Goodbye to August 2016

Goodbye to August 2016

The last of this month has come and it's time to say 'Goodbye to August 2016'.

The weather this month was not that great, especially not the first twenty days, during which Koh Samui endured lots of rain and some very heavy wind, at a few times even storm like conditions and with lots of rain as well.

The last third of the month we saw the sun making a few appearances and the weather turned a lot nicer, although we still had plenty of tropical showers, however, mostly during the late afternoon, early evening or during the night.

A similar August month as last year in 2015. The year 2014 August was more like a typical August with plenty of sunshine and good weather. Maybe next month or next year again?

Goodbye to August 2016; The seven days of the week again, with Wednesday having two options, morning and evening, once more an occasion to make merit, this time in Wat Lamai

During this month I was at the beginning of the month on Phuket for a PADI IDC and last week I went to Ban Na San to run a 25km race.

This month typically sees overseas visitors come and visit the island and this year I was very enjoyable to reconnect with Farah, who I met some 18 years ago during my music touring days as a road manager, and he was with a Japanese band by the name of Cornelius. We had some good food at Dcheed 2 for some outstanding pork sateh and 'raad na', Kobori for Japanese food, what else!? and Sabeinglae at The Wharf in Fisherman's Village for some of the best Thai food on the island.

Next month is coming on strong, just like Brenda Lee, and I'm still in preparation for the Khanom marathon, come 25th September, during which I hope to break a time under 4 hours. After that it's off to Phuket again for another PADI IDC on Phuket.

See you all next month, in September, hope to see drop by here!

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; 31st August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31^st August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's nice and sunny and a very blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning at our art of the island but other parts of the island may have partially clouded skies during the morning and sunnier skies once the sun heats up. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Plai Laem road, toward Wat Plai Laem or Wata Suwanaram, coming from Choengmon

Yesterday saw mostly fairly cloudy skies with occasionally the sun breaking through and by 4.30pm - 5pm the rain started again, first with a drizzle and after a while it became stronger, to fizzle out with a drizzle again. All in all well over an hour. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast is looking nice for today and tomorrow, with clouds and wind picking up over the weekend with some tropical showers being an option.

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

X Terra trail runs on Koh Samui 25th September

X Terra trail runs on Koh Samui 25th September

After the already mentioned X Terra off road duathlon and triathlon events on Koh Samui come 25th September, the organisation has now added two news events; X Terra trail runs on Koh Samui 25th September over 13km and 32km.

As a runner I'm very excited about this, since there aren't that many trail runs in Southern Thailand. However, I already booked already months ago a slot in the Khanom marathon that is being held on the same day and booked the hotel room months ago as well, so I will stick to my marathon race in Khanom, since I am in training since over four weeks for this as well. A more than unfortunate situation for me!

X Terra trail runs on Koh Samui 25th September

The race details can be viewed here, at AMA events website, including the entrance fees.

X Terra trail runs on Koh Samui 25th September;
Registration for the special price on Samui will be at Zazen Hotel. Only for Trail Run NOT triathlon or duathlon.  13KM 600 Baht (RRP 900) , 32KM 1,100BAHT (RRP 1590). This includes T-shirt, buffet lunch by Ibis, medal and trophies.

From my end, I do hope that the race will be successful enough to warrant a follow up next year, that will be announced much more in time, so I can plan around it. I do like trail running, although I have limited exposure to it,  with only two half marathon distances on trail under my belt, one in Indonesia at Mount Bromo and one in  the Philippines, but I enjoyed both of them tremendously. 

If I wouldn't be planning to run the Khanom marathon in a new personal best, it would have been an easy choice, now the decisions and training for the Khanom marathon are already in too much of an advanced stage.

In the meantime, I do hope local runners and from the mainland will join the race and sign up and participate.

In general it's going to be a very interesting event, combined with the duathlon (1.2KM RUN - 29KM BIKE - 9.5KM RUN) and three different triathlon events; the standard tri distance (1.5 KM SWIM – 30 KM BIKE – 10 KM RUN), the sprint tri distance (750 M SWIM – 16 KM BIKE – 6 KM RUN) and the Team Standard Triathlon with one swimmer, one biker and one runner.

Be aware that this race is not part of the X-TERRA world Tour 2016.

Looking forward to a great and successful event and can't wait to read and hear about the various races and disciplines.

