Saturday, 31 August 2013

Goodbye to August 2013

It's been a nice month, because I got to see my sister again after an almost 3 year pause. This did mean however that I lost out on work, a bit of a trade off and need to find a balance!

The weather was not so great during the first two weeks of August, with at times strong wind and plenty of rain. The second part of the month was excellent, blue skies, hot days and an occasional tropical shower to cool things down again.
All in all maybe not as good as other years but still nice enough.

Flowers along the road

Flowers along the road between Fisherman's Village and Bang Rak

With my sister in town, many good dinners were had, eventually with a party of 17, we ended up eating excellent food at Juzza Pizza, Sabeing Lae 2 in Chaweng, Dcheed 2, Fuji for a Japanese fix and Krua Bang Po. Good food, good times and good service were had!

Due to my knee injury, which I picked up during the Koh Phangan marathon in July there are no race reports but I'm slowly starting to train again. Hopefully I will be back to my running routines shortly!

Nest month will see me on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao for  respectively a PADI IDC and PADI IE. This means that business is slowly picking up 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31st August, 2103

Today's weather;

The sun is heating up over Koh Samui and the last remains of a thin cloud layer are being vaporized. It looks like we're going to have a sunny and warm day today. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Later this afternoon I will head to Koh Phangan where I will start a PADI IDC tomorrow.

Here's a nice article on the up can coming Latin and Jazz week, at the end of next month on Samui.

Wat Plai Laem, sermon hall

The new sermon hall at Wat Plai Laem is making good progress, compare to March of this year here

Yesterday saw sunshine mixed with clouds but it was still warm. Somewhere around the island there was a tropical shower, like this time of the year has on offer! Max temp reached 32.8C

The forecast for the next 7 days is looking good, hardly any wind or breeze and plenty of sun to come with the occasional tropical shower always being an option.

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!

Friday, 30 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th August, 2013

Today's weather;

A thin cloud layer is covering up the recent blue morning skies around Koh Samui. I'm not surprised if it stays cloudy today. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Accident Koh Samui

One of the nightmare scenarios in Thailand and on this island, cars overtaking in front of a curve. This picture was taken this week and both cars looked like they had some serious damage. In accidents like this there's not much you can do to avoid it, unfortunately the average Thai drivers driving skills are not very good and dangerous actions are daily cost here. Sadly Samui has a high mortal road accident rate each year, mostly by motorbike accidents

Yesterday saw a nice start of the day but around noon some clouds moved in and it was a partly clouded sky for the remainder of the day. Max temp reached 32.9C

The forecast predicts a couple of lovely days with no wind and fairly 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

Thursday, 29 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th August, 2013

Today's weather;

Another blue sky is shaping up this morning over Koh Samui. It's going to be hot! Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

Big Buddha

Big Buddha during sunset yesterday

Yesterday was a very hot day with plenty of blue skies and some clouds during the afternoon. My sister and her family and friends have left the island again, so now it's back to daily life. Max temp reached 34.3C

The forecast still looks very good! Blue skies and hardly any wind or breeze. Get ready for a hot 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

Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th August, 2013

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui and better get ready for another hot day! Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Wat Plai Laem

One of the Wat Plai Laem buildings against a beautiful sky

Yesterday saw once more a very sunny and hot day with a max temp of 33.7C

The forecast looks splendid, plenty of blue skies to come for the next 7 days, although a tropical shower is still an option on some days. Always comes in handy to cool things down 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

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Food on Wheels; A trip down memory lane

Today it's time again for a trip down memory lane in this month' post in the 'Food on Wheels' series.

Donald Duck ice cream

Donald Duck ice cream in the early 1960-tees

The first picture that caught my attention was the one showed above, it originates from 1963 and shows a bunch of small pictures of kids eating Donald Duck themed ice cream, but the picture on the right shows a tricycle with an ice cream box with Donald's face on it.


Koh Lanta 2013


The picture above shows an old style ice cart still used today. Tyhe design probably hasn't changed much over the last 30 or 40 years.

