Sunday 30 June 2013

Food on wheels; Pork head in Hat Yai

It's been over a year ago that we visited Hat Yai for the last time, May 2013 for a 13km run as part of the Hat Yai marathon.
As part of my 'Food on Wheels' series, a contribution from Hat Yai.


Side view, including fan, of the pork head cart

Last May I planned to visit again and run the same race but due an Achilles' tendon injury, I had to cancel those plans at a very last moment. Although that didn't make me happy at the time being, it did allow my tendon to heal and run the Laguna Phuket half marathon and Lansaka full marathon (my first full marathon) a month later!


Duck for sale, nicely lined up

During that visit last year, I noticed this by now familiar motorbike with side car but this time around with new goodies or rather food on sale. Pork heads!


Frontal view

This is the first time I saw this on offer on a motorbike. A rather interesting experience, although I saw plenty of pork heads at local markets around Samui and on the mainland.


Anybody for some fresh pork head?

Interesting and out of the ordinary things like pork heads for sale can be found anywhere in Thailand, especially local markets are a great place to find sometimes unusual things. Enjoy your stay in 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!

Camille

Goodbye to June 2013

It's been a busy month for me, I conducted a PADI IDC on Koh Samui and went to Koh Tao for a PADI IE with my candidate and besides work, I also managed to run in 4 races, including the Cancer Care run, a 5km race in Nathon, a 10km race in Don Sak, the Laguna Phuket half marathon and my first ever full marathon in Lan Saka.

Choengmon Beach

Choengmon Beach, our family's fave beach on Samui

Let's check the weather out though, we had a fairly wet June but if we compare to the mainland, we were very lucky. Around Samui were mainly cloudy days with at times some strong to very strong wind but we didn't have any flooding like on the mainland.
The last week of June turned out to be very nice again with plenty of sunshine and hot days but in general I would say that this June was not as good as the average June we enjoy on the island.

We also had some good food again, as usual I would almost say and one new place springs to mind, Fi, the Greek restaurant in Chaweng and some nice cake at Blue Vanilla in Fisherman's Village. In Lan Saka we had also some very food again at the Ruan Maai Sai Klong restaurant.

9th Lan Saka marathon finish

Crossing the finish line at the 9th Lan Saka marathon

Now it's time to look forward to July, not so good for work next month but it paves the way for more races to run, including a half marathon and two 13km races in and near Surat Thani.

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 June, 2013

Today's weather;

A blue sky has appeared this morning all over Koh Samui. It promises to be a very hot day today with a current temp at 7am of 27C

Choengmon beach

Long afternoon shades at Choengmon beach, lovely time to go there and have a swim

Yesterday was fairly cloudy but also very hot during the afternoon and there was a bit of a breeze but in contrast to popular believe, it didn't cool things down. Max temp reached 34.5C

The forecast shows an increase in wind until Thursday and a cloudy sky Thursday and Friday but next weekend should be very nice 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

Saturday 29 June 2013

Koh Samui Soap Box Derby Music & Beer Festival, 14th June, 2014

At last there's some more information on this event, please check the Facebook page;

THE DERBY & FESTIVAL CONCEPT

The participants will race in teams and will need to create and decorate their own soapboxes and have them ready well before the race. The soapboxes must also meet the strict criteria of race officials.


The circuit

The race will consist of a 2km long circuit along Chaweng Lake and will last for a grueling 10 hours. It will start at midday on the 14th of June and finish at 10 PM at night. The participants will register in teams and will need to keep their soapbox rolling along the buzzing, music-filled shores of Chaweng Lake. Concerts will be taking place throughout the race. 
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 winning team as well the runner up and the third team will be awarded great prizes and trophies. Three additional prizes and trophies will be awarded to the most original & inventive soapboxes & teams. Every team member who crosses the finishing line will also receive a special commemorative medal.

The Mayor of Koh Samui Khun Ramnet Jaikwang, together with the presidents of the THA and the TAKS, along with Bangkok Airways’ PR team and all the participating sponsors will be there to hand out trophies and awards to the winners.

