Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7^th September – 13^th September 2020

Sunday morning and we run again with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7th September – 13th September 2020.

Talking about running, the lsd (long slow distance) run is in the can this morning. 23.6km in 2 hours and 12 minutes or a 5'36 pace. Nice running this morning, starting at 5am in the dark.

Right now it's almost 11.15am and we have a cloudy sky with a few blue patches. Current temperature is 31C. I don't really expect any rain today. On the other hand, most likely it remains cloudy.

Covid is still causing havoc on the island and in Thailand in general. Firstly, there are 3 confirmed covid cases. After 100 days going without covid, it seems to be back. One dj in Bangkok was caught in prison with symptoms. Secondly, a professional Uzbek national team football player for the Buriram team has tested positive. Thirdly, a Korean man returning from Bangkok tested positive in Seoul. Currently they're trying to find out the source of the infections.

Secondly, many of the foreigners residing in Thailand are starting to panic. They will have to leave the Kingdom on 27th September if they don't have the correct visa. This date the amnesty expires.Many friends who are not married, but have Thai partners, may face an unwanted exit. It's possible to change certain visas, but it's all expensive and not necessarily easy to sort out.

One friend on Phuket 

had to throw in the towel and he's returning to Europe. leaving his Thai wife here. He will try to find work back in his home country until he can return, providing the borders are open.

It's tough out here, still every day families return to the mainland. This morning, during my long run, I saw two pick up trucks, packed to the rafters with all the respective families belongings. The motorbike, fridge, tv set and plenty of other bits and pieces from their household was crammed in the back. 

Sadly, there's no end in sight when this will finish. The Thai borders will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, let's go back to the weather. Last week's maximum temperature reached 35C. It was hot a few times! However, Thursday afternoon and Saturday evening saw some hard, tropical showers. The minimum temperature didn't drop below 24C at night. A fairly steady and enjoyable September week.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7^th September – 13^th September 2020

Another Family Market bites the dust. This outlet, in Choengmon has closed it's doors earlier this week. It's near the 'Melia' resort, the former Imperial Boathouse. Many 7-11 and Family outlets close overnight and don't have their big outdoor lights on. All because they try to reduce costs. Many resorts staff have been cut down to around 50%. Including salary cuts up to 50%, including the general managers. Or in some cases, actually letting go of the general managers. Chaweng is like a ghost town. Half of Chaweng's shops, bars, restaurants seem to have closed and are up for rent or sale. There's talk of closing down Central Festival shopping mall for 3 months. Big chain restaurant 'Wine connection' has closed it's doors a few months ago already.

The forecast for next week looks interesting. Shower alert all week long. From mid week on, expect stronger wind. Friday should see the 'worst'. Possibly hard rain and a fairly strong wind.

Expect the usual suspect locations to have flash floods later this week again.

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.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. A donation has been received and thanks for that! You know who your are.

Camille

Goodbye to November 2019

Goodbye to November 2019

It's the last day of that dreaded rainy season month and a good moment to say goodbye to November 2019. Problem is, if you can call it a problem, that there was hardly anything to dread last month.

This years rainy season didn't really start until the last week of November.

Before that, the first 3 weeks of this month, were beautiful. Lots of sunshine, lots of blue or partially clouded skies and yes, there was an occasional shower. However, nothing like we sometimes experience during a 'normal' or standard rainy season. That was all kept for the last week of the month.

Here the rainy season kind of roared it''s ugly and wet mouth,but it was ll within reason. Yes, there were of course the known hot spots where the flash floods happen. All in all though, an exceptionally nice November this 2019 version.

Even this morning, it is starting out partially clouded with a 25C temperature at 7am.

Goodbye to November 2019

Broken spirit houses are placed next to the road in Choengmon. Near the Tongsai Bay hotel. Have you ever seen this before? If a spirit house, which is used to protect and bless the house you live in, breaks, it placed on a raod. Typically it's placed on a location where many accidents happen or happened. It's common use to honk your motorbike or car horn three times when you pass such a location. These stretches of broken spirit houses can be found all over Koh Samui and for that matter, all over Thailand.