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; 27th August, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is looking hazy this morning and once the sun heats up, I expect most of the haze to disappear and make room for a gorgeous blue sky and a hot day. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Wat Plai Laem

The big Buddha statue at Wat Plai Laem

Yesterday was nice and sunny all day long. Max temp reached 34.5C

The forecast looks splendid! Better get ready for some blue skies and hot days during 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

Monday, 26 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th August, 2013

Today's weather;

It looks like a nice blue sky with a few clouds, just like today's picture, is in the making around Koh Samui and it may get warm. Current temp at 7am is around 26.5C

The last couple of days we went out for dinner with my sister and her family and some of her friends families as well and yesterday we all went to Juzza Pizza in Fishermans Village. A nice setting and good food!

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem yesterday afternoon

Yesterday saw a beautiful day with a blue sky that was spotted with some clouds. Except that around 3.30pm very dark clouds moved in over Chaweng and a perfect sample of a tropical shower unleashed. Plai Laem on the other hand, where we live, stayed dry all day long. Max temp reached around 33.5C

The forecast predicts at last some easing up in the breeze and wind for the next 7 days and we should get blue and sunny skies with the chances of tropical showers reduced drastically, for the time being. 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

Sunday, 25 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th August, 2013

Today's weather;

The blue is back in the sky above Koh Samui, although there are some clouds in the sky as well. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Yesterday we had dinner at the Sabeing Lae restaurant in Chaweng, it was lovely, Thai food at it's finest, but I'm eating too much the last week or so and am gaining unwanted kilos!

Chaweng Beach August 2013

Chaweng Beach yesterday, just before a tropical shower hit

Yesterday saw the sun coming back again, although it was a mixed bag during the day, with sometimes blue skies and sometimes dark, threatening rain clouds and one short, tropical shower. Max temp reached 32.3C

The forecast shows the breeze going down a bit until mid week when it picks up a little bit again. More sunshine and still an occasional tropical shower to come.

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, 24 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th August, 2013

Today's weather;

It's cloudy again around Koh Samui this morning although there's some more chance on blue skies, I would hope. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Yesterday it was dinner at at the Korean BBQ restaurant Arirang in Choengmon. It's low season for Korean tourists, so you almost have the place to yourselves at the moment!

Tradewinds, Chaweng Beach, 1982

Tradewinds, one of the very first resorts on Chaweng Beach. This picture is from around 1982, those were the days! Thanks to Joe for the picture!

Yesterday saw a dry day, besides some very isolated drops when I picked up our children from school in the afternoon. It was mainly cloudy with short bursts of sunshine. Max temp reached 32.5C

The forecast predicts a nice breeze over the island and fairly cloudy skies with blue spots coming in at regular times. An occasional tropical shower may still be in the cards as well.

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, 23 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd August, 2013

Today's weather;

It's rather cloudy this morning around Koh Samui with not too much wind but grayish. Current temp at 7am is 27C

A nice dinner was had at the Shack in Fisherman's Village last night.

Kirikayan Resort, Chaweng


Yesterday was cloudy all day long but dry in our neck of the island, however, some parts around the island had a tropical shower or two. Max temp reached 33.8C

The forecast is now back to wind for all next 7 days, but with a lot more sun after the weekend. Just keep in mind that a tropical shower is always an option this time of the 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

Thursday, 22 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd August, 2013

Today's weather;

It looks cloudy but dry this morning around Koh Samui but the predicted wind is still absent. Current temp at 7am is 27.6C

Soi parallel to Soi Green Mango

Soi parallel to Soi Green Mango in Chaweng as it is this year, check here for a view from 2004

Yesterday saw a sunny morning but around noon, clouds started to move in. Chaweng actually had a tropical shower around 5pm. Max temp reached nonetheless 34C

The forecast predicts strong winds and a fairly cloudy sky until the weekend with an occasional tropical shower, after the weekend the wind should drop and the clouds should clear up.

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, 21 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st August, 2013

Today's weather;

Another blue sky is hovering above Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 25.6C, better get ready for another hot day.