Many spectators are expected to turn up to cheer and join in the celebrations while the competitors race along the shores of Chaweng Lake and listen to the various concerts organized during the entire 10 hours. Definitely, this is an event not to be missed!


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!

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

Today's weather;

Today, very early already, there's a nice blue sky around Koh Samui which predicts a very warm or hot day. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C


View from the back of our house into Samui's morning sky

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny and warm day around the island with a max temp of 34.5C

The forecast sees the wind pick up on Tuesday next week and in general, the wind is picking up, there still should be plenty of sunshine though.

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 28 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

There's a light haze over Koh Samui but it's getting more blue almost by the minute. Current temp at 7am is 27C

It's good to be back home again and I will be home for almost all of next month. Yesterday's PADI IE on Koh Tao went also very well for my candidate. 

Seatran pier in Bang Rak

The Seatran pier in Bang Rak early in the morning

Yesterday saw a nice blue sky all day long and it was warm. Max temp reached 33.7C

The forecast looks nice for next week, there should be plenty of sunshine and not a lot of rain, if any 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

Thursday 27 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

There are some clouds over Koh Samui and Koh Tao this morning but also plenty of blue spots and I expect the sun to break through and heat things up. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

Today is the last day of the PADI IE on Koh Tao and I will be back home again during the late afternoon. 

Bay on Koh Tao, near Mae Haad

Bay on Koh Tao, near Mae Haad and Sensi Paradise beach resort

Yesterday saw a failry cloudy day but it was humid and hot. Last night there was plenty of rain again on Koh Samui. Max temp reached 32.7C

The forecast shows actually a slight increase in wind again although it should remain mainly 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

Wednesday 26 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Tao and Koh Samui have a light overcast this morning which I expect to lift soon enough, when the sun starts to heat up. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Mae Haad, Koh Tao

Small house in Mae Haad on Koh Tao

Yesterday saw a fairly hot day Samui and surprisingly, Koh Tao was not as hot as I expected it to be. During the night Samui had some rain. Max temp reached 35.3C

The forecast predicts mainly sunny days 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 25 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's good to be back home again, but as they say, there's no rest for the wicked, so I'm off again to Koh Tao this morning for a few days for a PADI IE with my IDC candidate.

Back on Koh Samui though, there's a light haze over the island and it looks like the sun will break through very soon. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Our 4 male baby cats

It was also good to see our 4, one month old baby cats back, especially our children enjoyed this

Yesterday saw us leave Lan Saka (check out my marathon race day blog post)under heavy cloud cover and a few drops of rain but soon enough the cloud cover broke on the way to Samui. Our island itself had overcast as well though but it was dry and very hot. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast is steady, the wind is dropping or has dropped and as of Friday I would expect very sunny 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 24 June 2013

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013


It's now a day and a half ago that I finished my first full marathon ever, the 9th Lan Saka marathon in Lan Saka and I can just about start to walk around 'normally' again. I have a blister under my right heel that is inconvenient, another blue toenail, sore calves, pain on the top of my right foot but everything else is just fine!

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

Moments before the start of the marathon at 4am

I was excited about running my first marathon and my training plan didn't go as planned, so there was a bit of worry and anxiety as well. Early May I picked up an Achilles' tendon injury, which stopped me from training long distance runs and partly of running at all. Last weekend I had food poisoning, which again prevented me from training as planned. 

Nonetheless, I was determined by now to participate, but in the end these two events made me enter the race with a relaxed state of mind, there was no pressure and I was approaching the race with an attitude of 'we'll see where this ships strands'. In the worst case I will walk parts and I was going to be happy with a time under 5 hours.

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

Just before the start

Still, the night before the race I didn't sleep well. First of all a new bed, although I'm used to travel. Secondly, a very strong wind that woke me up a few times during the night. Most importantly, in general my thoughts were well with the race, planning out and rehashing running strategies.

My strategy involved not starting fast, slower than my half marathons, I needed to run twice as far and after every half marathon distance. I wondered how in earth anybody could possibly run twice as far! The second part of my strategy involved the use of energy gels during the race. Both strategies worked well during the race.