The last third of this month I find myself on Malapascau in the Philippines, teaching a PADI IDC here. The next coming days we should be under the influence of typhoon Kammury, We're on the outskirts of it though. It will be interesting though.

Time to look forward though, tomorrow is the start of a new month. We're also closing in on the end of the year! Always exciting times.

Enjoy your time on the island and let's cross our fingers that the rain isn't too bad over the next couple of weeks.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th November – 24th November 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18^th November – 24^th November 2019

It's Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th November – 24th November 2019.

I'm in the Philippines right now. On the small island of Malapascua, which is at the northern point of Cebu island. I will be here for another two weeks. A PADI IDC is in the making here. The weather is grand in the mornings here but mostly cloudy in the afternoons. Occasionally a showers hits. Current temperature at 9am is 30C

In the meantime, back on Koh Samui it also looks lovely. at 8am local time we have a blue sky and the Celsius is working it's way up. Right now it's 27C. Expect an unexpected hot and dry day in late November!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th November – 24th November 2019

The Imperial Boathouse has been under construction for well over a year by now. Last week I got a first glance at the entry area. Still a lot of work needs to be done!

Last week saw another a-typical November week in the Samui archipelago. We had a few sunny and hot days. On the other hand, we had a few rain showers on Tuesday en Wednesday as well. But nothing like during a typical rainy season. Maximum temperature last week reached 33C. The minimum temperature dipped down to 22C during the very late nights / early mornings.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th November – 24th November 2019

In front of my room on Malapascua in the Philippines. A small beach that is used for repairing local boats. As you can see, the boats are/have outriggers. A very different way of building boats compared to Thailand.

The tail end of this month might slowly show what the rainy season is like. Come Tuesday the wind starts to pick up and the rain starts to show up. Still nothing too serious but it looks like the nice a-typical November days are coming to an end.

If you are on the island, I hope you will enjoy it!

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

Goodbye to October 2019

Goodbye to October 2019

It's the last day of this month and time to say Goodbye to October 2019! We do this with a cloudy but dry sky at 7.30am. Come 8.45am it started to rain though. 

This month of October has been a a fairly good month. Yes, we had rain almost every week. Some weeks more, other weeks less. On the other hand, we also had our share of sunshine. So, all in all, not a bad October at all. The rainy season hasn't started yet although a few times it alerted us that's it not far way anymore.

We had a good time with the family, the children had most of this month off from school. This allowed us to make some short trips on the mainland. We visited Surat Thani, Hua Hin, Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi province. Last weekend we had a repeat visit to Surat Thani and had a look at the city of Chaiya. Here we found an lovely restaurant named Baan Pakwaan. Check it out for a great lunch.

Goodbye to October 2019

A new resort under construction between Choengmon and Chaweng. Although the occupancy rate of the Samui hotels has been very low this year, new resorts are still being build.

Hope you had a good time and enjoyed Koh Samui during your visit. Keep checking in here and don't hesitate to contact me, for questions, inquiries or to book some tours.

Now it's on to the next month, November! This month usually brings lots of rain. More on that in tomorrow's blog about welcoming November 2019!

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

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th June – 16th June 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th June – 16th June 2019

Sunday afternoon and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th June – 16th June 2019. Later than usual today since we just got back from Koh Phangan.

It's been an interesting week. Plenty of weather changes. First of all sunny skies. Secondly, mostly partially clouded skies with a very humidity which makes for hot weather. Thirdly, some tropical thunderstorms. All in a weeks work! Most importantly, this is typical June/July weather on Koh Samui during this time of the year. It's after all a minor rainy season going on. 

Today it's 33C at 2.30pm but it certainly feels a lot warmer or should I say hotter? All this under a cloudy to partially cloudy sky.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th June – 16th June 2019

Late afternoon at Choengmon beach earlier this week. It's very quiet at this moment on Koh Samui.