Beach at Wat Na Phalaan in Maenam

Beach at Wat Na Phalaan in Maenam, looking South from the Lomphrayah ferry

Yesterday saw blue skies all day long but there were a few clouds during the afternoon compared to previous days. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast predicts a bit more of a breeze and possibly some clouds until Sunday, that's when the wind's supposed to drop and it might get very hot for a few 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, 20 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th August, 2013

Today's weather;

We're in a groove on Koh Samui, the 4th day in a row with blue skies is waking up. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Fisherman's Village during sunset


Yesterday was hot and sunny with a blue sky all day long. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast shows more wind for the next 7 days and possibly some more clouds but no rain at all.

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, 19 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th August, 2013

Today's weather;

We're on! For the third day in a row, Koh Samui can boost an almost clear blue sky. Better get ready for a hot day. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach yesterday in front of Chaweng Cove Resotel

Yesterday was hot! All day long a blue the island could enjoy a blue sky with a few scattered clouds in it. We spent all day long on the beach with my sisters family and the kids enjoyed it, they hardly left the pool or the ocean all day along. For lunch we had Sateh at Dcheed 2 and in the evening we had an early but lovely dinner at Juzza Pizza in Bophud with a beautiful sunset.
Max temp reached 33C

The forecast predicts an increase in wind with some very hard wins come Wednesday evening and night. Towards next weekend we may get some cloudier days although not much rain is 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

Sunday, 18 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th August, 2013

Today's weather;

It's the third day in a row on Koh Samui with a very blue sky in the morning and most likely for the rest of the day. My sister and her family arrived yesterday evening and this will make them happy, for sure and I guess for everybody else as well who's on the island right now! Current temp at 7am is 26.6C

Bang Rak beach

Bang Rak beach, in front of Samui Mermaids resort, with a view towards the Seatran ferry

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

The forecast predicts a good breeze and an odd chance of a tropical shower. Later during next week, there may be some clouds forming.

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, 17 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th August, 2013

Today's weather;

For the second day in a row it looks like a blue sky will reign over Koh Samui today. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Green Mango at night

Here's how most people will know the Green Mango; at night

Yesterday started with a slightly cloudy sky but once the sun heated up, we had perfect blue skies all day long over the island. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows in increase in wind over the next days with an odd change of a tropical shower and hopefully blue skies as they are right now.

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, 16 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th August, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning Koh Samui has a thin cloud layer to offer with the sun already slightly breaking through. Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

Big Buddha

Big Buddha in the path way for the airport

Yesterday was hot! Occasionally the sun broke through and it stayed dry all day long, even around 5pm. Max temp reached 33.2C

The forecast an increase in wind, fairly sunny days and a small chance of a tropical shower 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

Thursday, 15 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th August, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning's cloud layer over Koh Samui seems to be a thin layer, so maybe we can see some sunshine later today. Current temp at 7am is 25.8C

Green Mango daytime

An icon of Koh Samui's nightlife, the Green Mango in Chaweng during the daytime

Yesterday saw the usual pattern, dry, mostly cloudy but also a bit of sunshine until around 5pm when the rain arrived. Max temp reached 32.2C

The forecast for the next 7 days seems to unchanged, today and tomorrow hardly any wind and then a breeze will pick up with an occasional tropical 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

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th August, 2013

Today's weather;

It's cloudy again, this morning around Koh Samui although a few blue spots were noticed earlier on. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

Ocean view at Bang Rak

A lovely ocean view at Bang Rak's Samui Mermaid resort

Despite the early blue spots yesterday morning, it was a cloudy morning but during the afternoon the sun did break through. That is, until it was 5pm and rain come on again. A repeating pattern these days. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows a break in the wind until Friday, after that it's breeze and an occasional shower 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

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th August, 2013

Today's weather;

Clouds and blue spots are hovering over Koh Samui this morning with a current temp at 7am of a 'chilly' 24.8C

Airplane landing on Koh Samui

An airplane landing on Koh Samui airport as seen between the trees at Samui Mermaids, where we spend all afternoon at the beach restaurant with a friend, enjoying the cool breeze

Yesterday saw a few bits and pieces of sunshine during the morning and afternoon but come 5pm, dark clouds moved in again and we had some traces of rain but by 6pm we had some showers. Max temp reached 32.5C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows breeze, wind and some tropical showers.

