Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27^th July – 2^nd August 2020

The end of another week and here's the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th July – 2nd August 2020.

My long run is in the can. 16.5km in 1 hour and 30 minutes. This coincides with my first full week of training for the Samui trail come 18th October. A 12 week training program.

It's cloudy this morning and we have a current temperature of 29C at 9.30am. A fairly strong wind is blowing. However, not as strong as last night when supposedly a small storm raged over Koh Samui. The result can be seen below, a Raja car ferry sunk.

The maximum temperature last week reached 34C in the beginning of the week. The minimum temperature reached 23C towards the end of the week. There were also quite a few showers. Nonetheless, we also had plenty of partially cloudy days and moments. Once the sun came out, it was hot and humid!

A very typical week for this time of the year though.

Covid19 keeps chipping away as well on the island. I see more and more shops being closed.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27^th July – 2^nd August 2020

Seven people are missing after a cargo ferry travelling from Koh Samui capsized on Saturday night. 

The ferry, operated by the Raja Ferry Co, got into difficulty at around 10pm as it headed to Donsak pier. The ferry was carrying a 10 wheel trailer, 3 garbage trucks and two pick up trucks. It wasn’t immediately clear exactly how many people were on board. Thairath on Sunday said a total of 9 people had been rescued while 7 others were still missing. Officials said a full investigation will be launched into the incident but it is likely the ferry got into difficulty in strong waves. Supposedly this happened near Koh Si Koh Ha, 5km from Nathon pier, opposite Baan Taling Ngam.

Today and tomorrow there's strong wind and the occasional shower. Throughout the week the wind will lose strength. However, Wednesday and Thursday might see quite a bit of rain.

Whilst you are here, 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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd March – 8th March 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd March – 8^th March 2020

Sunday morning and we're ready for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd March – 8th March 2020. It's nice and sunny outside with the promise of a hot day in the making. Current temperature at 10am it is already 31C. It's going to be a real hot one today.

The long run for this Sunday morning is in the can and it was nice and cool, below 27C between 5am and 7am.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd March – 8^th March 2020

View over the islands of Koh See Koh Haa, from the Intercontinental hotel's lobby area. Island four island five, literally translated. A very long time ago, I have dived around these islands, in the rainy season. That must have been around 18-19 years ago.

Last week was warm. Each day of the week seemed to be warmer that the previous day. Maximum temperature reached 31C. Most certainly it felt a lot warmer! In the beginning of the week the minimum temperature settled around 23C but later turing the week this moved up to 24C and 25C.

For next week it's looking hot. No wind, no clouds. Blue skies galore is predicted and it will get very warm to hot during the afternoons. Make sure to have coral friendly sun lotion when you apply it on the beach!

Do go out and about, you have the island more or less to your own!

The situation with regards to Covid-19 on Koh Samui. I haven't heard from any cases on Koh Samui. Makro has check when you enter, your temperature is measured electronically.

Many events have been cancelled in Thailand, the Buriram moto GP. Songkran, the Thai new years festival, has been cancelled nation wide. Many races and sport events have been cancelled, well into May already.

Other than that, it still is business as usual!

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! 

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

Camille

Welcome to March 2020

Welcome to March 2020

March is a great month to visit Koh Samui and it surrounding islands. Typically the nice February weather continues into March. Maybe a few days with some rain, but no harm done! Lots of sunshine should be yours during this month. 

Especially now, with the Covid-19 virus, it feels like you have the whole island to yourself. Come and enjoy the quiet but still lovely beaches.

Welcome to March 2020

The Intercontinental hotel in Baan Taling Ngaam. This is in the quirt south-western corner of the island. One of the longest standing five start resorts on the island and still going strong. Luxury and leisurely lifestyle. It doesn't come cheap though! The picture has been taken on their pier. Asia’s longest over water wedding aisle with 140 meters long. In general, Baan Taling Ngaam is a very nice part of the island though. Certainly not as overdeveloped as the northern and eastern parts of Koh Samui. Beautiful scenery and a few things well worth visiting are in this part of the island.

Right now no events have been scheduled that are likely to be cancelled on Koh Samui. All walking street events are still happening on the scheduled days of the week. No other events where more than a 1000 people are expected are scheduled on Koh Samui. At least none that I'm aware of.

