Goodbye to August 2019

Goodbye to August 2019

The end of the month had arrived and we're about to say Goodbye to August 2019.

This August was a nice month indeed, when we look at the weather. In the beginning of the month there was some strong wind and a few showers. Overall though, a lot less rain than expected or predicted. This was followed by plenty of sunshine and warm days in the second part of the month.

Overall a nice month, pretty average I would say for an August in the Samui archipelago. It all balanced out nicely. The first half of the month not as great, the second really good.

Goodbye to August 2019

Have you already found the 'Samui love station' in Nathon? It's located pretty much at the beginning of the Seatran pier. If you're looking at the pier, at your left hand side. It's a fun set up where you can get some good Samui 'souvenir' or remembrance pictures. Have a look and get some shots or selfies. Whilst you're there, go and explore Nathon. It's a lovely old city with plenty of photo genetic opportunities. Some good restaurant for lunch or dinner can be found here as well.

There was the first Lamai Charity run. A well organized running event that will hopefully be followed up next year. Samui can do with a few more events like this.

I was lucky to be able to participate, since I had a few injuries to look after. Not my best performance but considering the circumstances. it was ok. After the finish I bumped into David, an avid follower of this blog. Hope to see you again David, at that moment I was pretty much out of breath!

It's time to heat up for September. A short intro to next month will be posted in a day or two. 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

6th Mad Hatter or Run to Give race at the Wharf on 22nd September 2019

6th Mad Hatter or Run to Give race at the Wharf on 22nd September 2019

It's a bit late but here's to the 6th Mad Hatter or Run to Give race at the Wharf on 22nd September 2019.

The distances on offer are 2km, 5km and a 10km race. The application fee is 450.-THB. For this you get a BIB and a T-shirt. Trophies for the first 3 places in each age category. Hurry up since they're almost sold out. 

There's are also prices for wearing the best hat. Hence this race on Koh Samui is also known as the Mad hatter run.

It's always a lot fun to participate in this race. A well organized race and they have lots of tombola prices. Well worth your time and effort.

The only time I couldn't make was in 2016. As an alternative I ran the Phuket version at Bang Wad Dam.

This run is held at various cities throughout Thailand. The Marriott hotels organize it. On Koh Samui that are the 'W', 'Renaissance', 'Le Meridien', 'Sheraton', 'Ritz-Carlton' and the 'Vana Belle Resort'.

This year I'm just coming back from an injury. As a result it will be a real challenge to get a podium spot in my age category of 50-59 for the 10km race. It is only my second time that I participate in the 10km race on Koh Samui. The fist was back in 2014 during the first edition. I should run a lo faster compared to my result back than.

6th Mad Hatter or Run to Give race at the Wharf on 22nd September 2019

Looking forward to be racing again. Looking forward seeing many friendly faces at the start line of the various distances. If you see me, don't be shy and say hi!

See you at the Wharf.

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; 19th August – 25th August 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19^th August – 25^th August 2019

Sunday morning in Surat Thani and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th August – 25th August 2019.

It's cloudy but dry and the current temperature at 7.30am is 29C.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19^th August – 25^th August 2019

It's durian season! We're in the midst of it. Nowadays I love durian, especially the Mong Thong variation. In my ealry days in Thailand, I thought they smelled horrible, and I barely tasted them. Nowadays, when I smell them, I want to know where they are so I can indulge in them. There's a reason they're called 'king of the fruits'! How about you, do you like durian? Or do you think they smell like rotten shoes? This picture was taken at the Maenam morning market. Well worth a visit by the way!

Last week saw a very nice week when we talk about the weather. Lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. In the north eastern corner of the island where we live, we didn't really have any rain. Other parts of the island might have had some rain yesterday.

Maximum temperatures last week got up to 35C on Wednesday. Tuesday night the minimum temperature last week dropped to 21C.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th August – 25th August 2019

A sop in downtown Surat Thani city. It's near the Tapee river on a Sunday morning market. Plenty of 'pinto' for sale. This is how you take food on the road, to the temple, to work or you name it and it stays warm. Nice walk through the narrow sois and look at all the Chinese style shops.

For next week we're looking at lots of strong wind, especially towards next weekend. Plenty of tropical showers are also predicted. It might get fairly wet during this last August week of the year. Hopefully we will get a little bit of sunshine in as well. Nonetheless, the island needs the water to stock up ground water levels.

If you are on the Samui archipelago, enjoy your time! There is plenty of things to do and explore!

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; 12th August – 18th August 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12^th August – 18^th August 2019

Sunday morning once more and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th August – 18th August 2019.

Against all odds, I did run the Lamai Charity fun run this morning. The fully monty or distance over 11.6km. I haven't run since two weeks, due to injuries and my time wasn't the best. Still felt good to race again though.

Today is partially cloudy with the sun breaking through most of the time. Nice and warm but not too warm or hot. Current temperature at 10am is 29C.

Last week saw a very nice week around Koh Samui. There was some relatively strong wind at times but nothing to get worries about. The rain kept mostly away from the Plai Laem area in the north eastern corner of the island where we live. Only Friday afternoon saw a short and strong shower. Maximum temperatures last week reached 35C, just one day though. The minimum temperature dropped one night to 22C.

A much better week than originally predicted.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12^th August – 18^th August 2019

The music combo at the Tarnim Magic Buddha Garden. It's been 10 years since I visited here. It's high up on the mountains. Nicely cuddled in between big durian plantations. Especially this time of the year, you drive through the durians that literally hang over the roads sometimes. The Magic Garden is a place well worth visiting. We were lucky that we caught the garden between two big mountain car trip groups. It was quiet when we were there. You have to time it!

For next week you might as well get the sun lotion out. Hardly any wind, almost no rain. The prediction is looking very good. Hope you enjoy your time on the island. Go out and have a look what Samui has to offer!

There's always time to hang out at the beach! Stay safe and 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. 

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; 5th August – 11th August 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5^th August – 11^th August 2019

Good morning and welcome to the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th August – 11th August 2019.

It's cloudy and the very strong wind of the last two days has passed. There's still strong wind but not storm like anymore. It's currently 30C at 10.30am and very occasionally the sun peaks through a cloud hole. 

Last week saw very strong winds around the Samui archipelago. Culminating on Friday and Saturday with almost storm like conditions. Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday morning saw some very strong wind. Earlier last week saw a few fast and furious storms pass through as well. Surprisingly, during all this time, there was not that much rain. A lot less than I expected.

Maximum temperatures reached 35C on Thursday. The minimum hit Thursday night as well with 21C.

Luckily we only had one time a power cut at our house. With this kind of weather it can easily happen that a tree or tree branch hits an electricity cable with all electrical consequences!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5^th August – 11^th August 2019

Plai Laem, just outside of our house, during one of the many storms last week. Dark skies, strong winds but surprisingly very little rain. You can see how the coconut tree leaves are going in one direction. Caused by the strong wind.

For next week the forecast predicts still a few days with strong wind. Specifically Thursday may rock the boat a little bit. Rain can be expected, but just like last week, not too much. Most likely short, tropical showers. Hard, short and fast.

Don't forget next weekend, on Sunday 18th August, the Lamai charity run. It's sold out by now.

Do enjoy your stay on the islands and be careful, it is box jelly fish season again. Sightings have been reported from Lamai and Maenam beaches.

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; 29th July – 4th August 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29^th July – 4^th August 2019

Sunday morning and as each weekend, time check the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th July – 4th August 2019.

It's the first August 2019 weekend and the weather has changed. It's mostly cloudy and the sun tries hard to break through. Until now, without great success. Current temperature at 9.45am is 30C

Last week saw a real change in weather. We had two short but very hard storms come through. One on Friday afternoon and one on Saturday morning. The Friday storm resulted in a 3 hour power cut in Plai Laem! Two very intense storms indeed. On the other hand, as already mentioned, they were short.

There's a strong wind though, in general. Last weeks maximum temperature reached 33C. The minimum got stuck at 21C.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29^th July – 4^th August 2019

Outside the Plai Laem market, two boats waiting to be fixed or repaired. This is behind the fish market part. The Seatran pier is in the background. Many people refer to this market as the Bang Rak market. It is the Plai Laem market though. Plai Laem starts after the bridge.

The forecast for next week is not looking too great. Plenty of strong wind to come with an occasional shower. As of Wednesday also lots of rain and even stronger wind. A storm is making landfall on Vietnam this week and we're on the outskirts. It may be a wet week on the island but I hope you will still enjoy our island!

Maybe time to catch a movie (don't forget to stand up when they play the national anthem at the start of the movie!). Another may be to visit an escape room and try to get out!

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 August 2019

Welcome to August 2019

Here we are, at the start of a brand new month and we can say welcome to August 2019.

August around the Samui archipelago should be nice and sunny. Not so during the last couple of years. There was plenty of rain usually for half of the month. The sun should come out during August and warm things up. Let's cross our fingers.

Today it's partially cloudy with big chunks of blue sky. The current temperature at 10am is 31C.

The forecast for the first week of August doesn't look that great though. A tropical storm is about to make landfall within a day or two in Vietnam. This will cause stormy and rainy weather in Northern and Central Thailand.

The islands will get their share as well, on the outskirts of this storm. Very strong wind is predicted  as of Sunday. There will or should be more than just a shower as well. Let's hope things calm down again during the second August week.

Welcome to August 2019

Choengmon beach earlier this week. It was already getting late but a beautiful , cloudy sky appeared. It was surprisingly busy, mainly with Thai people and their families and kids hanging out. The kids playing in the water, the parents looking on from the beach. Other Thai groups were doing what Thai people seem to do best, eating and drinking!

Come 18th August, there's the Lamai charity run. The race is already sold out. Although I signed up for this race, I won't be able to participate. My marathon race date has been changed. Consequently my training schedule doesn't allow for this race. Too bad but come 8th September, I should be all fired up for a full marathon in Lan Saka. This is on the mainland, near Nakhon Si Thammarat.

First things first though. Koh Samui and the surrounding islands should get busier again. The European summer holidays are in full swing. Enjoy your stay on the island and don't forget to go out and about. Experience Samui's culture and sights!

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