Friday 31 May 2019

Goodbye to May 2019

Goodbye to May 2019

The month is coming to an end and it's time to say goodbye to May 2019.

It's been a fairly good but also a rather typical May for the weather around Koh Samui this month. In general it was still fairly hot. Maximum temperatures hitting the mid thirties on a regular base. On the other hand, we also had a few showers. Mostly tropical showers, hard but short. I really enjoy them, they cool things down and balance out the water levels of the ground water on the island.
June should see a few more (tropical) showers next month.

Half of the month I spent on Phuket but I'm glad to be back on Koh Samui for at least a couple of months. 

Goodbye to May 2019

Goodbye to May 2019

Part of SRU; Surat Thani Rajabath University. The International school of tourism in Chaweng.

Right now it's time to look forward to month of June. Always an enjoyable month on Koh Samui. Although June has is part of a smaller rainy season, it's a nice month to be on the island. The temperatures aren't as high anymore but there should still be enough sunshine to keep you happy.

It's also going to be an excellent month for running on the island(s). Starting with this weekend and the Bangkok Airways Koh Samui Half marathon, 10km and 5km races. Hope to see you in Nathon come Sunday morning.

If you were on the island this month, i do hope you had a good time and enjoyed your stay. Let us here about!

Now on to June, there are some races that need to be run!

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

Sunday 26 May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th May 2019 – 26th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th May 2019 – 26th May 2019

It's Sunday morning once more and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th May 2019 – 26th May 2019. First of all, it's nice to be back on Koh Samui again. Secondly, the long slow distance run for Sunday has been taken care of. Not so long, only 18km but very slow. I hope to be in shape to run a good time next weekend in the Bangkok Airways series Koh Samui half marathon. See you in Nathon next Sunday!

This morning it started out very cloudy. However, by now, 10.30am it is nice and sunny with a lovely blue sky. Current temperature is 31C and expect it to go up a few degrees. It's another hot one in the making today.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th May 2019 – 26th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th May 2019 – 26th May 2019

The new school of our youngest daughter. For one more year she will be visiting this school in Chaweng, opposite the University of Tourism. Now all 3 of our children have been to this school.

Last week saw a few showers. Always nice this time of the year to have a shower to cool things down a bit. As long as it remains a tropical shower, that is! Short, fast and furious! Most of the week we had sunshine and hot fays though. Maximum temperature reached 35C and the minimum got suck at 27C. Not bad for a week in May around Koh Samui. Fairly average at the weather side of things for this month.

For next week, going into June 2019, it looks good. The wind is about to drop down. Expect the occasional tropical shower and partially clouded skies. There should be plenty of sunshine until the end of this month and the start of the new month, next weekend.
Enjoy your stay on the island(s) and go out and about. I have some options listed for you below or do a search on the blog here.

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

Friday 24 May 2019

Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019

Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019

The first Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019 is knocking on the door. Mark the date! First of all there is a 2.2km fun run on the road and partly on the beach. Secondly, there's a also a 11.8km run on the road, with 30% trail and a bit of beach just before the finish line.

Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019

Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019

Prices are 400.-THB per person for the fun run and 500.-THB per person for the 11.8km run. You can sign up online under this link
The majority of the charity funds will be going to the Lamai government school.

Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019

Lamai Charity Run 18th August 2019

The routes for the 2.2km fun run and 11.8km main run

It's great to see new running events on the island. Running is since a few years becoming increasingly popular in Thailand. Each weekend sees multiple running events across southern Thailand. Nice to see that Samui is keeping up the pace!

Hope to see you there! Put on your running shoes and go for it! Lamai, here we come!

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

Sunday 19 May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019


It's Sunday morning and the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019 is calling.
It's nice and sunny around Koh Samui with just a few scattered clouds. Current temperature at 9.20am is 31C. Get ready for another nice and warm day. Oh yeah, and dry! Perfect weather for May on the islands!

My time on Phuket is coming to an end after two weeks. The Sunday morning long slow distance run is in the can. I'm on track for the full marathon come 15th September at Samui Festival. First running stop will be the Bangkok Airways Samui half marathon come 2nd Jun. Just two weeks away. First of all though, tomorrow I will be back on the road to Koh Samui.
On Phuket we have this Sunday morning a partially clouded sky and also 31C with the temperature rising.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019

Maenam beach with a view on the Lomprayah pier

Last week saw some rain early in the week. Nothing unusual for a typical May month around our archipelago. Maximum temperatures reached 35C and the minimum temperature got stuck at 24C last week.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th May 2019 – 19th May 2019

View on the road towards Phuket town from Central Phuket. This is taken at the bridge connecting the two Central shopping malls

The forecast for next week is looking good. Possibly more cloud coverage through the week compared to today. However, it will remain dry besides a possible tropical shower. Towards the end of the week, the wind will pick up a bit. Well above a May average!
Enjoy your time on the island. It's not too busy but the beaches are still bright and shining.

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

Sunday 12 May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019

Sunday morning in Phuket and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019. The long slow distance run is still to come, in the afternoon. After I finish teaching the current PADI IDC on Phuket.

It's nice and sunny early in the morning. It promises to be another hot day. It's relentless! 28C already at 7.30 in the early morning!

