Monday 30 September 2013

Goodbye to September 2013

We're at the end of another month and it was a great month with the birth of our second daughter and third child. 

On to the weather though, it was not as great a September as usual. In my opinion there were more cloudy days and a bit more rain than average during September around Koh Samui. We also had some very nice sunny nd very hot days but in average cloudy days had the upper hand.

Wat Na Phalaan in Maenam

Buddha statue at Wat Na Phalaan in Maenam

The month started out with a PADI IDC on Koh Phangan and an attempted run in Phuket which turned out to be the prelude to the birth of our daughter.

Good food was had and at last I managed to get a review up for Sabeinglae 2 in ChawengThaa Yai was celebrated again and all in all it was a good month for our family.

Looking forward to October, see you all next month, which will see lots of work for me with PADI IDC's being conducted on home turf here on Koh Samui and later in the month on Gili Air in Indonesia.

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 September, 2013

Today's weather;

The sky is cloudy and grey this morning but it's dry for the time being around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Fountain opposite Seatran pier in Nathon

The new fountain opposite the Seatran pier in Nathon

Yesterday started out nice with a partly blue sky in the morning but unfortunately that didn't last very long, soon enough clouds moved in and there was a fair bit of wind with a few isloated showers or drizzle. Max temp reached around 31.5C

The forecast looks good enough until Friday when hard wind and plenty of rain is predicted. Rain can be expected every day though for 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

Sunday 29 September 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th September, 2013

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky with a few clouds in it is hovering over Koh Samui this morning and it could well be a very hot day. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

In conjunction with the THA (Thai Hotel Association, Samui chapter, we will have an underwater beach clean up at Chaweng beach, a report will follow later.

Sunset at Nathon hospital

Another beautiful sunset at Nathon hospital yesterday

Yesterday saw a nice morning with blue skies but around 1pm, very dark clouds started to show up  over the ocean and  this culminated in a fierce but short shower around 1.30pm but after wards it was dry and even sunny again. Max temp reached 33.5C

The forecast predicts some rain possibly today, Wednesday and Thursday being very nice but come Friday the wind starts to pick up again accompanied with 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

Saturday 28 September 2013

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th September, 2013

Today's weather;

It's slightly clouded around Koh Samui with still plenty of blue spots in the sky and a current temp at 7am of 26C

Sunset in Nathon

Sunset at Nathon hospital yesterday, where my wife and the new born baby are

Yesterday saw a bit more clouds during the day but still with enough blue spots to make the sun lovers happy. Max temp reached 33.5C

The forecast has eased up a bit and looks a lot nicer now for the next 7 days. Still some wind and possibly some rain are expected for tomorrow and Monday but after that it's looking like more blue skies to come our way!

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 27 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

The update is very late today because I was in the hospital all night and just got back home but all is good and we can welcome our new daughter and sister to our family.

In the meantime, the weather around Koh Samui saw a bit more clouds today but still plenty of sunshine and a nice breeze. Current temp at almost 4pm is around 33C

Seatran pier Nathon

The newly renovated entry to the Seatran pier in Nathon, the 'Cocoport'

Yesterday saw a blue sky all day long and it was very hot with a max temp of 34.8C

The forecast predicts an increase in wind until Tuesday with a fair bit of rain and come Friday it should all slow down again and possibly become sunny 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 26 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

A gorgeous blue sky welcomed Koh Samui this morning and it looks like a third very wam or rather hot day in a row. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Government Hospital in Nathon

The Government Hospital in Nathon, where my wife is since two nights, in observation before the birth of our 3rd child

Yesterday saw blue skies all day long and it was hot! Max temp reached 34.3C

The forecast predicts potentially more sunny days until Sunday when wind and rain should kick in again, with even stronger wind later next week but less 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

Wednesday 25 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

There's a nice blue sky around Koh Samui with a few clouds in it and at the moment no wind. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Sunset at Nathon

Sunset yesterday at Nathon

Yesterday morning started out cloudy but soon enough the sun broke through and it was warm or rather hot. During the afternoon some very strong wind came up. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast shows a bit less wind until Saturday, the wind starts to pick up Sunday again and rain is expected as of Monday.

