Goodbye to April 2014

It's been a classic April month on Koh Samui! Scorching hot and humid, as April is supposed to be with just a few occasional raindrops and almost no wind to speak of. 

The average day time temperature was around 34C but it felt a lot warmer.

Road in Lipa Noi, leading to/from the Raja ferry, kind of near the entrance of the road to the drives license place

It was a busy month for me work wise, with a PADI IDC in Khao Lak and a PADI IE in Phuket and a PADI Instructor Development Update on Koh Tao. 

I was lucky enough to be able spend a week in early April at home and a week towards the end of the month and currently I find myself an my family in Sanur on Bali in Indonesia. A holiday for our kids and my wife and work with another PADI IDC on Gili Air for me, starting tomorrow.

This month also saw the Thai New Years celebrations aka Songkran, which I celebrated in Khao Lak.

On Koh Samui I participated in one of the few running events this year, the 2nd Koh Samui Midnight Charity Run.

Good food was had at the usual favorite restaurants, which included Japanese restaurant Kobori in Maenam and Italian restaurant Juzza Pizza in Fishermans Village.

That's all folks, at least for this April 2014 month! Am looking forward to may, so please do keep checking in to news and daily weather updates for Koh Samui.

Please have a look at my Koh Samui Facebook page and give it a 'like'.

Camille

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; 30th April, 2014

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is partly cloudy this morning and it's looking like another hot one is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 28.7C

Here on Bali we have a very blue sky and it's currently 27C at 8am local time.

Sanur beach on Bali, shortly before sunset and with a very low tide. People were fishing all over the place, waist high in the middle of the water

Yesterday saw another hot day around Koh Samui with some killer sunsets in the evening. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast predicts mostly partly cloudy skies for the next 7 days but supposedly not a drop of rain in the air.

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

2nd koh Samui Midnight Run, Race Night

Just a few nights ago, from Saturday to Sunday, it was race night for the 2nd Koh Samui Midnight Run. It was busy and it as fun. 

Moments before the start

There were about 700 participants, unevenly divided over the two race categories of 5 and 10km. The 10km runners did the same loop through Chaweng twice. 

There was a lot less traffic compared to last year and the finish was free of any traffic this year, which allowed to battle it out in a sprint finish with another competitor.

Receiving the 2nd place price and trophy

It was hot though, at the fist water station, after just about 1.5km, I was already pouring water over my head and basically kept doing that throughout the race. It was brutal.
It was really nice that many shops and also a couple of 'girlie bars' handed out cold drinks to the runners. Much appreciated, whoever you were!

Saturday afternoon, waiting to be distributed and placed at the correct corner and place

It was fun though, running through Chaweng beach road, one moment in the midst of the nightlife venues in Soi Green mango and the next moment, after the next turn, almost running in the dark, suffering the heat!

Part of the 10km winners

I finished second in my age category, pretty much in the same time as last year and behind the same guy as last year! We already made plans to meet up at next years edition.

I'm already looking forward to next years race!

Big thanks to the organizers and participating sponsors and I hope plenty of funds was raised for this Charity event.

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

It was a very early rise, with the alarm set for 3.30am but now the whole family arrived safe and well on Bali around noon after an event-less flight from Don Muang in Bangkok. Current temp here on Bali at 3pm local time is 31C under a blue sky!

This morning it was mostly cloudy around Koh Samui but it's very hot and humid. Current temp at 1pm is 32.9C

Welcome back to Bali, island of the (Hindu) Gods

Yesterday saw once more a very warm day around the island with a max temp of 34C

The forecast predicts mostly cloudy but still warm to hot days for the next 7 days and the wind might be picking up a bit.

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th April, 2014

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it's partly cloudy without a sigh of wind in sight and it's already hot. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

My family and me are on out first leg of our journey and everybody just woke up in Surat Thani, ready to fly to Don Muang airport in Bangkok.

yesterday we had some great dinner at a restaurant new to us in Surat with some good friends of my wife. A good start to our trip.

Nathon growing smaller, as seen from the Seatran ferry, we will see you back in a good three weeks

Yesterday was hot around Samui with a max temp of 34C

The forecast occasionally predicts some clouds but still no drop of rain in sight. 

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has a nice but slightly hazy blue sky to show for this morning with an astonishing temp at 7am of already 29.8C. It's going to be killer hot today!