Last week saw maximum temperatures of 35C. The minim reached 28C, fairly hot during the night!

As already mentioned, we had a tropical shower or two but also plenty of sunshine and warm weather.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th June – 16th June 2019

Winner in my age group 50+ at 'The Moon' on Koh Phangan, a 15km trail run I participated in. I was 7th overall out of around 400 runners.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 10th June – 16th June 2019

Walking street in Thong Sala, Koh Phangan, yesterday afternoon and evening. A very nice and interesting walking street with lots of local foods and goodies.

Next week may see another change of weather! The prediction tells us first of all plenty of strong wind. Secondly plenty of clouds. Most importantly, plenty of rain! It looks like the Celsius will drop a few degrees during next week. get the board games out!

Nonetheless, if you find yourselves on Koh Samui next week, 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; 9th July – 15th July 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9^th July – 15^th July 2018 

Sunday morning, long slow distance run in the bag (26km this morning in training for the Samui  Festival marathon come 30th September) and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th July – 15th July 2018.

It's almost noon and so far it has been a nice morning. Very early on there was a bit of sunshine in apartially cloudy sky but now it is all cloudy again and at 11.40am we have a 29C temperature. No rain is expected or forecast but a fair wind is blowing.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th July – 15th July 2018; The seemingly never ending construction on Koh Samui, This looks like a new resort being build on the road between Choengmon and Chaweng. Just after the hill coming out of Choengmon, in a relatively sharp downwards curve directly after the hill.

Last week we saw some very hard wind at times and it reached storm quality at some moments. There were a few days with heavy afternoon rains and sometimes some night rain as well. Towards the end of the week we had a few times the sun break through again. Maximum temperatures reached around 33C but overall it was nice and cool.

The forecast for next week is more strong wind between Tuesday and Thursday with plenty of little showers on these three days. Lots of cloudy skies and most likely not too much sunshine is expected for next week. Still, I hope you can enjoy your stay on the island when you are here for next week. Be careful with booking trips out in the open sea during mid week though!

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

Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April

Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April

As we all know by now, there are Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April. The last couple of days saw unusual hard rain and this caused floods at the usual 'hot spots' around the island. Affected areas were in Chaweng; where the one way system starts, near the Centara Grand Beach resort and the market on the way to the ring road. Maenam had some flooding and other parts of the island to minor degrees.

This morning at 7am it is 27C and although dry, heavy clouds loom over Koh Samui and more rain is expected. Tomorrow morning and afternoon should see some rain again and come Saturday the weather should change and it should stop raining and the sun might be making a come back.

Hang in there, just a few more days.

If you like the blog and find it useful, don't hesitate to make a donation! I have set up a new PayPal link here; PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens. 

Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April; Flooded road near the Clock Tower square in Chaweng, where the one way system starts, two days ago.

Picture by Nick Whiting

This time around it wasn't as bad as the floods during December and January, but it's very unusual for this time of the year, which is supposed the driest and hottest time of the year, to have such hard and prolonged rain.

Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April; Flooded roads in Maenam two days ago.

Picture by Kelli Vowels

The only time I can think of that it rained so hard in April was back in 2011, before the current drainage system was installed and the water stayed on the roads for around two weeks after it stopped raining.

Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April; Near the start of the one way system in Chaweng, yesterday afternoon. Lots of the floods had receded already by that time

Picture by Noriego Darwin

After 2011 a new drainage system was installed and now the flash floods still take place but once the rain stops or slows down, the water disappears quickly.

The majority of the floods occur because the water has no direct natural run off route. Most run off routes to the ocean are blocked nowadays by buildings, mostly resorts and hotels. The price of progress?

Unusual hard rain and floods around Koh Samui for April; The damaged road in Choengmon was temporarily fixed and with the first signs of heavy rain immediately collapsed again. What's next, the second temporarily fix?