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

After the race at the finish line

The race it self was well organized. With a very early start at 4am, that I wasn't used to, it was still no problem to get out of bed early and eat something before the race. I am a breakfast person and especially with 42.195km ahead of me, it was wise to get something into my stomach!

Furthermore it turned out that every two kilometers there was a water station, which is also very important. Since the start was so early, the first hour and a half we ran in the dark but beside the road were small petrol lamps, which on long road stretches gave a nice ambiance.

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

Just before the finish line

During the race I felt good and in control at all times, due to my strategy of not starting fast, eating the energy gels at the right times but also because it was cool. During the race it was between 25 and 26C. The strong wind from the previous night waited nicely until the afternoon before it roared again, giving us a nice breeze during the race.

There was a very steep hill which we descended at km 13 but we had to ascend this 'mother' at around km 29 again! I had decided during the race that since I was feeling good, I would run everything and this allowed me during the ascend to scoop up 4 runners which were way ahead of me but they started to walk during the ascend. A little bit further down the road I was able to scoop up another two runners who walked parts of their race. One of the two runners started to talk to me about my shoes, Vibram 5 fingers, which are fairly rare in Thailand. Turned out he had already run 14 marathons and he was slightly older than me. Respect! With him and the other runner I scooped up, we traded places all the time, they were ahead and they stopped at a water station, I was ahead. This went on until 3km before the finish and I dropped both of them. I finished well ahead of them and felt good about that.

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

During the race, probably shortly before the finish line

The picture above is taken near the finish line. During the race I never needed to scoop water over my head because I was so warm or because it was so humid, just a few finger tips of water from a cup dunked into the cup and brushed over my face did the trick yesterday. The mountainous area made for a nice and cool race. I also didn't need a sponge, this in contrast to all 5 half marathons I ran so far, where it was a lot more humid.

I did duly drink water and electrolyte drinks at each water stations and nibbled on some water melon. Again, I didn't feel the need to gush the drinks down but could control the intake.

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

Phuket half marathon just before the finish line where I was totally soaked

This is how drenched I was during the 8th Laguna Phuket half marathon, also shortly before the finish. A total difference with the Lan Saka marathon.

9th Lan Saka marathon, race day, 23rd June 2013

My finisher shirt!

After the race I was exhausted! First of all, at km 40 I wondered why there were another 2km to go, 40km would do just well! I ran my slowest km of the whole race at that moment, including the steep hill! The last kilometer I also started to feel the blister under my right heel!
However, crossing the finish line felt oh so good! 

I staggered to our car, parked nearby, drank my liter of chocolate milk and some Pocari Sweat. Once I was feeling slightly better I walked back over to the finish line to collect my finishers medal and my finisher shirt, a nice long sleeved and hooded tee with the back pictured above! Finisher of my first full marathon. 42.195km in 4 hours, 47 minutes and 44 seconds.

Very happy about that all and am already contemplating my next moves, which involve two 13km runs and a half marathon in July in and around Surat Thani.

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

Updated 29th June 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24 June 2013

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it looks nice although it's fairly cloudy. Current temp at 7am is 28C

We're about to leave Lan Saka soon, back home. Yesterday was needed as a rest day! It's fairly windy and very cloudy here and I wouldn't be surprised if there will be rain here later today. Current temp here at 7am is around 25C

Dinner at Lan Saka

My wife's Dinner at Lan Saka at the Loy Chalet resort

Yesterday was warm around Samui, max temp reached 34.2C

The forecast is looking good, the wind is dropping and come Friday it should be sunny 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 23 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

A very late update, due to me participating in my first full marathon, more on that later though.

Koh Samui was cloudy and fairly windy this morning and at 10am the temp was 31.3C

Here in Lan Saka, where we are staying at the Loy Chalet resort, the sun is just starting to peek out a bit but in general it's cloudy and last night there was some serious strong wind. This morning during the marathon it wasn't too bad though but the mountain coolness at 4am of 25C helped a lot and the bit of wind cooled things down nicely. 
My time over 42.195km was 4 hours 47 minutes and a bit.

