Goodbye to March 2018

Goodbye to March 2018

The last day of March 2018 and time to say Goodbye to March 2018.

Around Koh Samui it's looking like another nice March day is in the making with a partially cloudy sky and the sun heating up. Current temperature at 7.30am is 27C but it's heating up fast.

This month has been a great month for the weather around Koh Samui with with maximum temperatures ranging between 30 and 32C but at times it felt a lot warmer! There were only 5 days with some showers and the rest saw sunshine. A good March this 2018 was. 

This in total contrast we has 7 years ago when we had very untypical floods for this time of the year.

The heat is not going to ease up, April will be upon us in full power very soon with a lot more sunshine and hot temperatures.

Goodbye to March 2018; The temple in Bophud at the traffic lights, with it's sitting monk in a ship.

For me personally it was a very busy month and I only spent 4 days on Samui. I had back to back IDC programs towards the end of February and start of March in Khao Lak and Phuket and now I'm in the middle of a program on Koh Lanta.

There were also of races this months for me, in Takua Pa, on Phuket and last weekend the Koh Samui Midnight Run. A very busy and active month indeed.

April is about to start and hopefully I will be spending more time at home next month and be able to celebrate Songkran or the Thai new year at home, come 13th April

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

Bangkok Airways Samui Half marathon, Sunday 10th June 2018

Bangkok Airways Samui Half marathon, Sunday 10th June 2018

One of Koh Samui's biggest running events is coming to town again with the Bangkok Airways Samui Half marathon, Sunday 10th June 2018.

After last years race that included also the full marathon distance, this years event will see the half marathon as longest distance. There will also be an option to run a 10km or a 5km race.

This half marathon is part of a series of six half and full marathons, including races in Krabi, Koh Samui, Lampang, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Bangkok Airways Samui Half marathon, Sunday 10th June 2018

This years date, Sunday 10th June 2018, may coincide with dates of a PADI IDC on Phuket, so there's no guarantee for me yet that I can participate. This years race original date was planned a week later, but unfortunately Bangkok Airways had already an event scheduled on koh Samui for that date, so an alternate date had to be found; Sunday 10th June.

It's also unfortunate that this dates coincides with another big running event in Southern Thailand, the Laguna Phuket marathon. Some Samui runners will actually participate in this event on the same date.

Nonetheless, I hope I can participate and furthermore really hope that this event will become a yearly event on the Samui running calendar!

Bangkok Airways Samui Half marathon, Sunday 10th June 2018; The 2018 half marathon route, with start and finish at Nathon and leading the race into the Lipa Noi area

Last year the marathon and half marathon route passed out house on Koh Samui, this year the event will take place at a completely different part of the island.

The start will be at the Nathon pier area, an area often used area for starting and finishing a running event on Koh Samui. What is relatively new is the route, it will lead into the Lipa Noi area, where there will be a turn around point which will lead back to the start and finish line.

This route was also used five years for a Samui Triathlon race.

Come and join the fun, you can sign up at Teelakow, the organizers website.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th March –25th March 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19^th March –25^th March 2018 

It Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th March –25th March 2018. The weekend run has been done, I participated in the 6th Koh Samui midnight run, which started perfectly at midnight last night and came in third in my age group of 50+.

This morning is starting out nicely with partial cloud cover and a hazy sky. The temperature at 8am is 28.5C and quickly rising. A shower later during the day may well be an option.

In two hours time I will find myself on the Seatran ferry to the mainland again, to start a PADI IDC tomorrow on Koh Lanta. I was barely three days at home this time around, just coming back from a month long trip for two consecutive PADI IDC programs in Khao Lak and on Phuket.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th March –25th March 2018; Part of the Koh Samui swamps, also known as the mangrove forest in the deep South of the island, at Phang Ka. Well worth a visit. There are narrow bridges that can be followed, until you reach a dead end, like shown here.

Last week saw the temperature rise a bit around Koh Samui. Most days it was partially cloudy with a little bit of rain thrown in yesterday, during a very cloudy day. Maximum temperatures ranged between 30 and 32C but it felt a lot warmer at times.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th March –25th March 2018; Kata beach on Phuket during a sunset. With my PADI IDC candidate we made a night dive there as part of his specialty instructor training.

The forecast for next week is looking good. Maybe a few more clouds compared to this week and towards the end of the week possibly a few thunderstorms could come our way. It will get warmer and warmer, almost by the day. April is coming up soon and that's when the real heat will be unleashed upon us!

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th March –18th March 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th March –18th March 2018 

Late Sunday morning, another race day done and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th March –18th March 2018.

It's very nice around Koh Samui this morning with a blue sky and just a few clouds hanging around. It's going to be a hot one today! Current temperature at 10.30am is already 32.3C and rising and it feels a lot hotter already!

On Phuket it's partially cloudy and 31C at 10.30am and it looks like the temperature may rise here as well. We had a couple of recent very warm days.

Wednesday morning I will be on my way back to Samui, and will participate in the sixth Koh Samui Midnight run on Saturday 24th march, see you there!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th March –18th March 2018; Phang Ka beach in Southern Koh Samui, very nice and quiet. One of the unexplored and unexploited beaches on koh Samui. Well worth checking out but bring your own drinks and all you need (and don't leave anything as trash when you leave!) 