Picture by Mark Stevenson

Thanks for following the blog and I hope that you still had an enjoyable time on our island! Everybody suffers in these conditions, the locals as well as the people that planned a holiday to a sunny destination that turns out to be not sunny at all. Despite what the weather statistics tell you!

Like i said before, hang int here for just a few more days and hopefully the sun will return. 

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

Flooding on Koh Samui

Flooding on Koh Samui

Today there was some serious Flooding on Koh Samui today despite the new drainage system. After an afternoon, night and day of torential rain, the sewer and drainage system just can't deal with the amounts of water anymore.

The pictures show un unusual situation for Koh Samui and as soon as the rain stops. the water will most likely be able to drain away within a few hours, however, currently there's no sign of the rain stopping soon.

Picture and all rights by Maii Sonnekus

Flooding on Koh Samui; In front of Big C on the ringroad near Chaweng is always a hot spot for floods but this time around it seems worse compared to other years

Part of the problem is the pollution around the island, a lot of garbage seems to be blocking sewer systems and drain holes. Sadly this is a common problem all year round but specifically plays up in a situation like this.

Some raods have been closed off and this afternoon it was not possible to reach Nathon if you were coming from Maenam. The new drainage system being constructed on the hill between Bang Po and Nathon was generating too much waste water with no place to go!

Flooding on Koh Samui; The situation in Bang Rak earlier today. All bikes are swept off their feet so to say

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning announcement for all of the South, including Surat Thani province, of which Koh Samui is a part of.

All small boat traffic like dive and snorkel boats have ceased to operate until after the weekend although the big ferries between Koh Samui and Donsak are still operating. Some flights were delayed at Samui airport.

Flooding on Koh Samui; In front of the Imperial Boathouse in Choengmon this morning

Koh Samui and te South is making the national news with a big article in the Bangkok Post and very sadly a 6 year old child drowned on mainland Surat Thani in Kanchanadit.

Picture and all rights by IamAir Orapin

Flooding on Koh Samui; Maenam beach, high waves and a strong wind

The rain was predicted, however that it would end up like this is what probably not many people would have expected! Batten the hatches and stay safe folks. Hopefully the electricity will keep hanging in there and there will be no power cuts. So far so good!

Picture and all rights by Rob Batchen

Flooding on Koh Samui; Koh Samui as seen from the ferry between Donsak and Koh Phangan this morning, covered under clouds and rain showers

More updates tomorrow but right now the forecast for tomorrow shows that the torrential rain is going to continue all night and all day tomorrow, Sunday, and no easing up until Monday afternoon at the earliest.

Stay safe!

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 October, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th October, 2016

Today's weather;

It's very cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and it looks like rain is in the air, although the prediction is that the rain will not reach us before the late afternoon. We can use rain, lots of rain, since Koh Samui is having a drought period. We also have a light breeze which should turn up a lot during the evening. Current temp at 7am is 27C

The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej visiting Koh Samui back in 1962 or 2505 with Queen Sirikit at his side. This is the only time I know of that the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited Koh Samui

Yesterday saw a very warm day in a partially cloudy sky with a light breeze and it stayed dry. Max temp reached 33C

The swimming pool near the beach at the Tongsai Bay Hotel, where my sister and her husband just stayed for two weeks and where her son is completing an internship as part of his studies. One of the longest standing high end resorts on Koh Samui. Currently they are having construction which leads to reduced room rates, maybe the one time chance to be able to stay here?

The weather forecast for the next ten days over Koh Samui predicts an increase in wind, at times even storm like conditions until next Monday with some heavy but relatively short showers. Come Tuesday next week it all should slow down and the wind should pretty much disappear and we may have the sun coming back again.

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

Welcome to August 2016

Welcome to August 2016

It's the end of the month and time to say Welcome to August 2016. 

August is one of the nicer and definately one of the busiest month on Koh Samui, with lots of Europeans visiting our island as part of their summer holidays.

