Camille's Samui Info blog

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th June, 2013

2013-06-19T07:19:00.001+07:00

Today's weather

Each day the sky over Koh Samui seems to open up more and this more we are enjoying another blue sky with a few clouds in it. There's currently no wind to speak of and the current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Another view over Koh Phangan, this time with a much nicer sky, compared to earlier this week, taken from the beach in front of the Bandara resort in Bophud

Yesterday saw a very warm day again, with the sun peeking out plenty of times. There was at times some very strong wind though and one of the speedboat companies had cancelled all trips for yesterday, a smart move in hindsight. Those boat captains know much more than any prediction site! Max temp reached 32.1C

The forecast still predicts strong wind tonight but slowly the wind starts to fade over the weekend and as of Monday I would expect a lot less wind and waves and even sunnier days again.

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; 18th June, 2013

2013-06-18T07:14:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

The cloud layers opened up again this morning, and just like yesterday, there's a blue sky over Koh Samui, this morning covering almost the complete sky. It may have rained somewhere on the island during the nighttime. Current temp at 7am is 27.4C

It seems that Samui dodged a massive bullet the recent week or so, especially compared to some parts on the mainland in Southern Thailand where serious flood and associated rain and water problems were occurring.

A flower in our garden, which is in a good state at the moment

Yesterday saw some more sunshine at times during the daytime and we had to crank the aircon up again in our car! It was still windy at times though.Most of the day it was still cloudy though. Max temp reached 32.1C

The forecast is finally easing up, strong wind and clouds are predicted until the weekend and after that the wind and waves will drop to normal and I would expect more sunshine again.

Camille

Fi, Greek restaurant, Chaweng ring road

2013-06-17T16:40:00.002+07:00

Yes indeed, there's a Greek restaurant on Koh Samui and it's a rather good one as well! We've visited three times now and are happy to go back any time!

Entrance sign

The best time to visit though is Friday evening when they offer an all you can eat buffet for 249.-THB and you can enjoy a mix of all that Fi has to offer, or at least most of it! Really good value and very tasty. It includes all the of the following pictured below.

Yogurt Kebab

The yogurt kebab is nice and comes in a tomato sauce, combined with the yogurt it makes for a fresh taste.

Beef moussaka

The all time Greek fave; moussaka. During the week you can order it a la carte, but Friday evenings it's available in small cut up portions and you can have a few orders!

Greek salad, tzatziki and pita bread

The pita bread is really tasty and I can't seem to stop eating from it, especially dipped in the tzatziki or tomato sauces.

Lamb soutzoukakia

Lamb is always a favorite for me, so I always get a few of these! Tasteful and in a nice tomato sauce.

The buffet sign

There are more items available, not pictured here, like chicken and pork souvlaki and a small Greek yogurt desert.

Besides being a restaurant, they also distribute various Greek specialties like; feta cheese, pies, dip starters (tzatziki) and olive oil.

It's located on the Chaweng part of the ring road, opposite the Thai International hospital, if you drive up to the Tesco Lotus parking lot, about 150 meters after the ring road on your right hand side.

Well worth a visit and it makes for something new on the Samui restaurant and taste landscape.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th June, 2013

2013-06-17T07:07:00.001+07:00

Today's weather;

We have a blue sky over Koh Samui! As the picture below shows, the cloud cover has broken, at least temporarily and no wind. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

A blue sky over Samui again

Yesterday saw a few random sun beams before noon but the afternoon saw plenty of, partly, heavy cloud cover. It remained dry again though. Max temp reached 31.2C

The forecast is not really easing up and still clouds and wind are predicted for the next 7 days although not much rain.

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th June, 2013

2013-06-16T07:12:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

It's grey and cloudy again this morning over Koh Samui but still dry. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

On the mainland there are a lot more areas with water and/or flood problems compared to our island.

Koh Phangan covered under a cloud layer yesterday

Yesterday saw a cloudy day although very surprisingly there were a few unexpected moments when the sun peaked through the clouds, although they didn't last very long. The amount of rain around Samui was marginal again, not like predicted. It's merely a trace. Max temp reached 29.3C

The forecast is still more or less the same, wind, clouds and waves but not much rain, except maybe on this coming Wednesday.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th June, 2013

2013-06-15T07:26:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

It's cloudy around Koh Samui and the wind is starting to pick up. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Besides the PADI IDC, at the same time I'm also teaching a PADI IDCS course here on Koh Samui.

