Chao Por Khao Lak or Shrine of the Khao Lak God

This shrine is located on the top of a very steep hill, just before you enter Khao Lak if coming from Phuket, opposite the Lam Ru National park and a police station. Almost each car and motorbike honks it's horn when passing, which makes it a very noisy location!

The honking of the horns happens all over the country, when vehicles pass a Buddhist shrine and it's for good luck. On Samui I know a few locations where this happens, but also on the mainland and this is one of them. When we get off the ferry in Donsak, there's another shrine there where everybody honks the horn and those are just a few that I know of.

It was interesting when I got out of the car to listen to all the constant noise, although you get used to it really quickly. The stairs leading up to the actual shrine are guarded by all kinds of stone miniature animals, like hens, tigers and elephants.

The inside of the shrine has a statue of a local Monk and next to him something that looks like a phallus symbol. The latter are symbols for fertility. Here are also loads of hens and elephants miniatures to be found.

Next to the main shrine is a second shrine and I'm not really sure what this shrine is about but it has another statue of what looks like a other monk in it.

The whole direct area of the shrine has a few other minor buildings and loads of small stuff lying ans standing around. It's always interesting to look around a bit and see what's going on at these places.

A bit strange and seemingly rather out of place, but nonetheless very cute, is this small dinosaur statue, in front of the shrine, near the road. I can't really figure out what this is about but as I already mentioned, it's cute but seems to be put there at random!

When entering Khao Lak, maybe worth to stop and have a look before actually going down the hill.

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

Samui Triathlon and Duathlon 27th April 2014

DUE TO THE CURRENT POLITICAL UNREST IN BANGKOK, THE SAMUI TRIATHLON FOR 2014 HAS BEEN INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.

The announcement of two great sporting events on Koh Samui came in quick succession, yesterday came the announcement of a new date for the Samui Midnight Run on 29th March 2014 and this morning new dates for the Samui Triathlon and Duathlon came through; 27th Apil 2014.

The good news for me is that I should be on Samui for both dates and I'm already looking forward to both events. It will be my first time on the island for the triathlon, now I just need to find a partner with a bike 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

Goodbye to November 2013

The second last month of this year is walking on it's last legs and it's almost out and over this November 2013 version.

The month started out really nice with plenty of sunny days and it was great to be a couple of days at home to spend time with the family after having completed a PADI IDC and Instructor Specialty training on Gili Air in Indonesia. Right now I find myself in Khao Lak where I just completed a PADI IDC and once more happy students succeeded in their exams and Specialty Instructor training is waiting here.

But back to the weather though, the first half of the month was unusually sunny and nice but that changed as expected, during this monsoon month. Plenty of rain came Samui's ways but overall it still was a nice month and the monsoon or rainy season wasn't as severe as some other years.

This in total contrast to typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda that raged over the Philippines and my favored island Malapascua! They are recovering well though and they are definitely bouncing back.

Boats at Laemson beach in North Chaweng, earlier this month

It was two busy months for work for me and it looks like I will be off during December, so some family time is waiting for me, before starts again very early in January 2014.

During the time I did spend at home this month, we had some great meals and went to eat at Juzza Pizza, Fuji, Prego and a few other nice restaurants and I have some new places on my list of up and coming visits next month!

I was very happy to be able to run a race again after almost two months, in Phuket, I had three races lined up for December but due to an Achilles heel injury I'm afraid I will be sidelined for at least a month, if not longer.

It's time to loo ahead though and December with it's holiday season at the end of the month, should be a busy time and hopefully with good weather conditions.

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; 30th November, 2013

Today's weather;

The wind has picked up on Koh Samui and it's cloudy at the moment with not too many blue parts in the sky. There may be a bit of rain later today but if so, it shouldn't be a lot. Current temp at 7am is 27C

In Khao Lak we just had a quick and strong shower but now it's a mixed bag, some dark clouds to the right but blue sky is coming up as well, with accompanying sunshine. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Yesterday the PADI IE in Khao Lak was very successfully completed by my candidates and everyone was happy after the hard work they put in!

Fish trawlers at Tab Lamu harbor

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny day around Koh Samui with at some locations possibly a bit of rain and a thunderstorm around 9am and during the night almost non stop rain. Max temp reached 30C

In Khao Lak we had mostly a bit of sunshine in a fairly cloudy sky with a tiny bit of rain once during the daytime and a shower in the early evening.

