Saturday 30 April 2016

Goodbye to April 2016

Goodbye to April 2016


It's the end of April and time to say Goodbye to April 2016! A memorable April it has been because this years April went down into the history books as the hottest April on record since 65 years!
It was hot and humid on Koh Samui and all the other places I have been this month. Especially the humidity can get to you. We had a few drops of rain exactly once this month, yesterday morning! 

Goodbye to April 2016

A coral formed beach at Koh Matsum, coral near the water, sand a few meters land inward

It's been a busy month for me with a very successful PADI IDC on Koh Lanta, where I also celebrated Songkran this year, for the first time ever on Koh Lanta. I also did some excellent diving on Koh Lanta!
Once I got back home, it was off to Koh Tao for a PADI Course Update, almost immediately followed for a half marathon in Krabi where I placed second in my age category and 14th all over, a very good result indeed.
Once I got back home from this trip, we were off to Bangkok for new Dutch passports for me and two of our children and on the way back we visited the Pirates Park, a water park in Surat Thani.
The travelling continues, later this morning I will be off to Krabi, to run once more a half marathon, tomorrow morning and on Monday, I will start a new PADI IDC on Phuket.
It was a busy but a good month indeed!

I'm already looking forward to May 2016, see you there!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 Tattoo Convention at Central Festival

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival


By accident we stumbled over the Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival yesterday and somehow this convention did not get through to my network! I am however very happy to have come across it yesterday and if you're interested, today is the last day of Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival in Chaweng.

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival; A poster of the event

It was surprisingly busy and buzzing with energy and tattoo machines. A lot of cool and also some stunning tattoos could be seen and lots of work was going on in the aisles. Lots of big pieces were being inked and it was good to see so many artists at work.

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival; the rows of artists at work and spectators, visitors and friends the like

There were also lots of merchandise, like t-shirts and the like for sale as well as tattoo machines and ink and all other accessories that come with the trade. Very interesting to see, check out and observe.

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival; Tattoo artist at work

As pictured below, there is also the traditional, bamboo style of tattoo art available and it was interesting to see this artist at work. 

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival

Samui Tattoo Convention at Central Festival; traditional style, with bamboo

It's well worth checking out today, especially considering that this is the last day of the three day convention. I can only hope that next year I know well in advance of the event, so I can make more time available to check it out.
I do hope you enjoy a visit today!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 April, 2016

Today's weather;

It's hazy this morning over Koh Samui and cloud cover is all around although there are also a few sunny patches and I expect it to remain like this for the remainder of the day. Current temp at 8am is 30C

It's good to be back on Koh Samui again, although it's just for one night. Later this morning I will be off to Krabi to run a half marathon tomorrow morning and on Monday I will start a PADI IDC on Phuket, my first one in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia'.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th April, 2016

The Samui Tattoo convention, today is the last day in Central Festival in Chaweng

Yesterday saw a mostly cloudy day with occasional blue spots and the sun beaming through and during the early morning, for the first time this month there were short rain showers around the island. It still remained hot and very humid though! Max temp reached 33C

The forecast a cloudy weekend which should ease up between Monday and the end of next weekend, when supposedly another cloud heavy period moves in. The heatwave continues and this April was the hottest in 65 years!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 29 April 2016

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani


A visit to the The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani was in place. After our recent visit to Bangkok, we booked a night at Sabye D hotel in Surat Thani and spent the night, but first it was straight from the night train into the water park. 

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; the entrance area

Straight ain't the right word though, we had to wait two and a half hours before the water park opened at 10am. The hotel room wasn't available yet and almost nothing else is open in town. It was a bit of a challenge but we managed,

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; photo opportunity!