Bophud Beach in front of the Bandara Resort yesterday around noon, still plenty of people enjoying the beach, despite the cloudy days

Yesterday saw a few very unexpected sun beams around 8am but it was cloudy for the remainder of the day with an occasional drizzle and some rain around 7pm. Max temp reached 30C

The predicted strong wind and heavy rain has so far not reached Samui, this in total contrast to some parts on the mainland. Areas in and around Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phuket, Phang Na and Khao Lak have heavy rain and plenty of water damage and flooding.

The forecast keeps predicting strong wind, cloudy skies and big waves but less rain for the next 7 days. However, the predicted wind and big waves have not materialized yet, the dive boats have been going out almost every day and have not encountered bad weather, yet!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th June, 2013

2013-06-14T07:21:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

It's still very cloudy and grey over Koh Samui this morning but all that predicted rain still hasn't come down and the wind doesn't seem to reach the predicted force either. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

The current June PADI IDC on Koh Samui is in full swing, the link will show you an update from my dive blog.

Blue Vanilla in Fisherman's Village, the place for an alternative and/or different gift and a good cup of coffee

Yesterday was cloudy and dark and grey but hardly any rain at all. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast changed again a bit and the rain and clouds have now been prolonged until the night of Wednesday to Thursday.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th June, 2013

2013-06-13T07:16:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

Not surprisingly, knowing the predictions, it's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning but still dry and no wind to speak of right now! Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Fishing longtail boats hiding for the wind near the Seatran pier in Bang Rak

Yesterday saw a very cloudy day over the island but hardly any rain at all, merely a trace. Max temp reached 30.8C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows plenty of strong wind and rain over the weekend and strong wind and clouds after the weekend but less rain. Not ideal June weather!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th June, 2013

2013-06-12T07:12:00.001+07:00

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and most likely Koh Samui will get some much needed rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Today I will start another PADI IDC on Koh Samui again!

Low tide in Bang Rak Bay yesterday

Yesterday saw a few sun rays during the morning but most of the day the sky was covered in clouds. During the early evening a big thunder and lightning storm, accompanied with rain was unleashed. Max temp reached 33.9C

The forecast changed drastically yesterday and the bad weather patch now moved forward rapidly and it started yesterday evening already. From today until Sunday we should experience strong wind and lots of rain, almost all day long. This seems to be the weather forecast for all of Southern Thailand, with the Phuket side even getting more wind and rain.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th June, 2013

2013-06-11T07:15:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

It's windy and cloudy over Koh Samui and it doesn't look like we will have a lot of sun today. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Dark clouds yesterday over Koh Samui in the mountains behind Chaweng

Yesterday saw a nice sunny day when we arrived back on the island just after noon but around 5pm a bit of drizzle started. Luckily the dark clouds as pictured above didn't get in full swing! Max temp reached 35.1C

The forecast has turned for the worse this morning! From Thursday onward and especially over the weekend, strong wind and lots of rain are predicted again. Back to stormy days, as it seems for all of Southern Thailand.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th June, 2013

2013-06-10T07:25:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is looking good again, a few clouds but plenty of blue and it's looking like a nice, hot day. Current temp at 7am is 27C

In Phuket on the other hand, we have a grey sky, clouds, strong wind and rain. Current temp at 7am here is 28C

It was a good visit and a good race for me yesterday but in a few hours we're back out on the road again, on our way home to Samui!

Underground bypass in the making near Central Festival in Phuket, causing lots of traffic jams around rush hour

Yesterday saw a nice and warm day around Samui with some rain at some stage and a max temp of 34.7C

Phuket saw a nice enough morning but during the afternoon the clouds, wind and rain moved in and it stayed wet all the time, although there was a lot of non stop drizzle and only occasionally hard rain. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast is looking a lot better again, the predicted storm has gone, the wind will pick up a bit, it may be cloudy but most likely not too much rain for the next 7 days.