Looking forward welcoming you on the island and do enjoy your time here. Go out and about and discover what Koh Samui and the surrounding island have to offer.

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! 

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th August – 1st September 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26^th August – 1^st September 2019

It's another Sunday morning on Koh Samui and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th August – 1st September 2019.

This morning it was raining but soon the clouds parted and the sun broke through. Currently we're enjoying a partially clouded sky and the sun is beaming. The temperature at 11am is 28C

A nice last August 2019 Sunday is in the making. 

Last week saw some strong wind but not much rain. At least not in Plai Laem, our northeastern corner of the island. It was a nice last August week.

Maximum temperatures reached 35C yesterday. The rest of the week was a lot cooler though. Minimum temperature reached 21C, also yesterday.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26^th August – 1^st September 2019

One of the two mummified monks on Koh Samui. This mummified monk is located at Wat Kiri Whongkaram in Baan Taling Ngaam. A more out of the way and quiet temple in the south eastern corner of the island.

The forecast for next week, the first September week of 2019, is looking good. Partially cloudy with some strong winds at times until Thursday. Occasionally some rain can be expected as well during this time frame. However, as of Friday it should turn really sunny and warm again.

Enjoy September on the island, a good time to be here. Go out and explore the island and have fun doing so. Be safe on the roads and enjoy 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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 17th June – 23rd June 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 17^th June – 23^rd June 2019

Closing in on Sunday noon and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 17th June – 23rd June 2019.
It's cloudy over Koh Samui since this morning. At noon we have a temperature of 32C. The wind is picking up and don't be surprised if there's some rain later today.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 17^th June – 23^rd June 2019

The entrance to Baan Taling Ngam, in the southern part of the island. Always a nice view to see the port with the two elephants.

Last week was surprisingly nice. Lots of sunny days under blue or partially clouded skies. The whole rainy weather segment has shifted a week to next week. Maximum temperature reached 35C and minimum temperature got stuck at 23C. There were just a few rare showers. A mich better week than it was predicted.

Next week however! Plenty of strong wind and lots of rain are being predicted. The rain during the week and the maximum wind over next weekend. Interesting to see how this will develop.

Enjoy your time on the island and see you 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. 

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; 10th September – 16th September 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10^th September – 16^th September 2018 

It's the Sunday morning groove and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th September – 16th September 2018.

It's just past 10am and it's cloudy and slightly windy. A nice cool wind. Current temperature is 27C. Very nice and agreeable. Expect the wind to pick up during the afternoon. We're on the outskirts of Super typhoon Mangkhut. This super typhoon is punishing the Philippines and Hong Kong as we speak.

Tonight and tomorrow should see more strong wind but slowly this should peter out until mid next week.

I'm back into running mode again and am slowly building up my endurance and pace. It will be a few more weeks before I'm anywhere near the shape I was in 8-9 weeks ago.

Next Sunday is the Mad Hatter run though and I will participate in the 5Km race, followed by Samui Festival's 10km race come Sunday 30th September.

Last week saw some lovely weather around the island. Plenty of sunshine and only this weekend with lots of overcast. Hardly any rain and each shower is refreshing at the moment.

Maximum temperatures ranged from 33C with a one off peak to 34C and 23C earlier last night.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10^th September – 16^th September 2018 

Wat Khiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngam. It has undergone some serious reconstruction and looks marvelous. This Temple hosts the much lesser known remains of the second mummified monk on Koh Samui. Well worth a visit to explore the temple but mostly the much more unspoiled Southern part of the island.

The forecast for next week looks ok. Until Wednesday a few showers and strong wind today and tomorrow. Come Thursday no more rain and very sunny skies!

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. 

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens. 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th September, 2015

Today's weather;

It's mostly cloudy this morning over Koh Samui, with a few blue spots and the cloud cover varying in thickness and a color range from white to dark grey. There's a strong win and I expect a shower or two today. Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

The building where the mummified monk is housed at Wat Kiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngaam

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day all day long. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast is looking fairly good for the net ten days, a mi of cloudy and sunny skies with occasionally (hopefully) an evening shower tomorrow and next weekend.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31st August, 2015

Today's weather;

It's cloudy again over Koh Samui this morning and it looks like it will stay that way for the remained of the day. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

This building at Wat Kiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngaam is worthwhile checking out, I like th writing on it's wall