9th Lan Saka marathon finish line

9th Lan Saka marathon finish line, a very welcome sight this morning after 42.195km

Yesterday saw a nice and fairly sunny day around Koh Samui with some fairly strong winds. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast see the recent strong wind slowly winding down and especially around Friday we should very sunny and hot days 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

Saturday 22 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui has overcast to show for. Right now the sun is not able to break the cloud layer, maybe later today. Current temp at 7am is 28C

We're off to Lan Saka in a moment, where tomorrow at 4am I will run my first full marathon! Tomorrow's update might be a bit later than usual.

Fi, Greek restaurant in Chaweng

Fi, Greek restaurant in Chaweng, near Tesco Lotus

Yesterday saw stronger than usual wind but still with plenty of sunshine. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast is steady, the wind is about to drop off over the weekend and by next weekend we should have full on sunny days 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 21 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's cloudy at the moment around Koh Samui but it also looks like the sun is about to burn some holes in the cloud layer. There are very strong winds however this morning. Current temp at 7am is  28C

Today is the last day of the current PADI IDC on Koh Samui and tomorrow we will be off to Lansaka for the third time this year, where I will run my first full marathon this coming Sunday. On Tuesday it will be off to Koh Tao for the PADI IE. A busy schedule ahead!

Bophud Beach

Bophud Beach in front of the Bandara resort last week

Yesterday saw a fairly warm day with a bit of sun but also plenty of overcast. It stayed dry though. Max temp reached 32.9C

The forecast remains steady, the wind drops over the weekend and it should be nice and sunny for almost all 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

Thursday 20 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

There's more cloud cover this morning over Koh Samui, compared to the previous two days but the sun is fighting it's way through the cloud cover and I would expect sunny moments later today.  It is fairly windy this morning. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach yesterday, it was cloudy at that moment but before and afterwards there were plenty of blue spots

Yesterday was a nice and mostly sunny day, although the moment we went to Chaweng for a beach dive as part of the current PADI IDC, that part of the island had just seen a tropical shower. Afterwards it cleared up again and was sunny. Max temp reached 32.2C

The forecast still shows that the strong wind is slowing down over the weekend with what looks like nice and sunny days shaping up after 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

Wednesday 19 June 2013

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

Today's weather

Each day the sky over Koh Samui seems to open up more and this more we are enjoying another blue sky with a few clouds in it. There's currently no wind to speak of and the current temp at 7am is 27.3C

View over Koh Phangan

Another view over Koh Phangan, this time with a much nicer sky, compared to earlier this week, taken from the beach in front of the Bandara resort in Bophud

Yesterday saw a very warm day again, with the sun peeking out plenty of times. There was at times some very strong wind though and one of the speedboat companies had cancelled all trips for yesterday, a smart move in hindsight. Those boat captains know much more than any prediction site! Max temp reached 32.1C

The forecast still predicts strong wind tonight but slowly the wind starts to fade over the weekend and as of Monday I would expect a lot less wind and waves and even sunnier days 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 18 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

The cloud layers opened up again this morning, and just like yesterday, there's a blue sky over Koh Samui, this morning covering almost the complete sky. It may have rained somewhere on the island during the nighttime. Current temp at 7am is 27.4C

It seems that Samui dodged a massive bullet the recent week or so, especially compared to some parts on the mainland in Southern Thailand where serious flood and associated rain and water problems were occurring. 

Flower in our garden

A flower in our garden, which is in a good state at the moment

Yesterday saw some more sunshine at times during the daytime and we had to crank the aircon up again in our car! It was still windy at times though.Most of the day it was still cloudy though. Max temp reached 32.1C

The forecast is finally easing up, strong wind and clouds are predicted until the weekend and after that the wind and waves will drop to normal and I would expect more sunshine 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

Monday 17 June 2013

Fi, Greek restaurant, Chaweng ring road

Yes indeed, there's a Greek restaurant on Koh Samui and it's a rather good one as well! We've visited three times now and are happy to go back any time!