The forecast shows an increase in wind as of today for the next 7 days with occasionally showers but not too much at this moment. The next two days might also have 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

Koh Samui Midnight Run, 2nd edition, 29th March 2014

A new date has been announced for the 2nd edition of the Koh Samui Midnight Run and it's going to happen from Saturday to Sunday night 29th March 2014 at Chaweng Beach!

The run is organized by the Thai Hotel Association (THA) and the Tourism Association of Koh Samui (TAKS) on the island of Koh Samui. Participants will run 5km or 10 km around the buzzy and lively streets of Chaweng Beach. The organizers are expecting between 1000 and 2000 participants for this year’s race and hope to see the charity run become one of the most popular events on the island!

Proceeds from the event will be donated to some very worthy causes: firstly, to Koh Samui’s new School for Autistic Children and secondly to the Green Project supported by the Hotel Associations. The Mayor of Koh Samui together with Khun Pee Sak the owner of the Reggae Pub, the presidents of the THA and the TAKS, along with the PR team of Bangkok Airways and all the participating sponsors will be there to hand out trophies and awards to the winners.

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; 29th November, 2013

Today's weather;

The sun is coming out this morning on Koh Samui although there are also some clouds but I would expect rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 26C

In Khao Lak it's fairly cloudy but the sun tried to break out from behind the clouds. Current temp at 7am is 24C

An iguana yesterday in a Khao Lak resort

Yesterday saw a mixed bag day around Koh Samui with some rain during the morning and during . the afternoon. Max temp reached 29C

In Khao Lak it was dry with occasionally some sun bursts.

The forecast predicts more rain today and tomorrow for Samui but Sunday the rain should stop although the strong(er) wind might continue into next 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

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

Today's weather;

There's still a little bit of sunshine to enjoy around Koh Samui this morning but there are also plenty of clouds and I do expect rain later during the day. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C

In Khao Lak it's cloudy over land and the closer you get to the ocean or even better, over the ocean, there are more sunny spots and patches in the sky. Current temp at 7am is 24C

We finished the current, November 2013 PADI IDC here yesterday and today will see the start of their exams, the PADI IE.

Just outside of Tab Lamu harbor yesterday morning, on the way to the open water dive site

Yesterday saw a mostly dry day around Samui with maybe here and there an occasional shower. Max temp reached 31C

In Khao Lak we had a gorgeous start of the day with blue skies all around. Unfortunately this got replaced with clouds and plenty of rain, at times even very hard rain.

The forecast for Samui looks lightly better, rain is predicted today with the wind picking up a bit but come Saturday the rain should stop and after that it will most likely be cloudy but not with as much rain as previously 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th November, 2013

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui we have some nice blue skies with a few clouds in it and it looks like it will stay dry today. Current temp at 7am is 25.6C

In Khao Lak blue skies are ours, the weather definitely has turned! Current temp at 7am is 25C

Chinese deity near a Chinese Temple in Khao Lak, near the beach

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day both on Samui and in Khao Lak. Max temp reached 32C on Samui.

The forecast predicts the last dry day for a while, strong wind and 3 days of rain followed by windy days with less rain are supposedly coming 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

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

Today's weather;

It's sunny around Koh Samui with just a few scattered clouds at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 28.3C

In Khao Lak it's a blue sky and it looks like it's gonna warm up really soon, since current temp at 7am is 23C

Yesterday's sunset at the beach in Khao Lak

Yesterday it was nice around Samui with just a trace of rain during the afternoon. Max temp reached 31C

In Khao Lak it was sunny and nice all day long, the stretch of bad weather has left here for the time being and should stay away here for a while. Don't miss out on my 'Food on Wheels' post about Khao Lak which I posted yesterday.

The forecast is looking good for today and tomorrow but come Thursday stronger wind and daily rain should have reached the island. This should last well into next week for the time being, so better get used to monsoon mode!

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

Food on Wheels; Pancakes and Pad Thai in Khao Lak

It's time for another sequence in the ongoing series Food on Wheels. Whilst walking around in Khao Lak, where I currently am for teaching a PADI IDC, I couldn't help but notice these two extremely popular food places that are neighbors of each other.