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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is partially cloudy this morning and it wouldn't surprise me at all if we get a nice and sunny day today, until possibly in the afternoon, when clouds and rain may move in once more, just like previous days. Current temp at 7am is 27C

A very busy and successful Samui Green Market at a one off new location at Six Senses Hideaway in Plai Laem

Yesterday saw a cloudy day, there were a few sunny moments early on in the day but the majority of the day was cloudy which culminated in heavy clouds around 5pm and drizzle and rain for around two hours. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast for the next ten days is looking fairly good, a couple of sunny day before the wind starts to pick up again and more clouds should come Samui ways with tropical showers after next weekend .

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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's partially cloudy over Koh Samui this morning with a cool morning temperature, although the quicksilver already reads 28C. It may well become a nice and sunny day once the sun starts to heat up.

Sunset at Plai Laem, near the Six Senses Hideaway resort where we visited Samui's Green market yesterday

Yesterday saw a fairly hazy day, the sun was out and about but not always in a blue sky. It stayed dry although there were some threatening afternoon clouds at times and max temp reached 33C

The forecast predicts partially cloudy skies until next weekend when it may turn cloudy with plenty of wind again and the rain picking up. The first September week could potentially be a very wet week.

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; 28th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui and there's no sun in sight at the moment. In contrast to yesterday's forecast, it should clear up bit it doesn't look like it. Looking at yesterday, it could go either way, stay cloudy or clear up and go sunny all the way for a few hours. Current temp at 8am is a fairly cool 28C

The sky at Central Festival in Chaweng late afternoon, with dark and heavy clouds slowly moving in at the background

Yesterday in contrast to my prediction, it cleared up very nicely and by 10am we had a sun blasting it beams and heat down on us until about 4pm. By than we had a few isolated drops, the sun came back out again and by 7pm we had a lot of rain which went on and off for a few hours. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast changed a bit, it remains steady until the first September weekend, next weekend. Up till than we should have partially cloudy skies with an occasional tropical shower but come next weekend, the wind is going to pick up, the clouds move in and after the weekend we may experience some rain.

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; 27th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and around 6am we had a very light drizzle but now it's dry although rain is in the air. The sun tried to break through some scarce cloud holes but the clouds easily won that battle. Expect cloudy skies today, possibly with a light drizzle at times or a tropical shower. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Anybody for heavy machinery to rent or for sale? Some heavy drill machines are on display outside with lots more on offer. Previously people were sitting just next to the road around the island with the machinery on display, now it seems they found a more permanent solution with this 'show room' near Bandon Hospital

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day until around 4pm when we had some very light drizzle and around 7pm we had some hard tropical thunder shower. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast keeps changing ever so slightly and now we should not have that much sunshine anymore but a lot more cloudy or partially cloudy skies at best, with strong wind and rain after the first September weekend.

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; 26th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

Earlier on this morning there was a hazy layer in the sky but by now that has almost completely evaporated with the sun heating up and the sky over Koh Samui is almost perfect blue. Current temp at 7am is 28C

One more a shot of Meh Guan Ihm at Wat Plai Laem or Wat Suwannaram, in my humble opinion the most beautiful temple on the island and as it happens to be, conveniently located within a few hundred meters of our house.

Yesterday saw a sunny day around Koh Samui except in our part in the early evening we had dark clouds and a few rain drops but other parts of the island may have had some thunderstorms. Max temp reached a hot 35C

The forecast has changed slightly once more, we should have partially clouded skies now for the next ten days with an occasional tropical shower and a strong breeze over the first September weekend.

If the weather keeps going as it has been the last couple of days, it's going to be very sunny indeed!

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; 25th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

A blue sky with isolated, thin clouds is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning and it looks like a nice and sunny day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Donate for the twelve Zodiac signs. Lots of different ways are used to get donations form visitors at Thai temples, this is one of them. In a Thai temple it's worthwhile to check for these donation options, they can be quite interesting at times. This is at the new sitting monk statue at Wat Bophud

Yesterday saw a warm and mostly sunny day around Koh Samui, it stayed dry at our part of the island but there may have been isolated rain showers. We had a max temp of 33C

The ten days forecast keeps changing slightly each day, now we should experience a little bit less sunshine over the next tend days compared to previous forecasts so we will see what happens, if those partially cloudy skies will come through. This weekend may see some rain and the weekend after we might see the wind pick up again. Still a strange August version this year.