The weather is in general very nice and sunny although occasionally a tropical shower may cross your path on the island, lasting just a few minutes but they can be intense.
This is also a great for diving, with in general good visibility at the dive sites and August is known to have whaleshark sightings on a regular base, although I can't promise them to be at the dive sites! Contact me if you're interested in diving or if you want to start your diving adventures with the Open water diver course or just have and enjoy an introductory dive.

Swings at Choengmon beach, a nice place to relax and kick back and enjoy the surroundings.

After the first August week I should be back on Koh Samui again, when the current PADI IDC on Phuket for July/August 2016 has been completed.

There will be a lot of running once I'm back, since I started my training schedule for the Khanom marathon come 25th September, every Sunday will see long runs, if you're interested, let me know and you can join a group of local runners.

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 July, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24^th July, 2016

Today's weather;

A rey and cloudy sky hangs over Koh Samui this morning with occasionally showers at different parts of the island. This may continue until the late afternoon when it might clear up a bit and the sun may break through. Current temp at 7,30am is 26C

Am back home again, I arrived at 4pm at Samui airport, will be home all day today and tomorrow morning I will drive over to Phuket, to start a PADI IDC there on Tuesday.

Choengmon beach during very low tide earlier this month

Yesterday saw a dry around Koh Samui and it was warm when I arrived, although max temp reached just 31C with a few showers around the island at different locations at different times.

The forecast for the next ten days predicts a mixture of cloudy skies and partially cloudy skies with occasionally a tropical shower and next week towards the end of the week some 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; 14th July, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14^th July, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy but dry over Koh Samui this morning and the sun is trying to break through the cloud cover at some spots around the island. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Here at Panagsama Beach near Moalboal in the Philippines, we started the PADI IDCS course with Irish yesterday and we also a visit by PADI Regional manager Andy Auer of Western Thailand, today we will kick off the PADI IDC. All this under a fairly cloudy sky with the sun trying to break through. Current temp at 8am local time is 26.3C

Relaxing at Choengmon beach with a swing hanging on a tree trunk, there are reasons this beach is our favorite beach on Koh Samui, besides that it's around the corner of where we live.

Yesterday saw a dry day again over Koh Samui and it was partially cloudy with the sun breaking through at times around the island. Max temp reached 33C

Daily barbecue at Panagsama Beach near Moalboal in the Philippines, a BBQ place favored by many locals

The forecast is is on the up again, less clouds but still with a nice breeze and possibly a very strong wind come Monday and Tuesday but with a lot less rain and at the weekend of 23rd July it should be really nice again and the sun should be out in full force. 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th July, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10^th July, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy this morning over Koh Samui with a few isolated blue spots in the sky and it's dry at the moment, the prdiction for the remainder of the day is cloudy, a strong breeze and plenty of rain. Let's see how that pans out sinc ethe last of couple of days the prediction was off a few times in favor of sunshine. Current temp after my long Sunday morning run of 18 km, is 29C

Today is one of the very few days I will spend this month from now on Koh Samui, since the PADI IDC courses start again and tomorrow I will leave for Moalboal in the Philippines just to come back home for a day towards the end of the month and immediately leave again for Phuket.

Boat maintenance during low tide at Choengmon beach, a perfect time and place to do this

Yesterday saw a surprisingly nice and mostly sunny day, in a partially clouded sky, A lot more sunshine than predicted although there was some rain at certain areas around the island. Max temp reached nonetheless 33C

During the Sunday morning long run, a 5am start and an 18km distance through Choengmon, Chaweng and Fisherman's Village with Michael, Denis and Andrea

The forecast didn't change that much, mostly cloudy with a strong breeze and tropical showers until next weekend, by which time the sun is to visit again.

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; 9th July, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th July, 2016

Today's weather;

As predicted since a few days, it's cloudy but it's also dry at the moment over Koh Samui and it could stay dry for the rest of the day, with possibly some rain late during the afternoon and evening. Current temp at 8am is 28C

Sala Samui Resort & Spa in Choengmon, curently the top notch hotel in this area in my opinion amd well worth checking out. This is one of the two big, shared, swimming pools at the beach. At this resort, 53 out of 69 villas have their own private pool. A destination for families and a romantic getaway.

