached 32.1C

The forecast remains good, only some rain predicted over the weekend.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Sunday 14 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th October, 2012

Today's weather;

This morning sees a light cloud cover over Koh Samui although I would expect the sun to burn it's way through later during the day. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Today is also the start of the Samui International Jazz festival!

Chaweng, future Central Festival

Two days I showed a picture of the new Central Plaza in Surat Thani, well, this is the site in Chaweng where in about two years time a new Central Festival is supposed to be

Yesterday saw mainly sunshine all day long with some cloud cover drifting over shortly after noon for a short while. Max temp reached 30.8C

The forecast for the next 7 days still looks great, more sunshine with maybe some rain over next weekend.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Saturday 13 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th October, 2012

Today's weather;

The fine October weather continues with near perfect blue skies around Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Guan Yu shrine Hua Thanon

The ceiling inside the new Guan Yu Shrine in Hua Thanon

Yesterday saw a lovely blue sky all day long around the island and it was warm. Max temp reached 31.2C    

The forecast predicts great weather for the next 7 days but be aware that there may be some rain come Friday.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Friday 12 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's nice and sunny on Koh Samui this morning with a current temp at 7am of 25.2C

In Surat Thani it's cloudy with a few blue spots. Current temp here is 24.2C

This morning I will return to Koh Samui with the children. My Mother in law is in the ICU after yesterday's operation and the family will try to move her back to Koh Samui at the earliest possibility.

Central Plaza in Surat Thani

Yesterday saw the 'Grand opening' of Central Plaza, a big shopping mall, in Surat Thani. It took me one hour to get there by car but it was jam packed full, cars parking everywhere, even on the high way, so I decided to turn around. It took me 5 minutes to cover the few kilometers back to the hotel!

Yesterday was nice around Koh Samui with a max temp of 30.7C

Surat Thani was nice and sunny all day long but clouds showed up in the evening and the roar of thunder could be heard and during the night it rained. Max temp reached 33.6C

The forecast for the next 7 days around Samui island are immaculate, blue skies and plenty of sunshine are predicted.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Thursday 11 October 2012

Government Hospital Surat Thani town

It's the second time I visit this hospital in Surat Thani town and on both occasions it was not so good occasions. The first time involved a visit to a friend who was waiting for repatriation back to the UK after what turned out to be, in the long run, a fatal motorbike accident on Koh Samui. This was a few years back, many 10 years or a little bit more.

Government Hospital Surat Thani

Government Hospital Surat Thani town, main entrance

This time around it was to wait and see the result of an operation on my Mother in law. Unfortunately the result was not good and we hope she will recover soon enough and that she will be strong enough to make the trip back to Koh Samui as soon as possible.

The hospital is one of the bigger ones in the South of Thailand and apparently even attracts patients not alone from the more direct surroundings including Koh Samui, but also from as far away as Phuket, Trang and similar big(ish) Southern Thai cities.

I will try to write a post on life and conditions inside this hospital, something that is has hard to fathom as a Westerner.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th October, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is partly cloudy with a current temp of 25.7C

In Surat Thani it's mainly cloudy with a few blue spots and the current temp here is 24.4C

Main road through Surat Thani town

The main road through Surat Thani town, near the government hospital

Yesterday saw a lovely and sunny day around Samui with a max temp of 30.6C

Surat Thani was sunny as well but during the night it rained a lot. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast for Samui looks splendid for the next 7 days, maybe some rain this morning but after that it's supposed to be straight blue and sunny skies.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's a mixed bag this morning, when I woke up there were grey clouds on one side and blue skies with a few clouds in it on the other side. Now it's mainly blue skies with a few clouds near the ocean and clouds inland. It rained last night since this morning everything was wet, the road and the plants (yeah!). Current temp is 25.5C

Later today I will head off to Surat Thani for a few days to visit my wife and her family who are looking after my Mum in law in hospital. She's diagnosed with cancer and will undergo an operation  tomorrow.