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, 12 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th August, 2013

Today's weather;

It's mostly cloudy over Koh Samui this morning but there are a few small blue spots up there. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

It's also Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kittiyakara สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร, queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand birthday and Mother's day in Thailand.

Wedding at Chaweng Lake

A very rainy wedding at Chaweng Lake yesterday

Yesterday saw a nice morning of the day, with a mixed bag of clouds and blue skies. However, come 5pm, when we were attending a big wedding in Chaweng, the floodgates opened and it poured down for at least half an hour. The rain came back a few times later during the evening. Max temp reached 32.7C

The forecast remained steady since yesterday, breeze and wind are expected for the next 7 days with an occasional shower. There will be sunshine as well tough!

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

Happy Birthday to the Her Majesty the Queen

Wishing Her Majesty the Queen excellent health and happiness on her birthday

Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kittiyakara สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร, queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand

Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kittiyakara สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร, queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand 

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!

Sunday, 11 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th August, 2103

Today's weather;

There's plenty of cloud cover over Koh Samui this morning with an occasional blue spot and no wind . Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Central Festival construction site in Chaweng


Yesterday saw a cloudy and cool morning but during the late afternoon the sun broke through and it heated up a little bit. Max temp reached 30.1C

We also learned about Somdej Phra Puttajarn passing away yesterday, a native Samui man who was the abbot of a big temple in Bangkok and the acting Supreme Patriarch.

The forecast shows the wind to be picking up as of tomorrow with an occasional 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

Saturday, 10 August 2013

Somdej Phra Puttajarn (Kiew) passed away today

Somdej Phra Puttajarn (Kiew), abbot of Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan วัดสระเกศราชวรมหาวิหาร, a Buddhist temple (Wat) in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok, passed away today from blood infection. He was 85.

Somdej Kiew was appointed as acting Supreme Patriarch in 2004 after the Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Somdet Phra Yanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera, became ill and has been admitted to Chulalongkorn hospital in 2002.

Leading the monastic region 9, he was appointed the secretary of the Supreme Patriarch in 1965. "Somdej" is the highest title in the Thai monastic circle.

He was born on March 3, 1928 in Koh Samui, as Kiew Chokchai, the fifth of seven children of a Chinese family which earned a living through coconut plantation.

Somdej Phra Puttajarn (Kiew)

In due time there will be Royally sponsored cremation ceremony for Somdej Phra Puttajarn I would assume.

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

ASEAN parade in Chaweng

Last Thursday 7 schools on Koh Samui participated in an ASEAN parade in Chaweng. Six schools were from Bophud and one from Lamai and our daughter was part of the parade.

ASEAN parade banner

School students wearing an ASEAN banner

ASEAN was formed 8th August 1967 but it beats me why only 7 schools participated. It was also not very well organized, in my humble opinion, as the children had to walk along the very busy ring road in Chaweng near Tesco Lotus for a while, without any police protection to take care of the busy traffic. Everything went well though.

ASEAN parade

The parade near Tesco Lotus

ASEAN is a very interesting organization that binds as a geo-political and economical stronghold the countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam together. 
Its aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members, protection of regional peace and stability, and opportunities for member countries to discuss differences peacefully

ASEAN parade Singapore

Singapore

ASEAN covers a land area of 4.46 million km², which is 3% of the total land area of Earth, and has a population of approximately 600 million people, which is 8.8% of the world's population. The sea area of ASEAN is about three times larger than its land counterpart. In 2011, its combined nominal GDP had grown to more than US$ 2 trillion. If ASEAN were a single entity, it would rank as the eighth largest economy in the world.