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

Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016

Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016

The Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016 has been cancelled due to the passing away of HM King  Bhumibol Adulyadej on 13th October 2016

The Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016 is not strictly on Koh Samui but still an interesting event to talk about. Especially me being a runner and since I am planning to participate in this event. Check out their Full Moon marathon Facebook page here.

Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016

In 2012 I already participated in the 10km race and in 2013 in the full marathon, when it started at midnight, in Thong Sala. That was my second full marathon ever and providing I stay fit and healthy, this year will be my fifth full marathon ever. I ran two marathons in 2013 and one so far this year. This year two more marathons are scheduled on 25th September in Khanom and 16th October on Koh Phangan.

This will be the first time I will run two races on the same day, earlier that Sunday, at Chaweng Lake there will be the 3rd Mad Hatter run, and it looks like I will run the 5km distance there in the early morning.

Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016; The route

The start will be in Haad Rin, where the Full Moon party will take place, at 6pm and there will be an 8 hour cut off time. It will be my first time in Haad Rin, and so far in all my years living on Koh Samui, I have never visited a Full Moon party. For participants of the Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016, entrance to the Full Moon party is included. Personally speaking, I most likely will try to get out of Haad Rin and off Koh Phangan as quickly as possible after the marathon and get back to Koh Samui.

Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016; The elevation profile

It's going to be a tough marathon, the elevation profile looks hard like nails, with hills getting in and out of Haad Rin but at the half way mark there's a massive hill to climb, which looks familiar and is most likely in the general Haad Yao area, where I used to train during my last stay on Koh Phangan, when I taught a PADI IDC earlier this year in March. That is going to be a real challenge.

At this moment I think I can make the six hour cut off time, but it's still way ahead, with another marathon in my legs just three weeks earlier and a 5km in my legs that same morning.

Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016; The finishers medal, a very neat watch. An original medal!

Am looking forward to participate in the Full Moon marathon, Koh Phangan Sunday 16th October 2016 and you will see updates in due time of my progress and results.

Distance for racing are the full marathon 42.195km, the half marathon and a 10km race and I just found out that there will be no trophies. That's a bit disappointing, especially considering the fairly high entrance fee.

Nonetheless, hope to 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

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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It looks like we have an almost clear but lightly hazy sky this morning over Koh Samui and once the sun warms up, the haze should disappear and we may have a very sunny day at our hands. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Road safety has a different definition in Thailand (and most South East Asian countries in general). This pick up truck has four people sitting on the back and is piled high up with scaffolding materials. I took this picture yesterday next to Bandon Hospital

Yesterday saw a sunny day with a nice blue sky, up until around 4pm when dark clouds moved in and we had a short tropical shower. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast keeps changing ever so slightly and we can enjoy partially cloudy skies until and including the weekend with an occasional tropical shower and sunnier skies after the weekend. Towards the first September weekend the wind may pick up 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

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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23^rd August, 2016

Today's weather;

A very thin cloud layer is about to be burned up by the sun this morning and it seems that Koh Samui is heading for a lovely and sunny morning and day ahead of us. Current temp at 7am is 28C 

Outside, in the woods at the Guanyin temple in Phang Ka. Far away from the trodden path on Koh Samui but well worth a visit, in the Southern, less developed part of the island

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

The forecast is still looking good for the next ten days, with some subtle changes. The wind should almost be gone by now but Thursday and Friday now show cloudy skies with some hard possibly on Saturday. After the weekend it should really clear up and lots of sunshine should be coming our way.

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

3rd Mad Hatter run in Chaweng, Sunday 16th October 2016

3rd Mad Hatter run in Chaweng, Sunday 16th October 2016

The 3rd Mad Hatter run in Fisherman's Village has been postponed to Sunday 27th November due to the passing away of HM King Bhumibol Adulydej

The 3rd Mad Hatter run in Chaweng, Sunday 16th October 2016 will take place, organised by the four Starwood Hotels on Koh Samui, W Retreat, Vana Belle, Le Meridien and Sheraton.

It's great to see this event entering it's third year. The last two editions I participated in and it looks like I will be able to join this year's edition as well, despite the fact that I will participate in another race on the same day, the Full Moon Marathon on Koh Phangan, and I intend to run the full marathon there, with a 6pm start and 6 hours cut off time, which will be a challenge, considering the hilly route.

3rd Mad Hatter run in Chaweng, Sunday 16th October 2016

This will be the first time that I will participate in two races on the same day, I have run races back to back, on Saturday a race, followed by a race on a Sunday, so this will be a new challenge.

