Thursday 28 February 2013

Goodbye to February 2013

It's been a busy month for me and time flew by!

Regarding the weather, it has been a pretty standard February. Enough sunshine and an occasional shower, very typical for this time o the year but the island is fairly quiet and relaxed.

Koh Phangan Haad Chao Phao

Haad Chao Phao on Koh Phangan

It's been a busy month and it all started with the cremation of my Mother in law, who passed away late January.
The next weekend was spent in Lan Saka for two days of running races which the whole family really enjoyed.
Come the middle of the month work called and I was off to Gili Air in Indonesia for a PADI IDC and right now I find myself on the second day of the February-March PADI IDC on Koh Phangan

I'm looking forward to next month and as of mid March I should be home for a week or three.

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; 28th February, 2013

Today's weather;

It's cloudy around Koh Samui and Koh Phangan with a tiny little bit of blue sky peeking through. Current temp at 7am is 28.5C
The Koh Phangan PADI IDC kicked off yesterday and is well on it's way now.

Koh Phangan sunset

Yesterday's sunset on Koh Phangan

Yesterday saw a nice early morning but clouds moved in swiftly and it rained a bit here and there during the morning and early afternoon but come evening it looked a lot better again and the sun broke through the cloud covers. Max temp reached 29.5C

The forecast predicts wind picking up a bit on Sunday only to slow down again come Thursday next week. An occasional shower can be expected.

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

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th February, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky is looking good over Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, a few clouds but with plenty of blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

In an hour or so the Koh Phangan PADI IDC will start.

Ocean view Koh Phangan 26th February 2013

Ocean view yesterday on Koh Phangan

Yesterday was a nice and warm day around Samui and Phangan. Max temp reached 30.2C

The forecast shows the wind pick again tomorrow and increase in strength after the weekend. An occasional tropical shower is possible.

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

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th February, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning I left Kuala Lumpur's KLIA terminal too early to give an accurate weather update and once I was on Samui, there was a power cut! Now I'm about to leave for Koh Phangan to start another PADI IDC there tomorrow and I've had lunch and the power is back on!

KL was nice and sunny when I left and Samui is gorgeous, plenty of blue sky and a few clouds and warm! Current temp at noon is 29C

Koh Samui weather 26th February 2013

Samui's sky around noon today

Yesterday was also a nice and warm day around Samui with a max temp of 29.6C

The forecast is fairly stable, a bit of wind and an occasional shower for the next 7 days are likely.

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

Monday 25 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th February, 2013

Today's weather;

Samui has a little bit of rain right now, 6am in the morning on this Makha Bucha day, one of the most sacred Buddhist days. Current temp on at 6am is around 26C

It's my last couple of hours on Gili Air for this trip, until I come back in April! It's dry here nd the sun is coming out and right now there's no wind. Current temp at 7am is 28C
The PADI IDC was completed yesterday and in two days time start I start another one on Koh Phangan.

Makha Bucha day

Makha Bucha day when 1250 disciples gathered to listen to Buddha's Dharma speech (ธรรมะ) after his enlightment

Yesterday saw a cloudy but dry day over Koh Samui with a max temp of around 29C

The forecast shows wind on Wednesday and following days with a bit of rain possibly on some days.

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

Sunday 24 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th February, 2013

Today's weather;

It's sunny on Koh Samui this morning with a current temp at 7am of 27.2C

On Gili Air in Indonesia we have a storm pending, coming the Gili's way. This morning sees strong wind but it's sunny with a current temp at 8am local time of 28C. Yesterday we had very strong winds, the dive site we use for the IDC dives was surfers paradise and we had to divert to a dive in Gili Air harbor, in front of the dive center. Tomorrow I'm off to a very rainy Lombok for a flight to Kuala Lumpur.