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 24 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's good to be back on Koh Samui again. It's cloudy though with at times some strong wind and the sun tries to break through but the cloud cover seems to be too thick. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Gas station and rest stop near Phang Nga

 The gas station and rest stop near Phang Nga, our stop on our way down to Phuket or Khao Lak

Yesterday we had a good drive over from Phuket to Samui and it was a warm day around the island with a tiny little bit of rain at some parts. Max temp reached 33.5C

The forecast still shows a fair wind until the weekend and plenty of rain starting as of Sunday.

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 23 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is cloudy this morning and there's a chance of an early drizzle. Current temp at 7am is 27C

In Phuket Town, where we are waiting for my wife to be released from hospital, so we can drive back home today, it's cloudy but dry. Current temp at 7am is 28.2C

Green Tree Villas Phuket

The lake at Green Tree Villas, where we stayed during our first night in Phuket. A beautiful location

Yesterday saw a cloudy day around Samui but it remained mostly dry, besides a bit of drizzle at times. Max temp reached 32.3C

In Phuket it was nice and even a bit sunny. Max temp here reached around 31C

The forecast for the next 7 days still predicts fairly strong wind but with less rain. It's still likely to rain but not as much as was predicted yesterday.

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 22 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and grey with a bit of a drizzle around Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

We're in Phuket however and instead of a race report, it turned out to be a DNS (did not start) due to my wife experiencing signs that our new family member is considering an early start in life, so my wife is in the Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town for observation and we will extend our stay with at least one night. 
It's cloudy but dry in Phuket with a tiny bit of sunshine. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Temple in Phuket Town

A temple in Phuket Town, located in the hills behind Vachira Hospital

Yesterday was a cloudy but dry day around Samui with a max temp of 31.4C
We had a swift drive over to Phuket and it remained dry all the way except a 3 minute drizzle and we even had some sunshine on occasion. 

The forecast shows a fairly strong wind all week long with a good chance of rain come next 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

Saturday 21 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is grey and cloudy again but it's dry at the moment although I would expect rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

This morning Samui's first Green Market will be held between 9am and noon, go out and visit and support this great initiative!

Instead of going to the Green Market and tomorrow's opening of Samui's 2nd Car Free Week, I will be off to Phuket today to run a 10.5km race tomorrow. Will be back later tomorrow, during the late afternoon.

Fruit at Hua Thanon market

Fruit at the Hua Thanon market, this morning you don't want to miss Samui's first Green Market between 9am and noon

Yesterday saw a cloudy day with an occasional shower during the daytime and some hard rain fading in and out during the early evening. Max temp reached 30.3C

The forecast predicts a dry day today but the strong wind will hold on until next weekend with rain to go along it!

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 20 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

The sky is covered with dark grey clouds this morning around Koh Samui and although rain is in the air it remained dry so far. Current temp at 7am is 24.9C

Today's weather update is a bit later than usual because I was at the local temple for the yearly Thaa Yai celebration.

Wat PLai Laem

Wat Plai Laem this morning during the Thaa Yai celebration

Yesterday saw a dry morning but around 1pm all hell broke loose with a hefty storm and hard rain. This lasted for maybe 15 minutes and afterwards there was a drizzle for a while. Max temp reached 29.1C

The forecast hasn't changed much, strong wind accompanied by some rain for 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

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013


Today, the Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013 or the welcoming of the deceased ceremony, also known as Thaa Yai locally, was celebrated around Koh Samui and our family went to celebrate at Wat Plai Laem, around the corner so to speak.

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013; Plenty of food displayed on a couple of tables

Each year the deceased are asked to come and visit and celebrate together and share the food. After a few weeks, there will be the ending ceremony for Thaa Yai and the deceased are off, until next year.

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013; Curries and the like for the Monks, once they have eaten, all food is distributed among attendees

Plenty of family and friends can be found at the Temple and that alone is almost worth visiting each year. Besides that, the shopping for and preparation of the food is already an event in itself.
Some special sweets or 'Kanom' are made each year around Thaa Yai, only available during this time of the year.