Start and finish for the 3rd Mad Hatter run Running Route;

Starting / Finishing Point : The Wharf Samui (beach road, walking street area)

2 KM race will run through Fisherman Village to Bang Rak road and will have a turning point in front of Bakubung

5 KM race will have the turning point in front of Baan Dalah Resort

10 KM race : same routing as 5 KM, the runners are to run straight on and will reach the turn around point in front of Big Buddha Temple

As each year is the case, this will be a charity event and this year all revenues after expenses will be given to Tessaban 1 Wat Lamai school to support the construction cost of a new building there. 

Am looking forward to the event and hope to see many runners on Sunday morning, 16th October at this 'Run to Give'.

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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22^nd August, 2016

Today's weather;

There's a cloud layer hanging over Koh Samui and it looks like it may stay for most of teh fday, although it should stay dry. Current temp at 6.30am is 27C

A boat yard in Bophud, near the Bandon hospital. It's part of the island life, having boats around

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui but there was some rain during the night time. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast didn't change that much, for the next ten days we should have very sunny skies after next weekend and leading up to the weekend, the wind is about to drop and we should have partially clouded skies with some sunshine thrown in and an occasional tropical shower.

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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21^st August, 2016

Today's weather;

A very late update, I'm currently on the ferry back to Koh Samui after running a race early this morning but with no access to the internet until now.

On Koh Samui it's partially clouded, well, with just a few sparse clouds and the sun is having a ball in-between the clouds. Current temp at 1.30pm is 33C

It should stay a very sunny and nice day and afternoon.

Inside the sitting monk boat or statue at Wat Bophud

Earlier today I ran a 25km race in Na San in Surat Thani province. Na San is the rambutan capital of the world and has some dramatic scenery with limestone cliffs surrounding the village and a nice small river floating around the village. It was very cool early in the morning, which was perfect for running and I managed to finish the 25km before the sun started to heat up. However, since I'm training for a full marathon, 42.2km next month, I still had to run for a little bit over an hour after I finished the race. That was a different cookie and it was a lot warmer by than. 

In total I ran some 35km today, first the 24,74km in the race in 2 hours and 56 seconds or a 4'53 pace and after that another 10,57km in 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Stunning and dramatic scenery in Ban Na San, the rambutan capital of the world

Yesterday it was nice and fairly sunny when we left Koh Samui around 1pm but later a thunder storm moved over Koh Samui with hard wind and rain. Max temp still got up to 34C

13th Ban Na San super half marathon over 25km, placed third in my age category, out of around 30 runners and I palced around 30th place in total out of some 250-300 runners, with 24.74km in 2 hours and 56 seconds and a 4'53 pace. Well chuffed with this result

The forecast is looking very good for the next ten days with hardly any wind anymore come next weekend and very sunny skies from there onward. Up to the coming weekend there may be some last bursts of wind and an occasional tropical shower. Enjoy the good weather that's knocking on Koh Samui's door now.

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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's partially cloudy and the sun is happily beaming around the sky over Koh Samui this very morning and it looks like the last bits of the recent strong wind are blowing their last gasp at this very moment and we are heading for a sunny weekend. Current temp at 8am is 30C

A departing Seatran ferry at the Nathon pier. Later this morning I will be making my way over to the mainland for tomorrow's 25km race at Ban Na San in Surat Thani province

Yesterday saw a partially cloudy day with plenty of sunny moments. It was still rather windy but stayed dry all day long and max temp reached 32C

The forecast now really changed for the better when we look at the next ten days with plenty of sunshine to come, a few moments with a breeze but come next weekend it should be sunny galore all over the place with hardly any wind at all. Tropical showers seem to be a very rare occurrence.

The last third of August is picking up nicely.

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; 19th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

There's a thin cloud layer over Koh Samui this morning and the sun is having a very hard time getting through. It's supposed to remain cloudy combined with a strong wind today. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Meet the newest addition to our family, just under two weeks now; Jim

Yesterday saw a nice day with plenty of sunshine and a fair breeze all day long and a max temp of 33C

The forecast remains looking good, today and tomorrow should be the last days of clouds and wind and as of Sunday the sky should clear up, the wind drop essentially and possibly a short typical shower here and 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; 18th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

A thin cloud layer is being shredded by the early morning sun over Koh Samui and it looks like we may have a sunny day at our hands but with a strong wind. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Seven different kinds of Buddha, actually eight, for each day of the week to make merit at a temple. a very common sight in Thailand. This picture is taken at the new big sitting monk statue on a boat at Wat Bophud

Yesterday saw a dry, mixed bag kind of day, with plenty of sunny moments but also cloudy skies at times, packaged with all day long a fairly strong wind. Max temp reached 34C again, just like the day before.