Yesterday saw a fairly dry morning but duirng the early afternoon we had the first shower and on and off it rained a couple of times and we had some very strong wind at times. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast hasn't changed much for the next ten days, heavy cloudlayers until next Sunday with strong wind at times and plenty of tropical showers. The sun may break through again as of next Sunday.

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

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui

Here's a personal list of Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui in no particular order. These are hotels and/or  resorts that I have been to myself, I may have stayed there overnight or have visited at least once but more likely I have visited a couple of times.

Have a read, enjoy the list and my scribblings, comments and remarks and please, by all means, leave your feedback with your own comments, suggestions and experiences in the comments section.

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui; Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa as seen from the beach

Tucked away in a curve between Maenam and Bophud is Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa. The original resort was a local family owned affair with some wooden huts on the beach. Ti, one of the children of the Zazen family owners, married a Belgian guy, Alexander and they both build this truly Boutique resort that hosts an excellent restaurant and can hold itself easily in this top 10 of romantic hotels on Koh Samui. Great location, good prices and fantastic food with a very intimate atmosphere.

Around the corner of where we live is one of the longest established five star resorts on the island, the Tongsai Bay hotel. After all these years they can easily keep up with all the other resorts in the same five star segment. Located in a private bay, you will be pampered in their villas or rooms with a great view over to Choengmon beach at the north east corner of the island. 

This resort comes with a price tag though. although it's a well deserved tag!

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui; U at Koh Madsum

If you're looking for a romantic and secluded stay, U at Koh Madsum is as good as it gets. This lovely island, Koh Madsum, accommodates only this resort and it's well worth a stay. Just South of the South Western point of Koh Samui, you can only get there by boat and be rewared with the tranquility of the empty beaches. Great rooms, locely atmosphere, a real gem and you're hidden from the rest of the world! Enjoy this great experience.

A real stunner in this list of top 10 romantic hotels in Koh Samui is the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. If you have ever been to a Four Seasons Resort before, you know the high standard that is common use here and if you haven't, this is as good a time to have a first encounter and experience. with a Four Seasons Resort. That is, providing your wallet can afford it! However, if that's taken care of, you can enjoy private villas and swimming pools with stunning views and private and exclsuive beaches with great restaurants on site. No real need to leave the premises.

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui; Sala in Choengmon

Back up to the North of the island we have in Maenam the W Retreat, just a stone throw away from Zazen, mentioned earlier in this blog. Hip, trendy and a great place to spend time with a loved one at the private pool retreats or at the six restaurants. The W Retreat will most certainly try to make your stay a memorable one.

In the northeastern part of the island, in Choengmon we have a hidden gem and the hottest and best place to stay currently in this area, check out the Sala Samui Resort & Spa,  where 53 out of 69 total of villas and suites feature their own private pool. A very romantic setting at Choengmon beach with plenty of other attractiosn and locations at your fingertips.

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui; New Star in Chaweng

Time to hit Chaweng, the busy center of Koh Samui, with it's night life, restaurants, beach and shopping opportunities.

First off the New Star Beach Resort, just outside of all the hustle and bustle that Chaweng offers, on a secluded beach, located on the road which eventually leads to Lamai. A little bit more quiet and still close to all the action. A great location and environment to enjoy a romantic stay on our island.

The second option is The Library, a classy place, smack down in the middle of Chaweng and it's beach. The only resort on Samui that I know that has a red swimming pool. A great winery and restaurant, The Page, are part of the premises and if you are up for more action during your romantic stay, this is probably your best choice,

Top 10 Romantic hotels on Koh Samui; Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, in between the green there's a resort hidden

Near our house in Plai Laem is one of the finest luxury stays on the island, Six Senses Hideaway Samui. What's in a name? Hideaway galore it is on this vast area of land that houses this Hideaway with private villas and pools, healthy food and great views over the ocean and towards Koh Phangan. Class, style and did I mention luxury yet? Very nice and romantic, guaranteed to leave an impression.

