Phuket Weather 8 and 9 August 2013

Once again weather has changed and we had more sun than expected. On the 8th was a good day and rain came only at night. Then this morning sunshine,, hot and really nice day until late afternoon.

Patong Beach

Then for a moment was "all in one", sun shine and rain with a big storm at horizon that washed everything for 30 minutes, then back to normal and quiet.

Storm from Patong Beach

This is the time when roads are most dangerous just wet and slippery, drive careful and eventually stop and wait for rain to pass over,  enjoying some food or a drink and the local life that slows down when weather isn't good. if you are on holidays don't need to rush some where so why risk an accident when can enjoy rain.

Another special thing today, tonight the Moon will raise and is end of Ramadan, Muslim people have completed the long fasting month.

Phuket weather 4, 5,6 and 7 August 2013

First week of August it is exactly what can expect during this month in Phuket. Difficult to make forecast, weather is changing day by day and even during same day.

August is unstable so can start a day with sunshine and then move from the hotel for a tour few kilometers to end up in heavy rain. On other side don't get depressed if in early morning water falls from sky without leaving space between drops, could change soon or be sunny on the islands offshore.

Sea Dragon at Karon Beach Phuket

So if you have decided to holiday in Phuket in August expect a bit of crazy weather, floods and great sun shine days. Just enjoy and always be on safe side,

Specially with weather like this it is important to book private tours that give more flexibility, so plans, itineraries and schedule can be changed at last minute. Following as much as possible what you would prefer. Rely to company that cancel their trips when isn't safe to run them just to go anyway because they have took too many bookings.

Heavy rain coming from Andaman Sea

Try to avoid speed boat trips, specially the cheapest ones, would be very uncomfortable to be on a tiny boat packed in a rough sea and heavy rain.

Now is most dangerous time to swim from beaches as rip currents are strong, so book an hotel with all facilities, swimming and spa, bear attraction and shopping centers.

Few tips can make a great holiday even when weather isn't best feature of the moment.

Ask us and we will happy to give you all advises to enjoy your stay.

Phuket Weather 3 August 2013

Another gloomy day in paradise, at least even though the sky has been covered by thick clouds all day it almost didn't rain except for a short shower in late afternoon, good for those who went out on Day Trips.

In the morning I went to have a look at the guys enjoying wake boarding at Phuket Wake Park in Kathu. This can be a nice fun-loaded alternative during these rainy days, since you are going to get wet anyway!

Guy jumping at Phuket Wake Park

In the afternoon I went to Karon and took some pictures on the beach. After these stormy days of course the sea got quite rough on shore, so I take again the chance to tell to be very careful and avoid swimming in these conditions especially in Karon and Kata beach, because the rip currents can put in danger also good swimmers.

Phuket Weather 1 and 2 August 2013

Two days of almost continuous heavy rain, with just few hours breaks. Temperature cooled off quite a bit which is not too bad for us who live with 30+ C all year round, it actually helps to sleep very well!

Here below the gloomy view I had when I opened the front door this morning, clouds were very low on the jungle in Kathu

According to forecasts from Thai Meteorological Department the situation should remain like this for the whole weekend and hopefully get better from Monday, have to wait for the big storm covering South East Asia to pass, as you see from the image below.

Today in the afternoon rain finally stopped for a while so I got the chance for a quick visit at Bang Wad Reservoir to check the water level in the basin. Of course after all this rain I found it quite full, can have a look at the picture from June for comparison.

It's not the luckiest week to be in Phuket, however there are plenty of opportunities to spend your time even if you don't dare joining some of day tours which anyway are usually still enjoyable even on rainy days. In the day time you can think about some shopping or cinema in the big malls like Jungceylon (Patong) or Central Festival (Phuket Town), while for the evening you could enjoy some of the popular and entertaining shows like Fantasea, Siam Niramit and Simon Cabaret.