Yesterday was a nice day with blue but hazy skies all day long until 6pm when we had a tropical shower. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast for the next ten days predicts lots of cloudy days with an occasional tropical shower.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th August, 2015

Today's weather;

It's mostly blue skies this morning over Koh Samui with a few scattered clouds in it. Most likely it will stay that way until the evening when there may be a short tropical shower. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

The lesser known mummified monk at Wat Kiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngaan, which is located a bit more off the beaten track

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy day, sunnier during the morning but clouds moved in soon enough and took over for the remainder of the day. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast shows part;y cloudy skies for the next ten days with plenty of sunny moments. Tomorrow we may have a bit of stronger wind.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th August, 2015

Today's weather;

We have a nice blue sky this morning over Koh Samui with some clouds and currently it's still hazy. The sun should burn most of the clouds away though and I expect a nice, warm and sunny day. Current temp at 7am is already 28C

The roof of the bot of Wat Kiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngaam is getting a new roof

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day, most of the day! Just before some dark clouds moved in and we had rain in the Baan Namuang and Khow Tanim. The afternoon had sunny skies again though. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast remains looking good, Wednesday the wind should pick up and from this coming Sunday onward we may have rain for a couple of days.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal

Here it is, all you ever wanted to know about; Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal. After a lot of speculation and stories about a break or a 'short' in the main underwater cable between the mainland (either coming from Donsak or Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Samui is serviced from), it seems to be a lot closer to home than most of us may have thought.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; The culprit, I specifically like the sandals in this heavy duty work environment, but let's not get side tracked

It turns out that outage occurred between a power station in Baan Taling Ngam and the ocean, so it actually occurred on Samui ground. The location is near the big Elephant gates near Wat Kiri Wongkaram.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; The underground cables

This information I puzzled together from following internet forums and following provided links, which led me to a Facebook account of somebody who seems to be involved in the repair works and who has these pictures online.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; The problem cable

These pictures should give a different view on many stories and they show that the problem occurred on land.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; Dug up cables near Baan Taling Ngaam

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; Electricity cables broken on Koh Samui; look, here!

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; Work at night

It's a good thing that power is back on again but word on the street is that the backup power generators that were brought onto Koh Samui by the government will be on the island during the Christmas period and into the high season as more high power demand is expected and the main electric line may not have enough electric power to support the island during Christmas and into January. In case of more power disruptions and in the worst case, another or more blackouts, there's back up from the 16 generators.

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

Updated 13th June, 2017

Wat Kiri Wongkaram, Baan Taling Ngam, revisited

Wat Kiri Wongkaram, Baan Taling Ngam, revisited

It's been over two years ago since I posted something for the last time about Wat Kiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngam and it's about time to give you an update on this temple.

First of, this is one of the two temples on Koh Samui that has a mummified monk on the premises, the other temple being Wat Kunaram near Lamai.

Both temples have seen their respective mummified monks being relocated in a nicer building than their previous ones.

This is the new building for the mummified monk in Wat Kiri Wongkaram, a real nice building especially comparing to the state of the other buildings on the temple complex.

The new accommodation for Luang Por Rerm Khun Wongkaram.

A picture of the Luang Por Rerm Khun Wongkaram when he was still alive.

The mummification is achieved by a strict diet and apparently his hair and nails still grow, according to a flyer available at the temple and sections of the nails are cut and used as protective charms.

A picture of the accommodation building, build in 1957. Still in fairly good shape though and I really like the big painting of Thai characters on the walls of this building.

The main Temple, build in 1968 and still in use for the monks daily prayer and religious ceremonies is not in that great shape and could really use some paint and general maintenance.

When you're making a trip around the island this is a beautiful and quiet get away from it all place to visit. Enjoy.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Namuang Waterfall, Baan Namuang

Namuang Waterfall, Baan Namuang

Today was finally a Sunday since a while that I could spend with the family. We decided on a trip around the island, something we tend to do on a regular base.

After having driven through Hua Thanon, where I took some pictures of some old style traditional Samui/Hainan houses, we went via Baan Tong Krut, where there's a rum distillery on which I like to report at a later time, when they're in season, around December to April to Baan Taling Gnaam, where we had a quick glance into the Wat Kiri Wongkaram.

After the Temple visit we were on the road again to Namuang Waterfall and the elephants they have near the parking lot.