The classic pancake

Each evening there are at least three to four rows think, people waiting for their pancake and to a lesser degree, for their Pad Thai. The location they have is very central, in front of a nicely modernized supermarket and that helps, but if they didn't deliver 'the goods', it wouldn't be as busy as it is each evening.

Pad Thai, fried rice, etc

They only open up during the later afternoon and ready for business just before the sun goes down. Day in and day out. Most certainly worth checking out and enjoying a bite or two. 

Neighbors

They offer a typical Thai street food, not too spicy or not spicy at all and together it's a great combination if you're not too adventurous but having said that, my kids love their pancake(s) as well!

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; 25th November, 2013

Today's weather;

The sun is out and about again around Koh Samui. There are still a few clouds but it looks like it's going to be a nice and warm day. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

In Khao Lak we have a lovely blue sky with hardly any clouds in it at all. It's been a few days! Current temp of 23.4C at 7am

A sunny afternoon in Khao Lak yesterday

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 30C

In Khao Lak there was some rain during the morning but come the afternoon, the sun broke through, as the above picture shows. We still had an early evening shower though!

The dive boats in the Similan islands had a rough time with at times 3 meter high waves and plenty of guests on live aboard boats had to be evacuated by the Thai navy. Today the Similan National park is closed as a result but I expect everything to be back to normal by tomorrow.

The forecast predicts a few nice and fairly sunny day for Samui, with possibly a short shower here and there but come Thursday it looks like the rainy season or monsoon may be upon us. A slight increase in wind should be expected with almost non stop rain between Thursday and Monday.

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; 24th November, 2013

Today's weather;

It's sunny and cloudy again around Koh Samui and the worst is over, for the time being at least! The depression that influenced both coastal sides of Thailand over the last three days is now on it's way to India! Current temp at 7am is 25.4

Here in Khao Lak it's cloudy but it looks like the sun may break through later today. Current temp at 7am is 24.3C

Flooded market near Chaweng (photo courtesy of Joe Clasby)

Yesterday saw plenty of rain in both Samui and Khao Lak, it wasn't non stop rain but rather on and off all day long. Max temp on Samui reached 29C with another 88mm of rain that come down yesterday around Koh Samui and 'only' 28mm in Khao Lak.

Outside the market (photo courtesy of Joe Clasby)

The forecast looks good for the next couple of days with potentially a couple of sunny days ahead of us, however, come next weekend, a bit more wind, nothing too serious though and plenty of rain might come Samui ways.

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; 23rd November, 2013

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and wet around Koh Samui this morning although right it's not raining but that can change any moment. Current temp at 7am is 28C with a fair bit of rain predicted.

In Khao Lak it's very cloudy but dry with a current temp of 23.3C at 7am.

The current PADI IDC already reached it's half way mark here.

Weather conditions yesterday near Big C, with the broken power pole in the back

Yesterday was rather eventful around the island! A power pole almost broke completely off between Big C and Makro at the ring road near Chaweng. Pictures below and above can give you an idea how the conditions were yesterday. Plenty of power cuts around the island occurred, mainly due to power lines being cut or interrupted due to falling trees and the like. The broken power pole is a rather unusual exception though!

One Swiss tourist was saved from drowning on Chaweng beach because he went swimming despite 4 meter high waves and the red warning flags being up.

Max temp reached 27C and 90mm of rain came down over the day with occasionally a thunderstorm and at times heavy rain.

Back here in Khao Lak it was a grey sky all day long with either rain or drizzle all day.

Photo courtesy of Arzt Samui

The forecast predicts more strong wind and a fair bit of rain today but after tomorrow it should calm down and the sun could break through again but come next weekend the wind could pick up again and there's more rain expected.

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

Rip Tides and Samui beaches during monsoon

Yesterday a 42 year old Swiss tourist was saved from drowning after he went swimming in 4 meter high waves despite the fact that red flags were up along the beach warning about the bad water conditions. The person drifted at least 1 kilometer along the beach before he was rescued by Thai hotel staff using a jet ski.

During the monsoon season the East coast of the island, Chaweng and Lamai can have rough beaches with high waves and there is a warning system in place, by means of color coded flags. A red flag means it's dangerous. For your own sake, follow and obey the warnings, since you are literally playing with your own life if you decide to ignore the warnings.

Too many people die each year around Thai beaches, including here on Koh Samui, because warnings have been ignored, Do not become a statistic.