This update is a little bit late since I ran the Midnight Run last night and got to bed late. I did manage to come in 2nd in my age category, which pleases me.

Later today we're off to Surat Thani for a night, Bangkok for a night and Bali for 2 nights before we hit Gili Air in Indonesia for about 3 weeks where I will conduct once more a PADI IDC. Don't worry though, everything is in place to guarantee the daily weather updates.

Impression of the 2nd Koh Samui Midnight Run before the start in front of the Reggae Pub

Yesterday saw a sunny and warm day around the island with a max temp of 34C but believe me, it felt a lot hotter!

The forecast predicts a couple of cloudier days but by mid next week the sun should be out in force 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; 26th April, 2014

Today's weather;

There's a slightly hazy but blue sky out there around Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is already 28C

Don't forget the 2nd Koh Samui Midnight run tonight at midnight! Come out to join the fun and either run or cheer on the runners!

The sky over Koh Samui during this month

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

The forecast keeps changing and right now only some heavy clouds are expected net Wednesday and 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th April, 2014

Today's weather;

There's a cloudy sky around Koh Samui and Koh Tao where I am for a PADI seminar. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

On Koh Tao there's a serious water shortage and rain is desperately needed here.

Boats at Mae Haad beach on Koh Tao

Yesterday was very hot wth a max temp of 34C

The forecast eased up on the clouds a bit until the weekend, from Monday onward heavy cloud layers can be expected with some much needed rain 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's mostly a blue sky with a bit of hazy clouds in it this morning around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is already a whooping 29C

Don't forget to sign up for the 2nd Samui Midnight Run this coming weekend!

A view towards Big Buddha at the end of the afternoon

Yesterday saw a very hot day, the heat is suppressing around the island! Max temp reached 33C

The forecast predicts a lot more clouds now, especially after the weekend with possibly some rain later 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 Midnight Run this weekend

This coming Saturday, 26th April, at midnight, the start sign will be given for the 2nd Koh Samui Midnight Run. After last year's success, there 's a new challenge for the Samui runners ahead in what seems to be one of the few races on Samui this year. You can sign up for a 5km or 10km run.

Just like last year, the start and finish will be in front of the Reggae pub in Chaweng. On Saturday from 2pm onward until 11pm you can sign up for the race and besides the bib, you will receive a T-shirt as well as a finishers medal.

I just hope the finish chaos that was happening last year with bikes and cars all over the road in front of the Reggae Pub can be prevented!

Last year's start and finish

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.

My BIB or start number for this years race

Although I came in second in my age category last year, I don't think I will be that lucky this year. The age categories above 50 have been put together and I suspect a few fellow runners in my category to be a bit faster than myself. It will be fun though, nonetheless and I hope many runners sign up and it will be a success.

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a bit later than usual, since I did a hill run in Chaweng this morning in preparation for the Samui Midnight Run, this coming Saturday night. It's hot and sunny out there and I noticed during my run, it did not go that well! Current temp on Koh Samui at 7am is 28.2C

Central Festival as seen from Chaweng beach road

Yesterday saw another very hot day around the island, although it was partially cloudy. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast predicts Thursday and Friday to be sunny but all other days to be rather 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; 22nd April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's an almost clear blue sky around our house on Koh Samui, with some clouds further away. Current temp at 7am is already 28.5C

After a great meal, a picture of our family posing in Japanese dresses outside of Kobori, Japanese restaurant in Maenam

Yesterday saw a sunny morning, a fairly cloudy midday and during the afternoon it cleared up again. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast is mostly sunny for next week with more clouds 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's good to be back home again, especially under a nice blue sky around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Yesterday the PADI IE in Phuket was completed very successfully by my students! Well done and well deserved.

Plai Laem this morning with a nice, blue sky

Yesterday saw a hot and sunny day around the island with a max temp of 34C

The forecast predicts mostly clue skies for the next 7 days with occasionally some clouds.

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

It looks like a sunny and hot day is in the making over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is already 27.9C

In Phuket we have a very mixed bag with plenty of blue spots, thin clouds, big clouds, white clouds and dark clouds. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Today will be the last day of the PADI IE here and straight afterwards I will be on my way home again!

The three different New Year celebrations each year are behind us, Western, Chinese and Thai or Songkran.