ASEAN parade Vietnam

Vietnam

In 2007, ASEAN celebrated its 40th anniversary since its inception, and 30 years of diplomatic relations with the United States. On 26 August 2007, ASEAN stated that it aims to complete all its free trade agreements with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand by 2013, in line with the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

This last bit, the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 when borders open for free trade in jobs might proof to be a tough Community, when in my opinion, Thailand will get serious competition on many levels, partly because of the superior English skills of some of the countries that are part of ASEAN. Time will tell.

ASEAN parade Cambodia

Cambodia

It was good to see this small parade as a reminder of a big event taking place soon, in 2015 that will affect the whole region and it was good to see our daughter in the parade!

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; 10th August, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui looks grey and cloudy this morning and I wouldn't expect too much sunshine today. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

Yesterday evening we had a lovely buffet at the Greek restaurant "Fi" near Tesco Lotus in Chaweng. Great value for some good food!


Side view of the crashed ATR  72-500, the body now 'dumped' somewhere near the road in Ban Saket

Yesterday saw a few times some sunshine during the morning but it remained mostly cloudy. Around 9pm there was a heavy rain shower. Max temp reached 33.1C

The forecast has change and unfortunately not for the better. The wind is picking up once more, not drastically but rather a good breeze and there will be the occasional tropical showers.

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, 9 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th August, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning's sky over Koh Samui is mostly cloudy but there are blue spots so hopefully we will have a sunny day. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Asean Day parade

ASEAN day parade by 7 schools on Koh Samui, walking passed Tesco Lotus on the ring road near Chaweng

Yesterday saw mostly a cloudy day but it was very warm and the UV beams most likely did their work nonetheless. Max temp reached 33.2C

The forecast predicts nice weather until Wednesday when the wind is supposed to pick up once more, accompanied by a few showers.

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, 8 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th August, 2013

Today's weather;

Last night and this morning there's a thin cloud layer over Koh Samui which I expect to disperse once the sun comes out and starts heating up. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Soi Green Mango during the daytime

Soi Green Mango in Chaweng during the daytime, when it's really quiet

Yesterday saw blue skies pretty much all day long and it was warm, closing in on hot. Max temp reached 33.6C

The forecast nice weather as of today and sunny skies starting from Monday onwards.

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, 7 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th August, 2013

Today's weather;

An almost perfect blue sky hovers over Koh Samui this morning. Better get ready for a hot day! Current temp at 7am is 26C

Samui weather today

The sky over Koh Samui this morning

Yesterday saw mostly cloud cover with the sun occasionally peaking through. Max temp reached 32.5C 

The forecast shows a bit of wind today and tomorrow and the cloud cover should break come Sunday. It looks like a decent August is in the making!

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, 6 August 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th August, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning the sky over Koh Samui is slightly more cloudy today, compared to yesterday and the sun will have to work harder to break through. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

Bang Po beach during dusk

Bang Po beach during dusk

Yesterday saw a very nice day, once the morning clouds evaporated, it was sunny all day long and very warm again. Max temp reached 33.5C

At last the forecast has eased up and most of the previously predicted wind and rain seems to have gone. As of Friday the wind should be completely gone and hopefully the sun will be out and about and we can enjoy some August weather as we know it; sunny and hot!

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, 5 August 2013

Central Festival in Chaweng under construction

It's been a while since I last reported about the future Central Festival on Samui, at it's future location at Chaweng's beach road. The pictures from last year of 14th and 16th October and of February this year were actually the only updates.

The future entrance

This is how the future entrance looks like on the drawing board

Progress seemed slow, I wasn't on the island a lot and even if I was on Samui, I didn't visit Chaweng a lot, so updates were rather scarce! Up till today! Recently it seemed that the construction site was actually making some progress and what better time to give an update.

Central Festival construction site August 2013

The construction site a few days ago

The grand opening is scheduled in March 2014, which I believe when I see it. As already mentioned, progress seems to be slow and although probably not impossible, I seriously doubt that the construction will be completed by then. 


An aerial view of the construction site and it's 37 rai for Central Festival Samui

Central Festival Samui’s project value is around Bt3.1 billion and will be built on a 37-rai property near Chaweng Beach and 35.000 visitors are expected on a daily base.