Another dangerous phenomena that can happen at Samui beaches during monsoon are rip currents and undertows. They are part of the problem that each year, yes you read correctly, each year, people die on Samui beaches.

Unfortunately most of the time these are older people who underestimate the power of the water and their own strength but also younger and strong people are among the victims. EACH YEAR!

If you are caught in a rip current, don't fight the current, either let yourself be drawn out and swim back around the current or swim perpendicular to the current and swim back to safety. 

There are also warning signs for rip currents on our beaches, please abide to them for your own safety or know what to do when caught in a rip current.

The undertows on the beaches here can be very strong and eventually may form rip currents; Undertows are below-surface rushes of water returning to sea after the water comes ashore as breaking waves. If there is an area under the waves where water can flow back out to sea more easily (such as a break in a sand bar) then a narrow rip current can form. (A rip current is much more powerful and thus more hazardous to inexperienced people than ordinary undertow.) If however there is no weak point in the surf line, then the water that has run up onto the beach simply flows back out to sea under the waves, forming a simple undertow.

Be careful out there during the monsoon or rainy season, especially November up mid December can be dangerous and don't drown during your holiday to our lovely island!

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; 22nd November, 2013

Today's weather;

The weather in Koh Samui is not as bad as expected, it's cloudy and most of the time it's raining with short breaks. Current temp at 7am is 24.6C

The predicted storm is however not going to happen but clouds and rain will be around today.

In Khao Lak it's very cloudy and there's a steady drizzle to rain at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 23.4C

Young elephant in Khao Lak streets, a popular photo opportunity for tourists

Yesterday saw lots of rain and drizzle all day long around Samui and last night there was rain as well, but not as much as the original prediction projected. Max temp reached 29C

Khao Lak was cloudy but dry yesterday with some drizzle in the late afternoon.

The forecast looks better than expected, the heavy storm and massive amount of rain predicted for today looks not as bad anymore, a lot less wind and a lot less rain can be expected today. As of Sunday it should get better again with possibly a sunny day or two before next weekend it may turn wet 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; 21st November, 2013

Today's weather;

It's messy on Koh Samui this morning. Strong train and heavy winds and there's more to come over the next two days. There's a weather warning from the Thai Meteorological Department which can be read here.

From local sources I heard that the first plane into Samui this morning had to abort the landing as a huge squall rose up in front of the airstrip. Not as dramatic but my wife decided to have the children stay out of school today.

Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

In Khao Lak it's cloudy and most likely fir the next two days as well. Current temp at 7am is 24C

Tesco Lotus Chaweng 11 years already!

Yesterday saw a bit of rain around Samui, little bits during the morning and more during the afternoon with a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure. Max temp reached 29C

In Khao Lak it was partly cloudy which just prevented the sun from breaking through.

The forecast looks really bad for tomorrow, with a storm likely to rage over the island and lots of rain. Today and Saturday are like respective buildup and slow down days and come Sunday it should be fairly 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

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

Today's weather;

It's raining a little bit on Koh Samui right now. Current temp at 7am is 26.6C

In Khao Lak it's cloudy this morning but it looks like the sun may break through later. Current temp at 7am is 24C

The current PADI IDC here is well on it's by now.

The small resort I stay at in Khao Lak, Fah Sai, has done up their premises a bit and now there's a swimming pool

Yesterday saw a merely dry and mostly sunny day around Koh Samui. Max temp reached 31C

Khao Lak had a nice day with just enough sunshine to keep it nice.

The forecast predicts from Thursday through Saturday serious amounts of rain and some hard wind but come Sunday everything should calm down again and both rain and wind seem to have gone although it may stay fairly cloudy.

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; 19th November, 2013

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it's mostly cloudy with a few patches that allow the sun to come through. Current temp at 7am is 26C

In Khao Lak there are also plenty of clouds but it looks like the sun may get the upper hand here, once it starts heating up. Current temp at 7am is 23.5C

Khao Lak's busy main road during the evening

Yesterday saw a fairly dry day around Samui with rain in the morning and the late afternoon. Max temp reached 31C

In Khao Lak it was mixed, near the big mountain there was some rain but further towards Takua Pa it was mostly blue skies with some clouds in it.