Street in Kata, Phuket

Yesterday it was very hot around Samui with a max temp of 34C

The forecast actually predicts a few clouds today but around our house there's a blue sky! The rest of next week should be nice and sunny and possibly very 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th April, 2014

Today's weather;

It looks like a nice, warm or possibly even hot and sunny day is shaping up over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Back here in Phuket, where I arrived yesterday for the PADI IE and will leave again tomorrow, back home to Samui, it's partially cloudy with plenty of blue sky around. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Yesterday there must have been plenty of rain here but we didn't experience any.

The road madness is over for this year; There were 322 deaths and 3,225 injuries as a result of 2,992 road accidents across country from last Friday to Thursday - the so-called seven dangerous days of Songkran, said the state road safety agency.

Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, who chaired the Road Safety Directing Centre, said on Thursday alone there were 238 road accidents which killed 43 people and injured 299.

Speeding was the major cause of accidents (25 per cent) followed by drunk driving (21 per cent).

Most accidents involved motorcycles (80 per cent) and pickup trucks (22 per cent).

Among the injuries and deaths, 8 per cent were involved in risky behavior such as not wearing a helmet. 

Most accidents occurred on highways and village roads between noon and 4pm. Most victims were aged between 20 and 40.

Plaa Tad Tim or bbq'ed fish with a salt layered skin along the road side in Kata, Phuket 

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

The forecast predicts a fairly cloudy weekend, especially Sunday but sunnier skies for the rest 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th April, 2014

Today's weather;

The sun is rising over Koh Samui and it's already warm early in the morning. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

In Khao Lak it's a mixed bag, clouds with blue spots can be found here in the sky with some rain thrown in last night. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C

The current PADI IDC here has been completed and today the PADI IE will kick off in Phuket. Later this morning we'll be on our way.

There were 277 deaths and 2,926 injuries in 2,754 road accidents nationwide in the first six days of Songkran.

The Road Safety Directing Centre reported the figures yesterday. On Wednesday, 29 people were killed and 283 injured in 273 accidents nationwide.
Drunk driving was the main cause of accidents (32.60 per cent) followed by speeding (30.77 per cent). Most accidents involved motorcycles (80.77 per cent), followed by pickup trucks (11.54 per cent).

Most accidents took place between 4pm and 8pm and most victims (45.83 per cent) were of working age (20-49).
Just one more day of reports to come in.

View on Kheuk Khak, a beach near Khao Lak

Yesterday saw a warm day around Samui with a max temp of 33C

The forecast is predicting lots of clouds over the weekend but mostly sunny days 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; 17th April, 2014

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is mostly blue with a few clouds in it and a current temp at 7am of 26.9C

In Khao Lak we have a slightly clouded sky and yesterday evening and last night we had some rain. Current temp at 7am is 24C

The Songkran road accident death toll rises to 248 during the first five days of the 'seven dangerous days'. 44 people got killed and 501 were injured.

The cumulative accidents and injuries increased by 191 accidents and 204 injuries from the same period last Songkran, but the cumulative deaths lowered by eight cases, said Royal Thai Police's Office of Police Strategy deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Surapol Yoonuch. 

Main road in Khao Lak with luscious green mountains in the back ground

Yesterday saw a very hot day around Samui but there was also a little bit of rain during the afternoon. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast didn't change much, mostly blue skies are predicted 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th April, 2014

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky is shaping up around Koh Samui and it looks like a warm day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

In Khao Lak a near perfect blue sky is shaping up with a current temp of 25.5C at 7am. Yesterday was partly cloudy during the afternoon with some around around 11pm.

The Songkran road madness is not over yet, the fourth day of the seven 'dangerous Songkran holidays' saw 488 road accidents, killing 43 people and injuring 502 others, the The Road Safety Directing Center announced Tuesday. This bring the total death toll to 204 and the accumulated figure of injuries rose to 2,142. The majority of accidents was caused by drunk driving.
This does not include any figures of people who succumbed from their injuries away from the accident scene. If you survive the accident but die later in a hospital, you're not in these statistics, making the real number of the death toll even hihgher.

Our long tail boat captain at Tab Lamu near Khao Lak during our open water dives for the current PADI IDC

Yesterday saw a very hot and dry day around our part of the island but there were thunderstorms at other parts and there may have been some rain. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast predicts mostly nice and sunny skies although this morning there may be  few thunderstorms around the 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; 15th April, 2014

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui the sun is rising in a near perfect blue sky. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

In Khao Lak there are a few clouds but the sun is also heating up over here. Current temp at 7am is 25.6C 

Yesterday we had a lovely, sunny morning with a cloudy afternoon and a few rain drops around Khao Lak.