The water park is located on the 417, leading out of Surat Thani towards the airport, after the second PTT gas station on your left hand side. Can't miss it, there are big signs and it's pretty much straight on the road.
There's plenty of parking space available outside but non is sun covered, your car will be steaming hot once you get back to it.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; adult obstacle course

The entrance fee was really good, 250,-THB for adults and 150,-THB for children under 120 cm, added up to 900.-THB for the whole family, can't beat that!
Once inside, to your left are lockers, showers and bathrooms. There's almost no shade to be found, some shelters are set up with chairs inside and there's a big areas to your right at the entrance where small food stalls can be found, but only two or so were open yesterday which made excellent seating fro our group, out of the beaming sun.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; adult obstacle course

This is a bit of a problem, that there's almost no shade to be found. You will burn really quickly, so plenty of sun lotion on your body is required. Best is to act like the Thais and cover up your body with long sleeved shirts and at least knee length shorts.
The other problem I had was that not all of the attractions were cooled down by water, which could cause burn wounds due to rubbing the plastic cover of the attractions and very hot foot soles by walking over very hot rubber.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; adult obstacle course

The attractions are air filled, like the bouncy castles at local fairs here in Thailand. That partly explains the cheap entrance fees, but it comes with a few downsides, as explained before. I burned my knee and some attractions were just plain uncomfortable due to the plastic or rubber being way too hot and not being cooled down by water.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; children's obstacle course

The actual attractions boil down to two big pools for children, one just to play and with some slides and one big pool with small paddle boats.
The other two main attractions are two lengthy obstacle courses, one for people taller than 150cm with deep water surrounding the course and one for children with shallow water.
Both courses are challenging though and difficult to complete. On both courses there seemed to be plenty of staff at hand that could help out in case of problems.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; children's obstacle course

As already mentioned though, some of the rides are not cooled down enough or sprinkled by water so the plastic cover becomes steaming hot and you burn your feet easily. Some parts of the obstacle course have the same problem and it is rather very uncomfortable.
Trying to complete the courses can also be very tiring, pending on how serious or relaxed your attempt to completing a course is.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; children's pool and slides

Although there was a big, roof covered area, hence shay but still hot, with typical Thai small food stands, only two out of ten stands were open. There's also an air conditioned restaurant on the premises, but we didn't check out the options available and there's a coffee shop that sells shakes and is part of the park, but is located outside of the park and you need to get a big, fat stamp at the exit so you can get back in again. This is the only place where fruit shakes are being sold, and although various tastes are on the menu, a mixed fruit shake is not an option! Very strange indeed.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; small paddle boats in a shallow pool

When we visited, a week day but during a long Thai school holiday, it was not busy at all, I wonder how busy it gets during a weekend, probably a bit busier.

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani

The Pirate Park, water park in Surat Thani; my preferred ride

All in all I'm glad we visited, but I don't see us return that quickly. Too many small things that were missing that once added up, made it for a mediocre experience. The kids loved it though.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui and there are just a few openings in the cloud cover to let the sun shine through. It should be another warm day again though with possibly a very isolated shower. Current temp at 7am is 30C

We are here in Surat Thani at the last leg of a weeks long travelling and ready to head for the ferry soon. Home at last again. The sky over Surat Thani is also heavily covered by clouds with just a few blue openings. Current temp at 7m is 26C
This morning we visited the Pirate Park, a water park near the center of town.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th April, 2016

Fisherman's boats in Bang Rak bay, this picture is taken from the Seatran pier

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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th April, 2016

A Chinese temple opposite the pier in Surat Thani, where the night boats for Koh Tao and Koh Phangan leave. During the evening there's a small street restaurant in front of the temple. Next to the pier is small night market with food/restaurants and fruit stalls. There's also one vendor that sells Thai sweets who is so popular that people queue each night in order to buy the sweets.