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013; A traditional Thaa Yai food basket, with money and little in scripted flags for the deceased, asking them to come and visit

This years event was busy as usual although the weather wasn't that great. Cloudy skies but luckily it stayed dry.

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013; A very big food basket

We had some good curry, deep fried fish, shell fish and plenty of other treats, prepared by the various members of the extensive family in law.

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013

Thaa Yai at Wat Plai Laem 2013; The guys sitting outside during the ceremony, waiting for the monks to finish their prayers and chanting

It was good to be here again during Thaa Yai this year and hopefully I will have time to visit and report about ending of Thaa Yai, in a few weeks time.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two.

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

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

Camille

Edited 20/09/2017

Thursday 19 September 2013

Food on wheels; BBQ-ed banana

This month addition to the ongoing 'Food on Wheels' series is from a rarer kind around the island nowadays. 

BBQ-ed banana vendor and cart

BBQ-ed banana vendor and cart

The lady pictured here does not posses a motorized wheel variation but has a push cart and what she's selling, the BBQ-ed bananas, are not that much seen anymore around Samui. Together this makes for a rather interesting photo opportunity!

BBQ-ed banana

What it's all about; BBQ-ed bananas

The bananas being BBQ-ed. They're a specific kind of bananas; 'gluei nam wa' just one among the dozens of various kind of bananas available in Thailand. 
As with apples, some are better eaten raw, some stand out when cooking. If you visit (fruit) markets around the island, you will notice that some are fatter than others, and both color and taste differ, too

BBQ-ed banana; the accessories

BBQ-ed banana; the finished product in a bag and as the accessories; the sweet coconut based sauce

Once the bananas are done being BBQ-ed, they're put in a plastic bag (what else!) and if it's take away to eat at home, you will receive another small bag filled with an almost soup like liquor, the coconut based sweet sauce. If you decide to have a bag of bananas to eat at the spot, the sauce will be poured into the bag straight at the cart and you can start dipping in right there and then!

BBQ-ed banana; the pushcart

A push cart, that's it! Oh yes, and bananas of course 

This lady is located opposite Samui Mart in Nathon, next to the bank building. When in Nathon, worthwhile checking out and getting a bag with sticks of BBQ-ed bananas. each stick goes for around 10 Baht, pending on how heavily laden the stick is.

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; 19th September, 2013

Today's weather;

It's cloudy this morning around Koh Samui and rain is definitively in the air, during my early morning run there was already a bit of a drizzle. Current temp at 7am is 27C

If you're interested in a local event, tomorrow, early in the morning, between 5 and 6am, at all temples around the island, Thaa Yai will celebrated.

If you're interested in some very good Thai food, read my review from a few days ago about Sabeinglae 2 in Chaweng. Well worth a visit!

Hua Thanon market

Fruit at the Hua Thanon market

Yesterday saw a mostly cloudy day although the afternoon was very warm. There was a trace of rain and the max temp reached 33.5C

The forecast changed drastically and gives some reason for concern. It's going to be non stop cloudy for the next 7 days and tonight will be the first moment with strong wind, to be continued onto next Thursday, with rain to accompany the wind gusts.

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 18 September 2013

Koh Samui car free week 2013, 22 - 29 September 2013

Just like last year, there will be a car free week, to be held from 22nd to 29th September around the island.

Koh Samui car free week 2012

Koh Samui car free week 2012 at Chaweng lake

The Green Island Foundation website had this information available;

On 22nd September about 300 of cyclists are joining a bike rally for Samui Car Free Week organized by Green Island Foundation, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Koh Samui Municipality, Green Leaf Foundation, Tourism association of Koh Samui, Thai Hotel Association, and Koh Samui Cycling Club to raise awareness on climate change and the need for personal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Koh Samui car free week 2013


22th Sep Meet up at Namuang Football stadium
Activity: Opening day on September 22nd, 2013

8.00-9.00 all cyclists gather at Namuang football Stadium to register and receive t-shirt/ speech/Representatives from villager announce activities during the Car Free Week
9.00- 10.00 Samui Car Free day cheer formation
10.00-10.10 Deliver the Bicycle signage to the village headman
10.10-11.00 Ride around the route and install the bicycle signage
11.00-12.00 Car Free Week fair and raffle
12.00-13.00 Enjoy lunch sponsored by Bangkok Airways