The forecast predicts plenty of rain with an accumulation of storm and hard rain on Friday and Saturday. After that storm, it should ease up again though and maybe even some sunshine might come along 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; 18th November, 2013

Today's weather;

It looks like the sun may break through over Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Khao Lak is where I find myself until early December and the sky looks nice here this morning with plenty of blue and scattered white clouds. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Yesterday I started an IDCS course and this morning I will start a PADI IDC here in Khao Lak.

Marine Patrol boat 813, almost a year on yesterday evening during the Loy Kratong festival in Khao Lak

Yesterday saw a nice start of the day around Samui but during the day it was on and off some rain, all day long pretty much. Max temp reached 28C

In Khao Lak it was mostly cloudy but dry yesterday.

The forecast predicts rain pretty much all week long with a storm on Thursday and Friday around Samui.

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

Loy Krathong 2013 in Khao Lak

Today was time for Loy Krathong around Thailand, and for me the second time in Khao Lak for me, after the 2010 festival.

My Krathong which I bought at the festival site

This year I was on my own however and I went to the Tsunami memorial in Khao Lak, where a location was set up next to a small but fairly fast streaming river, and ideal location to float your Krathongs. 

My oldest two children floated their Krathongs at Wat Plai Laem on Samui.

Loy Krathongs for sale at the Tsunami memorial

It was a nice and busy festival with loads of activities, a market, we;re in Thailand, so lots of Thai junk food and plenty of local people who were selling Krathongs in all sorts and sizes. I bought mine for 50,-THB

A local girl was waiting with a Krathong in her hand, so I asked if I could take her picture. She held my Krathong as well, so I didn't have to put it on the ground. Thanks!

Many locals where at the festival site, but a lot of foreign tourists where here to enjoy the activities as well. I have a hunch feeling that more or most locals went to a local temple to celebrate there and the was also a site at the beach. So plenty of options to choose from.

The place where the Krathongs are put in the river at the Tsunami memorial

The Krathongs on their way

A hot air balloon

There were also a lot hot air balloons for sale and many were set drifting into the air. Although they look lovely as little light dots in the sky, I'm not a big fan of them. First of all once their fuel has died out, the metal frames crash into nature, secondly, if they go up in flames, you don't want to be waking under them since the burning material can easily fall on top of you with all kind of consequences and thirdly, people with grass roofs are also very wary when these floating balloons are up in the air, since they can lite up the whole roof and the whole house under it.

This year the balloons where banned in Phuket!

The whole Loy Krathong festival also has a downside that most people are not aware of, the day after, when all Krathongs are 'beached'. Especially nowadays with most Krathongs not being made of natural materials anymore. Check some pictures here.

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; 17th November, 2013

Today's weather;

It's nice and sunny at the moment on Koh Samui although that may change later today. Current temp at 7am is nice and cool with 24.8C

Right now I'm on Phuket, where it's partly cloudy and dry with a current temp of 25C

Just finished a 9km run at the Prince of Songkla University here.

Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus 

Yesterday saw plenty of rain on Samui and also on the way over to Phuket. Max temp reached 29C

After the race in Phuket with Peter, another Samui runner

The forecast predicts plenty of rain today around Samui which should stay on for the remainder of the wee with a high on Thursday and 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

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

Today's weather;

It's grey, cloudy and wet over Koh Samui and it could well be that the rainy season has arrived, at last. There was plenty of rain last night. Current temp at 7am is 24.4C

Don't forget about tomorrow's Loy Kratong festival though at Chaweng Lake or where ever you may find yourself in Thailand or in a Thai community outside of Thailand! 

In a few hours time I will be on my way to Phuket, where tomorrow morning I will run my first competitive race in over 4 months, the Koh Phangan Marathon being the last one. After the race it will be off to Khao Lak to start a PADI IDC. Loy Kratong will find me in Khao Lak tomorrow evening.

The Chinese Temple in Maenam

Yesterday started out as a beautiful day with blue skies but during the afternoon more and more clouds moved in and last night it rained cats and dogs and this morning we had a shower already on top of that. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast has drastically changed and it looks like the monsoon season is upon us. Strong wind and plenty of rain tomorrow with the wind easing up until next weekend but there might be rain pretty much every day, getting heavy by 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

Loy Kratong is here very soon, 17th November 2013

In two days, 17th November, time it's time for the yearly Loy Kratong festival or ลอยกระทง, a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and certain parts of Laos and Burma (in the Shan State).