The road carnage around Songkran keeps going on; 59 nine people were killed and 747 injured in some 689 accidents on April 13, the third day of the 'seven dangerous days' (April 11-17), the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Monday.
The major causes of road accidents are drink driving (38%) and speeding (24%) and in 79% of the accidents, motorcycles were involved.

Resort on the beach at Khao Lak, here you can find a picture of the same resort back in March 2005, just 3 months after the tsunami

Yesterday it was dry at the northeastern part of the island but around Nathon there was some rain. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast still looks good, with mostly sunny skies 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th April, 2014

Today's weather;

The sky is turning blue again and th sun is about to rise on Koh Samui, after some early morning rain. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

In Khao Lak a nice blue sky is shaping up, with a few scattered clouds. Current temp at 7am is 25.2C 

Yesterday, during Songkran, we already reached the half way mark of the current PADI IDC.

The road rage around the country continues though, on the second day of  the so-called seven dangerous days (April 11-17) of road accidents over Songkran, 63 people were killed and 491 injured in 471 accidents, the Road Safety Directing Centre of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said. They bring the total number of people killed and injured over the first two days of the festival to 102 dead and 893 hurt in 850 accidents. 

Enjoy this slide shows of Songkran activities from yesteryear.

Songkran in Khao Lak yesterday

Yesterday saw a very warm day around Koh Samui with a mix of blue skies, occasionally some clouds and some wind. The max temp reached 34C

The forecast for the next 7 days still predicts mostly blue skies with some scattered clouds.

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

Songkran or Thai New Year 2014 in Khao Lak

Today is the day that Songkran or the Thai New Year is celebrated all over Thailand. In most locations the celebrations only last one day but there also other cities around the Kingdom where a couple of days long there will be water fights.

Water fight

This year I'm for the second time celebrating Songkran in Khao Lak after April 2012.

Hiding

It's nice and relaxed here without the madness of the bigger cities or the big islands. It makes for a easy going and very relaxed day. Nonetheless, the ambulance was also racing up and down the road, indicating that also here accidents happen.

We're loaded

It was really enjoyable today, in the morning we completed some current PADI IDC work and after lunch we all had off and could enjoy the festivities.

Hope you enjoyed your Songkran this year and that you stayed safe! Unfortunately the death toll is very high on Thailand's roads.

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's looking like it's going to be a hot and warm Songkran or Thai New Year today around Koh Samui with a near perfect blue sky. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

A nice blue sky is also shaping up over Khao Lak with a slightly hazy sky at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

The Songkran road madness has started; Some 39 people were killed and 402 others injured in road accidents nationwide on Friday, the first day of the Songkran holiday period from April 11-17, according to the Road Safety Centre. Drunken driving was the major cause at 31 per cent, followed by speeding at 22 per cent. 

Here's a good article from the Nation on how the lawless culture takes it's toll on the Thai roads.

Enjoy Songkran but be careful out there!

Police boat 813 in Khao Lak at the Tsunami Memorial park during the evening at the pre-Songkran festivities

Yesterday saw a very warm day around Samui, April at it's best with a max temp of 34C

The forecast is looking good with mostly sunny skies predicted for the next 7 days and occasionally some clouds.

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui we have a blue skies with a few scattered clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

Here in Khao Lak, we have a cloudy sky with some blue spots in it. Current temp at 7am is 24.8C

Tomorrow is Songkran, did you buy your water guns already? On that note, on the first day of the 7 dangerous days of Songkran, 13 people died in road accidents and 80 got wounded. A bad start to the seven day road safety campaign for the Songkran festival. 

Khao Lak beach shortly before sunset

Yesterday saw a warm day around Samui and some rain around noon. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast predicts mainly sunny skies for the next 7 days although there may some clouds thrown in for good measure.

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's clear and sunny around Koh Samui with a current temp at 7am of 26.5C

In Khao Lak we have a slightly hazy sky but the sun is about to come out and a blue sky may form up soon. Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

Two years ago I was also in Khao Lak on 11th April, and it was that day in 2012 when there was a tsunami warning.

Rua Thor or police boat 813 in Khao Lak, nine and a half years after the tsunami

Yesterday saw a very warm day around Samui with a max temp of 34C

The forecast has changed for the better and all predicted clouds for the next 7 days have gone and it should be sunny all along.