Activity: Opening day on September 26th, 2013
15.00-15.30 all cyclists gather at a space behind Maenam Police Station speech/ TAT announce activities during the Car Free Week / Bicycle Signage installation
15.30- 17.00 Ride to explore the spiritual route in Maenam
17.30-18.00 bicycle parking installation

Activity: Opening day on September 29th, 2013
16.00-16.30 all cyclists gather at Big C and enjoy coffee sponsored by Starbucks Coffee
16.30-17.00 Major of Samui presents bicycle to Major of Amsterdam and the Governor of Surathani
17.00-17.30 all cyclists ride to Fair House Villa
17.30-18.30 Award presentation to honor 14 cyclists champions
18.30 onward all cyclists are offered free ticket to enter Samui Jazz concert

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 September, 2013

Today's weather;

There's a thin cloud layer over Koh Samui but at the moment the sun is not really capable of breaking through that layer. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Don't forget to check out the Dengue fever warning I posted yesterday.

Lamai beach

Part of Lamai beach in front of Samui Beach resort

Yesterday saw a day mostly covered under clouds with an occasional peek of the sun and it seems that during the night it may have rained. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast shows some serious heavy wind for tomorrow and Friday and it does seem to hold on with a fierce strength until mid week, 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

Tuesday 17 September 2013

Dengue fever warning around Koh Samui

According to the Samui Times, today a public information truck was driving around the island giving out a long message in Thai. We missed the truck since I was visiting the Immigration office to extend my yearly visa.

The truck was supposedly from the health service and is asking island residents to take preventative measures against the spread of dengue fever that is now a huge problem on the island.

In July the Bangkok Post already warned for a dengue epidemic, numbers already being three times higher compared to last year and The Wall Street Journal, Asia edition in August mentioned a three fold death toll this year alone in Thailand compared to last year.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

 Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry the virus that causes dengue fever

The message transmitted today asked residents of Koh Samui to make sure there's no standing water around your houses since this standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for  the mosquitoes that spread this disease.

If you have any standing pots of water please cover them and check your house and outdoor plants to ensure they are not sitting in a pool of water in the saucer underneath.

If you have plants that grow in tubs of water then please either buy some fish to live in the water that will eat the mosquito eggs or buy some fertilizer to put into the water that will prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.

Please check around your house for any stagnant water or still water and either pour it away, cover it or put fish in it.

From the Bumrungrad Hospital website;

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry the virus that causes dengue fever, and they infect 50 million people a year, including 500,000 serious cases requiring hospitalization. (source: WHO)

Transmission: Virus-carrying mosquitoes breed in clear water and are usually found in and around housing developments in urban areas. They are most active in the daytime. The virus can only be transmitted from mosquito to human; it is not passed from one person to another.

Symptoms: Once a person is bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito, symptoms only appear after an incubation period of three to 15 days (5 to 8 days in most cases). Dengue fever’s most common symptoms include:

  • Sudden chills and pain around the eyes;
  • High fever, up to 104° F / 40° C;
  • Headaches, muscle pain and neck pain;
  • Unexplained lethargy, loss of appetite;
  • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea;
  • Skin rash that usual starts around the abdomen and upper torso.

The high fever and other symptoms usually persist for two to four days and are followed by a rapid drop in temperature and profuse sweating. Next, a temporary respite usually lasting about a day brings a feeling of well-being as body temperature returns to normal. That’s followed by a second round of fast-rising fever accompanied by a rash which spreads from the extremities until it covers the full body except the face. Some patients suffer swelling and redness on the palms and soles of their feet.

Treating dengue:  There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but it’s important to see your doctor if you develop dengue-like symptoms. In mild cases, doctors usually recommend patients drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, take Tylenol or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever, and be sure to get plenty of rest.

More severe dengue cases require hospital admission. Patients usually undergo intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolyte replacement, blood pressure monitoring, and in some cases patients may require transfusions to replace lost blood.