A windy harbor on Gili Air in Indonesia

A windy harbor on Gili Air in Indonesia, a storm is brewing up over the next couple of days

Yesterday saw a mini storm pass over Samui during the afternoon with strong wind and plenty of rain and parts of the island had power cuts. 17mm of rain came down in a short time. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast shows wind and rain until next weekend when things are expected to calm down 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

Saturday 23 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd February, 2013

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is looking at a nice blue sky this morning and it looks like another warm day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 24.7C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's cloudy again but dry and the wind and waves have ceased more or less, strangely enough immediately after the storm warning it all turned nice here and the fast boats are partly up and running again! Yesterday was the first day in almost a week that we had sunshine again! Current temp at 8am local time is 28C
My time is almost done here, Monday morning I will leave for a Kuala Lumpur bound flight and Tuesday morning I should be back on Koh Samui for a few hours, before I leave with the afternoon ferry to Koh Phangan in order to start another PADI IDC on Wednesday morning.

Warung in Gili Air's harbor

Another warung in Gili Air's harbor

Yesterday saw a warm day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 31.5C

The forecast is changing around, there's still rain and wind predicted for Sunday and Monday but after that it should now be a lot nicer with less rain and wind compared to previous predictions. 

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

Friday 22 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd February, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is slightly cloudy this morning but a warm and sunny day is definitely still an option. Current temp at 7am is 25.1C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's still cloudy but for the first time since 4 days or so there's no wind or waves. However, yesterday an announcement was made by the Bali port authorities that all fast boats between Bali and the Gili islands have been cancelled until 27th February, due to an imminent storm. I'm supposed to leave the 25th but only to Lombok where I will catch my outbound flight.
Current temp at 8am local time is 28C with a bleak sun breaking through the cloud cover!

Sate ayam at Chill Out on Gili Air, Indonesia

Sate ayam (Chicken sate) with rice and veggies and one of the best fruit shakes around at Chill Out cafe/restaurant last night on Gili Air in Indonesia

Yesterday saw another very warm day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 29.3C

The forecast is fairly steady, the weekend sees a slight increase of wind with rain expected on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday and some more stronger wind gusts come Thursday.

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

Thursday 21 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st February, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui looks gorgeous this morning, plenty of blue and just a few scattered clouds. Current temp at 7am is 24.9C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's dry for a change but very cloudy and windy. Current temp at 8am local time is 26C
We're already passed the half way mark on the current PADI IDC here!

Windy and cloudy morning on Gili Air, Indonesia

A windy and cloudy morning today on Gili Air, Indonesia

Yesterday saw once more a warm day around Samui. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast looks fab until Sunday, that's when the wind starts to pick up and some heavy and continuous rain is expected from that point onward until at least the end of next week,

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

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th February, 2013

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it keeps being nice, a sunny and warm day is in the making with a current temp at 7am of 25.7C

Here on Gili Air in Indonesia, the weather is the opposite, it's drizzling right now and it looks like we get plenty of rain during the rest of the day. Plenty of grey clouds are around. Yesterday it rained all morning, dried up but with a cloudy afternoon and rain again during the evening. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C
On the upside, everything is very green on the usually rather dusty island!

Morning on Gili Air, Indonesia

Morning on Gili Air, Indonesia

Samui was dry and very warm yesterday with a max temp of 29.7C

The forecast predicts everything nice and dandy up till the weekend when rain start to kick in and very strong wind Tuesday.

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

Tuesday 19 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has a fairly blue sky to enjoy this morning and it looks like a warm day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 25C

On Gili Air we have heavy cloud cover this morning but it's dry (more or less), for the time being at least. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C


Warung opposite the Gili Air pier, a great place for breakfast or to get a few snack before travel

Yesterday saw a very warm day around Samui with a max temp of 29.6C

The forecast shows nice and sunny weather until the weekend, during and after there's plenty of rain predicted but the strong wind seems to have lessened in this prediction.

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

Monday 18 February 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th February, 2013

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui there's a light cloud cover with plenty of blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 27.8C

Gili Air started the day with rain, in contrast to yesterday when it was sunshine all over and all day long. Current temp at 8am is 28C with many cloudy days ahead of us.

Gili Air harbor, eastbound road

Gili Air harbor, eastbound road

Yesterday saw a dry day with enough sunshine to keep you happy. Max temp reached 29.6C

The forecast now predicts an increase in wind come next weekend with very strong wind, big waves and lots of rain as of Sunday. Let's see if this will hold, it's still a few days away and plenty can change.

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!

Sunday 17 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

It was raining a little bit on Koh Samui this morning with a strong wind all over the place. Current temp at 7am is 28C

On Gili Air in Indonesia it's clouded right now but there are some blue spots in the sky. Current temp at 8am is 28C with hopefully some sunshine today since it rained all afternoon and drizzled throughout the rest of the evening.

Gili Air harbor

Gili Air harbor early morning, with some blue skies at the far end over Lombok

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny and dry day around Samui with a max temp of 29.4C

The forecast sees the wind pretty much disappear as of tomorrow but the chance of an occasional shower remains.

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

Saturday 16 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is nice this morning after a very wet night. Current temp at 7am is 27.9C

It's good to be back again on Gili Air, in Indonesia but the weather isn't that great. Just like Samui there was some hard rain last night and this morning it's cloudy. Current temp here at 8am is 27C

View from Oceasn 5 on Gili Air, Indonesia

View from my room at Oceans 5 on Gili Air

Yesterday saw some hard rain during the evening on Koh Samui with a max temp of 29.8C

The forecast looks good for the next 7 days with some occasional showers likely to happen though.

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

Friday 15 February 2013

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

Unfortunately not too much to say about Samui weather conditions this morning since I'm at Kuala Lumpur LCCT airport. It's still dark outside! I'm on my way to Lombok to start a PADI IDC on Gili Air tomorrow, more updates by then.

Sunset between Samui and Kuala Lumpur

A delayed flight but a great sunset between Samui and Kuala Lumpur

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

Thursday 14 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

It looks a lot more stable this morning around Koh Samui, compared to yesterday , an almost perfect blue sky is shaping. Current temp at 7am is 25.9C

Later this afternoon I will for Indonesia with a night's stop over in Dengkil (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia. Back on the 26th February, early in the morning aiming for the afternoon ferry to Koh Phangan. You guessed it, two PADI IDC's back to back!

Central festival in Chaweng, under construction

A view on the construction site for Central Festival in Chaweng, just another two years to go!

Yesterday morning saw a real mixed bag with a combination of rain, sunshine and clouds swapping places all the time, the afternoon was a lot nicer with a lot more of blue in the sky and the sun coming out. Max temp reached 29.6C

The forecast predicts some wind and rain over the weekend with the rest of the next 7 days to be fine.

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

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Ruan Maai Sai Klong restaurant, Lan Saka

During our two recent visits to Lan Saka, there was one restaurant that we visited multiple times per day, for lunch and for dinner! It was that good!!
The Ruan Maai Sai Klong easily held it's own with my fave places on Koh Samui, easily! Not only was the food delicious. it was also served on nice plates and heavy cutlery was used, in total contrast to about 95% of all restaurants in Thailand.


View from the side, with the main road to the left and the river to the right

Besides the excellent food and the cutlery, the dishes were also served in a nice way, with appropriate china. To find such a place in the province was quite astonishing. Not to mention that the staff and the owner are very nice and friendly. 


The sign to look for

Coming out of Lan Saka, eastbound, Ruan Maai Sai Klong is on the left hand side, about a kilometer outside of town, not too far away from the hospital.
The sign pictured above is what to look for and as the sign says, they even offer free wifi. It almost doesn't get any better, this far away from a city!


Outdoor seating, watch your head though for the ornaments!

The interior is all teak wood which gives it a warm and cosy feeling but watch out, the ornaments in the picture above can be a game breaker. They are positioned very low and one day when we were sitting there, I cut my head open over 5 cm because I stood up too early and I had to go to the local hospital, to have it checked out. It didn't need stitches but it was closed up somehow.
A local who was visiting at the same time as us told my wife that he had experienced the same problem and hence didn't go sit at that specific location anymore.
It didn't stop me for going back though and enjoy more food. We got a 10% discount and I have a gauze on my head (still have when writing this)!


Cashewnuts with a sweet sauce on top for starters

Each meal started with a free starter offered by the restaurant, most of the times fruit but one day we got these delicious cashew nuts with a sweet, sticky sauce on top of them. Excellent!


Yam Makheua yaow, Grilled Eggplant Salad ยำมะเขือเปราะ

One of my fave salads is the above pictured Yam Makheua Yaow, with it's smokey flavor, just delicious if done the right way and the taste here was outstanding!


Deep fried fish in sweet tamarind sauce

My wife kept outdoing herself with excellent orders and one of the highlights for me was this deep fried fish with a sweet tamarind sauce, it was almost as if the sauce was caramelized into the fish. This was during lunch and I had her order it again during dinner!


Yam plaa duuk foo (Crispy Catfish Green Mango Salad) ยำปลาดุกฟู

An old fave is the Yam Plaa Duuk Foo, done in an excellent way with the mango salad separated, so you could mix at your own convenience. Once more, really nice and we had this dish twice or three times, I lost track!


The small river next to the restaurant

Two other dishes we had worthwhile mentioning where Yam Saam Krob ยำสามกรอบ, a crispy and spicy salad which is not found often at a restaurant and last but not least we also had Plaa Pow Klua เมี่ยงปลาเผาเกลือ, a bbq'd fish.

If you happen to be in Lan Saka, make sure to make a pit stop at Ruang Maai Sai Klong and enjoy the excellent food. The menu is in Thai only, so hopefully you are visiting with a Thai person or otherwise this post can help you.

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; 13th February, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning at 6am there was some light rain but now around 7.30am there's plenty of blue in the sky breaking up the clouds. Current temp at 7am on Koh Samui is 28C

Wat That Noi, Buddha's

A long row of Buddha's in Wat That Noi, which hold urns

Yesterday saw a dry day but plenty of overcast all day long with a max temp of 29.7C

The forecast predicts less and less wind with some possible rain over the weekend.

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

Tuesday 12 February 2013

An update on the electricity situation on Koh Samui

The Facebook page of Nathon City just published this announcement regarding electricity management on the island;


The fourth underwater transmission line from mainland to Maenam has been finished for almost 40 km. from 54 km. in total, and will be tested on 27-28 Feb. After completed on March 13, electric transmission capacity to Samui and Phangan will be adequate for the next 10 years. 

The new transmission line from mainland to Phangan is now on the procurement process.


This will mean that the electricity building in Maenam near Angela's bakery will be in use at last! We'll see if it really will last for another 10 years, I'm a little skeptic about these kind of announcements by Thai official institutions, since unfortunately they are more often wrong then right in their announcements.

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

Wat That Noi, Lak Chang, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Over the weekend during our visit to Lan Saka I was looking forward to visit a big temple or 'Wat' that I saw two weeks before on the way home. Little did I know how big and important this Wat actually is. 
It turned out to be Wat That Noi (วัดธาตุน้อย), which housed a big reclining Buddha statue (Phra Non) but more importantly, the mortal remains of Por Tan Klai, a famous monk from a decade ago (1876-1970). This used to be the temple where he lived.

Wat That Noi is part of Wat Mahatat in Nakhon Si Thammarat town, the big temple we visited in 2007 and over the recent New Year's eve.

Wat That Noi, Phra Non

Phra Non or reclining Buddha

PT Klai was named the 'Golden Mouth Master' because he kept a vow of silence for many years. He didn't want to speak because whatever he said came true, and he felt sad for the bad things that happened if he predicted them. Although he did not speak, followers found ways to get around his vow, they got him to nod or shake his head in response to their queries on various matters. 

Wat That Noi, Chedi

Chedi with remains of PT Klai

It turned out that near Lan Saka there was another temple, Wat Khiri Kan, where he used to live and on top of a nearby mountain there was a sub part of Wat Khiri Kan where many of his followers visit and stop their cars or motorbikes to pay their respect. Hopefully more on this later.

Wat That Noi, remains of PT Klai

Mortal remains of PT Klai

The remains are PT Klai's bones only. It's on the top part of the chedi and may people visit. We where there on a Sunday and it was really busy, probably it's quieter during week days.

Wat That Noi, Saam Ma Nen

A big PT Klai and two Saam Ma Nen

As already mentioned, it's a big temple and you an wander around a bit, there's plenty to see and everywhere are small buildings, pavillions or even entries in the main chedi where you can find more statues of either PT Klai or other deities.

Above is a big statue of PT Klai's head with two 'Saam Ma Nen', the small statues had boxes in their hands and when you put some money inside, a tape played, praying for you.

Wat That Noi, Bodhisatta

Bodhisatta

Inside the shrine you an find the skeletal Bodhisatta, the 5 ascetics, Phra Indra playing the lute (to remind the Bodhisatta of the Middle Way) as well as the lady Sujata (on the right, unfortunately not on the picture) who offered milk rice to him before his final struggle towards Enlightenment.

Wat That Noi, Deity

Deity

Another deity that is hidden in one of the smaller buildings on the Temple grounds, This one was a mean looking one!

Wat That Noi, Pavillion

Pavillion

Very worthwhile to stop for a visit, here's a link on how to get there, it's about 20 km from Lan Saka or about an hour or a bit more from Nakhon Si Thammarat town.

Wat That Noi, Pang Palelai Buddha and PT Klai

Pang Palelai Buddha and PT Klai

It turned out that my wife already had an amulet from PT Klai, given to her by her Grandma, which she in turn received when PT Klai was still alive! At all three locations we visited during this trip, dedicated to PT Klai, she bought more amulets!

On 'Wayne's Dhamma blog' you can find a few more pictures of the Wat That Noi, from his 2009 visit to this Wat.

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, 2013

Today's weather;

It's nice and fresh outside, this morning with a blue sky over Koh Samui and no wind to speak of. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Wat That Noi, chedi

Wat That Noi in Lak Chang, a big temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat province with the remains of Portan Klai (1876-1970), a famous monk. More information and pictures on this Wat can be found here.

Yesterday saw a nice and warm day around the island with hardly any wind during the morning but with strong winds during the afternoon. Max temp reached 28.8C

The forecast still predicts some strong(er) wind tomorrow and over the weekend, other days should be fine.

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

Monday 11 February 2013

Chinese New Year 2013 in Maenam

Although we were on the mainland yesterday and didn't get back onto Samui until 7.45pm, we could see the effects of this years Chinese New Year all around us. Among others at the ferry in Don Sak, where it was slightly chaotic and very busy with many people on the move. The 5pm ferry, the big green one, didn't leave until shortly after 6pm when the 6pm ferry was still waiting to be loaded.

Around 8pm we drove by Maenam, where there was a big party going on with lots of food and music. 
My good friend Noi lives around the corner of the festivities and she allowed me to use some of her (excellent) pictures, so here we go.

Chinese New Year in Maenam 2013, big mask

Big mask

We were lucky enough to find the Chinese New Year's celebrations in Nathon last year, which was very impressive.

Chinese New Year in Maenam 2013, dragon

One of many dragons to roam Maenam's streets yesterday

Maenam was very crowded and there were plenty of activities planned with lots of dragons roaming the streets.

Chinese New Year in Maenam 2013, the crowd

Maenam was very busy with a big crowd and another dragon the background

Samui has a big Chinese background, the first settlers on the island are supposed to be Chinese sailors from Hainan and many local and Thai families in general have Chinese ascendants somewhere in the family.

Chinese New Year in Maenam 2013, red lanterns

Red lanterns, to be seen all over the country this time of the year

Chinese New Year in Maenam 2013, fireworks

Fireworks waiting to be lit up

Chinese New Year in Maenam 2013, noisy fireworks

Yes, it's noisy!

Nathon still has celebrations coming up the 15th and 16th February, so don't miss out!

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; 11th February, 2013

Today's weather;

Back home again and we have a fairly blue sky around Koh Samui and it looks like a nice day is ahead of us. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Mountain river Lan Saka

Playing and swimming with the family in a mountain river near Lan Saka

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day on the mainland on the way back home to Samui and on our island it was also nice and dry with a max temp of 29C
We visited a few temples on the way back home and I hope to post some pictures later this week.

The forecast has changed for the better! The wind seems to have dropped off, it was very strong yesterday both on the mainland and around Samui and the chances of rain have also slimmed down!

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

Sunday 10 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

Around Lan Saka it's mostly blue with a few clouds in the sky. The morning 10km run at Rajabath University is done and the hotel has given me a free wifi access card! In a few hours we're off to Central Festival in Surat Thani town.

Koh Samui has a current temp at 7am of 27.8C and it's dry.

Mountains near Lan Saka

Scenic mountains near Lan Saka

Yesterday saw a dry day around Samui with a max temp of 29.5C

The forecast predicts strong wind today and Wednesday with some high chance of rain come Thursday.

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

Saturday 9 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

We're back in Lan Saka, to our own surprise, participating in two runs this weekend, both near Lan Saka. This morning we ran in Phupin, I did a 13km run around a beautiful mountain lake in 1:05'35.4, which is not too bad. The children and my wife did a 3.5km run/walk. The weather in Phupin had a nice blue sky but now back in Lan Saka, where we just had a fabulous lunch, it looks dark with plenty of clouds. On the way back from Phipun there was even one mountain top covered in clouds.
Tomorrow a 10km run at Rajabath university is on the schedule, 15km away from Lan Saka.
Oh, the hotel we're staying at has no internet, hence the late update.

On Koh Samui the current temp at 10am was 29C

Phipun run, part of the lake

Phipun run this morning, 13km around a mountain lake

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny day around Samui with a max temp of 29.3C

The forecast shows strong wind on Sunday (tomorrow) and Wednesday, the rest of week is windy but not very strong. The odd shower could occur.

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

Friday 8 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy around Koh Samui but there are blue spots out there. Current temp at 7am is 25.4C

Later this afternoon we're leaving for two days of running races on the mainland and of all places we will stay in Lan Saka again!

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, February 2013

Chaweng Beach yesterday, nice and sunny

Yesterday saw a sunny day and it was dry and warm. Max temp reached 29.5C

The forecast shows strong wind from Sunday through Wednesday with possibly some a shower. From Thursday onward it should be nice 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

Thursday 7 February 2013

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

Today's weather;

There's a lot more of blue sky to be seen around Koh Samui this morning and it looks like a sunny day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Sunet at Wat Plai Laem

Sunset at Wat Plai Laem

Yesterday was a fairly cloudy day all day long with some occasional sunbursts during the afternoon. Max temp reached 29.1C

The forecast sees the wind pick up again come Saturday with the occasional chance of a shower during and after the weekend.

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

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Re-earth Festival 22-23 February 2013

The Re:earth project and festival in Thailand is a close co-operation between a group of Swedish friends in the music-, media- and travel industry and the local Thai community on Koh Samui. The aim is to spread awareness and find positive ways and solutions to reverse environmental damage - and have fun at the same time!

If I'm correct this is the 3rd festival that's being organized and it looks like an action packed two days with lots of music.

Re-earth festival 22-23 February 2013

The festival poster


Line up:

JUNGLE (MAIN) STAGE 

MOVITS, MONEYBROTHER, LAZEE, CHORDS, GNUČČI, ROBERT DINERO (MASH UP INTERNATIONAL), TINGSEK, ZACKE, EMILY ELBERT, HÅLL KÄFTEN OCH DANSA, DJ BLACK MOOSE, DJ DAINJA & CREW

BEACH STAGE

DJ DAINJA & CREW (COLORS – SE), SMOKY VAHID (SE), PATRIK JEAN (SE), UNDERGROUND MILITIA (SE), DANIEL IRK (SE), SMOKY VAHID (SE), HOOD PRISMS (US), BOGL (US), PETEY CLICKS (US), ROBERT DINERO (MASH UP INTERNATIONAL), SAVAGE SKULLS (SE), UGGLE NATTEN CREW  (SE), SNAFU (SE)

ELECTRONIC STAGE

NAKADIA (BERLIN/CLARISSE RECORDS – TH), MARCO LOCO – (IBIZA GROOVE – ES) , TOBY HOLGUIN (BORA BORA IBIZA- CO) , NAQ I FREAK DA RHYTME (FUSION CLUB –BE), DARRAGH CASEY (LOI LAY FLOATING BOAT – IE) , ALEX MARTIN (QUINTE CLUB – MY), LADY OH (JUNGLE EXPERIENCE – TH), DANNY NATION (MAYA CLUB – UK), ZIDOV AKUMA (SOUND CLUB – HR) , NOKI NOCHIKHO (SOUND CLUB – TH), TOM (FUSION CLUB – TH), FRED AKIR (SE), DIRTBAG (SE), ESTATED (SE), DAMIEN EIE (SE), DANIEL ALPHA (SE), AON (FULL MOON-TH), PABLO ESCOBUD (UK).. WITH MC ESSENCE (CA)

DEEJAY SETS FROM 2PM TO MORNING
PRESALE FROM 900 THB, 2000 THB AT THE DOOR.


Re-earth festival line up, 2013

All acts combined

DAYTIME ISLAND & BEACH PARTY SATURDAY 23 FEB! A short boat ride from the Reearth beach deejays from the festival are showing off some of their favorite inspirational tracks in a secluded tropical environment. Get to know your favorite artists by their musical influences, every musician has a history of tracks to tell about. This is also an excellent way to balance your experience of the the 48 hour party and reload your batteries! Local food is served for lunch, bar and deejay sets all day.

Limited number of tickets, pre-sale on web.

Price: 1200 THB per person. Including return boat ride, lunch, 2 x drink tickets. Boats all day from 12.30 and last boat back to Reearth 18.30.
LINE UP: MÅNS OF SAVAGE SKULLS (SE), ROBERT DINERO OF MASH UP INTERNATIONAL (SE),HÅLL KÄFTEN OCH DANSA (SE), SMOKY VAHID (SE), MAJA OF UGGLENATTEN (SE)


Re-earth festival 2013, how to get there

How to get there

Now three and half years after the launch of the Re:earth project the festival attracts artists from many different countries including Thai, UK, Belgium, Colombia, US and Scandinavia.

Both days of the festival starts with daytime activities in the beach area accompanied by chilled out sets played by our deejays. Each evening culminates in live acts performing and then the deejays will take over again to keep the crowds moving until the sun rises.

The ultimate goal with the festival and its local partners is to make Koh Samui the “Green Island” of South East Asia and the Re:earth festival a sustainable long term event on Koh Samui.


One small step can lead to big change! Join the Re:earth festival if you would like to make a difference and give something back as a traveler!

The Re:earth festival and its partners are taking an active role in the efforts to restore, rehabilitate, protect and preserve the natural environment. The Re:earth festival wants to increase the awareness and promote a better understanding that environmental conservation can be undertaken hand-in-hand with travel.

Locally at Koh Samui and its neighboring islands, the main concern is the lack of sufficient drinking water during tourist seasons, deteriorating coral reefs and floods due to erosion caused by increased development.

Last festival saw 3000-4000 people per day at the venue, 50% Scandinavians but also plenty of Aussies, Thai and other nationalities. We expect more nationalities in Feb 2013. Spread the word!
The festival is held daytime as well as nighttime.



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

Dam building in Samui mountains

Very recently, January 26th and 27th 2013 a group of 40 volunteers consisting of Thai army based on Samui, members of the Tessaban Samui, students of Radjapath university Surat Thani, THA (Thai Hotel Association) green committee members as well as members of the Samui Rescue team built 2 dams to control the waterfall in front of Wat Hin Lad in Nathon.

This is the second dam project of this group after their first successful operation in the mountains of Chaweng.

Volunteers of the dam building project

Volunteers of the dam building project

The organizers wish to thank the sponsors for lunches and drinks: Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, Poppies Samui Hotel, New Star Beach Resort, Kamalaya Koh Samui and Montien House resort.

The THA sponsored the materials such as wood and cement.

A great effort which deserves attention and commends! Well done.

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; 6th February, 2013

Today's weather;

It's cloudy with a few single blue spots around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 27.6C

Koh Samui airport, departures

Koh Samui airport, departures

Yesterday saw a dry and warm day but it was fairly cloudy. Max temp reached 30.2C

The forecast sees a drop in the wind strength as of today with an increase over the weekend 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