Entrance sign

The best time to visit though is Friday evening when they offer an all you can eat buffet for 249.-THB and you can enjoy a mix of all that Fi has to offer, or at least most of it! Really good value and very tasty. It includes all the of the following pictured below.


Yogurt Kebab

The yogurt kebab is nice and comes in a tomato sauce, combined with the yogurt it makes for a fresh taste.


Beef moussaka 

The all time Greek fave; moussaka. During the week you can order it a la carte, but Friday evenings it's available in small cut up portions and you can have a few orders!


Greek salad, tzatziki and pita bread

The pita bread is really tasty and I can't seem to stop eating from it, especially dipped in the tzatziki  or tomato sauces.


Lamb soutzoukakia

Lamb is always a favorite for me, so I always get a few of these! Tasteful and in a nice tomato sauce.


The buffet sign

There are more items available, not pictured here, like chicken and pork souvlaki and a small Greek yogurt desert. 

Besides being a restaurant, they also distribute various Greek specialties like; feta cheese, pies, dip starters (tzatziki) and olive oil.

It's located on the Chaweng part of the ring road, opposite the Thai International hospital, if you drive up to the Tesco Lotus parking lot, about 150 meters after the ring road on your right hand side.

Well worth a visit and it makes for something new on the Samui restaurant and taste landscape.

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 June, 2013

Today's weather;

We have a blue sky over Koh Samui! As the picture below shows, the cloud cover has broken, at least temporarily and no wind. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C


A blue sky over Samui again

Yesterday saw a few random sun beams before noon but the afternoon saw plenty of, partly, heavy cloud cover. It remained dry again though. Max temp reached 31.2C

The forecast is not really easing up and still clouds and wind are predicted for the next 7 days although not much 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

Sunday 16 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's grey and cloudy again this morning over Koh Samui but still dry. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C
On the mainland there are a lot more areas with water and/or flood problems compared to our island.

Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan covered under a cloud layer yesterday

Yesterday saw a cloudy day although very surprisingly there were a few unexpected moments when the sun peaked through the clouds, although they didn't last very long. The amount of rain around Samui was marginal again, not like predicted. It's merely a trace. Max temp reached 29.3C

The forecast is still more or less the same, wind, clouds and waves but not much rain, except maybe on this coming Wednesday.

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 15 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's cloudy around Koh Samui and the wind is starting to pick up. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Besides the PADI IDC, at the same time I'm also teaching a PADI IDCS course here on Koh Samui

Bophud Beach

Bophud Beach in front of the Bandara Resort yesterday around noon, still plenty of people enjoying the beach, despite the cloudy days

Yesterday saw a few very unexpected sun beams around 8am but it was cloudy for the remainder of the day with an occasional drizzle and some rain around 7pm. Max temp reached 30C
The predicted strong wind and heavy rain has so far not reached Samui, this in total contrast to some parts on the mainland. Areas in and around Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phuket, Phang Na and Khao Lak have heavy rain and plenty of water damage and flooding.

The forecast keeps predicting strong wind, cloudy skies and big waves but less rain for the next 7 days. However, the predicted wind and big waves have not materialized yet, the dive boats have been going out almost every day and have not encountered bad weather, yet!

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 14 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's still very cloudy and grey over Koh Samui this morning but all that predicted rain still hasn't come down and the wind doesn't seem to reach the predicted force either. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

The current June PADI IDC on Koh Samui is in full swing, the link will show you an update from my dive blog.

Blue Vanilla in Fisherman's Village

Blue Vanilla in Fisherman's Village, the place for an alternative and/or different gift and a good cup of coffee

Yesterday was cloudy and dark and grey but hardly any rain at all. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast changed again a bit and the rain and clouds have now been prolonged until the night of Wednesday to Thursday.