The forecast is slightly changing, it looks that eventually the cloudy and windy stretch that seemed to be dominating this August 2016 is about to leave slowly, very slowly that is. Another three days of cloudy and windy skies are ours but Saturday the wind is about to recede, however accompanied by rain. From Sunday onward the clouds should start to break and the wind should drop, with a few exceptions possible. Some tropical showers may pop up later next week but in general the weather is going to look a lot better after this weekend.

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

Next Samui Green Market Sunday 28th August at Six Senses Samui 'Farm on the Hill'

Next Samui Green Market Sunday 28th August at Six Senses Samui 'Farm on the Hill'

The Next Samui Green Market Sunday 28th August at Six Senses Samui 'Farm on the Hill' is coming up soon. With a new location hosted by Six Senses Hideaway Samui and their 'Farm on the Hill'

The market will be in the shade of some big trees at the entrance to the hotel. There’s a goat farm and chickens, a great little garden, and more, it’s a wonderful inspiration for what can be done in a short time with re-used materials and good intentions to reduce, and recycle almost all ’trash’ into something useful! 

This alone is already worthwhile a visit and check it out.

Next Samui Green Market Sunday 28th August at Six Senses Samui 'Farm on the Hill'

It’s not hard  to find, follow the signs from Big Buddha to Arayaburi and drive past that, and there will be lots of parking available.

Start this time around is a little bit later and they go on a little bit longer from 4pm to 7pm with hopefully a free sunset!

As usual by now, the entrance is free and no plastic and no foam. Our vendors get creative with bamboo, banana leaves or by reusable, or paper! Shoppers please bring your own non plastic bags

Next Samui Green Market Sunday 28th August at Six Senses Samui 'Farm on the Hill'; The Farm on the Hill by Six Senses Samui

There will also be a competition: an exciting challenge to inventors, dreamers, engineers, environmentalists! Come & share your ideas for turning waste into wealth - bring them on 28th August as a photograph, a drawing, a prototype, a working model, a poem!  Anyone can join!

And there there will be prizes!!  

Enter the competition! Are you making crackers from left over juice pulp? Are you reusing anything in a creative way? Have you got an idea to change the world? Share your ideas (or your crackers) with us!)

For prizes, we have vouchers from Barracuda Restaurant, Six Senses and more. We will make a basket of plenty with gifts from all our vendors at the market - come and see!

Samui Green Market is usually hosted by Elysia Boutique Resort in Fisherman Village.

Mark your diary for our next market on October 2 at Elysia - we will be at Elysia Boutique Resort, as usual.

Elysia, our generous Samui Green Market host,  is helping us build a great vibe on Samui, and is a hub for healthy and delicious food, yoga, salsa and networking. We may do more ‘away’ events in the future, but we are grateful for our market home in Fisherman Village.

See you Sunday 28th August at Six Senses Samui and their 'Farm on the Hill'.

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; 17th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

There's a very thin cloud layer over Koh Samui this morning with the sun struggling to get through but not very successful at the moment. The strong wind has momentarily dropped a bit but should be back later today. It should remain dry today although mostly cloudy. Current temp at 7am is 29C

A bird singing contest near Bang Rak, a very popular activity and form of entertainment and some of the birds go for lots of money when they win prices. Popular with many local people but also around the country as a whole

Yesterday stayed dry but had all kind of weather variations, from sunny to dark cloudy and wind in all kind of strengths. Max temp reached a stunning 34C

The forecast for the next ten days changed again ever so slightly again, still mostly cloudy and still with strong winds, occasionally, like today, with storm like winds but with a lot less rain expected.

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; 16th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and grey with a strong wind blowing over Koh Samui this morning bit it looks like it will stay dry today, despite the cloudy and grey sky. Current temp at 7am is 28C

The always impressive and very photo genetic Meh Guan Ihm at Wat Plai Laem or Wat Suwannaram, around the corner from where we live and one of the most beautiful temples on Koh Samui, in my humble opinion

Yesterday saw a nice and dry day with a bit of everything, except rain. Sunshine at times in a partially clouded sky and fully clouded skies with grey clouds. All day long there was a very strong breeze blowing. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast for the next ten days didn't change that much, just some subtle changes. It's predicted to be mostly cloudy with an occasional shower paired with some strong winds and some storm like windy days with rain after the weekend. A very unusual August indeed so far.

