Tuesday, 31 December 2019

Goodbye to December 2019

Goodbye to December 2019

The last day of December and of the year and absolutely time to say Goodbye to December 2019!

It was a mild December. The first two weeks of this months saw some rain, but nothing compared how it can be.This years rainy season was almost non existent! Yes, we had some showers this months, but it was all within reason. All in all a month above average on the weather front. Plenty of partially clouded skies with some sunshine were enjoyed. Occasionally we had blue skies as well. A very good weather end to the year!

Right now at 9am it's 28C under a partially cloudy sky. A nice last day of the year is in the making. Enjoy tonight's celebrations around the island but be careful with drinking and driving!

All the best for the new year, that it may be a healthy and successful year!

Goodbye to December 2019

Goodbye to December 2019

The Guan Yu statue in Hua Thanon. Part of the Chinese culture here on Koh Samui. Especailly Hua Thanon is well known for it's original old style houses. Build in typical Hainanese style.

December ended also well for me at the running level. My two races this month, a half marathon in Surat Thani and a 5km race in Nathon, both ended with new personal bests! I'm looking forward to bringing this form into the new year's races.
It was also nice to spend most of the month at home.

Take care and see you next 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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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, 29 December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd December – 29th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd December – 29th December 2019

It's Sunday morning and on this page that means that the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd December – 29th December 2019 is due.

The Sunday morning run has been done and dusted. A 5km race in Nathon in a new PB with a 4'13 pace. I cam in 6th all over in a field of about 5-600 runners. Unfortunately there were only trophies for the first 5 runners. Three guys well below 20 and two guys in their early twenties. I did well!

It's partially cloudy this morning and the current temperature at 11am is 28C. Nice and cool, despite the sun being out. Lovely weather conditions. This morning during the run it was even cooler. I love this time of the year on Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd December – 29th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd December – 29th December 2019

A view on the piers in Nathon. This is also where the start and finish of my 5k race was this morning. Weather conditions were very similar this morning. The picture is take at the far end of Nathon boulevard. Kind of opposite Kobori, the Japanese restaurant.

Last week was a nice week. We kept it dry until yesterday. All other days were sunny to partially cloudy. Some afternoons had complete overcast but no rain. Once more, adding to the already nice December 2019 month.
The maximum temperature last week got up to 31C on a few occasions. Yesterday night, it dropped to 22C as minimum temperature.

The forecast for next week is looking good. A fair amount of wind, to cool things down. However, New Years Eve may see some rain. Let's wait and see with our own eyes if that will actually happen. It probably won't stop the revelers in their parties all around the island.
Enjoy the last days of this year and all the best wishes for the new year to come to you!

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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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, 22 December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th December – 22nd December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th December – 22nd December 2019

It's Sunday morning, 10am and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th December – 22nd December 2019. It's nice and sunny this morning and my long slow distance run is already in the can for today.

At 10am we have a partially clouded sky but the sun is peeking out. Current temperature is 28C. Nice and cool, just the way I like it. No guarantee there will be no rain. Possibly before or around lunch time we may have a shower or two.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th December – 22nd December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th December – 22nd December 2019

The back wall of a restaurant, the Riangthong Bakery, in Nathon. Conveniently turned into a home shrine. Many shop owners of Chinese ascendancy have similar shrines in their shops or homes.

Last week started out nice, with a sunny Monday and Tuesday. However, from Wednesday until yesterday, we had clear early morning skies. Come lunch time or just before, the dark wet clouds moved. Heavy with rain. We had a few strong showers. However, mostly it was drizzle for a few hours on an end. Nothing too serious, but good to raise the ground water levels. It seemed more of a rainy season the last 4 days compared to all of November and the first 2 weeks of December combined. 
Maximum temperature reached 33C on Tuesday. The minimum temperature was fairly consistent at 24C all week long. Except for yesterday when 23C was reached a few times.

The forecast for next week, the Christmas week, is looking good. Rudolph and his fellow reindeer are not supposed to meet a lot of rain next week. The sun should be back out again and the unusual good and favorable rainy season pf 2019 continues.

Enjoy this busy period on the island. Happy holidays to you all.

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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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, 15 December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019

Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019. This time coming from Surat Thani where I just participated in a half marathon.

On Koh Samui it's nice and sunny. Not exactly what you expect this time of the year. It's already 29C at 10am on the island. Get ready for a hot one!

On the other hand, Surat Thani is having overcast and it looks like it will rain at some stage today. Current temperature at 10am is also 29C
My half marathon went well. Although the total race distance on my GPS is 21.64km, I managed what I wanted to do. Run a half marathon under one hour and forty minutes. I did just that with a handful of seconds to spare. Unfortunately I only place 7th in my age group 50-59 out of 177. There were only 5 trophies per age category.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019

Graffiti on a wall in Bang Makham, driving towards Nathon. There are a few very interesting graffiti pieces on the island. You need to know here to find them though.