Central Festival Samui fact sheet

Fact sheet

I can clearly remember when Tesco Lotus opened shop in Chaweng, the whole island seemed to be walking around with a big smile, locals, Thais from the mainland, expats and anybody else that lived on the island! 
This is going to be bigger and arguably better and personally I can't wait for it to open it's doors! And the restaurants that go with it!

Central Festival Samui tentative floor plan

There's already a (tentative) floor plan!

Knowing a few similar Central Festival outlets in Phuket and Pattaya, the shops and restaurants will be to my liking and I imagine that they will appeal to the average visitor of the mall.
The lack of a 'Sizzler' restaurant is just one of the many samples and places that will do well on this island!
Central Festival will be a general improvement for the island in my opinion and I'm actually slightly but positively surprised that they're opening shop on our island, since I always thought that Samui would be too small for this kind of mall.

Central Festival Samui construction entrance

The construction site entrance

The grand opening of Central Plaza in Surat Thani was a crazy affair, it took me over an hour to drive just a few kilometers to the mall and it was a madhouse, with cars parked everywhere, on the highway, in the trees, you name it! Inside the mall people were packed like sardines. Not a good idea to visit that day of you have small children.
The opening here is going to be a 'nightmare', it will probably be better to wait a few days before I will show up.

Central Festival Samui see you March 2014

Central Festival Samui see you in March 2014

Expect a few more updates before this Central Festival on Koh Samui will open it's doors! It will be interesting to see and document the progress.

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 August, 2013

Today's weather;

A few clouds are in this morning's sky over Koh Samui but there's plenty of blue as well and it looks like we will have a nice and warm day ahead of us. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

A good friend of my wife who lives on Isle of Man is on holiday on Samui at the moment with her son. With a party of 15 we went to Bang Po Seafood yesterday evening, voted among the top 10 best seafood restaurants in the world here, however, we found the Krua Bang Po much better in freshness and taste, a restaurant we visited just a few days ago.

Sunset in Bang Po

A lovely sunset in Bang Po yesterday

Yesterday saw a nice and warm day with plenty of sunshine during the daytime. During the late afternoon we saw a very heavy shower front pass the Samui coast and move into Koh Phangan, we still had a little bit of rain but noting too much. Just after midnight, I woke up though from heavy rain, thunder and lightning which lasted for over an hour and it was pouring down relentlessly. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast shows today and tomorrow with nice and sunny weather, possibly a shower tomorrow morning, then it's wind and a couple of showers until Friday night and the weekend should 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, 4 August 2013

Remains of crashed Bangkok Airways plane have moved

The unfortunate Bangkok Airways ATR72-500 that crashed in 2009 was moved recently after having been at the same spot for almost 4 years at Samui airport.  As it is, today is exactly 4 years ago that the plane crashed.

Bangkok Airways plane body view

Body view

The new location where it can be found is alongside 'Highway' 4170 near where it intersects with the 4169 close to Ban Saket. Coming from Nathon, it would be the second main intersection, taking a right, on your right side hand.

Bangkok Airways plane black box

The black box

It's a bit of an odd location, since there's no scrap yard anywhere nearby or anything that would indicate a reason or purpose why it has moved down here. It's also strange to see the fuselage of a plane sitting next to the public road, as if it's dumped or fell off a truck. Although, for the latter, it's looking too well arranged.

Bangkok Airways plane wings

The wings

The cockpit is missing, since that took the hardest hit during the crash, since it hit the control tower, there's no tail end and the rudder wing is missing as well. The wings are showed inside the interior.

Bangkok Airways plane interior

The interior

The interior is completely stripped of anything useful and probably is being used for spare parts. Ad the picture above proofs.

Bangkok Airways plane window

Window with a view

On one side all windows are cut out, on the other side, a few windows seemed to have been removed as in the picture above, but that probably proved to be too much trouble, so cutting them out was easier.

Bangkok Airways plane front view

Front view 

Bangkok Airways plane side view

View from the side

If you happen to be around these parts of the island, maybe as part of a trip around the island that I  can highly recommend, this would be a short and a high curiosity factor kind of stop! 

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