Phuket weather 14 June 2013

The picture gives the idea more then many words, forecast say another three days at least, then wind should get stronger and blow the clouds away.

The rivers and streams are also growing can compare with same picture taken just ten days ago,


For better conditions then alternative is the Gulf of Thailand where Koh Samui, Koh Pangan and Koh Tao are located that offer only bit of rain, can get from Phuket to Samui or Koh Tao just in one day. The picture here below has been taken in Ang Thong National park on 8 June 2013.  At the moment Samui sky is also covered but sea is calm and doesn't rain.

Phuket Weather 13 June 2013

Today we haven't see the Sun all day, a lot of rain and wind, can't say is a good day. however for those on holidays what can do, just try to get the best things, form shopping to spas.


The waterworks reservoir is now filling up quickly with three days of rain and heavy rain. This will make sure next winter Phuket won't be short of water.

For shopping the biggest place is Central Festival easy to find, just enough to ask a taxi to get there, if you are driving form any beach south of Phuket (Kata, Karon, Nai harn, Rawai) follow the direction to airport, they will bring you to Central festival junction and can't miss it really.

From Patong go over the hill to Kathu, then at Caltex Station turn right and follow the road for about 5 Km, you will have Central festival on your left side just before the junction where they are building the underpass.

Koh Tao Weather from 5 to 7 June 2013

This time a short report from Koh Tao the small island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous among those like to get certified as a new diver and for being best snorkeling destination in Thailand.

Sairee Beach at Koh Tao

Tanote Bay Koh Tao Thailand

During June and all through Summer the Gulf of Thailand offers very good condition with flat sea, sun shine and only few probability of rain. While the Andaman Coast on West side is exposed to South West monsoon that carry in may and June heavy rain, then normally quiet and good condition in July, August variable.







September and October are the same in both sides normally no wind but a lot of rain. When Monsoon change from North East then winter is coming and West Coast seas are flat, just few thunderstorm in November and December then sunshine and cool air (still between 24 and 27 Celsius) from January to April. At same time the Gulf of Thailand is exposed to strong wind and as result sea is rough with big waves. Rain can be heavy from October to December to then slow down from January to April.

Ao Leuk Bay koh Tao

Koh Tao weather was good with flat see perfect to enjoy snorkeling, some short rain fall during the night then hot and clear sky,

Visibility underwater in Koh Tao during Summer is good as on west Coast less plankton and less suspension making scuba diving very pleasant.

Nang Yuan Island

Phuket weather 12 June 2013

Today more rain and strong wind with high waves and rough sea. However on Patong beach business is almost as normal, surely just few people but don't forget that temperature never drop so still between 27 and 29 Celsius, making a beach walking under a sky full of clouds even a nice thing to do.

After few days raining is time for one of best activities in Phuket and most preferred by women...shopping. As Phuket offer a lot for this from big mall to small street stalls. 

One of most popular place is Junk Ceylon shopping center in Patong, here you can find international brands and a lot of local products, go down in the basement floor for Thai handcraft souvenirs.

Also best time to visit the week end market so won't be too hot and will take easy to walk and see all products and enjoy tasting Thai food and fruits.

Hello to our Great Friend Tony in Germany !

Phuket Weather 11 June 2013

As foreseen another day of rain but a very good surprise in the morning no wind so sea condition were good, good reward for those decided anyway to do some water activities.

This morning Patong streets were flooded making morning traffic jammed, so should check tide tables if you are going, diving, out on a boat, like surfing and when like to park you car.

Floods can happen because of high tide combined with heavy rain falls, this morning between 6:30 and 8:30 was raining a lot and how can see from the tide table here below, taken from Royal Phuket Marina web site, tide was coming up reaching maximum level at 12:00. This situation make impossible for the water in the canal to flush into the sea.

Phuket weather 9 and 10 June 2013

This time made one report for two days, the reason is simply...it is really raining now. During last 48 hours a lot of rain and as consequence Patong roads were flooded, the small streams around the island suddenly got big and strong.

Wind is also strong and waves can be up to three meters, forecasts say that will stay as this for next four to five days.

What do not do in Phuket when is raining !

Don't ride motorbikes, save your money and don't rent bikes, drive a bike in Phuket isn't easy in normal conditions, when is time for heavy rain and wind it is very dangerous. So don't look for trouble and go around comfortably in a taxi.

Don't walk bare feet when roads are flooded, you will save your flip flops but won't see where you are walking with the risk to step on sharp objects, cut your feet and may get an infection.

Don't enter rooms and buildings where air con is running if you are completely wet to avoid to get sick and spend rest of the holidays in bed. Shirt and T-shirt are cheap and available every where, buy one to keep your self dry. At any 7/11 and Family Mart can buy rain ponchos for few Bahts and keep yourself dry.

Don't keep your electronics in the pockets without waterproof protection, rain can be very strong and "flood' your pockets and bag too. Best solution is a dry bag, small made in rubber and silicon they keep dry all your staff...just don't put water in :-).

Don't play with waves, one more time we like to remind everyone that swim in the sea and play with waves on Phuket West coats during summer is dangerous because of strong rip current.

Loma Park – A relaxing place for the entire family

Looking for a little space to have a picnic near the water, perhaps some exercise equipment for you or playground equipment for the kids?  You have heard mention of a park decorated with Dolphins with lots of open space right next to the beach, but are not sure where it is?

Well Loma Park is right here on Patong Beach on the north end of the Beach Road across the road from the soccer field where all the construction is going on.  Of course, depending on when you read this, the construction may have finished, so please do not count on that as a landmark, since those seem to change fairly rapidly here in Phuket.

Having lived in Phuket for over four years, I discovered Loma Park several years ago and have spent many afternoons relaxing in the shade of the trees or catching a few rays to ensure my tan.  My long time girlfriend Oi and her friends like to meet here in the afternoon to practice their unique sect of Buddhism based on the teachings of Mayshu-Sama (don’t hold me to this spelling).  He was a Japanese believer who believed this was the age of enlightenment and that through prayer and a strong belief in the power of Buddha an individual could focus this power to heal other’s or their own ailments.  So if you are wondering around Loma Park in the afternoon, you may see a group of ladies Chatting and ‘Jo-rei’ing (focusing the power of Buddha through their upraised hands) each other.

If you are feeling a bit under the weather, you may want to stop and ask for their help, it is free and just takes a couple of minutes.  I am definitely not a true believer, but I have had two major heart attacks that the doctors did not think I would survive, but am still here after Oi and her friends prayed and ‘Jo-rei’ed on countless occasions.

But I digress, Loma Park is a great place to spend time enjoying the wonderful weather we enjoy here in Phuket year around (skip the rainy days).   At the south end of the park is a ‘stage’ area that sees many activities throughout the year.  Patong’s annual ‘Bike Week” activities are concentrated in the park, from a vast array of tents set up offering all kinds of foods as well as clothing and other souvenir items.  The stage, of course is where the nightly concerts and shows take place with lots of great music.   The King and Queen’s Birthdays are also celebrated here as well as other Buddhist festivals. 

When the park is not given over to these and other activities it offers a large open area for picnicking under large shade trees.  Once you have setup your picnic area, it is a short walk to the water’s edge to take a refreshing dip in the Andaman Sea.

It is a great place to get some wonderful pictures of the sunsets over Patong Bay.  A good thing about the beach area here is that it is much safer for swimming then either Karon or Kata Beach with their dangerous rip currents and strong undertows.

You can bring your own food or you can be sure there are lots of vendors walking about offering many Thai delicacies’ at reasonable prices.

The park is continually being cleaned and improved with new vegetation and trees to ensure it offers a pleasant environment for visits from all over the world.  Recently the old exercise and children’s playground equipment was replaced with newer modern equipment for adults and children to use.

Written by "Uncle Doug"
More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Weather 8 June 2013

Another awesome sunny and dry day. Forecasts provided by wind guru website, which are usually quite accurate, are saying that from tomorrow afternoon the wind intensity will increase and on Monday is expected to reach peaks of 20-25 knots and to have waves up to 3 meters. 

Probably not the best day to go out on a speedboat tour to Phi Phi or Racha Yai, better to stay on the safe side using a bigger and stable boat like Royal Jet Cruiser 9.

The conditions might slightly change between now and Monday however as we can see from the flags in the picture below today the wind already picked up a bit.

Go-Kart track in Kathu

The picture was taken at one of the two Go-Kart tracks located in Kathu near our office. In the past few years this area has developed hosting many of the most interesting Phuket Activities. You should probably consider enjoying such land-based activities on those days when the sea is expected to be very rough.

Phuket Weather 7 June 2013

Great surprise when I opened the house door today in early morning, a clear blue sky! I love the contrast between the lush green rain forest and the sky. We rarely see a such clean sky even during the dry season.

View of Kathu Rain Forest

Later after lunch I went to Karon Beach, in the meanwhile the sky got more covered but still very nice weather, perfect to enjoy the day on the beach or spend the day on a tour. With the winds blowing at altitude it's normal for clouds to come and go.

Swell at Karon Beach

Wind of course brings waves but this doesn't spoil the fun, somebody actually enjoys playing with the swell. There are as well areas that remain well sheltered and have flat waters also during monsoon season, like for example the beautiful Phang Nga Bay.

Red flags are scattered along the beach to warn the swimmers, especially Karon Beach is often affected by strong rip currents that can push you far away from the shore, so must always be very careful and better to stay where the water is still shallow. 

Swimmers with red flags at Karon Beach

Here below a couple links to useful articles explaining what to do if caught by a rip current, and characteristics of coastal currents in Phuket. A correct behaviour in these situations can easily save your life.

Phuket Weather 6 June 2013

Another day we can't complain about. Like yesterday the sky over Phuket Island has been mostly covered by a thin veil of clouds, sun was shining for most part of the day and we got no rain at all.

In the morning on my way back from Phuket Town I stopped at Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu and took this picture. 

Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu

We can see that water level in the "lake" is quite low meaning that it's not raining much in the overall, so for those who are not confident in coming to Phuket during the low season...don't be scared!