Less than 1% of dengue cases are fatal. The acute phase of the illness marked by fever and muscle pain lasts about one to two weeks. Patients usually feel quite weak, and full recovery can take several weeks.

Prevention tips:  Since the virus is transmitted mosquito-to-human, prevention entails both controlling and eradicating mosquitoes and taking action to protect oneself from being bitten.It’s important to empty standing water from places mosquitoes breed such as discarded old tires, trash cans and flower pots.

Wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts helps guard against mosquito bites, and consider using a mosquito repellent containing DEET when visiting places where dengue is endemic. Avoid areas with standing water and stay indoors in the morning until two hours after sunrise and at sunset to further reduce your risk of being bitten, although nowadays it's also thought the the Dengue mosquitoes also are at work during the night 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; 17th September, 2013

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has grey overcast to show for this morning. Looks like the blue bit has gone for a short break. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Don't forget to check out the first Samui Green Market this coming Sunday.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand

Remnants of last weeks big meeting on the island, flags of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand blowing in the wind along the road

Yesterday saw a fairly nice morning with an occasional blue ray but the afternoon was nice when the sky opened up and a bit more sun broke through. The early evening, around 8pm we had a thunder and light show with some rain though. Max temp reached 33.9C

The forecast looks pretty grim from Thursday to Saturday with strong wind and rain but come Monday it should be a lot nicer 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

Monday 16 September 2013

Samui Green Market, 21st September

On Saturday 21st of September you will have the opportunity to visit the Samui Green Market that will be held near the Peace resort opposite the Anantara Resort in Bophud or west of the Bandara Resort on opposite side of the road and in front the 'Island Girl' and 'Favorite Things' shops.

Can we live a healthy organic and chemical-free life on our island? It's not easy, but what's the best we can do? Maybe this idea can be a 'seed' idea for more likewise events/markets around the island.

At this market you will be able host a table to sell any home-grown or homemade healthy products, show your support for feeding and nurturing yourself without harming the environment and sign up for a cooperate buying scheme.


Samui Green Market

The market will offer products that wherever possible are chemical free, organic, locally grown, homemade, healthy and kind to animals. There is so much to gain by joining the market, but please remember to take your own shopping bags, there will definitely be no shopping bags there!

The market will be open from 9am until 12pm For more info or to book a table/ stall contact
Shelley 081-892-1180 Lorraine 089-047-6348

Truly hope this will be a successful event and if I'm on the island I will visit although I have plans to participate in a running event in Phuket.

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; 16th September, 2013

Today's weather;

This morning Koh Samui's sky had a bit of blue in it during the sunrise of my early morning run but by now it's all cloudy. Current temp at 7am is 25.8C

Entrance sign near Sabeinglae 2 in Chaweng

Entrance sign near Sabeinglae 2 in Chaweng, a great Thai restaurant 

Yesterday saw some blue spots during the morning but the afternoon saw mostly cloudy skies. Max temp reached 32.9C

 The forecast is not looking great for the next 7 days, from Thursday onward there could be three days of strong wind, almost of storm like power with rain to accompany it but come Monday things should be a lot nicer 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

Sabeinglae 2 restaurant, Chaweng

On a regular base we've visited Sabeinglae 2 in Chaweng during the last couple of months. With friends and family and every time with nods of approval all around.
This is a sister restaurant to Sabeinglea in Lamai, of which we were already big fans! It's been around since a year and a half at least by now but this is the first time I actually took some pictures and this blog post is the result.

Sabeinglae 2 entrance in Chaweng

The entrance to the restaurant

The location is not completely easy to find but it's near Tesco Lotus on the ring road, at the traffic lights, coming from Tesco's, immediately hang a right after the crossing, there's a 7-11 or Family Mart on the corner. Can't miss it, or can you?

Interior of the restaurant, including the bar

Interior of the restaurant, with a view on the bar

Over the years we've been visiting the Lamai restaurant on a regular base but having now the option to stay a lot closer to home is great! The food in both places is quality and the prices are affordable. In Lamai the restaurant is located on the beach, which is an extra bonus.


Outside sitting area

The owner has the same family name as my wife and it doesn't come a as surprise that they're somehow related. The owner is also active in the local political scene, he was running for the recent mayor position, a few months back.