The forecast predicts a light breeze for the next ten days with some cloud cover, some days heavier, some days lighter. It will still remain warm over the island.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 28 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th April, 2016

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is slightly hazy and there are some isolated clouds this morning. It may clear up a bit later during the day. Current temp at 7am is 30C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th April, 2016

The start of the shortcut in Maenam towards Lamai

We're travelling towards Surat Thani where we should arrive shortly. We left Bangkok yesterday evening at 19.30, on time and we're bound to arrive very soon in Surat Thani. It's nice and sunny and we're enjoying the view from the train. I had a very good nights sleep, much better than expected! Current temp at 7am is 26C in Surat Thani.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th April, 2016

The Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok yesterday evening, shortly before we left Bangkok

Yesterday saw a very hot day around Koh Samui, the max temp jumped up to 35C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th April, 2016

The river side in Surat Thani

The forecast is looking good, the heavy cloud formations that were predicted for after the weekend have more or less disappeared, it may be partially cloudy at times and the warm and dry weather continues for another ten days at least.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 27 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th April, 2016

Today's weather;

There is still a little bit of early morning haze hanging over Koh Samui but a nice blue sky is shaping up and it should stay warm and sunny today. Current temp at 7am is 29C

In Bangkok we also have a blue sky shaping up and it looks like it's going to be another steaming hot day here. Current temp at 7am is already 31.5C

Yesterday's visit to the Dutch Embassy went well and we got all done what needed to be done. This evening we will board the night train back to Surat Thani where we should arrive early tomorrow morning. There we have a visit to the new water park scheduled, apparently the biggest water park in the South of Thailand.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th April, 2016

The same bridge in Maenam as pictured in yesterday's daily weather update, but this picture is taken from the other side of the road, with the camera facing in-land. Here you can still see the lush jungle that surrounds big parts of the island, within meters of where we commute

Yesterday saw a warm and hot day around Koh Samui with occasionally some partial cloud cover and a max temp of 33C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th April, 2016

The Bangkok skyline early in the morning

The forecast has changed slightly, it's still sunny up to Sunday, but the cloud cover that was previously predicted has changed for the better, so there will still be some clouds moving in late next weekend but not as many as previously predicted. By mid next week it should be fairly sunny again.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 26 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th April, 2016

Today's weather;

A nice, sunny and blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning and I expect it to become a cloudless sky and it may get very hot today. Current temp at 7am is 27C

We are on our way, the whole family, buy night train from the railway station in Phun Phin to Bangkok, to get new Dutch passports for myself and the two eldest children. This better work out today, since the Embassy of the Netherlands may well be closed tomorrow because of the birthday of the Dutch King.

Near Bangkok a nice blue sky is shaping up and it looks like it may get very hot here as well. Current temp at 7am in Bangkok is 30.2C 

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th April, 2016

The bridge in Maenam (which means river), where the river flows, everything is being fortified

Yesterday started out with a nice blue sky over Koh Samui but during the afternoon some clouds moved in. It was hot but stayed dry and the max temp reached 33C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th April, 2016

The night train to Bangkok at 5am. Slept well and the aircon worked very well, we should arrive in about an hour and a half

The forecast for the next ten days on Koh Samui didn't change much. Sunny until Sunday and as of Sunday clouds may move in but it should stay dry.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 25 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th April, 2016

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning and it should stay sunny today. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th April, 2016

Part of Bang Rak bay as seen from the Seatran pier

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

The forecast remains stable, a couple of  ore very sunny days and towards the end of the week some more clouds may move in but it should remain dry and warm.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 24 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th April, 2016

Today's weather;

It's nice day with blue skies over Koh Samui and at 10am it's already 31C. It's a late update this morning, due to me participating in the Krabi CW-X half marathon, I placed 2nd in my age category so we needed to hang around for the ceremony and my friend Michael came in 2nd all over and first in his age category. A successful day for Samui runners.