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

13th Samui Regatta, 24th to 31st May, 2014

Come the end of the month, it's time again for the already 13th version of the Samui Regatta. Since its birth in 2002, Samui Regatta has grown to attract the best yachts in Asia and a large spectator following who come to Koh Samui for great sailing, great parties and to experience all that the island has to offer.

The event is proudly hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort, which is widely regarded as the "Home of the Samui Regatta".

The Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, The Municipal of Koh Samui and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

It's the final event in the 2013/14 AsianYachting Grand Prix championship with Samui Regatta results to determine the season's winner.

With a 30-strong fleet already confirmed, including the top racing yachts in Asia, and more on their way, the 2014 Samui Regatta is set to deliver some top quality competition and likely to decide the outcome of the 2013/14 AsianYachting Grand Prix.

“The quality of the entries is looking exceptional, not only in the racing and top IRC fleets but also among the cruisers and charter boats. Last year there was some very close racing on-the-water often with just seconds separating boats on corrected time, and looking at the boats and crew this year I would expect the competition to be just as close and in some cases, even more so,” said Simon James, Race Director, Samui Regatta.

It seems this event is becoming more important in the sailing and yachting community around South East Asia. Not completely my cup of tea but it brings a lot of yachting associated people to the island. Enjoy the various races.

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 April, 2014

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui the morning has sunshine with a few clouds in the sky as well. Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

In Khao Lak the sky is fairly cloudy this morning and yesterday the April PADI IDC kicked off here in good fashion. Current temp at 7am is 25.6C

The main road, in or rather through Khao Lak, Thanon Phetkasem, has been widened and resembles a bowling alley now, people drive faster and it's more accident prone.

Yesterday saw a very warm day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 34C

The forecast predicts sunny skies until and over the weekend with some more clouds 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th April, 2014

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has a nice blue sky to show for with a current temp of 26.3C

In Khao Lak I'm ready to start a PADI IDC under a blue sky with a current temp of 25.1C

Our family's favorite gas station near Phang Nga, completely under reconstruction

Yesterday saw some rain around the island but only at certain parts and not a lot of rain. Near our house it stayed dry. Max temp reached around 33C

The forecasts predicts sunny skies with some clouds moving in 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's slightly cloudy around Koh Samui but with enough blue spots to look forward to another hot day. Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

Later this morning I will be on my way to Khao Lak for the start of a PADI IDC tomorrow.

The "BOT" (โบสถ์) at Wat Ratchathammaram or locally better known as Wat Sila Nguu Hin Nguu near Lamai in red color, a very unusual sight and it's the finest building where monks are assembled for religious rites (สังฆกรรม) such as morning and evening prayers or ordination. It is the most sacred part of the temple.

Yesterday saw a very sunny and hot day with a max temp of 33C

The forecast predicts mostly 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a clear blue sky this morning over Koh Samui and it looks like it's going to be hot. Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Nice and relaxed Choengmon beach during the afternoon

Yesterday saw a cloudy morning and early afternoon but then the clouds evaporated and it turned sunny and hot with a max temp of 33C

The forecast predicts sunny skies with hardly any wind at all 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th April, 2014

Today's weather;

It's mostly cloudy over Koh Samui this morning although there are a few blue patches here and there. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C and it feels a lot cooler compared to previous days.

Fish and frog to eat in the front and aquarium fish in the back at Plai Laem market

Yesterday saw a cloudy day with occasionally some sunshine until round 4pm and at last we had a bout an hours worthwhile of rain. What a relief! It was well needed and we can do with some more, the whole island looks brown. Max temp reached around 32C

The forecast predicts clouds today until the afternoon after which it should become sunnier again. for the remainder of 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

Food on Wheels; The mobile Burger tuk tuk

During my recent stay on Phuket, I visited a market near Chalong circle and to my delight but also surprise, there were some new variations on the Food on Wheels theme!

It's becoming harder each month to find something new or unique after a couple of years following this South East Asian treat. On this market however, there was this tuk tuk that was made into a mobile burger vendor vehicle. Now that's what I call ingenuity.

Beef, pork and chicken burgers with or without cheese are on the menu and that for just 50.-THB a bite! Not a bad deal, even if you need two to stuff yourself enough.

It never ceases to surprise me, the ingenuity and creativity that some people have here and what they come up with, to make a Baht! Hats off to these entrepreneurs and that they may be successful in whatever they are doing! 

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