On Koh Samui this will be celebrated at Chaweng Lake.

Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.

The traditional Loy Kratong song

Just like three years ago, in 2010, I will be in Khao Lak for the festival and will float my Kratong there.

Loi means 'to float', while krathong refers to the (usually) lotus-shaped container which floats on the water. Krathong has no other meaning in Thai besides decorative floats, so Loi Krathong is very hard to translate, requiring a word describing what a Krathong looks like such as Floating Crown, Floating Boat, Floating Decoration. The traditional krathong are made from a slice of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. Modern krathongs are more often made of bread or styrofoam. A bread krathong will disintegrate after a few days and can be eaten by fish. Banana stalk krathong are also biodegradable, but styrofoam krathongs are sometimes banned, as they pollute the rivers and may take years to decompose. A krathong is decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, incense sticks, and a candle. A small coin is sometimes included as an offering to the river spirits. On the night of the full moon, Thais launch their krathong on a river, canal or a pond, making a wish as they do so. The festival may originate from an ancient ritual paying respect to the water spirits

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; 15th November, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is nice and blue and not to many clouds in sight at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

A fisherman near Bang Rak with Koh Phangan in the background

Yesterday saw mostly cloudy skies with occasional some good long sun periods. It was rather warm with a max temp of 32C

The forecast still predicts some wind and rain come Monday, it will ease up a bit but come Thursday, again some wind and more rain is to make landfall. Still nothing too much to worry about and not your typical monsoon 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

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

Today's weather;

It's a cloudy sky over Koh Samui this morning with plenty of clouds and during my early morning run there was plenty of rain for half an hour. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

Please don't forget to have a look at the donation page for help to the local people on Malapascua island in the Philippines. I have many friends on this island and about 90% of all buildings on the island have been damaged or destroyed due to the impact of typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda. All help is welcome and needed.

The moon over Bang Po yesterday evening, during our dinner at Krua Bang Po

Yesterday saw a mixed bag day with some sunny moments and plenty of cloudy moments and a few rain drops. Max temp reached around 31C

The forecast predicts more wind and more rain with a serious monsoon type of weather towards the end of next 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

Hansar Charity Bazar, 30th November 2013

The Hansar Resort near Fisherman's Village holds each month a different activity to help less fortunate in the community. Most of the time the fund is raised from selling organic products from their organic garden. Every department in the resort has its own plot within the garden and is responsible for the specific crops. Charity Bazaar is the first big event since Hansar started a social responsibility program (CSR) back in 2012 an the Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday 30th November. 

The Hansar Charity Bazaar

Looking at the recent success of the eco markets held on the island, I can only hope for this effort to be as successful. There will be booths selling their organic products as well as local food from out-source. Games and performances will fulfill the event with fun. In the end, the profits from this event will be donated to schools and other local community organisations. 

Hopefully natural food lovers, family with kids and anyone who is interested in helping the community will be able to help and you can start by visiting the Bazaar come Saturday 30th November.

Food and products to be expected include fresh veggie from the Hansar organic garden, fish & corn BBQ, Pad-thai, Thai desert and ice cream, butterfly pea and lemon grass juice and blended fruit. 

There will also be 'Share Your Hope' t-shirts, specially designed for this event and they're available for purchase.

As entertainment there will be student performances, a ring toss game and a Limbo Rock contest.

Hope you enjoy the day out and get lucky with the 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

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

Today's weather;

It's nice and blue out there around Koh Samui this morning with a few clouds looming around. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Details at the Chinese temple in Maenam

Yesterday saw mostly a sunny day with a few light drops around 4pm. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast predicts a bit more wind and some rain as of this Saturday.

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; 12th November, 2013

Today's weather;

It's a mixed bag over Koh Samui, blue skies with nice, white cumulus clouds at one side and dark rain filled clouds on the other side! Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand cypher around Koh Samui, she's the daughter of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and she's been visiting the island over the last couple of days

Yesterday was also a mixed bag day, you looked to one side and it was nice and blue with some cumulus clouds and the other side was very dark with rainy clouds. Although Plai Laem remained dry all day long, most other parts of the island had some rain during the day. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast predicts mostly cloudy days and as of the weekend there may be an increase in wind but also some more rain.

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