Camille

The Laguna Phuket half marathon, race day

2013-06-09T11:49:00.002+07:00

This morning it was an early wake up call at 4am, and after a shave and breakfast, it was off to the Phuket Laguna complex of hotels for the 8th Laguna Phuket marathon, where I was running the half marathon for the third consecutive year. See my post from last year.

A few moments before the start of the Laguna Phuket half marathon this morning

There seemed to be a lot more runners this year compared to last year, it seemed very busy and the weather was holding out nicely. Rain was predicted but we only experienced a bit of a drizzle on the way over the to the start, but the best was in the tail, yet to come.

Laguna Phuket Marathon start and finish line, yesterday

When I finished the race, during the last 500 m meter, it just poured down for a few minutes, maybe 10 minutes or do. It was actually nice and cooled me down nicely. The rest of the race saw surprisingly nice weather conditions, plenty of sunshine in a partially cloudy sky.

Laguna Phuket Half Marathon, my BIB (rave number) and finishers medal

Although I didn't run a personal best time during this race, I still ran my second best time ever on a half marathon, which made me a very happy runner, considering the circumstances. The last couple of weeks I was dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, which kind of messed around with my training and preparation schedule. I had to take much more rest than I was hoping for, but in the end it all worked out fine! My finishing time was 2:01'16.3 and I finished as 25th out of 97 in my age category and 183rd all over out of 711!

A great race, well organized and I hope to be able to participate again next year!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th June, 2013

2013-06-09T11:18:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

Around Koh Samui it looks nice and the sun is out although it's partially cloudy. Current temp at 10am is already 32.3

In Phuket in the meantime, we just got back from the 9th Laguna Phuket Marathon, where I ran for a third successive year the half marathon, this year in a time of 2:01'16.3, my second best time on this distance.

The weather is a bit of a mixed bag, although a lot of rain was predicted for today, there was only a strong shower just when I finished my race and it's been partially cloudy with an occasional drizzle for the rest. Current temp at 10am is 30.5C

Karon Beach in Phuket yesterday just after midday

Yesterday saw very nice days in both Koh Samui and Phuket. Both islands had partially cloudy skies but with plenty of sunshine. max temp on Koh Samui reached 34.3C and in Phuket 32.5C

The forecast for next week around Samui is strong wind and some rain as of Wednesday with some storm like winds as of Friday. We'll see if that comes true, usually it doesn't and the weather mellows out.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th June, 2013

2013-06-08T07:38:00.002+07:00

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui there's a nice blue sky for the time being with a few scattered clouds. Current temp at 7am is 28C

In Phuket we have a lovely morning with plenty of blue skies, which is a bit unusual for this time of the year, rain would be the norm and that is what's predicted for tomorrow, when the Laguna Phuket marathon takes place. Current temp at 7am is 27.1C

Kasalong resort near Nai Yang beach in Phuket not too far away from the airport

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day around Samui and our whole trip down to Phuket was nice and sunny as well. Max temp reached 33.8C on Samui and 33.1C on Phuket

The forecast changed a bit, after the weekend strong winds start to pick up and there will be rain, culminating in what looks like a big storm towards next weekend. The forecasts have been known to dramatize events a week ahead of us, so we will keep monitoring events.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th June, 2013

2013-06-07T07:11:00.003+07:00

Today's weather;

Koh Samui's sky this morning is a beautifully mixed bag of blue sky, big white clouds and a few grey ones to top it off. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

In less than an hour we're on our way to Phuket, where for the 3rd year in a row I will run the Phuket Laguna half marathon on Sunday. We will come back to Samui on Monday again.

A partly cloudy sky this morning

Yesterday saw a lovely, sunny and warm day around the island with some rain during the night. Max temp reached 32.7C

The forecast is looking good, Sunday the wind will pick up but it should remain fairly dry although cloudy.

Camille

Blue Vanilla, souvenirs & cafe, Fisherman's Village

2013-06-06T10:18:00.001+07:00

In Fisherman's Village you can nowadays find 'Blue Vanilla', a souvenir & cafe place, run by Khun Ning. What sets Blue Vanilla apart from all other souvenir shops around the island is the fact that you find unique souvenirs here, that aren't on offer anywhere else.

The sign is calling you in

There are a lot of 'food' souvenirs that are nicely packed and allow you to bring something slightly different home , either as a gift or for yourself. Some samples will follow soon.