Last week saw some rain in the beginning of the week. From Wednesday onward the sun was out and about again and the temperature started rising. Maximum was 31C and low was 30C last week. A nice and average week for March around Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th March –18th March 2018; Paklok beach on the East coast of Phuket in Thalang. This morning I had a 15km race here and saw this beach for the first time. It's not on the beaten track but lovely nonetheless.

The forecast for next week is looking good. However next weekend may see some rain. Friday it may start with possibly some real hard rain on Saturday morning. Enjoy the week until Thursday and we may need some cooling down over the weekend.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th March –11th March 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th March –11th March 2018 

Sunday morning, a weekend with running again but first it's time to look at the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th March –11th March 2018. 

It's a little bit cloudy over Koh Samui with a weak sun trying to break through. Maybe there may be a few raindrops today. Current temperature at 10am is 31.1C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th March –11th March 2018; Plenty of fruit on display at the Plai Laem market each day. Behold, this is not the Bang Rak market as many people refer to it. After the bridge coming from Bang Rak, Plai Laem starts.

At Kata beach on Phuket, where I am, it's mostly cloudy with a few sun rays and a 30C temperature.

Tuesday I left Khao Lak for Phuket and on Wednesday morning I started the March 2018 PADI IDC here on Phuket.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th March –11th March 2018; The Choerng Thale mini marathon on Phuket, a 10.69km race this morning in which I participated. I placed 10th in my age 50-59, which is a good result for me on Phuket, where there are some fast runners. Especially the 'younger' guys around 50-55 from my age group

Last week saw scattered clouds all week long with plenty of sunshine. There was some rain yesterday though. Each day it was around 32C except yesterday it sank to 30C, although it felt a lot warmer each day.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th March –11th March 2018; The long and mostly beaches near Khao Lak, where I was at the beginning of the week.

The forecast for next week is looking good, mostly sunny to partially clouded with an occasional change for a quick and cooling shower. In general a nice week should be ahead of us.

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

4th Samui cross country event, 20th May 2018

4th Samui cross country event, 20th May 2018

The 4th Samui cross country event, 20th May 2018 is in the making. Check your agenda and mark the Sunday 20th may. Once more the event will take place and is settling itslef on the yearly event agenda for Koh Samui.

Last year I was not on Koh Samui when the 3rd edition took place and there was some running involved as well. If you follow my blog regularly, you may know that running specifically peeks my interest.

At this moment I don't know yet if I will be on Koh Samui come 20th May, but if I am, I will be definitely looking into running a distance.
The running distances will be 2.5km, 5km and 10km. They will be tough, trail and in the heat when the sun is out!

4th Samui cross country event, 20th May 2018; Running on the trails last year. It looks inviting and exciting to me!

The main event however will be for the mountain bikers. Mountain biking and road racing for bicycles are even more popular compared to running in Thailand. 

Each year has seen large amounts of participants in the biking event and it seems it's popularity is only growing.

4th Samui cross country event, 20th May 2018; Last year's biking event on the mountain bikes

What I find very challenging is that the races are being held throughout the day. In contrast to running, where most races start early to actually avoid the heat, these mountain bike races can not be held in the dark. Racing with mountain bikes in the dark is too dangerous, hence they have to compete in the heat during the day time.

4th Samui cross country event, 20th May 2018; Trail running close up

It's going to be a great day, if you're on Koh Samui, sign up and participate. Once more information is available in English, I will try to update this blog.

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

Pan Yok Khrua Tour Koh Samui Talui Ko Taen, 6-8 April 2018

Pan Yok Khrua Tour Koh Samui Talui Ko Taen, 6-8 April 2018

The 'Pan Yok Khrua Tour Koh Samui Talui Ko Taen, 6-8 April 2018' is a cycling event, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The weekend of 6th to 8th April happens to be the Chakri day weekend, so a long weekend. 

Chakri day is officially known as 'King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day', Chakri Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) in 1782.

Cyclist of all ages are invited to participate in this event, 

 “The trip offers participants the chance to see Samui in a different way. Travelling around the island by bicycle allows for unique experiences while embracing an inclusive tourism approach that is part of our ‘Open to the New Shades’ marketing concept,” says Nongyao Jirundorn, director of TAT Koh Samui Office.

“As the name of the tour implies, ‘Pan Yok Khrua Tour Ko Samui Talui Ko Taen’ aims to encourage the entire family to enjoy cycling together while exploring the beautiful scenery and key attractions of Koh Samui and Koh Taen,” he adds.

Pan Yok Khrua Tour Koh Samui Talui Ko Taen, 6-8 April 2018

It's a three day even and up to 400 families can participate. The registration fee is Bt600 per person and is inclusive of a brand shirt and six meals. Although the fee doesn't cover accommodation, there will be space for tents available free-of-charge on Koh Taen.

The start of the program will be 6th April with registration and shirt collection at the Nathon pier between 4 and 7pm.