Last but not least we head down to Lamai and on it's outskirts we find the Silavadee Pool Resort & Spa, a privately owned resort on a small land 'finger', overlooking the Lamai beach area. Their almost private beach is so secluded that they had the first turtle eggs being laid on a Koh Samui beach since 21 years. Lovely atmosphere, beautiful rooms and villas, great scenery and a small but pretty much an exclusive beach. Very romantic indeed.

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; 20th June, 2016

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy this morning over Koh Samui and it looks like there will be more clouds later today, possibly with some showers. Current temp at 7am is a cool 28C

Not the best location for sunsets, the Tongsai Bay hotel, since their bay is located at the sunrise side, but nonetheless a nice sunset evening sky over Koh Samui

Yesterday saw a mostly overcast but dry day and during the late afternoon there was a lovely sunset when the cloud cover broke. Max temp reached nonetheless 33C

The forecast predicts fairly cloudy skies during the next ten days except with some sunnier skies over next weekend. An occasional tropical shower may be possible as well.

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; 9th June, 2016

Today's weather;

It's a bit hazy again this early monring around Koh Samui but the sun is heating up and about to burn the majority of the clouds away. I expect a fairly sunny day and a nice, warm and dry to boost with a bit of a cooling down wind. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Tong Sai Bay resort beach with Choengmon beach in the background, where the small lights are. My sister is staying here for a few days before they move to Zazen Boutique Resort

Yesterday it was partially cloudy with plenty of sunshine but also cloud cover at times. Max temp reached 33c under a dry sky.

The forecast didn't change much for the next ten days, a mixture of xloudy and partially cloudy skies which should also bring plenty of sunshine at times, with a bit of a colling wind. It should stay mostly dry except for a rather rare 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

Goodbye to March 2016

Goodbye to March 2016

It's the end of the current month and it's time to say Goodbye to March 2016. 

The weather was excellent this month with only a strong shower during the first day of this month and after that it was mostly sunny and slowly but steadily it started to heat up, little by little, day by day. We had some nice cooling wind the last couple of days of this month and it was partially cloudy at times, but it remained dry all month long except for the 1st March.

Water is needed though, to replenish the ground water levels, but at the moment, there's no rain in sight.

A buffalo at our land in Choengmon

This month was a busy month for me where I was on the road most of the time. First I was on Koh Phangan for a PADI IDC and now I'm on Koh Lanta where I started a PADI IDC yesterday.

We visited the 'U Koh Madsum' resort on Koh Madsum which we really enjoyed and I also presented a Box jelly fish awareness and prevention presentation there, for the local hotel staff.

On Koh Phangan I also gave a similar presentation about Box jelly fish awareness and prevention for dive staff

Last weekend I participated for the third time in the Koh Samui Midnight Run, which was held for the fourth time and I came second in my age group in a new personal best time in this race.

We had dinner at the 'U Koh Madsum' and our favorite Japanese restaurant on the island at Kobori in Maenam.

A busy and enjoyable month and it's time to start looking forward to April 2016. See you all next month!

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; 12th February, 2016

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning, there are a few isolated clouds but it looks like a very nice day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 28C

A big empty land plot in Choengmon, where it was said that this would become a water park. Now it sits like this since well over a year, nothing has been anymore after the trees have been removed and some digging has been done.

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui, it has been a few days since the sun had been out like that! There were parts of the island where there were clouds, but our North Eastern part was sunny almost all day long, without getting too hot, which is the beauty of this time of the year. Max temp reached 31C, slowly the temperatures are climbing, a little bit per day.

The forecast looks good, sunny days are ahead of us and especially after the weekend it should be nice blue sky galore with hardly any rain at all except a storm like wind on Tuesday.

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