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 13 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

Not surprisingly, knowing the predictions, it's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning but still dry and no wind to speak of right now! Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Next to the Seatran pier in Bang Rak

Fishing longtail boats hiding for the wind near the Seatran pier in Bang Rak

Yesterday saw a very cloudy day over the island but hardly any rain at all, merely a trace. Max temp reached 30.8C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows plenty of strong wind and rain over the weekend and strong wind and clouds after the weekend but less rain. Not ideal June 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

Wednesday 12 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and most likely Koh Samui will get some much needed rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Today I will start another PADI IDC on Koh Samui again!

Bang Rak Bay

Low tide in Bang Rak Bay yesterday

Yesterday saw a few sun rays during the morning but most of the day the sky was covered in clouds. During the early evening a big thunder and lightning storm, accompanied with rain was unleashed. Max temp reached 33.9C

The forecast changed drastically yesterday and the bad weather patch now moved forward rapidly and it started yesterday evening already. From today until Sunday we should experience strong wind and lots of rain, almost all day long. This seems to be the weather forecast for all of Southern Thailand, with the Phuket side even getting more wind and 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

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th June, 2013

Today's weather;

It's windy and cloudy over Koh Samui and it doesn't look like we will have a lot of sun today. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Dark clouds over Koh Samui

Dark clouds yesterday over Koh Samui in the mountains behind Chaweng

Yesterday saw a nice sunny day when we arrived back on the island just after noon but around 5pm a bit of drizzle started. Luckily the dark clouds as pictured above didn't get in full swing! Max temp reached 35.1C

The forecast has turned for the worse this morning! From Thursday onward and especially over the weekend, strong wind and lots of rain are predicted again. Back to stormy days, as it seems for all of Southern 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!

Camille

Monday 10 June 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th June, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is looking good again, a few clouds but plenty of blue and it's looking like a nice, hot day. Current temp at 7am is 27C

In Phuket on the other hand, we have a grey sky, clouds, strong wind and rain. Current temp at 7am here is 28C
It was a good visit and a good race for me yesterday but in a few hours we're back out on the road again, on our way home to Samui!

Phuket, underground bypass

Underground bypass in the making near Central Festival in Phuket, causing lots of traffic jams around rush hour

Yesterday saw a nice and warm day around Samui with some rain at some stage and a max temp of 34.7C
Phuket saw a nice enough morning but during the afternoon the clouds, wind and rain moved in and it stayed wet all the time, although there was a lot of non stop drizzle and only occasionally hard rain. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast is looking a lot better again, the predicted storm has gone, the wind will pick up a bit, it may be cloudy but most likely not too much rain 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

Sunday 9 June 2013

The Laguna Phuket half marathon, race day

This morning it was an early wake up call at 4am, and after a shave and breakfast, it was off to the Phuket Laguna complex of hotels for the 8th Laguna Phuket marathon, where I was running the half marathon for the third consecutive year. See my post from last year.

Start of the Laguna Phuket half marathon

A few moments before the start of the Laguna Phuket half marathon this morning

There seemed to be a lot more runners this year compared to last year, it seemed very busy and the weather was holding out nicely. Rain was predicted but we only experienced a bit of a drizzle on the way over the to the start, but the best was in the tail, yet to come.

Laguna Phuket Marathon start and finish line, yesterday

Laguna Phuket Marathon start and finish line, yesterday

When I finished the race, during the last 500 m meter, it just poured down for a few minutes, maybe 10 minutes or do. It was actually nice and cooled me down nicely. The rest of the race saw surprisingly nice weather conditions, plenty of sunshine in a partially cloudy sky.

Laguna Phuket Half Marathon BIB and finishers medal

Laguna Phuket Half Marathon, my BIB (rave number) and finishers medal

Although I didn't run a personal best time during this race, I still ran my second best time ever on a half marathon, which made me a very happy runner, considering the circumstances. The last couple of weeks I was dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, which kind of messed around with my training and preparation schedule. I had to take much more rest than I was hoping for, but in the end it all worked out fine! My finishing time was 2:01'16.3 and I finished as 25th out of 97 in my age category and 183rd all over out of 711!

