May 012012
 

Apparently, there’s an invented holiday called Hammock Day. Just one? Na – if you’re excited to be visiting Koh Samui this July, circle the calendar as Hammock Month. With assuredly glorious temperatures, plenty of sunshine and – this year – the Olympics to enjoy while sipping your Singha, it doesn’t get better than Koh Samui in July. Just a few things to look forward to:

What’s on: Koh Samui in July

Not too much in the way of big island events in July 2012, but perhaps you’re importing celebrations of your own? July is a popular time for weddings and honeymoons – if you’re in that lucky demographic, congrats!

Non-Thai national holidays in July include:

  • July 1: July 1st is Canada Day. If, to you, this means beer and BBQ – try The Shack, a great restaurant in Fisherman’s Village. (Or check out our Koh Samui Guide for pages of restaurant recommendations and self-catering advice).
  • July 4: And, indeed, the fourth means Independence Day for Americans. (For a taste of home around happy hour, perhaps try Fisherman’s Village pub The Frog & Gecko – co-owned by an American, you might be in luck).

If you need to satisfy a fireworks urge to personally celebrate either occasion, consider heading to a beach like Bophut or Choeng Mon after dark and finding a vendor selling a candlelit paper lantern. A very Thai way to celebrate whatever needs must! Get details and more ideas for Koh Samui nightlife.

Elsewhere in the world, the end of July means the start of the 2012 London Olympics.

  • July 27: Summer Olympics opening ceremonies (see the Wiki about Thai athletes participating). With Thailand 6 hours ahead of London, you’ll easily accommodate as much or as little Olympic obsession as suits, with no imposition on your beach time. Dozens of pubs and restaurants show international sports – you can even choose a bar to match the country you’ll support. Otherwise, most resorts offer satellite and/or cable TV to catch bits and pieces from your room.

Koh Samui weather in July

Koh Samui’s average July temperature from 2008-2011? A more-than-acceptable 29.25 degrees Celsius (84.65 degrees Fahrenheit)*. The coldest it ever dropped was 23 degrees – not exactly jeans weather, even then. If you read much about Koh Samui in July, you’ll probably see the phrase “afternoon rain shower” – nothing to fret about! Learn more about Koh Samui’s weather, and why you’ll love the occasional tropical shower. Then, read up on recommended rainy activities while nature waters this island jungle. Seriously – rain – not a problem. It will be sunny plenty of the time (especially if you come prepared with great beach books).

Need help planning the rest of your trip?

If you’re excited beyond belief, but still have questions – definitely take a look at our Koh Samui Guide. You can download it instantly in PDF or Kindle formats, and consider your trip-planning complete (we even help you pack!).

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* Source: Wunderground

Apr 032012
 

Counting down the days until your trip to Samui this month? We’ll fuel that fire! In fact, hurry up! It’s about to get great. Whether through sheer luck or a cunning plan, it’s likely your April visit will coincide with Songkran (Thai New Year, celebrated as a water festival). In our books, Songkran on Samui tops the last day of school for spontaneous expressions of joy.

What’s on in April

  • April 6: This Friday is the Thai holiday Chakri Day (learn more about it at Wikipedia).
  • April 7-8: Coming up this weekend  – Easter. Expect larger hotels and resorts to offer great brunch options, and possibly easter egg hunts for children. Many expat restaurants also offer a Sunday roast dinner if your holidays are as food-focused as ours! Continue reading »
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Mar 162012
 

Samui in September = really, truly gorgeous weather. Don’t tell Santa (or Songkran) but it’s our favourite month of Koh Samui’s climate. Better still? After August, almost everyone else has returned to the real world with school and job commitments – you’ve got the beaches to yourself, and still a wide margin of weather safety until rainy season shows up sometime in October.

Yep – that’s our verdict. Koh Samui in September is a genius move. Here’s what to know, and what to do! Continue reading »

Jan 252012
 

For the most part, Koh Samui weather is hot and sunny – just what you want for a perfect beach holiday. There are exceptions, though – notably when it’s HOT and sunny, and rainy season. Here are our best answers to the question:

“I’m coming in [month]. What will the weather be?”

Samui weather, month by month. (We both caution and cover our rears with this caveat: there’s no guarantee and this is a crazy world). Continue reading »

Jan 162012
 

Whether you’re coming to Samui during its rainy season, or meet some soggy weather for a day or two of your trip – here are a few activity ideas to best enjoy (or completely forget about) Koh Samui rain.

1. Eat two breakfasts… two lunches… Most restaurants, including those on the beach, have rain screens. Consider precipitation an invitation to gluttony & rain is no hardship. With nowhere else to be, the day unfolds at a leisurely pace. Continue reading »

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Jan 132012
 

For those of you lucky enough to be hitting Samui’s sunny shores this May – you’ve got a few treats in store. Thailand has a healthy dose of public holidays – at least 14 by our count [compared to the UK's meagre 8] – and May has a good few.

What’s on: Koh Samui in May.
  • May 1: First, on May 1st, is Labour Day. (Expect banks & many shops to be closed).
  • May 5: Next, on May 5th, is Coronation Day and celebrations last for a few days. Continue reading »
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Jan 092012
 

“When is rainy season on Koh Samui?” is our most-asked question with a “kind of, sort of” answer: As much as anyone can predict the weather these days, typically Koh Samui’s rainy season lasts from late October – December. Note that this is different from other parts of Thailand, including Phuket.

Samui’s rainy season – why bother?

Is it crazy to come to Samui during rainy season? If you’re coming to Koh Samui for the picture-postcard perfect beach, we wouldn’t recommend betting your sun holiday on this period. Hopes hung on nothing but sunshine could be disappointed. That being said, Samui’s rainy season holds huge appeal for relaxation and lazy days. (And the rates are often quite good!) We love a good tropical downpour, especially with a view out to sea. Continue reading »

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Jan 022012
 

Honestly, we can’t wait for June. Though grown adults, we associate the month (still) with the end of school, endless days of swimming, and practically living on popsicles and ice cream. Remember the days?

June on Samui? Happily, Koh Samui in June will easily accommodate all three activities – and pretty much anything else you need from a perfect early summer break. Specifically – Continue reading »

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