           

This is the reason why we recommend to stay in Patong during the green season, so you'll always have something to do also in case of rainy days. Can find some suggestions for Patong Hotels.

Weather in Phuket, Thailand in July 2013

July months saw as normal less wind and just some rain. When big tropical storms formed in the South China Sea we had stronger wind and rain, but this happen only few days and never for a long period.

As for statistic was a good month and always we suggest as a good time to visit Phuket

Coral Island late afternoon

July 2013

• 29, 30 and 31 July 2013
• 27 and 28 July 2013 
• 26 July 2013
• 25 July 2013 
• 24 July 2013 
• 23 July 2013 
• 22 July 2013 
• 19,20 and21 July 2013
• 18 July 2013 
• 17 July 2013 
• 15 and 16 July 2013 
• 13 and 14 July 2013
• 10, 11 and 12 July 2013 
• 8 and 9 July 2013 
• 6 and 7 July 2013
• 4 and 5 July 2013 
• 3 July 2013 
• 2 July 2013 
• 1 July 2013

For more about weather in Phuket all see Easy Day Thailand weather reports

Bangkok Rail link train from Suvarnabhumi Airport

Today for first time I have tried the Rail link train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to thecity center. We have already covered this topic, however it is important to keep the information updated and add some new tips.

All the details about this great service that started in 2012 can be seen on our previous post about the new train to get from and to Suvarnabhumi Airport,

The service is absolutely the best way to get from the airport but even more importantly it is the best way to get from Bangkok city center to Suvarnabhumi Airport, when people arrive in Bangkok there is not really any rush to get to the hotel, it is booked and it is there, it won't go away. So if traffic is jammed it will be just a waste of valuable holiday time but at the same time the opportunity to see real Bangkok form the car windows and take few pictures.

The real problem is when people are trapped in the traffic on the way to the airport, the flight won't wait for you. Here the train between Bangkok and the airport is the best solution. Direct, no traffic jams, runs every hour, every half hour for some lines, from 6:00 am to midnight, it is comfortable and very easy to use. It arrives right inside the airport. It is safe and in case of any emergency the airport knows about it and can handle the situation.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok city center with the Rail Link Train

Once you have got your luggage to the exit look for the signs to Floor B (basement), follow the signs, also there are a lot of signs for the train link itself. Once arrived on floor B, after the coffee bar there is a huge area with the Thailand Railways logo, everything is automatic and easy, however it is better to check with the information counter which line is the best solution for you.

There are three options from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok downtown

Phaya Thai Express - for me the best, even if the most expensive, directly from the terminal to Phaya Thai Station. This station is part of Bangkok's mass transport system and is the connection point with BTS the sky train, so easily in few minutes by foot and escalator you will pass from the Rail Link system to the Sky Train system that has two lines and connects to Bangkok's main center. The station is very close to Siam Plaza that is also the exchange station between the two sky train lines.

Distance is 28 Km from airport terminal to station
Travel time an amazing 17 minutes
Opening time from 6:00 till 24:00 hrs
Frequency every 60 minutes
First train from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6:30 hrs, last depart at 23:30 hrs
Price just 90 Thai Baht per person per way

Makkasan Express -for those that stay in hotels in Sukumvith area or like to start their stay in Bangkok with shopping at the famous Pratunam (water gate) market, where you can find any kind of merchandise at incredibly cheap prices. It is a little over half the distance to Phaya thai, the express option skips all the other stops between Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Bangkok City Air Terminal (BCAT). That is what has been created at Makkasan Station, here you can also do flight check in. The station is the connection point with Bangkok Subway or MRTA, The subway runs more in a North/South direction while the Sky Train East/West.

