Goodbye to April 2018

Goodbye to April 2018

The last day of this month always calls for a farewell and this month it's Goodbye to April 2018. The month of the heat and the month of Songkran or the Thai new year.

This years version of April delivered the goods when it comes down to warm, warmer, warmest! It was hot at times. Although the official measured temperature didn't go over 35C, just one this month, it felt so much warmer or hotter at times. Just sitting inside the house without the aircon on, sweat ran down your back like it was nothing.

There were a few times some tropical showers and the last three days saw some hard rain come down, which immediately lead to some minor flash flooding at the usual places. Nothing to get too excited about.

Goodbye to April 2018; Songkran 2018 in Chaweng. Fun and wet as always. Check my blog here.

Songkran was the big event this month around Koh Samui and all of Thailand. For me it's a good thing that on Koh Samui the Thai New Year celebrations only last for one day. That's good enough, at least for me. The whole family went out and we ended up driving around the island in the back of a pick up.

It's time to sign off for this month, see you again in May! May you enjoy your time on our island!

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; 23rd April –29th April 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23^rd April –29^th April 2018 

Sunday morning on Koh Samui and it's the start of a nice and cool day and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd April –29th April 2018 . The long run was done yesterday, so bring on Sunday.

It's cloudy over Koh Samui and this morning saw already some light rain, with a few more times some more light rain to follow. It actually just started again right now. Current temperature at 9am is a cool 26C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd April –29th April 2018; Wat Phuttaram near Fisherman's Village has also started to build a new building to accommodate the locals when they attend a ceremony and some home made cooking needs to be done.

Last week saw a very hot week again, until Friday, when at last some rain started to come down and things slowly cooled off. Yesterday, Saturday, saw plenty of rain almost all day long. Until Thursday it was too hot, in my opinion. Maximum temperatures ranged from 30 (yesterday) to 35C but it felt so much hotter at times. I do enjoy the current rain and cooler temperatures.

The forecast for next week predicts some more rain until Tuesday after which it should clear up and the sun might pop out again. Over next weekend there may be another shower or two. Don't be surprised though, if the rain keeps on over the course of next week.

Many parts in Central Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya area) also have rain, and lots more than we have down here on our island.

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; 16th April –22nd April 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16^th April –22^nd April 2018 

Sunday afternoon and it's been busy with racing and a family trip in Pattalung province but now it's time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th April –22nd April 2018.

It's hot around Koh Samui, 34C but it feels a lot warmer. It's blue with some clouds scattered around.

The whole family is down in Pak Payon, Pattalung province in Southern Thailand, near Hat Yai, which is still around 60km away. It's cloudy and hot here with around 34C at 12.30pm.

Soon we'll on our way with direction Nahkon Si Thammarat and another overnight stay at Surat Thani town to see friends.

This morning I ran a race, 11km and placed 6th in my age category, in Tambon Ban Tamot.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th April –22nd April 2018; Monks and plenty of followers were and still are walking around Koh Samui, from Tambon to Tambon. Each day a short section. They are following a revered monk, 'the teacher'.

Last week it was steaming hot around Koh Samui, Measured maximum temperatures mentioned 32 and 33C but it felt a lot hotter (warm doesn't come close!). A week to enjoy the beach and the sights around the island.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th April –22nd April 2018; View from our hotel in Falami in Tambon Pakpayon and Pattalung province. A beautiful lake is in full view from the hotel room with lots of different birds.

Next week looks fairly similar, hot and steamy around the island. Possibly some thunderstorms during the second part of the week but in general in April tradition, it will be hot! Enjoy.

Maybe time for a snorkel or diving trip. Let me know if you're interested.

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

10th Samui Bike week, 4-5 May 2018

10th Samui Bike week, 4-5 May 2018

The 10th Samui Bike week, 4-5 May 2018 is coming up. This jubilee version is expected to be as good as the previous 9 versions. The location is typically at Chaweng lake, where a big stage is build for the concerts and where you can admire all the cool bikes that come to visit Koh Samui for the weekend.

Over the years I wasn't always able to visit but when I could, it was well worth it! The bikes on display are very cool and some of them are very rare sights. Go and check them out during the evening of 4th may or on 5th May during the daytime, when most or all of the bikes are on display.

10th Samui Bike week, 4-5 May 2018

Enjoy the first May weekend with a visit to the 10th Samui Bike week at Chaweng lake.

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; 9th April –15th April 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9^th April –15^th April 2018 

Sunday morning, long run is in the bag and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th April –15th April 2018.

It's fairly cloudy over Koh Samui, over land but not over the ocean. It looks like most of the cloud cover may stay around today but it should stay dry. Current temperature at 8.30am is already 29C and rising.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th April –15th April 2018; Sunset in Bang Po whilst travelling on the back of a pick up truck during Songkran 2018

Last week started out with a few showers, which cooled things down a bit. Never a problem during April, one of the hottest month of the year and every break we can get is gladly taken! Mid week it was sun galore and temperatures rose. Last week temperatures were between 30 and 33C.

Biggest event last week was Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui, which took place on Friday 13th April. This si the Thai New Year celebration and is celebrated with pouring water on everybody.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th April –15th April 2018; Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui, this picture was taken in Lamai

For next week the forecast is looking good. Partially clouded skies but no rain is expected, besides maybe a short but powerful thunderstorm around mid week. Keep the sun lotion close at hand, you will need it if you plan on visiting Samui's beaches or drive around the island. Drive safely and enjoy your stay on Koh Samui next week!

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

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui

Yesterday saw the celebration the Thai New Year or Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui. It was wet and it was fun! 

It was also not as busy as previous years and although the mood wasn't subdued, it was different compared to other years.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; The gang on the road. In front of Central Festival, just moments after arriving in Chaweng. Our oldest daughter was travelling around the island in the back of truck with her school friends.

This year I noticed a lot less Thai ravellers joining the fun, but more people from Myanmar joined the party and plenty of Chinese were there as well. Sometimes I had the impression that some of the Chinese came fully unprepared, which in itself caused a few funny situations.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; Water attack in full effect. The worst ones are when ice water is used or when they catch you out in general.

My wife and our children went on a two hour trip in the back of a pick up in the morning, with a bunch of school friends from our eldest daughter. Once they returned, it was time to eat for all of them and the eldest daughter and her friends took off again, not to be seen again until after 10pm. She went around with the pick up and they visited a concert at Central Festival.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; Before this years Songkran there was a big campaign to not wear secy clothes but rather 'traditional' Thai clothes. This girl was getting close to this years version of dressing sexy.

The rest of the family ended up in Chaweng with friends and we partied and celebrated in front of Central Festival. Towards the end of the day my wife eventually persuaded me to join them in the back of a pick up. It was fun, for the first kilometer.

When it turned out we actually went around the island I remembered why I'm not a big fan of sitting in the back of a pick up truck, being wet and riving long stretches of empty road at high speed. Mix that with ice water attacks and I had my share of sitting in the back of a pick up truck for the next couple of years.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; Stopping of as many motorbikes as you can and hose them down and put baby powder on them. This is how it looks like.

It was interesting to see that Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui was celebrated all around the island, with hot spots in Lamai and Maenam. There were smaller parties and celebrations going on literally all around the island.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; If anybody is missing his blue bear, we spotted it yesterday in Chaweng

There were also plenty of funny moments but there fewer people dressed up in a funny or extra ordinary was compared to other years.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; All the ingredients for a party are there

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; Walking Chaweng roads

Hope you had your fun yesterday! I'm very glad however that the celebrations are restricted to just one day on Koh Samui. That's enough for me. Places like Patong on Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and certain areas in Bangkok where the party last three to five days are just too much for me.

Songkran 2018 on Koh Samui; The military was present and kept an eye on things throughout the day

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; 2nd April –8th April 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd April –8^th April 2018 

Sunday monring, 7.30am, long run done and dusted and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd April –8th April 2018. 

It's fairly clouded over Koh Samui and you may expect some rain today. Current temp at 7.30am is 26C

On Koh Lanta, it's very lightly clouded and nice and cool with a current temp of 26C at 7.30am. Within an hour I should be on the road, on my way back to Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd April –8th April 2018; A close up of Big Buddha

Last week was not a great week, considering we're in April, supposedly one of the the hottest month in the year. Three days had rain or thunderstorms and the other four days saw partially clouded skies. Still, once the sun was out it was hot! 

Maximum temperatures ranged from 30 to 32C and it felt at times much hotter!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd April –8th April 2018; Klong Dao beach on Koh Lanta, taken from Kaw Kwang beach. On my very first visit to Thailand, some 22 or more years ago, I stayed at the Southern end of this beach. There was no paved road and walking to Ban Saladan took at least 20 minutes or such.

The forecast for next week is looking fine. Possibly some rain today and come Wednesday the sun should break through again and it should be sunny and hot.

Friday 13th, Songkran or Thai New Years day should be nice and warm. Enjoy!

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 April 2018

Welcome to April 2018

Two days into the new month and time to say Welcome to April 2018.

April on Koh Samui is usually a hot and steamy affair, with high temperatures and lots of sunshine. During recent years there have also been some rainy days though, so don't be too surprised if there is a shower or two during some days.

April is also well known for the yearly Thai New Year celebrations, probably better known as Songkran. Celebrated on Koh Samui only on Friday 13th April this year. Other cities around Thailand may have two to three day long celebrations.

It's well worth participating and celebrating, whether it's your first time or you have celebrated Songkran various times.

Welcome to April 2018; A sunset as seen from Big Buddha, with a view over the Bang Rak bay, all the way to Bophud.

At the moment it looks like I will be on back home on Koh Samui somewhere just after the first week of April and will be there for the rest of the month. Songkran may well be celebrated again in Chaweng this year.

Hope you will enjoy the hot weather around Koh Samui this month and especially the Songkran celebrations.

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 March –1st April 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th March –1st April 2018 

Sunday morning and almost 8am, time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th March –1st April 2018.

The sky over Koh Samui is a bit hazy this morning but soon it will be warming up. Current temperature at 8am is 27C on this first April day in 2018.

Right now I'm in the middle of a PADI IDC program on Koh Lanta, where at 8am it's almost perfectly clear with a blue sky and a nice and cool morning temperature of 24C. The last couple of days it has been sizzling hot here during the daytime though!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th March –1st April 2018; View from the top of Big Buddha over Bang Rak bay. This one of the many bells at the platform surrounding Big Buddha. The idea is to pick up one of the wooden sticks and walk around the platform, whilst hitting  each bell with your stick.

Last week was a nice week with plenty of sunshine around Koh Samui and maximum temperatures ranged between 31 and 32C. A nice end of March 2018.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th March –1st April 2018; View from Koh Lanta Yai towards the bridge, connecting the two Lanta islands during a sunset.

The forecast for next week predicts a fairly cloudy couple of days for the start of the week but during mid week it will clear up with lots of sunshine. Come next weekend, we may see some rain and the wind picking up a bit.

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