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; 15th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

Another late start today for the blog however by tomorrow I hope to be back on schedule. It was partially cloudy at times earlier on today but now clouds are moving and there's a very strong breeze around Koh Samui. Current temp at 9am is 30C

The sky over Northern Chaweng yesterday around 5pm, an hour and a half before a big storm swept in over the island

Yesterday saw a nice day with plenty of sunshine, despite a partially cloudy sky. However, around 6pm a short but hefty storm swept in over the island and there was some very hard rain and wind for about 20 minutes. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast hasn't changed that much, strong wind with storm like conditions after next weekend, mostly cloudy skies with sometimes partially cloudy skies and rain showers towards the end of the week.

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; 14th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

Back in action again after almost trying to install the Windows 10 Anniversary update for over 48 hours to no avail. Hence yesterday is one of the very rare days where there's no daily update since I started this blog in February 2007.

Back to today though and it's nice aad sunny at 10am around Koh Samui, earlier today it was partly cloudy but at the moment it's sunny but there's a very strong breeze blowing. Current temp at 10am is already 31C

At Wat Plai Laem or Wat Suwannaram, the big sitting man, enjoying a very sunny June day

Yesterday saw a nice and partially sunny day until around 4pm when we had a shower, this felt good since it cooled things down nicely. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast keeps predicting partially cloudy skies until Wednesday, when some showers are expected with constantly a very strong breeze blowing over the island. Next weekend the wind may reach storm like conditions, going hand in hand with more rain.

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

Queen Sirikit's 84th Birthday

Queen Sirikit's 84th Birthday

Today is Queen Sirikit's 84th Birthday (in Thai สิริกิติ์). She is the  queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand. As the consort of the king who is the world's longest-reigning head of state, she is also the world's longest-serving consort of a monarch. 

Sirikit suffered a stroke on 21 July 2012 and has since refrained from public appearances.  

Queen Sirikit's 84th Birthday; Queen Sirikit in younger years

This day is also Mother's Day in Thailand and replaces the international Mother's Day around the world.

Queen Sirikit's 84th Birthday; Queen Sirikit's personal standard, which you can see widespread throughout the country in August

Her formal name and title is Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat Thai: สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit". Her official title is Queen Sirikit.

At present, the queen ranks as Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet, and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force, usually mentioned in official documents that: Chom Phon Ying Chom Phon Ruea Ying Chom Phon Akat Ying Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat Thai: จอมพลหญิง จอมพลเรือหญิง จอมพลอากาศหญิง สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit, the Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet, and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force". The queen holds ceremonial supreme power, after her husband who ranks as the Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in the Royal Thai Army

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; 12th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's partially cloudy to mostly cloudy this morning, occasionally a bit of sunshine shines through the clouds but I expect it to be rather cloudy today with a fair breeze. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Today is also the birthday of Queen Sirikit who was born in 1932 and it also means that today Mothers day is celebrated in Thailand.

This looks like migratory birds over Plai Laem, I could stop the car just in time to take a shot when they were about to disappear. They were big birds, fighting their way against the wind and it was a large flock.

Yesterday saw a dry day but with a very strong wind at times. It was nice and partially sunny  in the morning but as the day progressed, it become slowly cloudier. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast changed slightly again and not necessarily for the better, more clouds are expected during the next ten days with less change of sunshine and the strong winds will remain, at times with storm like strength. Around the weekend of 20th August we may see the rain join in as well. A very unusual August so far and it looks like it will continue 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

A late update today, since we had to visit the children's doctor in Nathon this morning with our youngest daughter, before she went to school, there's no need to worry but she needed a check and all is fine. After that I went for a run and before you know it, it's 11am.

There was a bit more blue sky earlier on today over Koh Samui but at the moment it's mostly cloudy with a thin cloud layer and s very stiff breeze. It should remain like this for the remainder of the day. Current temp at 7am is 30C

The new sermon hall at Wat Plai Laem or Wat Suwannaram with the crematorium next to it, under a cracking blue June sky

Yesterday saw a nice, partially cloudy sky and it was dry all day long but the wind started to pick up. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast didn't change much for the next ten days, partially cloudy with a strong breeze and from the weekend onward, occasionally storm like wind conditions with very rarely some rain. The unusual August weather seems to continue.

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