Distance is 20 Km from airport terminal to station
Travel time 15 minutes
Opening time from 6:00 till 24:00 hrs
Frequency every 30 minutes
First train from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6:00 hrs, last depart at 23:30 hrs
Price just 50 Thai Baht per person per way

City Line - same kind of train, clean, modern, comfortable and with aircon. This service stops at eight stations on it's way, including the two above, really depends where your hotel is or if you have a specific destination. Also for those not in a rush, like to save the penny or as me that didn't understand which train to take and the automatic ticket machines only issue tickets for this service. The City Line Train is also very useful to move in a cheap and comfortable manner in Bangkok as it serves areas that are not covered by Subway or Sky Trains. This service is the Commuters favorite one, not only because it is cheap but because it stops in many areas.

The eight stations from airport to town are:
- Lat Krabang - where you can connect with  the railway system (SRT) Eastern Line
- Ban Thap Chong - close to the motorway and another SRT Eastern Line station
- Hua Mak - near the motor way and SRT Eastern Line station
- Ramkhamhaeng - best for the Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, largest open University in Thailand.
- Makkasan - here is Bangkok City Air Terminal, where can do the check in directly
- Ratchapraop - if you like shopping and like to see the huge wholesale market of Pratunam this is your station.
- Phaya Thai - the terminal, from here you can go everywhere in Bangkok, so if you are not sure which station is better for your hotel. just get here and you will easily find the way to the hotel.

Distance is 28 Km from airport terminal to last station (Phaya Thai)
Travel time 30 minutes
Opening time from 6:00 till 24:00 hrs
Frequency every 60 minutes
First train from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6:00 hrs, last depart at 23:00 hrs
Price  depends which station you like to go so from 15 Thai Baht to 35 Thai Baht

From Bangkok city center to Suvarnabhumi Airport with the Rail Link Train

To make your way to the airport the Rail Link is best solution, you will be sure about the time you will reach the airport with no doubts. No fears of getting trapped in Bangkok's infamous traffic, in a comfortable and relaxing way you will be inside the airport and at a cheap price.

To get back to the airport I think best are the two express lines, less then 20 minutes, which gives you more time to spend seeing Bangkok. 

How to make the tickets

At every station there are automatic machines that sell tickets, simply insert the money (coins or banknotes) and the machine will return your change and token (a plastic coin).
Next to the machine there is a map, this shows you a line with the station names, check which direction you have to take and look at the two digit number in the circle, that is the price to pay. Follow the easy instructions.

Remember that tickets office are just there to change big bills into coins and to sell Express line tickets.

Whichever train you take it is surely much better than taxis and traffic.

Sky train and traffic

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Weather 29, 30 and 31 July 2013

With July we close third month of Easy Day Thailand weather reports, the months saw as normal less wind and just some rain. There has been some storm but only for two or three days. Overall sea was calm.

Relax Bay - Karon Phuket

Last three days of July we had alternation of Sun and clouds, yesterday all day large dark clouds keep forming in the sky, sometime short but intense rain falls. This morning though would have rain all day, but by midday sun was shining and when I left to Bangkok from the airport windows can see the blue sky and wonder full sea.

Sea View from the windows

Arrived in Bangkok was raining, during late afternoon wind was blowing bit stronger and wiped the tick clouds away, still very hot and humid.

About the sea don't forget that Summer is best time for diving in Phuket, water is clear, less people underwater, can combine best hotels deals with diving packages and enjoy this wonderful activity.

Phuket weather 27 and 28 July 2013

Last weekend in July was very enjoyable with sunshine all Saturday and very good weather despite some clouds on Sunday. As usual for July no rain but today bit more humidity the past few days, overall hot.

Dawn at Kathu

Sea is flat and wind is down, today we run our second sunset cruise and dinner on MV Sai Mai. As from expectation was a very pleasant late afternoon out at sea, wind was a bit stronger then morning but we found a great location behind Coral Island where enjoy snorkeling and then dinner.