A side view of Blue Vanilla

The location of shop is also excellent, opposite our fave Italian restaurant on Samui; Juzza Pizza and it's opening times will allow you to have an early Italian dinner across the road and still get some shopping done.

Frontal view

The cafe part is fairly low key but you get Nespresso coffe, tea, , a few beers, soft drinks and cakes, simple yet effective! All bakery goods are all home made and of great quality!

The very cosy interior

Tea and sweets

Various teas, sweets, Thai curry pastes, just to name a few can be found here and their unique packaging makes them stand out indeed. Browsing around the shop will reveal a few surprises, including exclusive vinegars and oils.

Fancy cooking a Thai curry? Here's the paste to start with

Driftwood art and more sweets

Banoffee pie

When visiting Fisherman's Village, Blue Vanilla is a nice and relaxed spot to stop, have a drink and some cake, whilst browsing all the nice things on offer. Enjoy!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th June, 2013

2013-06-06T07:13:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

Once more it's a morning with a cloud cover hanging over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 25.9C

Our cat 'Puy', who became Mum two weeks ago on Visakha Bucha Day

Yesterday morning saw a little bit of sunshine but soon enough clouds moved in and the longer the day lasted, the more threatening it looked. Rain didn't start though until 8.30pm but it rained hard for a short while. Yesterday also saw some strong wind. Max temp reached 30.5C

It still looks good until Sunday evening when the wind is supposed to pick up and there may be some rain next week.

Camille

Big Buddha pier in Bang Rak

2013-06-05T17:13:00.002+07:00

Everyone who traveled through Bang Rak most likely has seen the Big Buddha pier or possibly has experienced or enjoyed the pier, which could be a very different experience, totally pending on your perspective.

The pier is mostly known for the transfers of the MV Sea Flower, a big wooden boat, to/from Koh Phangan, docking on Phangan near Haad Rin, which is well know for it's Full Moon Party, usually once every month.

View from the pier

A few times per day it can be fairly busy, when the boat departs/arrives with (Metered) Taxis and mini buses hanging around for customers or dropping them off. However, during Full Moon Party days, it can be a mad house here, especially when the Sea Flower arrives. It also can make for some amusing sights when the FMP survivors come swerving off the pier in various states of intoxication and fluorescent paint jobs done on their body.

The actual pier

Back in the days, we're talking a century ago now, late 1999 and early 2000 the dive boat for the company I worked for at the time being also departed and arrived here every day. That was some hard work loading and offloading the boat each day with over a 100 tanks at times plus equipment bags, foods, drinks etc.

How convenient, a minimart!

Next to the pier used to be a 7-11 but alas, this 7-11 burned down in 2008 after a car crashed into it and just recently a new outlet has opened up across the street. Now you can conveniently buy drinks, snacks and fluorescent FMP t-shirts at the pier while you wait for your boat to depart in the local minimart.

The view from the street, a few times per day busy, during Full moon; a zoo!

Besides the minimart, you will find a ticket outlet next to the minimart, a bathroom facility and usually there will always be a few motocycle guys hanging out if you need a transfer nearby. During the times the boat departs/arrives there will also be a few taxis hanging out.

Street sign with times and price

Price for a one way ticket is 200.-THB and the boat leaves Big Buddha pier at 10.20am, 1.00pm, 4pm and 6.30pm each day.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th June, 2013

2013-06-05T07:09:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

It's a very cloudy around Koh Samui this morning and the sun is not going to break through anywhere soon it seems. Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Buddha's footprint in Wat Plai Laem

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny morning and early afternoon. Clouds moved in during the afternoon and around 7pm it started to rain with some heavy showers and occasionally some thunder and lightning during the rest of the evening. Max temp reached 34.3C

The forecast shows nice conditions from tomorrow until Sunday but strong wind and some rain after the weekend.

Camille

Donsak, a different view

2013-06-04T13:26:00.000+07:00

Most people coming or leaving Koh Samui by bus, car or motorbike just drive through Donsak and only know the place because the car ferry starts or ends here!

We're in the slightly 'privileged' situation that one of my wife's best friends originates from Donsak and hence we've visited Donsak a few times on social calls.