Fresh oysters

Fresh oysters or 'hoi naang rom' หอยนางรม for starters, very fresh indeed and delicious and look at the size of them!

The atmosphere in the Chaweng outlet is very relaxed and they have a one man band who sings songs at request. Usually the crowd consists of a mix of locals and Westerners with Thai families.

Curry powder with soft shell crab

Curry powder with soft shell crab or or 'puu nim phad pong karie' ปูนิ่มผัดผงกะหรี่ delicious and plenty

As already mention, the food is great, there's a big menu and if you're a little bit savvy in ordering Thai food, you'll have a party here!

Deep fried white snapper

Deep fried white snapper or 'plaa kapong tod naam plaa' ปลากะพงทอดน้ำปลา

Fish and seafood is always fresh and one of my faves on the menu is their giant prawns in tamarind sauce 'kung sod makham' กุ้งซอสมะขามปียก 

Naam prik

Naam prik prikthai on น้ำพริกพริกไทยอ่อน, a ground paste not really to my liking but Thai people seem to love it!

Definitively a restaurant to look up for some quality Thai food in a relaxed atmosphere. Bigger groups an also be catered to, we went there with 17 people and they dealt with easily.

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 15 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is fairly blue this morning with a few clouds in it and a current temp at 7am of 26.5C

Today are provincial elections around the island and all of Surat Thani province.

Bophud school

At Bophud school they're putting the roof on what's going to be a sports hall

Yesterday started out cloudy, during the morning the clouds lifted nicely but around noon it ws cloudy again. Nonetheless it was warm all day long yesterday with a max temp of 32.6C

The forecast for the next 7 days changed a bit and now it shows more wind, more clouds and more likely to have rain after Tuesday with a climax come Friday.

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 14 September 2013

Provincial elections for Surat Thani tomorrow

Tomorrow it's show time again, provincial elections are being held for the province or changwat (จังหวัด) of Surat Thani.

Provincial elections in Surat Thani province

A poster for the Democrat Party for tomorrow's provincial elections

This will mean that bars will be closed and no alcohol is served, unless you are in a restaurant and you can still order your beer or wine there!

On my recent travels to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao I have only seen posters by two parties and it's the same on Koh Samui!

The actual voting mostly takes place in local schools which in place can mostly be found again at the local temples.

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 September, 2013

Today's weather;

It's a bit of mixed bag this morning around Koh Samui, mostly cloudy but there are a few blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Bird singing contest on Koh Samui

A typical Southern Thai thing; a bird singing contest, held in Wat Bophud Tharam. These contests originate from the Muslim population.

Yesterday saw a fairly sunny and dry day with a max temp of 32.6C

The forecast for the next 7 days didn't change much, fairly windy, cloudy and an occasional tropical shower will be always an option.

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 13 September 2013

Big meeting on the island

After getting back home yesterday afternoon, I was busy running around the island, organizing things for my yearly visa renewal. Including a visit to the Immigration office in Nathon.


On an online forum I had already seen that there was a regular closing up of roads to give way to small convoys. Today it became very clear what was going, 3 different meeting (the way I understand it) are taking place on Koh Samui. Around the island you can see three flags stuck together; Malaysia, Indonesia and the Thailand flag. Well, with this information and the picture above, maybe you can make sense out of what is exactly going on ;-)

Either way, they had their last day of meetings today.

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 September, 2013

Today's weather;

Friday 13th! It's nice and mostly blue with a few clouds over Koh Samui this Friday! Current temp at 7am is 24.5C and it's good to be home again after the PADI IE on Koh Tao was completed yesterday!

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem, the main building being done up currently

Yesterday started out cloudy but it was nice and sunny by midday and when we left Koh Tao but by the time I arrived at Samui it was pouring down, like seriously torrential. Lots of rain came down in a short time frame and to top it off there was a two hour power cut when I got home! Max temp reached 32.3C

The forecast shows fairly windy and cloudy days ahead of us for next week with occasionally 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

Thursday 12 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has a bit of sunshine this morning but on Koh Tao it's windy and cloudy. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C
Today the PADI IE on Koh Tao will finish and in the afternoon I will be back home again.