In Krabi it's 33c Already with partially cloudy skies, although we're staying in Ao Nang.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th April, 2016

The Guan Yu statue at the Guan Yu shrine in Hua Thanon

Yesterday saw once more a warm and sunny day, although we had a serious shower when we drove into Krabi town. Short but hard. Max temp reached 33C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th April, 2016

Lots of impressive lime stone formations, this one is between Ao Nang and Krabi town



Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th April, 2016

Received a very nice and big trophy for placing second in my age category this morning at the CW-X half marathon in Krabi, My time was 1:51'30 over 20.61km, a few hundred meters short of the half marathon distance

The forecast predicts sunny days for the next ten days, although come Friday, some clouds may move in.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 23 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd April, 2016

Today's weather;

We have lovely blue skies over Koh Samui this morning and it's promising to be another hot one today. Current temp at 7am is 28C

This morning I will travel to Ao Nang and Krabi with some friends, where I will run a half marathon tomorrow in Krabi town. Tomorrow evening I will back on the island. This will be my first visit to Krabi town and actually spending time there, rather than using the bypass road around the city in order to get to Koh Lanta

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd April, 2016

The shrine at the Chinese Guan Yu temple in Hua Thanon

Yesterday was a sunny and warm day around Koh Samui with plenty of blue skies with occasional ly some clouds drifting by. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast didn't change much at all, for the next ten days. Mostly sunny days and as of next weekend and the beginning of next month, possibly some more clouds in the sky. Be prepared for a hot week coming up.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 22 April 2016

Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach

Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach


It's the time of the year when you want the wind to blow so the Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach will be successful. The Samui Regatta is hosted by Centara Grand Resort on Chaweng Beach and has become the 'home of the Samui Regatta'.
In the meantime this event that started very small 15 years ago, has grown to an internationally acknowledged and appreciated event and has become a highlight of the Asian sailing circuit.

Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach

Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach

As Khun Piboon Omak states, the  Koh Samui District Chief Officer;

The Samui Regatta can truly be called an international yachting event since it attracts boats from as far a field as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Hong Kong, as well as from all parts of Thailand, which make their way here solely to take part in this fun event.

Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach

Samui Regatta 21 - 28 May 2016 at Chaweng Beach

The Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, under the auspices of the Province of Surat Thani, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Municipal of Koh Samui, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, The Tourism Association of Thailand, the International Sailing Federation and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.

The Regatta has 4 key objectives:

  • Increase tourists to the island of Koh Samui.
  • Increase awareness and participation in watersports in Asia.
  • Establish Koh Samui as a leading Sailing Destination
  • Support youth education and sporting activities on the island.

Starting with just 11 boats, mainly made up of beach catamarans, the event gained a reputation for offering great hospitality and competitive sailing.

The fleet has now grown into one of the most competitive in Asia and is now placed as the final event of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship. Crowning the 2015/2016 Asian Champion Skipper and Crew at the last night Awards and Gala Dinner. Held at Centara Grand Beach Resort.

Please check out the official Samui Regatta website out here, you can find information ranging from race location to registration and pictures from previous years to the schedule for this year and plenty of information on social events.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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, 2016

Today's weather;

There are bi stretches of sunny skies above Koh Samui this morning but there are also parts of the sky covered in clouds, varying from light to heavier cover. It should clear up during the day time though. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd April, 2016

View from the Seatran pier in Bang Rak upon returning from Koh Tao yesterday

Yesterday saw once more a warm day with some scattered clouds. The temperature dropped to 33C although you couldn't say so, since it was hot as usual.

The forecast predicts light cloud cover to sunny skies over he next ten days and next weekend, the last weekend of this month, some heavier cloud cover. No rain is in sight.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 21 April 2016

9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016

9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016


It's time for the 9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016 in Nathon which once more will be organized by the Four Seasons Resort on Koh Samui.

9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016

9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016

This year we may well have the nice route back that leads us up the hill, South of Nathon, to turn around and lead behind the main road back into the start area, since the road construction has been completed,

9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016

9th Cancer Care run, Saturday 4th June 2016 in Nathon

The traditional distances are 2km fun, 5km and 10km races. As each year, it's a charity event.

The Cancer Car run's are held world wide, although on different days, but are all inspired by Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope in 1980 in Canada!