The Sunday market in Donsak

In all fairness, it's not a very exciting place and if it wouldn't be for my wife's friend, I doubt that we would've stopped many times. However, we did stop a few times and it every time was worth while.

The small ferry in the harbor, connecting two sides of the river

There's also some nice nature to be found around the greater Donsak area and I'm glad we had the opportunity to visit some nice spots that only locals would know about. Just like the small stream pictured below.

A small stream. a great location for the kids to play around for a short while and get soaking wet!

Rubber collecting, hard work! Get up early in the morning, let's say 4am, carve a line in the rubber tree and put the 'collection box' in place. Come back late in the afternoon and collect the rubber. Go home with the rubber that's been collected that day and press in a square form, so you can sell it.

Rubber plantations are widespread all over the Thailand's Southern provinces and I was quite surprised to find some plantations near the main road.

Kanchanadit restaurant

About 35 to 40 km from Donsak is the small village of Kanchanadit, about which I wrote already a few times. One of the things that stands out most are the restaurants that are just outside of town and where you can eat some great and fresh seafood. They're build on stilts and go out over the mangrove swamps, that eventually lead into the Gulf of Thailand.

Great location and fantastic food!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th June, 2013

2013-06-04T07:03:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui has a thin cloud layer, more like a haze, which hopefully will be burned away by the sun soon. Current temp at 7am is 27.7C

Angela's Diner in Maenam, one of my favorite lunch places on the island

Yesterday started out with a nice blue morning but during the afternoon clouds moved in although it stayed dry. It was warm though, with max temp of 35C

The forecast looks great until the weekend. After the weekend the wind is about to pick up.

Camille

Welcome to June 2013

2013-06-03T08:58:00.001+07:00

June is in general a nice month with plenty of sunshine although you may get an occasional tropical showers, these last typically for just a short time but can be strong. Before and after the tropical showers it can and most likely will be sunny.

There can also be some nice, relaxing and cool breezes coming in.

talking about a landmark; Wat Plai Laem's Jaow Mea Guanim

This month is almost a repeat compared to last years activities, next weekend I will participate for the third successive year in the Phuket Laguna half marathon, which will be followed by a PADI IDC on Koh Samui.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 3rd June, 2013

2013-06-03T07:17:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy over Koh Samui but there are some blue spots in the cloud cover. Hopefully it will clear up during the day. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Sunset over Koh Samui yesterday

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day all around he island. Max temp reached 33.2C

Te forecast predicts a strange wind burst for tomorrow with some hard rain possible during the evening. After that it should be nice and over the weekend the wind may pick up again.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 2nd June, 2013

2013-06-02T08:42:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

We're in Donsak this morning, first village you encounter driving off the car ferry coming from Samui and this morning at 6am I participated in a 10.5km run here in Donsak. My Achilles tendon is holding out fine so far after two days of racing! Today's race time was 54'00.5, not too bad considering my recent injury.

Back to the weather though, it's been partlt cloudy this morning but now there are plenty of blue spots in the sky, picking holes in the cloud cover. Current temp at 7am was 24.7C on the mainland and 27.5C on Koh Samui.

A boat in Donsak harbor

Yesterday we left Samui with the 2pm ferry and it was partly cloudy but dry, after we left it must have rained in some parts of the island. Max temp reached 32.7C

The minimarathon in Donsak

The forecast shows nice weather for the next 7 days although it may be fairly cloudy.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 1st June, 2013

2013-06-01T10:05:00.000+07:00

Today's weather;

A bit later than usual this morning, but we just got back from the Four Seasons Cancer Care Charity Fun Run in Nathon where I ran the 5km distance in 25'09.6 and finished 17th on this distance. Not too bad considering I'm having an Achilles tendon problem. Tomorrow will be another late write up, since I will be running a 10km race in Donsak early in the morning and I'm not sure when I will have access to an internet connection.

The weather on Samui island started out cloudy but slowly the sun is coming through and the temp at 7am was 27.3C and now at 10am it's 30.3C

The start and finish for this year's Four Seasons Cancer Care Charity Fun Run in Nathon

Yesterday saw a very cloudy day with some strong wind during the evening. Max temp reached 31C, it's cooling off again!

The forecast shows strong winds on Monday and smooth sailing with some overcast for the rest of the week.

Camille