Sunset

Sunset over our little corner of Koh Samui, two days ago

Yesterday was a a hot day with some cloud formations towards the end of the day and some rain during the night. Max temp reached 31.1C

The forecast for the next 7 days looks splendid!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's a similar look to yesterday morning around Koh Samui, cloudy but with a few blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

Chaweng beach

View over the Chaweng Beach bay, taken from North Chaweng about a week ago

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy day but there was only a strong but short shower around 8pm although it may have rained a bit during the night. Max temp reached 32.5C

Until the 16th October the forecast is looking great, mainly blue skies ahead of us.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Monday 8 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th October, 2012

Today's weather;

There's overcast around Koh Samui but spiced up with blue spots and the sun peaks through occasionally. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Ban Rak Bay

Early morning sun reflection in Bang Rak Bay

Yesterday saw overcast all day long around the island with about an hours worth of rain in our little corner of the island around 2pm. Max temp reached 29.5C

The forecast is looking nice for this week, maybe there's some rain later today but as of tomorrow it should be back to blue skies and sunshine.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Sunday 7 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th October, 2012

Today's weather;

There's a slightly thicker cloud cover in Samui's skies this morning, compared to yesterday and the wind is still blowing fairly strong but it's still dry! Current temp at 7am is 27C

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng beach yesterday just before the underwater clean up

Yesterday saw overcast all day long with a fair bit of wind but it stayed dry. Max temp reached 30.5C

Strong wind and some rain are predicted today and tomorrow but until next weekend it should be nice and fairly sunny.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Saturday 6 October 2012

Magic Alambic Rum Distillery in Ban Thale

In Ban Thale, in the deep Southern parts of the island, you can find the only Rum distillery in Thailand. It's a family business established in 2003 by the French couple Michel and Elisa Gabrel.

Rum distillery Koh Samui

The assortment

The location is superb, in the quiet South of the island, surrounded by big gardens, a little bar is tucked away in lots of green and if you like the area, you can rent a bungalow as well on the premises.

Rum distillery Koh Samui

The sugar cane juice extractor machine

The process of making the rum is interesting, first juice is distracted from sugar cane, after which the juice is fermented without either yeast or molasses. Once the fermentation process is completed, the fermented juice is distilled in a special alembic, which is made specifically for this in France.
Now the soon to be rum is placed for at least 6 months in a stainless steel vat to refine it's taste and is then bottled at a strength of 40 degrees, according to Thai regulations.
The rum is bottled on the premises and for their rum agricoles, available in pineapple, coconut, lemon, orange or natural taste no colorants or fruit essences are being used.
The distilling is done just once a year only and finally they now have also a 6 year old rum!

Rum distillery Koh Samui

Distillation

There are two kinds of rum, rum agricole, which is obtained by distilling fresh, fermented cane juice (the 'vesou')while industrial rum (molasses rum) describes the alcohol resulting from distillery of molasses, a residue of non-crystalizing sugars left over from sugar production.
In Ban Thale they make the rum agricole or properly know as rhum agricole.

However, because the distillery is on Thai soil, the labels have to be in Thai according to Thai law. At the same time, it's forbidden for the labels to mention the phrase 'rhum agricole', only 'white alcohol' is permitted.
Labels are unfortunately not allowed in French or English but thanks to the symbols on the bottles you will be able to recognize the flavors f your rum; pineapple, coconut, lemon, orange or naturel.

Rum distillery Koh Samui

Made in France

Many Thai people from Bangkok come and visit the distillery and even former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has visited. Also many Western tourists come and visit, from France, Russia, the UK etc are all on the menu.

Rum distillery Koh Samui

Tasting is available

This is a great and high quality souvenir from Koh Samui and it's also unique around Thailand! Before you buy anything you can taste the different rums available and make your choice and if your lucky the very charming and entertaining Elisa, one of the two owners, will help you out. It's a very international operation, with Elisa having a mixed Vietnamese and Martinique background and being raised in France and her husband Michel being French.

Rum distillery Koh Samui

The way to the bar

As already mentioned, the location is beautiful and the bar where you can taste and buy the various bottles, is located in-between a nice green area. The whole premises are lush and quiet and invite to a relaxed tasting session. Just be careful that you don't taste too much if you need get home by bike or car! It's tempting!

Rum distillery Koh Samui

The lovely Elisa

Plan a visit to the distillery into your next visit to enjoy the calm surroundings, have a taste and buy yourself a nice present in the form of a bottle of Rum, distilled and bottled on Koh Samui! It's highly recommendable.