Last week was nothing like how it should be or can be expected during this time of the year. We has plenty of sunshine, partially cloudy skies and no rain. Not really your typical rainy season on Koh Samui and the surrounding islands. Maximum temperatures reached 31C. The minimum temperature got stuck at 21C at night. Very nice and agreeable weather last week indeed!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th December – 15th December 2019

Picking the BIB number yesterday at Koh Lamphu in Surat Thani. This morning I participated in the Surat Thani half marathon. I achieved a bew personal best on the half marathon distance.

The forecast for next week is looking really good. Partially clouded to blue skies. Maybe an occasional tropical shower. The very nice weather keeps holding on. Enjoy your stay on the island before it will get busy around Christmas and New 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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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, 8 December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Early Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019. 
I'm sitting in Cebu City in the Philippines right now. However, I should be back on Koh Samui later tonight. A long travelling day ahead. A long slow Sunday morning run of two hours already behind me.

The sky over Koh Samui is overcast but it's dry in Plai Laem for the time being. At 7am it's 26C and some parts around the island may have rain.

In Cebu City it's partially cloudy and current time at 8am it's 26.2C. Soon I will be making my way to the airport. A long day of travelling lays ahead of me.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

The restaurants on site at the Namuang waterfall. Well worth stopping for and checking out the menu. Barbecued chicken and som tam always goes down well. With some sticky rice and a fresh coconut. 

Last week it rained almost every day, except Friday and Saturday. Maximum temperatures still hit 32C in the beginning of the week. The lowest temperature during the night time reached 20C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Malapascua island in the Philippines. White beach. The most touristy part of the island. The Philippines are mostly catholic and you're reminded of that on a regular base, even on the beach.

The forecast for next week is windy until Monday. Rainy until Thursday morning. Good and mostly dry from Friday onward. Saturday the sun can make it's grande entrance again. Enjoy your time on the island. This rainy season was a very mild one compared to most other years that I am on the island.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Cebu City in the Philippines. Ayala shopping mall, the terraces. Brightly lit up and in a very festive mood.

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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely!

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

Monday, 2 December 2019

Welcome to December 2019

Welcome to December 2019

Welcome to December 2019 folks! The last month of this year! 
Typically the first two weeks of this month are not that great. The rainy season can roar it's ugly tail very well in that time frame. On the other hand, the second part of December tends be a lot better in general. The weather should start clearing up. There still may be a few rainy days, but the later we are in December, theoretically, the better the weather should be.
The last couple of years have been fairly classic December months. Real rainy season weather in the first half of the month. A fair to  nice second half of the month.

Welcome to December 2019

Welcome to December 2019

View over Bang Rak bay with Big Buddha. Taken from Lai Laem Soi 7, the road to the Six Senses Resort.

The first week of December is looking like a mild rainy season is about to hit. The wind is picking up and most days should have rain. Nothing too hard and it looks like not non stop. Considering we're in early December, not too shabby!

Welcome to December 2019

Welcome to December 2019

Malapascua in the Philippines. The day typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy) will make landfall at midnight. We have a strong wind, but the wind changed direction last night. This means that our bay at Thresher Cove Resort is now at the lee side! We should just be fine today. The typhoon is north of us. By the time it makes landfall, it should be upgraded to a hurricane scale 3 though.

Enjoy your time on the island. It's fairly quiet right now, but the closer we get to Christmas and New Year, the busier and crazier it will get.
Enjoy the island and it's neighbours and see you soon.

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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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, 1 December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

It's another Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019.

On Koh Samui we have a partially cloudy sky. At 8am the current temperature is 27C. Really enjoyable. Later today some rain may drift over the island though.

In the meantime, I'm still on Malapascua in the Philippines. A small island at the most northern tip of Cebu island. I completed my Sunday morning slow, long distance run. A nice and relaxing 2 hour run. It's 28C at 9am local time. Partially cloudy to cloudy and still nice. Over the next two days we're expecting a typhoon to hit the Philippines and we should be on the outskirts of this typhoon.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

Flash flood in Bophud, one of the well known hot spots on Samui. 

Last week was not so great on Koh Samui. At last the rainy season caught up with us and it rained almost every day. Still nothing like a more standard rainy season. However, not as nice as the previous November weeks. Maximum temperatures reached 32C and the lowest temperature dropped down to 22C. 
Still a fairly nice week, considering it's the last November week.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

This is how most roads on Malapascua look like. Especially near Thresher Cove Resort in the north eastern corner of the island, where I stay. Very idyllic.  Cars are not allowed on the island.

The forecast for the first December week.  The wind should pick up during the week. Regular light showers are expected throughout the week. Nothing too serious. Not like non stop rain, but a fairly wet week lies ahead of us. Still very good considering it's supposed to be the rainy season.
Enjoy your stay on Koh Samui or the surrounding islands!

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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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