Hope to see you all there!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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, 2016

Today's weather;

We have a nice blue sky over Koh Samui this morning with a partial cover of some clouds and it should stay like this today. Current temp at 7am is 30C

After a very lonmg break, today I'm on Koh Tao, for a PADI update. It's been almost exactly a year since I was here last time. It's also blue with some isolated clouds in the sky here. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st April, 2016

Near the Seatran pier in Bang Rak, Big Buddha in the background

Yesterday saw pretty much the same weather pattern as most of this month, Blue skies with a few, sporadic clouds and hot. Max temp reached 34C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st April, 2016

The main road on Koh Tao, with  view towards the pier

The forecast for the next ten days shows a mix of  sunny, blue skies laced with some clouds and a very light breeze. It's going to stay hot and sunny for a while.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 20 April 2016

Samui Green Market 24th April

Samui Green Market 24th April


The next Samui Green Market 24th April is coming up soon, this coming Sunday. A great opportunity to find and purchase local produce and all local products.

Start is at 3pm and as always now, it's at the Elisya Boutique Resort & Greenlight Cafe in Fisherman's Village

Samui Green Market 24th April

In their own words;
New vendors and old at Samui Green Market this Sunday 24th. Come to Elysia in Fisherman village from 3pm for locally-made leather goods, vegan ice cream, organic vegetables, raw food desserts, artisanal cheese, home baked and roasted delights... including great coffee... 
We are an INCLUSIVE market - anything grown, made baked on Samui. And we try our best to EXCLUDE plastic. Bring your own shopping bags, friends....



Samui Green Market 24th April



Unfortunately I can't make it, since I will be participating in Krabi in a half marathon and won't be back on the island until fairly late. I can highly recommend a visit though!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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, 2016

Today's weather;

We can enjoy a blue sky over Koh Samui this morning with some sporadic clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 30C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th April, 2016

The second from the three statues at Wat Lamai, this statue is on the left hand side of the middle statue, if you stand in front of the three statues, This statue is flanked by two smaller statues and looks very much Chinese to me

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

The forecast keeps showing a light breeze and partially clouded skies for the next ten days. It will remain hot and humid, as can be expected during an April.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 19 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th April, 2016

Today's weather;

This morning shows a nice blue sky over Koh Samui with a few clouds in it. It should get completely blue later today and get ready for a hot one! Current temp at 7am is already 31C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th April, 2016

The new statue of a sitting monk at Wat Bophuttharam in Bophud under yesterday's morning cloud cover is still very much under construction but starts to look really good and impressive. It's a big one!

Yesterday saw a cloudy morning with occasionally a chance of local mini rain showers that only lasted a few minutes and weren't heavy at all. The afternoon saw the return of blue skies around Koh Samui and it got very hot again. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast hasn't changed that much, a nice breeze is blowing and today should see blue skies. As of tomorrow leading up and over the weekend should see partially cloudy skies and after that it should be blue again. It will remain hot and should stay dry!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 18 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th April, 2016

Today's weather;

This morning it's fairly cloudy around Koh Samui with possibly a very light shower at some parts of the island. It may clear up around noon but later in the day clouds may move in once more. Current temp at 7am is already 30C

Am back on Koh Samui again and it's good to be with the family again. The next two weeks will be very busy with lots of travelling before I head off to Phuket towards the end of the month for my next PADI IDC.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th April, 2016

The Nathon area being very hazy yesterday morning around 8.30am as seen from the Seatran ferry

Yesterday saw a cloudy day around Koh Samui but it was very hot. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast predicts a light breeze most of the time with at moments cloudy skies but plenty of sunshine coming in ad hardly any rain at all is predicted for the next ten days.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 17 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th April, 2016

Today's weather;

A few clouds are in Koh Samui's sky this very early in the morning. It looks like it's going to be warm again today. Current temp at 6am is 28C

Am about to leave Surat Thani, where I spent the night, to catch a ferry back home to Koh Samui. Two days ago, the only available ferry was today's 7.30am ferry. It's still dark here under a starry sky. Current temp at 6am is 28C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th April, 2016