The next day, 7th April, will see the bicycle caravan set off along Provincial Highway 4169 and 4174 to It-viset Pier at Na Sai Bay. From here, everybody will travel by ferry to nearby Koh Taen, for the event’s opening ceremony and CSR activities. 

Hosted by Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and the Chumphon Provincial Office of Natural Resources and the Environment, this will see participants helping to release marine life (saltwater clams, turtles and fish) back into the sea and cleaning up the mangrove forest area at the Tan Marina Bay Resort and Restaurant. 

The program also includes time for cycling and sightseeing through Koh Taen’s picturesque scenery, and dinner along with folk songs, storytelling and a lucky draw. Participants can choose whether to stay a night on Koh Taen, or return to Ko Samui to sleep.  

On Sunday, the program features more cycling and sightseeing, this time along Ko Samui’s scenic route with stops at key attractions including the Guan Yu Shrine, the White Jade Buddha image at Wat Samret, Wat Phra Chedi Laem So, Khao Le and Bang Kao Beaches. Following lunch, the group will cycle along a scenic tourist route back to Na Thon Pier for the conclusion of the trip.

Sounds like a very scenic trip and a great way to spend some quality family time over a long weekend.

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

6th Koh Samui Midnight Run on 24th March, 2018

6th Koh Samui Midnight Run on 24th March, 2018

Not too long away anymore and the 6th Koh Samui Midnight Run on 24th March, 2018 will be knocking on the door.

It's a great and fun event and will be organized by organized by the Thai Hotel Association (THA) and the Tourism Association of Koh Samui (TAKS). As always, it's a charity event, with all profits going to worthy organizations in need on Koh Samui.

Race distances are a 5km and 10km distance, during which the 10km runners run the 5km loop twice, straight through the hustling and bustling nightlife of Chaweng, including Soi Green Mango.

Registration can be submitted from March 24th 2018 at Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa.

Application Fee: To apply for the 5 and 10 km runs there are two fee options;

1. 500 Baht

2. 1,000 Baht - includes entry to the Grand Raffle

The Grand Raffle will take place after the awards ceremony! 

The first price will be a brand new scooter!

6th Koh Samui Midnight Run on 24th March, 2018

The four times I participated, i managed to place each time second in my age group, 50 years and up. That might be difficult to achieve this year, since there will be a few new strong runners added top the starting list who just turned 50 since last years event. I will have to battle most likely for a 3rd place spot in my age category.

Hope to see you there joining the fun and excitement.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th February – 4th March 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th February – 4th March 2018 

Sunday morning, running a race, box ticked and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th February – 4th March 2018 .

It's noon on Koh Samui and it's a very nice day indeed, with plenty of sunshine and some partial cloud cover. Current temperature is 33C and it feels a lot warmer, closing in on hot!

This morning I was in Takua Pa in Phang Nga province, about half an hour away from Khao Lak. running a 7km race. It went well and I finished third in my age of 55 and up. There were some very fast runners and I am happy with my result.

In Khao Lak itself, the PADI IDC for February had been completed last week and yesterday the PADI IE was completed as well by my candidates. Tomorrow will see some more diving for instructor level specialty training.

We just had a shower here in Khao Lak with a current temperature of around 33C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th February – 4th March 2018; Lovely sunset yesterday evening at Big Buddha. Picture taken by my wife Khun Tassanee.

Last week saw a lovely week, plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed around the island with each day having partially cloudy skies. Maximum temperature was 31C each day but this week I expect the temperatures slowly to start rising.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th February – 4th March 2018; Rua Tor 813 or Police boat 813 that was washed up on shore during the 2004 December Tsunami on boxing day. It has been made into a monument and every time I visit Khao Lak, I pay a visit to Rua Tor 813 as well and take at least one picture, to document changes over the years. Each year it changes a little bit and more construction near and around the monument can be observed each year.

The forecast for next week is looking good for the first part of the week. Come next Friday, we may see some thunderstorms and rain with the wind picking up as well. The rain should be tropical rain, possibly lots of rain in short bursts.

Enjoy your stay and especially until Friday, it should be nice and sunny, with maybe a shower on Wednesday.

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

Welcome to March 2018

 Welcome to March 2018

First day of the new month and a good moment to say Welcome to March 2018. March is usually a nice month, expect plenty of sunshine, not much rain and slowly rising temperatures. Nice and agreeable just before the sizzling hot April days start. The daily temperatures during March will slowly rise and towards the end of the month it will start to get hot.

A hidden gem on Koh Samui's yearly calendar and a great month to visit. It's relatively quiet with great weather conditions, what else do you want?

The 24th March will see the the already sixth edition of the Koh Samui Midnight Run, with a midnight start in front of the Reggae Pub. A blog post on this will follow soon.

Welcome to March 2018; Beach scene in Phang Ka, in the very South of Koh Samui, the less developed part of the island. The beach here is small and narrow and the water rather shallow but it's secluded and long stretches of empty beach can be found here.

If you're on Samui this month, enjoy the March sunshine and if you can't make it this month, we are looking forward to greet you to on of the other nine months left in this year!

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