More information can be found on the distillery's own website.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th October, 2012

Today's weather;

The wind has picked up a bit this morning and it's mainly overcast. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Around 9am some  Koh Samui dive professionals will start an underwater clean at Chaweng Beach in front of Al's resort. We hope to be done by noon. Feel free to come and a have a look if you're in the neighborhood. Photos and a story will be available at my dive blog, later today.

Chaweng beach

Fisherman's boat at Chaweng beach

Yesterday was another beautiful and sunny day around the island. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast shows some more wind until Monday with a likelihood of a couple of showers, come Tuesday it should be sunny skies again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Friday 5 October 2012

Samui triathlon, 21st April 2013

We're a bit early to report on this but the next Samui Triathlon will start 21st April, 2013!

This years edition, the first one, was well attended with around 200 participants and hopefully next year will see even more people come to participate. It's a serious event though and not for the weak hearted. The official competition goes over a 4km swim, 122.65km cycle race and a 30km run.
Better start training  now!

Samui triathlon 2012

Last years winner of the Samui triathlon 2012; David Dellow from Australia, 4km swim, 122.65 cycle ride and 30km run in 6:11'54. Hat's off, respect!

The event is well organised, I remember earlier this year when we got back from the mainland and all over the place signs were set up for the cycle race.

Samui triathlon 2012

Last years start of the swim

Besides the official race, there's a also a duathlon short distance competition, this involves a 10km run followed by a 44.5km cycle ride and another 5km run. This sounds more like down my avenue, I only need a bicycle now and time to train and be on the island when race day comes!

Registration is open and closes 15th April 2013, have a look here for the triathlon or here for the duathlon.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th October, 2012

Today's weather;

The weather during this first October week has been outstanding around Koh Samui and today is no different. Once more lovely blue skies are ours with an occasional lonely cloud drifting along. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Tomorrow there will be an underwater clean up on Chaweng Beach around 9am, in front of Al's Resort.

South Chaweng Beach

North Chaweng Beach, if you look carefully, 5 fish are drying and the bottle of sauce is at hand!

Yesterday saw a very sunny and hot day with a max temp of 34C

The forecast for the next 7 days is looking good although the chance of an occasional shower may have gone up a bit.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Thursday 4 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th October, 2012

Today's weather;

A blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui, promising another warm day ahead of us. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem, the main building, always good to take pictures of

Yesterday saw a very warm day around the island with blue skies all day long. Max temp reached 33.8C

The forecast eased down again and it looks like plenty of blue sunshine ahead of us for the next 7 days, although an occasional tropical showers can never be ruled out.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Wednesday 3 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 3rd October, 2012

Today's weather;

Blue skies are dominating this morning over Koh Samui with an occasional cloud gliding by. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Cutting a tree

About a week ago, cutting down our neighbors tree with a chainsaw in the tree, about 10 meters above the ground

Yesterday saw a nice and cry day. The sun was out most of the day but it's not getting that very hot anymore. Max temp reached nonetheless 31.3C

The forecast shows slightly stronger wind this Friday and Saturday with possibly some rain, besides  that it should be nice and mainly sunny for the next 7 days.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Welcome to October 2012

Hello October 2012. May you be as good as the last 4 years, when we had two excellent versions and two fairly common 'mixed bags' versions of October. Only my first registered October in 2007 was not a good October for weather around the island.

View from the hills behind Plai Laem

View from the hills behind Plai Laem

Typical weather for this month is a fair enough amount of sunshine laced with rain. Ideally rain during the evenings and not day long showers but more the tropical variation, one or two hours rain and then the sun breaks through again!

Around the 20th of this month I will leave once more for Indonesia and will keep you updated from there!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 2nd October, 2012

Today's weather;

It's partly clouded over Koh Samui with a few blue spots at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 25.8C

Namuang waterfall

A sacred tree near Namuang waterfall

Yesterday saw sunny, blue skies in the morning but in the afternoon clouds moved in and the sun got blocked out. It stayed dry though. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast for the next 7 days predicts that the wind is still around but the rain seems to have been pushed on the back burner.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Monday 1 October 2012

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 1st October, 2012

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky with a bright sun is beaming over Koh Samui this morning with a fair wind. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Fading full moon over Koh Samui

Fading full moon over Koh Samui

Yesterday saw a nice day, dry, windy and few bits and pieces of sunshine. Max temp reached 31.6C

The forecast predicts the wind keeping up over next week with occasionally a shower.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille