Goodbye to April 2019

Goodbye to April 2019

We're on the last day of this month and that brings us to the 'Goodbye to April 2019'.

First of all the weather. It was steaming hot. The middle and end part of the month were scorching. Although the quicksilver didn't reach 40C on Koh Samui, it most certainly felt that way. There were maybe two and a half showers all month long. It's not until today, the last day of the month, that it's cloudy.

Goodbye to April 2019

Songkran or Thai New Year in Chaweng. Always a fun celebration.

It was a busy month with plenty of activities. Especially the start of the month was busy! The first weekend saw two running events. The 7th Koh Samui Midnight run and the next morning immediately followed by the Samui Cross trail run.

Goodbye to April 2019

At the start of this year's 7th Samui Midnight Run. At last I managed to get first spot in my age group, 50+. This was at the 5km race/ The picture above shows the start of the race. Early next morning it was off to Maenam for a 10KM trail race

The weekend after that it was time for Songkran or Thai New Year. This was fun and the whole family always enjoy celebrating this event. 

It was slight;y strange though. In Chaweng, the beach road was at times closed to cars. which somehow felt like the energy and excitement levels were dropped. 

Goodbye to April 2019

The 10km trail race as part of the 'Samui Cross' event. The morning after the Samui Midnight run. For me a bit too much to chew on. First of all I lost the trail and added 1.5km to the overall distance. Secondly, I was still very tired from the previous night's Midnight run, during which I ran my fastest time/pace to date. Still managed a 4th place in my age group.

All in all a good month. Busy and fun. The second half of the month saw me on Koh Lanta. I taught a PADI IDC there. All this, just to come back home to the island shortly before the end of the month.

With April in the bag, it's now time to start looking at May. Tomorrow we will welcome the new month here. Stay tuned!

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.

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience.

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22nd April 2019 – 28th April 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22^nd April 2019 – 28^th April 2019

It' Sunday morning and the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22nd April 2019 – 28th April 2019 is due. My long Sunday morning run is in the bag, on Koh Lanta and later this morning I will hit the road to go back to Koh Samui.

Talking about Koh Samui! It's partially cloudy this morning with a current temperature of 29C and rising at 8am. The heat onslaught continues.

On Koh Lanta the temperature dropped at last after two weeks of hot to hotter temperatures. It rained once, when I arrived two weeks ago on Sunday evening. And it started to rain last night and this morning. My morning run was completely in the run and it was lovely. Cool again, at last. Current temperature at 8am is 25C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22^nd April 2019 – 28^th April 2019

Laem Sor Pagoda baking in the sun

Last week it was still very hot around Koh Samui with no relief. Maximum temperatures reached 34C but it felt a lot warmer, well within the mid forties range. Minimum ranged dropped only to 29C at night. It was steaming hot, but not as hot as in Central and Northern Thailand.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22^nd April 2019 – 28^th April 2019

Believe it or not, but this is Koh Lanta. Towards the Southern part of the island is this brand new 4 to 6 lane highway lookalike. Construction at other parts of the island is going on for a similar new road. Considering that during my first ever trip to Thailand, way back in the mid nineties, I stayed at Kaw Kwang beach and it took me a 15 minute walk to get to Ban Saladan. I don't remember any main road at all. The times they are a changing.

The forecast for next week shows a bit of relief. It should be mostly partially cloudy skies. Not much rain however. except maybe for Monday morning. The intense heat is slowly letting off though.

Enjoy your stay on Koh Samui and don't forget to book some of the option mentioned below!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

11th Koh Samui bike week, 10 + 11 May 2019

11th Koh Samui bike week, 10 + 11 May 2019

It's time for the 11th Koh Samui bike week, 10 + 11 May 2019. I clearly remember the first few Samui bike weeks that I visited. The cool bikes on display and the charity rides around Chaweng and the island.

Hard to imagine that's already 11 years ago! This event clearly has been growing and growing and seems now a steady feature on the Samui event calendar.

11th Koh Samui bike week, 10 + 11 May 2019

This year will see all the action again at Phru Chaweng or Chaweng lake. Friday 10th and Saturday 12th may are the days to mark in your calendar. That's when all the action will take place.
Besides the cool bikes, there are usually also concerts during the evening.

Go out and have a look, there will be plenty of cool and/or crazy bikes there. You won't get to see them every day. Well worth a visit!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

The Moon Koh Phangan Trail run 15-16 June 2019

The Moon Koh Phangan Trail run 15-16 June 2019

A big trail running event is coming up, The Moon Koh Phangan Trail run 15-16 June 2019. Just two week after the Bangkok Airways Samui half marathon on 2nd June.

The distances you can choose from are 100km, 62km, 32km and 15km. I will participate in the 15km run. A day after the Cancer Care charity 10km run in Nathon.

The 100km and 62km races will start 15th June and the 32km and 15km races start 16th June.

The Moon Koh Phangan Trail run 15-16 June 2019

Trail running is becoming very popular around Thailand and in the overall South East Asian region. However, events in Southern Thailand were rather rare. This is slowly changing. We just had the Samui cross earlier this month. A few other trail races have already taken place or are scheduled throughout the year. Including in locations like Phuket and Khanom.

It's not my favorite style of running but I will participate if the race is near enough. So far I have participated in two trail half marathons and two 10km events. My only Indonesian race was the Bromo half marathon, a few years back.

The Moon Koh Phangan Trail run 15-16 June 2019

The race routes of the 4 separate trail runs on Koh Phangan. The organizers went out of their way and have pretty much 4 different routes for each race.

On Koh Phangan you can choose for 4 different distances and each distance has some serious elevation. 

Distances and Elevation Gain

103 Km e-gain 5200 m+

62 Km e-gain 2700 m+

32 Km e-gain 1100 m+

15 Km e-gain 270 m+

Registration opened 19.1.19 at  www.4TrailsThailand.com

The Moon Koh Phangan Trail run 15-16 June 2019

The elevation gain during my 15km race. It shouldn't be too bad, during my road races I sometimes cover more elevation. Running a second event in a weekend might make it hard though.

It's going to be a fun weekend. If you;re into trail running, this race is a big challenge. If trail racing is new to you, the 15km route may be a good starting point for you.

Hope to see you there.

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15th April 2019 – 21st April 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15th April 2019 – 21st April 2019

Another Sunday morning, another long slow distance run in the bag and another Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15th April 2019 – 21st April 2019.

In case you missed it, it's steaming hot at the moment in Thailand. This morning it's already 31C around Koh Samui but it feels like it's in the lower forties. 

Right now I'm still on Koh Lanta for at least another week. It's been very hot here as well. Even during the early mornings, which are usually rather cool here. During last week we had one tropical shower here, last Sunday evening, the day I arrived on the island.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15th April 2019 – 21st April 2019

Sweets at display during the recent temple party last month at Bophud temple. The bamboo is filled with coconuts sweetened rice.

Last week it was very hot around Koh Samui. Maximum temperatures reached 36C but it felt much hotter. There was hardly any respite, except a rare tropical thunderstorm yesterday at some parts of the island. Minimum temperatures didn't drop below 28C at night.

The islands and the South in general are however still not as hot as Central and Northern Thailand where the quicksilver reached well over 40C.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15th April 2019 – 21st April 2019

A southbound view from the most northern point in Ban Saladan on Koh Lanta. This is the main street at the end of the season. Almost like a ghost town. Many places are already closed or start closing down.

Next week more hot weather is ours to be! From Tuesday on though, it may a bit more cloudy. A tropical thunderstorm or shower is very welcome and may occasionally occur.

Enjoy your time on the island and make sure to use coral reef friendly sunscreen.

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Cancer Care charity fun run 15th June 2019

Cancer Care charity fun run 15th June 2019

It's the time of the year for the 12th Cancer Care charity fun run 15th June 2019 on Koh Samui. As always organized by the Four Seasons Resort.

It's on a Saturday and the distances that can be participated in are 2km, 5km and 10km. Start will be at 7am. I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the previous 8 editions on Koh Samui.

2 KM : U-turn at Samui Motorland
· 5 KM : U-turn at Soi Sri Fah
· 10KM : U-turn at Honda 

Cancer Care charity fun run 15th June 2019

Registration details are as follow;

Ticket: Baht 300 with T-shirt

      Baht 400 with Polo shirt

   (Tickets include a breakfast box)

☎️ : 077-243-000

📧 : cancercare.kohsamui@fourseasons.com

In addition : a lucky draw will be held for all participants who complete the events. Participants must be present to claim prizes.

Some really good prices are to be won each year. Definitely much better than the umbrella you get as fastest runner or runner up!

Cancer Care charity fun run 15th June 2019

This run originates from Terry Fox's famous run in the 1980 in Canada. The Four Seasons committed at some stage during his run to accommodate Terry and his small entourage wherever possible. After he had to stop his run due the primary cancer having reached his longs, The Four Seasons committed in a telegram to his family to “You started it. We will not rest until your dream to find a cure for cancer is realized.”. Hence each year all over the world 'Care for Cancer' runs with all profit going to charities.

Hope to see you there!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Bangkok Airways Koh Samui half marathon

Bangkok Airways Koh Samui half marathon 

Come 2nd June this year, it's time for the Bangkok Airways Koh Samui half marathon. It will be run on the same course as last year. Start and finish will be in Nathon, near the Seatran pier. From here we will run towards the navy base in Lipa Noi and back with a 5am start.

There will also be a 10km at 6m and a 5km run at 06.15am. You can sign up at Thai Run until 30th April. 700.-THB for the half marathon, 550.-THB for the 10km and 500.-THB for the 5km race.

Bangkok Airways Koh Samui half marathon 

 Each person who registers will receive an event t-shirt (with a great design this year) and a bib number. If you complete your race, you will also receive a medal. There will be water stations at approximately each 2km along the route.

Trophies for male and female categories (no nationality categories) 

21 km / 10 km 

trophies for each age category, subdivided into male and female (3 trophies for males, 3 trophies for females) 

18 and under, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 and over 

5 km 

overall (5 trophies for males, 5 trophies for females)

Bangkok Airways Koh Samui half marathon 

The picture above show me at the start of last years event.

Last year I came in 2nd in my age category in 50 and up and 14th ll over. This year I'm looking for another top 3 finish in my age category. 

Bangkok Airways Koh Samui half marathon 

The race routes for this year.

Am looking forward to this years event. Although I will already be in training for the Koh Samui marathon, come 15th September. I will be in my fourth week of training but it will fit in!

Hope to see you there, and if you see me, say hi!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

 Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8th April 2019 – 14th April 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8^th April 2019 – 14^th April 2019

Another Sunday morning and on the move but it's always time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8th April 2019 – 14th April 2019.

The long Sunday morning run is in the can, no worries there. I'm on the move indeed, I'm off to Koh Lanta where I will start a PADI IDC tomorrow morning. 

It's nice and hot on Koh Samui. High humidity each day though and the current temperature at 11.30am is already 34C and rising. According to the website, it feels like 46C! No kidding.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8th April 2019 – 14th April 2019

Songkran 2019 in Chaweng in front of Central. It was interesting this year, since the road was partially blocked for traffic along Chaweng beach road. It reduced a lot of the action and excitement in my humble opinion. Still, plenty of fun was had and plenty of water was shed.

Last week didn't see a single drop of rain around the island. The maximum temperature reached 34C and it didn't go below 27C. April for sure is the hottest month of the year around Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8th April 2019 – 14th April 2019

We spent four days in Ao Nang in Krabi province early this week. Nice and relaxing times with the whole family. This is one of the sail fish related statues in and near Ao Nang. It's a fairly touristy destination but there are nice places and spots to be found.

Do we have a forecast for next week? Yes we do. Nice and sunny with possibly a tropical thunderstorm to cool things down for a bit. Enjoy your time on the island and don't forget to check out one of the options mentioned below.

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1st April 2019 – 7th April 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

Sunday morning time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1st April 2019 – 7th April 2019. Plenty of running has been done over the weekend on Samui! First of all last night the 7th Samui Midnight run, which I won in my age group 50+. Secondly, this morning, a 10km trail in Soi 1 in Maenam. After being in second spot, I took a wrong turn at around 7km and run 700 meters too far. As a result I had to turn around and get back on route. Lost my second spot and ended fourth in my age group 50-59. Did I ever feel last night's run and lack of sleep. Just one hour and a half I got clocked on the sleep-o-meter.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

Wat Bophud last month during the temple party. A very nice and colorful decorated alley made out of umbrellas.

 Nonetheless, it's a sunny day out here on Koh Samui. At almost 11am it's already 32C and the temperature is rising. In Maenam, the trail runners of the 30km race are about to get to the finish. After a 5am start. Not my cup of cake but respect is due!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

The first time I take first spot in my age group on Koh Samui. Last night at the 7th Koh Samui Midnight run. 5.2km in 22'23 minutes and a 4'18 pace. My fastest race to date.

Last week the maximum temperature has risen to 34C. On the other hand, the minimum temperature still had a whooping 27C.
Plenty of sunshine and hardly any rain at all. A typical April on Koh Samui start of the month.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

Last week I was in Khao Lak for a PADI IDC and PADI IE. This is a beautiful stretch of beach, at the start of Khao Lak. It's taken from a big hill. On Youtube one can find videos of the 2004 tsunami, when on this beach people are swept away by the first wave. Never can shake that video when I pass this hill and look on the beautiful beach. As a matter of fact, I need to learn to take my fingers away from the new mobile camera!

For next week, the forecast is looking good. No rain predicted but plenty of partially clouded skies should be around. Enjoy your time on Koh Samui. The family and me will be off to Ao Nang in Krabi for a few days. Don't worry, we will be back for Songkran or the Thai New Year. You don't want to miss out on this celebration!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Welcome to April 2019

Welcome to April 2019

It's not a joke, it's the 1st April and welcome to April 2019.

The first half of the month is going to be busy. The first weekend will see big sporting events on the island.

Saturday 6th April at midnight will see the start of the 7th Koh Samui Midnight run.

The next morning, there's a 10km and 30km  trail run in Maenam, combined with mountain bike races.

Next weekend, Saturday 13th April will see the Thai New Year or Songkran celebrations. If you haven't witnessed that yet, a must see and experience event.

Other than that, April is also the hottest month on Koh Samui. Although, the last couple of years we also had a few showers during April, even on Songkran! Almost unheard of. The first April week looks good though, plenty of sunshine should be there to be enjoyed.

Today it's partially cloudy at 8am and 29C. Expect it to be hot with a fairly high humidity!

Welcome to April 2019

At Wat Bophud or Wat Bophuttaram, during the recent temple fair in March. You can put a one Baht coin in each of the cups and make merit!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille