Sunday 30 November 2014

Goodbye to November 2014

It's been a busy month with lots of events and places I went. First things first though and let's have a look at the weather this month.

It was a slightly better than average November, I would say. There was plenty of rain in the beginning and the middle of the month but now towards the end of the month we had a few dry and even sunny days.

Seatran reservation ticket booth in Chaweng

Seatran reservation ticket booth just outside of Chaweng, been using the ferry a few times this month

Places I went to, first of all Khao Lak, for a great and fun PADI IDC. From there I visited Phuket last Sunday for a 11km race and earlier this month I went to Chiang Mai for a race and we visited Doi Suthep as well, which was really enjoyable. Today I ran the 4th Chiew Larn mini marathon near Rajjaphraba Dam and finished 10th in my age category. Very chuffed with that!
4th Chiew Larn mini marathon

Placed 10th in my age category at the 4th Chiew Larn mini marathon, last day of the month, today!

November is usually also the month for Loy Kratong, and since I was gone half the month, eating out didn't happen that much, but Kobori and Juzza Pizza are steady faves!

Looking forward to next month, which I will be mostly spend in Moalboal in the Philippines, unfortunately I will miss the Koh Samui marathon come 21st December, I arrive back home that day, late in the afternoon. If you're on Samui though, check it out.

Hope you enjoyed this month and see you next month again, same channel, same time!

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; 30th November, 2014

Today's weather;

A nice sunny and blue skies is all around Koh Samui this morning. A nice relief after the rainy days. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

We're in Chiew Larn near Rajjaphraba Dam where I just completed a tough and hilly mini marathon over 10.88km in 54'56 which placed me 10th in my age category. It's nice and sunny here and at 7am it was 35C

Bang Po beach

Bang Po beach

Yesterday saw a nice and dry day around Samui with a max temp of 30.5C

Chiew Larn river

Chiew Larn river view from our hotel near Rajjaphraba Dam

The forecast looks good with dry and a few sunny days ahead and maybe some rain again towards the end of the 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

Saturday 29 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th November, 2014

Today's weather;

There's a thin cloud layer with a few blue spots over Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 24.6C

We're off to Chiew Larn today, near Rajjaphraba Dam for a 10km run tomorrow morning and back home again tomorrow afternoon, just to take off Monday morning again for Moalboal in the Philippines for another PADI IDC.

Plai Laem

Plai Laem this morning

Yesterday saw a dry day in our part of the island but other parts had some short but hard and intense rain during the late afternoon/early evening. Max temp reached 29.7C

The forecast remained the same, cloudy but dry days ahead of us for the next seven days and sometimes with some sunny moments or a short shower.

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 28 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th November, 2014

Today's weather;

Koh Samui enjoys a thin cloud layer and it looks that we may have some sunshine today. Current temp at 7am is 25.1C

It's good to be back home again and spend time with the family before I take off again this coming Monday, Moalboal, Philippines bound.

Lipa Noi

A decommissioned wooden boat in Lipa Noi, which by the looks of it, has been there a while

Yesterday saw dry day around Samui with a few bursts of sunshine. Max temp reached 30C

Tab Lamu

A decommissioned wooden live aboard boat in Tab Lamu, which has been there for a few years!

The forecast is looking good, mostly dry for the next seven days and possibly some sunshine 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

Thursday 27 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's nice and sunny this morning around Koh Samui but there are still plenty of clouds out and about. Current temp at 7am is 25.9C

In Khao Lak we had a successful PADI IE yesterday and this morning there are a few clouds but it's also sunny. Current temp at 7am is 23.9C

This morning I will travel back to Koh Samui.

Flowers

Dried flowers which make for delicious and healthy juices

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny morning around Samui with some rain during the late afternoon. Max temp reached 30C

In Khao Lak we also had a sunny morning but just before noon we had a first shower only to be followed by some very hard and lots of afternoon and early evening rain, lots more compared to Samui. Max temp reached 32.3C

Sweets at Khao Lak market

Sweets at Khao Lak market

The forecast is looking steady. A mix of cloudy days with some sunshine and possibly a quick shower.

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 26 November 2014

The Samui Challenge, Sunday 30th November, 2014

This coming Sunday, 30th November 2014, the Samui Challenge will be held.

It's a bicycle Ride for the King' 87th Birthday Anniversary

Starting point is at the Nathon Pier and the ride will go to Phuttha Chedi Laem So Priest's Campsite and the total distance is 18 km or 11 miles 

It will be held from 7.30 to to 12pm

The Samui Challenge

ร่วมปั่นจักรยานเฉลิมพระเกียรติพระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว เนื่องในโอกาส มหามงคลเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา ๘๗ พรรษา ๕ ธันวาคม ๒๕๕๗

วันที่ ๓๐ พฤศจิกายน ๒๕๕๗
เวลา ๐๗.๓๐ น. - ๑๒.๐๐ น.

สตาร์ทที่ท่าเรือสะพานกลางหน้าทอน - วัดพระเจดีย์แหลมสอ
รวมระยะทาง ๑๘ กิโลเมตร

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; 26th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning with an occasional sun beam coming through. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

In Khao Lak there's a thin cloud layer bit it looks like the sun may break through later. Current temp at 7am here is 24.2C

Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi, Buddha statue

A Buddha statue at Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi

Yesterday saw a dry day around Samui with a max temp of 30.5C

In Khao Lak it remained almost dry, instead of the usual daily afternoon downpour, there were just a few drops. Max temp reached 32,5C

Tsunami memorial Khao Lak

The new Tsunami memorial in Khao Lak

The forecast looks fairly good for this time of the year, cloudy skies, occasionally some sunshine and a shower is always near as well, but nothing too serious at the moment.

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 25 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy over Koh Samui with a few sunbeams but there has also already been some rain this morning. Current temp at 7am is 26C

In Khao Lak we have a thin cloud layer and the sun trying to break through. Current temp at 7am is 24.1C
Today the two day PADI IE or Instructor Exam starts for my PADI IDC candidates starts.

Wat Bophud grounds

Some old style Thai houses next to the Wat Bophud grounds

Yesterday saw some hard rain around Samui during the afternoon. Max temp reached 31C

In Khao Lak we had the usual nice morning and some hard rain around 4pm. Max temp reached 32C 

Ban Nam Khem

Road sign on the water collection pot in Ban Nam Khem, near Ban Muang and Takua Pa. I visited the tsunami memorial there yesterday and will write something come 24th December with the 10 year memorial

The forecast is looking good, more sunshine and less rain over the next 7 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

Monday 24 November 2014

Food on Wheels; Drinks in Takua Pa

Today I had an afternoon off in Khao Lak, in-between the PADI IDC and the PADI IE and I decided to drive to Takua Pa, a city that became famous after the 2004 tsunami, because of it's hospital where many injured found their way and for the identification center after the tsunami, which was located just outside of the city in Ban Muang. The cemetery where all unidentified foreign bodies have been buried is opposite the identification center. More on this come 26th December, with the 10 year remembrance ceremonies.

Food on Wheels, Takua Pa

The view on the whole car and the sales area

Driving around the city, it turned out that it was a lot less picturesque and a lot smaller than expected, so I was basically on my way out when my eye caught this month's entry in the Food on Wheels series!

Food on Wheels, Takua Pa

Frontal view

In front of the local Utthayan Phra Narai park was this van, parked and ready to sell it's drinks! A brilliant concept, similar to a van selling sweets in Osan, South Korea.

Food on Wheels, Takua Pa

Rear end view

Simple and easy, on any hot day in Thailand, and there are many of those, it'a nice to have a cold, refreshing drink. The lady with this van can accommodate that! And some snacks to go with it as well.

Food on Wheels, Takua Pa

The actual drinks on sale

It's mostly drinks for kids and non alcoholic drinks that are available. A nice variation to the theme in Thailand, we've seen the drinks but not the vehicle and well worth to be added to this series.

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 November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's partially cloudy around Koh Samui this morning but with plenty of blue spots and a bit of sunshine thrown in. Current temp at 7am is 26C

In Khao Lak we have completed the November PADI IDC and this morning we have a nice and sunny sly with some clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Fisherman's Village

Fisherman's Village near the pier

Yesterday saw a bit of rain around Samui with a max temp of 31C

In Khao Lak there was a nice and partially sunny morning but around 4pm the daily rain came down pretty hard and lasted for at least an hour and a half. Max temp reached 32C

Khao Lak

Current afternoons and early evening in Khao Lak, plenty of rain!

The forecast predicts a few sunnier days around Samui with not that much rain. Enjoy and a good time to get everything dry 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

Sunday 23 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and it won't surprise if we see some rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

I'm today in Thalang, Phuket where I participated in an 11.2km mini marathon. My time was 56 minutes. It's partly cloudy here with a current temp of 25.5C

Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi

An over sized drum at Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi

Yesterday saw about 18mm of rain during the day time come down on Samui. Max temp reached 30C.

Here in Phuket, 28mm rain came down yesterday and mostly during the early evening. It was almost torrential with lots of thunder thrown in as well. Max temp reached 33.2C
There was heavy rain from the moment I left Khao Lak yesterday, around 5pm all the way into Phuket.

Thalang Hospital in Phuket

Thalang Hospital in Phuket, view from my hotel room

The forecast predicts rain today, followed by a few supposedly dry days and possibly even some sunshine. After a few days we might encounter some rain 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 22 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's nice and sunny around Koh Samui this morning although there are also some clouds out an about. A good moment to dry everything again! Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

In Khao Lak we have a cloudy sky with just a few blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 25.1C

North Chaweng

View over North Chaweng from Kao Hua Juu Pagoda. Part of the airport strip can be seen as well

Yesterday saw a dry day around Samui with a max temp of 31C

Khao Lak saw for a change some hard rain during the late afternoon/early evening. Max temp reached 32C

Tab Lamu

A fishing boat leaving Tab Lamu harbor on our way back in after the open water dives of the current PADI IDC

The forecast predicts cloudy days with some rain until Monday and after that it may be a bit sunnier and less wet!

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 21 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's cloudy this morning with a few blue spots and the sun fighting hard to break through around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

In Khao Lak, we have a lovely blue sky with a few isolated showers. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Raja Ferry, Lipa Noi

Looks familiar? If it does, you've probably been to Thailand before! Plastic chairs, cheap tables and a counter to get some food, a typical Thai restaurant. This one is near the Raja Ferry pier in Lipa Noi

Yesterday saw a dry day for a change around Samui with a max temp of 30.7C

We also had a dry day in Khao Lak with a max temp of 31.3C

Khao Lak

Rainbow over Khao Lak yesterday later afternoon

The forecast hasn't changed that much, cloudy skies and some rain but early next week, there may be a bit of relief on the amount of clouds.

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 20 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and light rain is expected although the afternoon may also see easing up on the cloud layers. Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

In Khao Lak we have a bit of a mixed bag, light cloud layers and blue spots dominate the sky here. Current temp at 7am is 24C

Wat Bophud

The Bot of Wat Bophud 

Yesterday saw rain during the morning and lots of it during the night around Samui. Max temp reached 30C

In Khao Lak we had a few moments of dark clouds gathering together during the afternoon but no rain for a change. Max temp reached 33.8C

Boat 813 in Khao Lak

My obligatory visit to Police boat 813 in Khao Lak. Every time I visit the site is more developed

The forecast is more of the same for the next seven days, the monsoon weather is gong to continue with mainly cloudy skies and showers spread out over the day.

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 19 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's very cloudy around Koh Samui this morning and I would expect some rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Back in Khao Lak, where the current PADI IDC has reached the half way mark, there's a nice blue sky with a few scattered clouds. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi

Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi, this seems to be some sort of communal monk house

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

In Khao Lak we had a shower before noon and another, stronger one after noon, around 3pm. Max temp reached 32.8C

Khao Lak

This strangely overloaded truck I spotted yesterday in Khao Lak. For more unusual and funny pictures about Thailand, visit my TIT or This is Thailand Facebook group

The forecast predicts cloudy and wet days ahead! Not very surprising this time of the year.

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 18 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's mostly cloudy over Koh Samui with an occasional blue spot in the sky. The wind has picked up a bit and it might rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 25C

In the meantime back in Khao Lak we have a nice blue sky with a thin cloud layer. Current temp at 7am is 23.2C

Fisherman's Village

Fisherman's Village with Blue Vanilla on the left side in the blue building and on the opposite side of the road Juzz'a Pizza

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy day with some rain around Samui and a heavy storm like shower early in the morning. Max temp reached 31C

In Khao Lak we had mostly a sunny day with the daily short but this time heavy shower around 3pm. Max temp reached 33.2C

Khao Lak

A good dozen children playing music, mainly guitar and banjo, opposite the Ban Bang Niang market near Khao Lak

The forecast for the next seven days is a typical monsoon forecast with heavy to milder cloud layers each day and some rain.

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 17 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th November, 2014

Today's weather;

The Koh Samui sky is lovely blue this morning and it looks like a very enjoyable day is coming up. Current temp at 7am is 27C

In Khao Lak we also have a nice blue sky but I won't be surprised if we will have our daily 2pm shower. Current temp at 7am is 23C

Rama 3 statue, Khao Hua Juu

A Rama 3 statue at the entrance to Khao Hua Juu Pagoda

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy day around Samui with the occasional shower. Max temp reached 30C

In Khao Lak we had a nice morning and afternoon with the daily 2pm shower. Max temp reached 33.3C

Tsunami alarm tower in Khao Lak

This is also Khao Lak, a tsunami alarm tower near the beach

The forecast predicts a nice day today but more clouds and occasional showers for the rest of the 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

Sunday 16 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy around Koh Samui this morning with a current temp at 7am of 26.8C

In Khao Lak we have a nice blue sky early this morning and a current temp of 23.5C at 7am.

Chinese Temple, Maenam


Yesterday saw a bit of a mixed bag around Samui with some sunshine moments but also with some showers. Max temp reached 

In Khao Lak it started out cloudy, with rain in the early afternoon and a lovely later afternoon with a beautiful sunset. Max temp reached 33.2C

Khao Lak

Sunset in Khao Lak yesterday

The forecast predicts a rainy Sunday and next week should mostly see clouds and rain with occasionally some blue skies and a few sunbeams. Typical November weather.

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 15 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th November, 2014

Today's weather;

There's a mix of bright and heavy dark clouds laced both with blue spots around Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 27C

In Khao Lak, where the current PADI IDC is in full swing, it's also a mixed bag, clouds with blue spots in the sky. Current temp at 7am is 23.2C

Maenam

Remains of a house in a small soi in Maenam

Yesterday saw a bit of everything around both Samui and Khao Lak. A bit of sunshine, plenty of clouds and rain. Max temp reached 32C on Samui and 31.7C in Khao Lak.

Khao Lak

View over the mountains and hills from the back of my room in Khao Lak

The forecast predicts the wind to pick up a bit and it should be nostly cloudy for the next 7 days with plenty of showers to accompany this.

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 14 November 2014

Koh Samui marathon, 21st December 2014

At last the marathon will be back on Koh Samui, but I won't be in town! As a very enthusiastic Samui runner, that hurts! That Sunday I will arrive back home after a 3 week stay in Moalboal in the Philippines.

The two distances on offer are a 10.5km and a full marathon at 42.195km. Even if I would be on Samui, I could only train for the 10.5km distance.

Koh Samui marathon 2014

Start area is at Central Festival or possibly at Phru Chaweng. Start time for the marathon is at 4.30am and the 10.5km starts at 6am. Registration fees are respectively 400 and 300.-THB. Entry fee includes: race registration, running number, pre-race souvenir pack, commemorative finisher’s medal and trophies for category winners. 

Age Groups are;

Marathon (42.195 km)
Male: International Open | Up to 29 yrs | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60 & up
Female: International Open | Up to 29 yrs | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50 & up

Mini Marathon (10.5 km)
Male: International Open | Under 18 yrs | Open | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60 & up
Female: International Open | Under 18 yrs | Open | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50 & up

(Age group is calculated by 2014 minus year of birth)

Moe information, in Thai can be found here.

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 November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a bit of a mixed bag around Koh Samui this morning, many clouds with occasionally a blue spot in the sky. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

In Khao Lak we seem to have a lovely day ahead of us with almost perfect blue morning skies. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Fishermans Village, view towards the entrance

Fishermans Village with a view towards the entrance

Yesterday we saw a bit of clouds and a few raindrops around Samui with a max temp of 30.9C

in Khao Lak we had a lovely morning with a shower in the afternoon. max temp reached 32.8C


Main road in Khao Lak

The forecast predicts more clouds and some rain over the next couple of days with a lot more rain come Tuesday next 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

Thursday 13 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th November, 2014Thre

Today's weather;

There's a mixed bag of weather around Koh Samui's sky with clouds and blue spots but it looks like it will stay dry. Current temp at 7am is 24.9C

Yesterday I drove over to Khao Lak, where I will start a PADI IDC today. t's also partly clouded with blue spots in the sky and the current temp at 7am is 23.8C

Samui, monks in a songthaew

Monks in a songthaew or public taxi at Bophud traffic lights. Usually the monks travel for free

Yesterday saw a nice day around Samui with some sunny moments and a max temp of 32C

During my drive over to Khao Lak I encountered one very hard and short shower near Surat Thani and the rest of the trip was nice and easy with a partially cloudy sky and nice temperatures in Khao Lak and a max temp of 32.5C

Phang Nga gas station

The gas station near Phang Nga where I always stop on my down to Khao Lak or Phuket is up and running again and has changed a lot, but you can get gas and diesel again and food is now also available again.

The forecast predicts more cloudy skies coming up around Samui and plenty of rain as of Tuesday 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 12 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th November, 2014

Today's weather;

We have an almost clear blue sky this morning over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 26C

I'm on my way to Khao Lak later today, where I will start a PADI IDC tomorrow. 

Khao Hua Juu pagoda, Chaweng

Sign at the Khao Hua Juu pagoda overlooking Chaweng

Yesterday saw a dry day for a change again with bits of blue sky and some clouds thrown in for good measure. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast predicts fairly nice days with sunshine, sometimes some clouds and a shower for the enxt couple of days. As of Tuesday we may see some stronger wind, clouds and plenty of rain.

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 11 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's a mixed this morning around Koh Samui, this morning during my run there a bit of a drizzle whilst I could see vast blue skies in front of me. That's probably how it will be today around the island, a mix of everything. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Wat Nara Charoen Suk, Lipa Noi

Mural painting at a building at Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi

Yesterday saw a cloudy day with a few showers thrown in. Max temp reached 29.5C

The forecast is looking fairly good, sometimes a few moments of sunshine mixed with clouds and the occasional shower.

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 10 November 2014

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's grey and dry at the moment around Koh Samui but there was some heavy rain during the night and a few moments ago. I expect more rain today. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Electricity pole accident Choengmon

This electricity pole was rammed during heavy rain by a truck in Choengmon. About 7 PEA (Provincial Electricity Agency) trucks and 2 Rescue cars were on standby when it was fixed. Did I mention that the pole was positioned off the side walk, the driver of the truck didn't see it due to hard rain. Guess who got blamed for the accident. Indeed, the driver of the truck. Thai logic! Heavy rain can have unexpected side effects

Yesterday saw lots of rain, 45mm but it wasn't as bad as predicted earlier this week. Yes, there was a strong wind at times but no stormy wind all day long. Lots of rain though but not all day long as predicted. Max temp reached 29C

Pole before accident

The electricity pole before the accident, check it's location

The forecast tells us that we may expect less cloudy and drier days during the week and come the weekend the clouds may move in 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

Sunday 9 November 2014

Coconut workplace in Hua Thanon

If you're on your way down to the Sweet Sisters cafe, the 100 year old house or the distillery in the Ban Thale / Hua Thanon area, you may pass this very traditional coconut workplace.

Coconut workplace entrance

The entrance to the premises

This workplace is very much Samui old style tradition! Coconuts bought around the island, for anywhere between 2-3 Baht per coconut (pending on the season, demand, etc) are gathered here and being worked on.

Coconut workplace piles of coconuts

Piles of coconuts are everywhere



Coconut workplace piles of coconuts

Working the coconuts

First thing is to sort them out for being usable, a job already started by the collector and secondly and very important, is splitting the coconut open with a sharp object, the sea-am เสียม, mounted on a wooden pole (as pictured below). Once the coconut is split open, it will allow access to the coconut meat, which is scraped out of the nuts and gathered.

Coconut workplace scenic view

Smouldering remains of coconuts

The coconut meat is than used for many applications, like making virgin coconut oil or coconut sun lotion. Both products are being sold here on the premises at the shop.
The sea-am เสียม is a popular decoration item and comes in many different forms and shapes. The Natural Museum in Lamai has several on display.

Coconut workplace splitter

The splitter or sea-am เสียม

Coconut farming was the main source of income on Samui, besides fishing, back before the island was discovered as a tourist destination, back in the 1970's. Samui was one of the main providers of coconuts in Thailand, back in those days and many local people had monkeys to climb the trees and release the coconuts.
Traditionally, the 'good' or favorite children received the land plots with the valuable coconut trees inland and the less favored children or sometimes 'the black sheep' in the family received ownership of the at the time being 'useless' beach land. 
How times have changed!

Coconut workplace the shop

The shop selling virgin coconut oil and more related articles

This workplace is one of the few places left on the island where coconuts are being processed and is well worth a visit, to see come old style and traditional handy craft work in process.

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