Phuket is looking very similar. 28C early in the morning with a slightly cloudy sky. 

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019

The ocean behind the Laem Sor pagoda in the deep southern part of the island.

Last week it was hot with hardly any rain on Koh Samui. Maximum temperatures ranged from 35C to 27C. It felt at times a lot warmer than the measured 35C. A nice start to this month of May.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th May 2019 – 12th May 2019

The new roundabout at Chalong circle on Phuket is almost ready. Here you can see the brand new clock tower, still not completely finished. The tunnel under the roundabout is also almost completed. Hopefully it will give a much needed relief to the local traffic.

Next week is looking nice again. Maybe some rain tomorrow but the rest of the week should be dry. Partially cloudy and warm is predicted with more blue in the sky towards next weekend. Don't forget the sun lotion this week. Especially coral and ocean friendly sunscreen lotion!
Enjoy your time on the island and make sure to go out and about!

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

Wednesday 8 May 2019

Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019

Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019

It's on again, the Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019. This must be the 4th edition. I only missed the fist time, 3 years ago, when I was not on the island. 

Just like last year, I'm planning to run the full marathon. Unfortunately I got injured fairly early into my training program and couldn't participate in the full marathon. I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the 10km event.
This year I started an 18 week training program just two days ago. Crossing my fingers I stay healthy and in one piece for the 15th September. My goal is to run as close to a 3 hours 30 minutes time. Am looking forward to it!

Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019

Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019

The distances available on 15th September are the full marathon, a 10km race and a 5km race. On top there's a also a 30km trail run.

Start and finish will be in Nathon. At the moment these are all the details available, More details about participation fees and son will be revealed later.

Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019

Samui Festival Marathon & Trail 15th September 2019

Start of the 10km race last year

This is a big event each year. Well organized and with plenty of other activities, like concerts during a full week surrounding the running events.

Hope to see you at this event. I will update this blog as soon as information with more details will become available. See you on the 15th September!

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

Sunday 5 May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019

It's Sunday, noon, a busy morning done and dusted and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019.
This morning we were in Don Sak. First of all we took the first ferry of the day. Secondly, once in Don Sak I ran my long slow distance Sunday morning run. It's just past noon and we're already on our way back on the Seatran ferry to Koh Samui.

It's around noon now and there is a hazy sky. Loads of blue but also some thin, white clouds in the sky. Did I mention it's hot? 31C on the clock but it feels like we're just about to hit 40C! Another hot day in the making.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019

At the Angthong National Marine Park last week. The Blue Lagoon, a salt water lagoon. To have the top view, you will have to climb some steep stairs. Being originally from the Netherlands, I have seen some steep stairs in my life! The stairs at the Green lagoon are in a league of their own though. That was some serious 'steep'. It gives a new meaning the the word 'steep'. Great view though. For only ten times the entrance price compared to what a Thai national pays.

Yesterday saw some showers throughout the day with a real thunderstorm in the early evening. Rain, at last! The island needed a fresh showers or two.
Last week we saw maximum temperatures of 36C. Minimum temperatures hit 27C during the night time. It was another hot week.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th April 2019 – 5th May 2019


This morning my wife wanted to visit the market at Don Sak. Afterwards, we went to Suan Ta San. Here is a small river stream in which you can have your feet cleaned by fish. It's all natural, and the cleaning part is fun and very tickly. At times I had ten or more on my foot. There's a restaurant as well and we had a late breakfast, Isaan style. Entrance is a mere 20.-THB per person. Only 14km from the Seatran ferry.


Next week we may see some strong wind. Specifically Monday through Wednesday. Occasional tropical showers and/or thunderstorms can also be expected.
Enjoy your stay on the 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. 

 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

Thursday 2 May 2019

Welcome to May 2019

Welcome to May 2019

The second day of the new month and time to have a nice Welcome to May 2019. 
Yesterday I was with my family and some friends on a day trip to the Angthong National Marine Park. Consequently I didn't have time to update the blog.

Today I'm back in action. So, here we are.

For starters, let's talk about May. It's usually a nice month with plenty of sunshine. On the other hand, there will also be typical tropical showers. Secondly, how about some night showers? It's all in a typical May on Koh Samui. Probably half the month will be sunny to partially cloudy. However, expect the other half to be wet. Thirdly, expect high humidity! 
Don't get afraid now, it's still a lovely month for a visit to our beloved island. 

First of all it's fairly quiet with the amount of tourists or visitors to the island. During the second half of the month, the Thai schools start again. That will generate busier traffic on the roads.

Welcome to May 2019

Welcome to May 2019

A view over part of the small islands scattered all over the Angthong National Marine Park. This is a very popular day trip destination from both Koh Samui and Koh Phangang. After twenty years living on Koh Samui, it was my first proper visit this National Park. I have dived the Northern most point of the park multiple times as a dive instructor. Never visited the national park until yesterday! As per usual, Thai nationals pay ten times less compared to foreigners! 

Hope you will come and visit Koh Samui and/or the surrounding islands. Have a good time and enjoy everything the archipelago has on offer. You won't get bored if you're looking for something to do. On the other, you can also relax and kick back if that's what you're looking for. Recharge those batteries again!

Don't forget to attend the 11th Samui bike week come 10 +11 May!

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