My son loves elephants and whenever he sees an elephant statue somewhere, and there are plenty of them in Thailand, he's in a state! Imagine when we go to see real live elephants, excitement was in the air! He loved it!

Elephant safaris are offered, currently at 600,-THB per person.

On the way to the actual waterfall are a handful of restaurants, mainly serving good Isaan food, like Naam Tok, Laab, Som Tam and some good BBQ-ed chicken (Kai Yang). One restaurant in particular is described in a different post on this blog.

This information plaque tells us how important the waterfall is to Samui, various Kings of the Chakra dynasty have visited the waterfall, Rama V and his Queen, Queen Saovapa Pongsi, later King Rama III visited once and the current King, King Bhumibol, Rama IX and his Queen visited on April 27, 1962.
It's a tine fall, consisting with a small reservoir at the fall base.

The reservoir at the base of the fall, inviting to swimmers. usually Thai families hang out at the opposite, picnicking through the day.

The actual waterfall, currently with a good flow, after the recent rain we had.

A shot with both the basin and the fall partially on it.

Another great place to stop during a trip around the island and a good place to stop and get something to eat or have a refreshing young coconut to drink and a favorite of our family, I lost track of how many times we visited this place already.

Camille

Wat Kiri Wongkaram, Baan Taling Ngam

Yesterday we also visited Wat Kiri Wongkaram in Baan Taling Ngam.

My main reason to go and visit this temple, form my point of view, literally at the other side of the island, was to see the local mummified monk, of who's existence I recently was informed by Monique, who has her own, lovely photo blog Land of Smiles. Another reason was to meet Monique, which worked out fine since she lives not too far away from the local temple!





First off, when entering Baan Taling Ngam, one encounters this massive, impressive Elephant Gate, build by the head monk in 1979 as an entrance to Taling Ngam. With it's unique and friendly demeanor, it welcomes all who come to this traditional village and those to visit the temple.

The original families of Baan Taling Ngam descend from local islanders, mainland Thai's and Chinese fisherman, as this was the first seaport for merchant traders over 100 years ago.

First named Taling Punk or Damaged Shore after being washed away during a fierce storm in 1900, the name was changed to Baan Taling Ngam or Beautiful Shore in 1942. Taling Ngam offers a breathtaking view over the 5 Islands (Koh See Koh Haa) just off its shore. The sun sets exactly on this place thus offering the most beautiful sunsets on Koh Samui.

That there was a Mummified Monk in this temple was a big surprise for my, since I only knew about the more famous one in Wat Kunaram. I don't think too many people are aware of this one at all and this temple is also a bit more off the beaten track. This is the building he is 'resting' in.

There's a small gate in front, which you're welcome to open and step inside.

The Taling Ngam temple was build around 1900. It was named Wat Kiri Wongkaram meaning "mountainous temple' for it's pristine placement surrounded by valleys and mountains.

The current state of the temple is not that glorious, unfortunately. In stark contrast to many other temples of the island, who prosper with the local Samui inhabitants, this temple looks as old as it is.

This monk's name was Luang-Por Rerm or Khun Thummo and he was born near the temple in 1879. He was 21 years old when ordained but soon made a pilgrimage to Burma where he was initiated into deep mystical Buddhist practices. He returned to Koh Samui and passed away on 9th January, 1966 at the age of 87. After 66 years in the monk hood and a life of purity and meditation his body mummified naturally upon his death without the use of chemical preservation.

Amazingly his hair and nails still grow. Sections of the nails and hair are cut and used as protective charms.

On the right hand side is a statue of the monk and in the back is the place the Mummified Monk is sitting, behind glass.

Another beautiful artifact in the small shrine house of the Mummified Monk is this piece of Thai/Samui Buddhist tradition. You have to spin the wheel and it will come to rest on a number, which corresponds with a number on a big wooden table behind this wheel. Under the corresponding number on the table there are pieces of papers that tell you your fortune.

If you plan on a tour around the island, definitely plan in a visit to this lesser visited temple with an amazing artifact; the Mummified Monk.

A lot of the information in my post was copied from a very helpful A4 sized paper, that's available at no cost inside the temple. A great initiative that cries out loud for follow up's in other temples around Samui, so we, the visitors and/or tourists have a slight clue of what's going on and get a better insight in some of the backgrounds of traditional Samui.

Camille