One of the three main statues at Wat Lamai, very Chinese and serious looking

It was another hot day around Koh Samui with some clouds at times and a max temp of 34C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th April, 2016

The river at Surat Thani with a small island in the middle during yesterday's sun set

The forecast for the next ten days predicts some clouds and possibly some rain this coming Wednesday. It will still be hot every day and the sun will be out and about.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 16 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th April, 2016

Today's weather;

It's nice and blue over Koh Samui with a few clouds hanging low. Last night it rained a bit though, nice and refreshing but the daytime should be warm and dry again. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Right now I'm on Phuket and on my way own home. It's nice and blue skies and hot during the day time. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Due to Songkran the ferries are full today and tomorrow there's only one ferry left with space for a reservation, the 7.30am one, so I will stay overnight in Surat Thani and catch the early morning ferry tomorrow morning, getting me home early in the day!

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th April, 2016

At the Chinese Temple of Guanyin in Phang Ka in southern Koh Samui, a tree is being worshiped and lots of clothes are hung up and in the tree for good luck

Yesterday saw another warm and sunny day around Koh Samui, but last night, rather unexpectedly, it rained. Max temp reached 35C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th April, 2016

Sunset yesterday evening at Karon beach on Phuket

The forecast is still predicting a light breeze, making it a little bit cooler if you find yourself near a beach where the wind blows inward. We may have some more clouds  in the sky compared to the first half of this April month and this coming Wednesday it may rain a little bit.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 15 April 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th April, 2016

Today's weather;

It's still a bit hazy over Koh Samui this early morning but it looks like another sunny and hot day is in the making. Current temp at 6am is already 27C

In a moment I will move over to Phuket for one or two nights, sorting out some business related things and than I will be on my way home again, at last!

At the moment however, I'm still on Koh Lanta, after a very successful PADI IE for my candidates yesterday. It's blue skies in the making here with a few scattered, small clouds. Current temp at 6am is 24C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th April, 2016

Stray dogs in the Phang Ka area, the less developed Southern part of the island

It was steaming hot yesterday on Koh Samui, the temperature is still rising, little by little and yesterday saw a max temp of 36C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th April, 2016

Klong Dao beach on Koh Lanta on Songkran morning in front of Casuarina Hotel, a very long stretch of beach that always seems empty, despite the many resort located directly at the beach

The forecast for Koh Samui hasn't changed too much, as of tomorrow we should have cloudy but dry skies until mid next week. It's however not a guarantee that it will cool down!

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 14 April 2016

Songkran 2016

Songkran 2016


This Songkran 2016 was the first time I spent on Koh Lanta during this celebration day. As a matter of fact, I rarely saw anything of the Koh Lanta Songkran festivities, since my PADI IDC candidates from the April IDC on Koh Lanta started their PADI IE yesterday and it was all classroom and confined work, pretty much all day long and we moved from the classroom up the road to the pool, which was just around a kilometer.

It all paid off for the candidates though, since they all passed their PADI IE today.

Songkran 2016

Songkran 2016, the Chaweng foam party

My wife and our children went to Chaweng though, with some friends and their kids and they had a ball. The party got started around 2pm and the foam party that was last year away from the road, had now moved to the road.

Songkran 2016

Songkran 2016 with some foam victims

After more than 6 hours in Chaweng, they finally made it back home, exhausted but happy from the water battles they participated in.
Our youngest, just over two and a half years old, enjoyed it as well, although she had a nap in-between all the action.

Songkran 2016

Songkran 2016 absolute(ly)

Although alcohol is not allowed to be sold, at least not in the open, it was widely available and as far as I know, no fights or other disturbing actions took place on our island.

Songkran 2016

Songkran 2016 on Koh Lanta

On Koh Lanta the action and fun was a lot more isolated along the main road, with some points buzzing with action but long quiet and dry stretches in-between the next water battle. Good fun was had by all though.

This was the third time I celebrated Songkran outside of Koh Samui, twice before I was in Khao Lak during Songkran.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two.

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned.

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens.
  

Camille