Turtle on Koh Tao

The second turtle on Koh Tao that I know about, also in Mae Haad, near the harbor

Yesterday saw a cloudy day with a little bit if sunshine during the morning but fairly hard rain started around 4pm on Samui and around 5.30pm on Koh Tao. Max temp reached around 32.3C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows a bit of wind and cloudy days but not so much 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

Wednesday 11 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has a bit of sunshine but it's sky also has clouds whilst in the meantime, back on Koh Tao where I am for the PADI IE of my to candidates. it's very cloudy but dry. Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Koh Tao, turtle island

Koh Tao means turtle island and here's the turtle statue at top of the mountain in Mae Haad

Yesterday was partly cloudy with enough sunshine to make it a nice day without getting too warm. Max temp reached 30.7C

The forecast has changed slightly, the wind has dropped a bit but is still at medium strength all week long with rain expected this evening.
There's a rain warning for 26 provinces until 15th September, but not for Surat Thani of which the Samui archipelago is part.

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
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Tuesday 10 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

Both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are fairly cloudy with a few blue spots. Especially over land it's cloudy. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

The PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for this month has now officially completed been completed and in a few hours we're off to Koh Tao where my candidates will participate in a PADI IE until Thursday.

Haad Chao Phao, Koh Phangan

Haad Chao Phao on Koh Phangan, a small but very nice beach

Yesterday saw clouds in the morning but around noon it was nice and blue again and it stayed like that all day long. It was warm but not as hot as last month. By 10pm we had a short shower. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast unfortunately sees a drastic in the prediction for the next 7 days, loads of clouds until the weekend with hard wind and lots of rain Thursday and a bit of relief over the weekend. Still cloudy 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

Monday 9 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it's raining this morning and here on Koh Phangan it's very cloudy and grey. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

The current PADI IDC on Koh Phangan is about to finish today and tomorrow we will head over to Koh Tao for the PADI IE. Come Thursday I should be back home again on Samui.

Ban Tai harbor, Koh Phangan

The harbor in Ban Tai on Koh Phangan during the early evening

Yesterday saw a fairly cloudy morning with some very hard rain between 11am and 1pm but blue skies again afterwards. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast has changed a bit, the blue skies seem now to be a bit more distant and some clouds, wind and rain may be expected for the bext couple of days and maybe some more blue in the sky towards 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

Sunday 8 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it's fairly sunny but here on Koh Phangan it's cloudy with just very few small blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Yesterday we had for the second during my current stay dinner at my fave Italian restaurant (almost for all of Thailand) in Chaloklum at Caffe della moca. Good company and good food.

Haad Chao Phao, Koh Phangan

Haad Chao Phao on Koh Phangan in the early evening

Yesterday was a fairly cloudy day around Phangan, with milky cloud layers but also the sun breaking through at times. Samui was sunnier. Max temp reached 32,5C
I did wake up last night a few times because a massive and very loud thunder passing over although I don't think it rained.

The forecast for the next 7 day shows a bit more overcast but still plenty of sunshine and the occasional tropical shower may be around.

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 7 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are fairly cloudy this morning, on Koh Phangan there are even some dark clouds looming over the mountains. Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

Mountain view Koh Phangan

View on top of the mountain between Haad Chao Phao and Haad Yao on Koh Phangan

Yesterday saw fairly nice and sunny days on both islands but during the evening there was some rain again on Koh Phangan. Max temp reached 34.2C

The forecast predicts some heavy clouds and rain for tomorrow and Monday and it should clear up as of Tuesday for a few days but come Thursday more cloudy days with some showers 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

Friday 6 September 2013

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

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has blue skies to show for this morning but on Koh Phangan over land it's very cloudy and over the ocean there are a few blue spots. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

Sunset Koh Phangan

Another sunset on Koh Phangan, it has it's advantages if you live on the West side of the island

Yesterday saw plenty of sunshine and during the early evening and night some showers. Max temp reached 34.5C

The forecast still predicts overcast until and including the weekend but after the weekend we should have very blue skies for a few days.A tropical shower is also in the cards at any given 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