A great race, well organized and I hope to be able to participate again next 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; 9th June, 2013

Today's weather;

Around Koh Samui it looks nice and the sun is out although it's partially cloudy. Current temp at 10am is already 32.3

In Phuket in the meantime, we just got back from the 9th Laguna Phuket Marathon, where I ran for a third successive year the half marathon, this year in a time of 2:01'16.3, my second best time on this distance. 
The weather is a bit of a mixed bag, although a lot of rain was predicted for today, there was only a strong shower just when I finished my race and it's been partially cloudy with an occasional drizzle for the rest. Current temp at 10am is 30.5C

Karon Beach, Phuket

Karon Beach in Phuket yesterday just after midday 

Yesterday saw very nice days in both Koh Samui and Phuket. Both islands had partially cloudy skies but with plenty of sunshine. max temp on Koh Samui reached 34.3C and in Phuket 32.5C

The forecast for next week around Samui is strong wind and some rain as of Wednesday with some storm like winds as of Friday. We'll see if that comes true, usually it doesn't and the weather mellows 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

Saturday 8 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui there's a nice blue sky for the time being with a few scattered clouds. Current temp at 7am is 28C

In Phuket we have a lovely morning with plenty of blue skies, which is a bit unusual for this time of the year, rain would be the norm and that is what's predicted for tomorrow, when the Laguna Phuket marathon takes place. Current temp at 7am is 27.1C

Kaslaong resort at Nai Yang beach in Phuket

Kasalong resort near Nai Yang beach in Phuket not too far away from the airport

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day around Samui and our whole trip down to Phuket was nice and sunny as well. Max temp reached 33.8C on Samui and 33.1C on Phuket

The forecast changed a bit, after the weekend strong winds start to pick up and there will be rain, culminating in what looks like a big storm towards next weekend. The forecasts have been known to dramatize events a week ahead of us, so we will keep monitoring events.

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 7 June 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui's sky this morning is a beautifully mixed bag of blue sky, big white clouds and a few grey ones to top it off. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

In less than an hour we're on our way to Phuket, where for the 3rd year in a row I will run the Phuket Laguna half marathon on Sunday. We will come back to Samui on Monday again.

Cloudy sky this morning

A partly cloudy sky this morning

Yesterday saw a lovely, sunny and warm day around the island with some rain during the night. Max temp reached 32.7C

The forecast is looking good, Sunday the wind will pick up but it should remain fairly dry although 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

Thursday 6 June 2013

Blue Vanilla, souvenirs & cafe, Fisherman's Village

In Fisherman's Village you can nowadays find 'Blue Vanilla', a souvenir & cafe place, run by Khun Ning. What sets Blue Vanilla apart from all other souvenir shops around the island is the fact  that you find unique souvenirs here, that aren't on offer anywhere else.

Blue Vanilla sign

The sign is calling you in

There are a lot of 'food' souvenirs that are nicely packed and allow you to bring something slightly different home , either as a gift or for yourself. Some samples will follow soon.

Blue Vanilla, side view

A side view of Blue Vanilla

The location of shop is also excellent, opposite our fave Italian restaurant on Samui; Juzza Pizza and it's opening times will allow you to have an early Italian dinner across the road and still get some shopping done. 
Blue Vanilla, frontal view

Frontal view

The cafe part is fairly low key but you get Nespresso coffe, tea, , a few beers, soft drinks and cakes, simple yet effective! All bakery goods are all home made and of great quality!

Blue Vanilla, interior

The very cosy interior

Blue Vanilla, tea and sweets

Tea and sweets

Various teas, sweets, Thai curry pastes, just to name a few can be found here and their unique packaging makes them stand out indeed. Browsing around the shop will reveal a few surprises, including exclusive vinegars and oils.

Blue Vanilla, Thai curry pastes

Fancy cooking a Thai curry? Here's the paste to start with

Blue Vanilla, driftwood art

Driftwood art and more sweets


Banoffee pie

When visiting Fisherman's Village, Blue Vanilla is a nice and relaxed spot to stop, have a drink and some cake, whilst browsing all the nice things on offer. 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