Sunset from Coral Island

Coral island

Phi Phi Islands Tour - Speedboat to Phi Phi & Koh Kai

For my second trip to Phi Phi in just over a week I thought I really might have a problem with the weather, there had been rain and strong winds the day before and on arrival at Port Island Hopper on Koh Siray I was told there were 2 metre waves. Fortunately that didn't turn out to be the case and though there was a little bit of swell it was actually a fairly flat day.

The day started with the pick up and transfer into and through Phuket town and over the short bridge on to Koh Siray on Phuket east coast and then a short drive to Port Island Hopper, the tour operators private jetty. When we arrived we were checked of on a list and given a coloured sticker indicating which tour we were on, and then were were shown where we could get fresh coffee.

After all the mini-vans had arrived all those for the Phi Phi and Koh Kai tour were called over to map hanging on the wall and our guide explained the order of the day, as the waves were expected to get bigger as the day went on we would be going to Phi Phi Island first followed by a late lunch on Koh Yao before finishing the day on Koh Kai.

Then off we trooped along the Plastic floating jetty, as there were almost 30 people on the tour we had been assigned to their largest boat which is able to take 45 people and has three large engine, this means we had plenty of space on the boat.

The 40 minute ride was suddenly eventful when one of the customers fainted, the guide and one of the other guests, who it turns out is a trainee nurse, were very quickly on the spot and the problem was solved, after a few minutes checking whether he was OK to continue the tour we found out he had been ill for a few days and was dehydrated, so with a bottle of water and some fruit he declared himself fit to continue.

Due to this incident the tour guide, very wisely, altered our itinerary slightly visiting Bamboo Island so that those that needed to could have a 45 minute rest on the beach.  Bamboo island is a small island with a very wide beach, inland is an area of rain forest which has a small campsite and restaurant.
Back out the beach a number of people were in the water snorkelling and raving about the numbers of fish.

Fairly soon it was time to get back onto the speedboat and head to Mosquito Island, the boat moored just of the beach and the water here was very shallow and crystal clear.  Back at the port before we left fish food had been offered for sale and many people were now using this to attract the Sergeant Majors and Rabbit fish, them one of the boat crew started throwing in banana to add to the chaos.  all the time the boat's videographer was taking shots of everybody being mobbed by the fish.

Next stop was around on the south side of Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach. As the tide was high there was

very little of the beach there but the trees around it were lined with the longtail macaques which give the beach it's name.  It is said  that the ancestors of these monkeys were taken to Phi Phi to work picking coconuts and that when tourism started and the coconut plantations closed the monkeys were released and have become wild, personally I'm not sure if this is true as normally short tailed macaques are used for coconut harvesting - but who knows?

From Monkey beach we headed south over a stretch of open water to Phi Phi Lae, once we had reached the Island we started touring around the east side visiting Viking Cave, Pi Le Cove and Losamah bay before coming around the southern tip and back up the west side and into Maya bay.  The boat pulled up onto Maya Beach, we were quite lucky, there were only 5 other boats on the beach - virtually empty compared to a high season day.

Once on the beach we had an hour to relax, go swimming or explore.
Last time I had been on Maya beach at was almost 10 years previously, at that time there was nothing on the island, now there is a visitors centre and a park rangers camp as well as a toilet block and a restaurant.  Before the only way to the other side was a small hole in a rock wall that led through to Losamah bay, now a walkway has been  built leading to a set of steps which you can climb onto from the water of Losamah bay, this way you can get onto the Island in all weather.

After a bit of time lounging on the beach it was time to head back towards Phuket and stop at Koh Yao for lunch. It was another 40 minute ride and the sea was starting to get a little bit rougher, nothing too bad but a few people were making use of the free plastic bags.

We pulled onto the empty beach on Koh Yao and headed to the private restaurant for our meal. The menu today was sweet and sour chicken, Green Curry, Tom yam gung, chicken and seafood kebabs and stir fried vegetables with rice and noodles.

After having plenty of time to let the food go down and enjoy the view we headed to our last stop at Koh Kai Nok, by this time everybody was quite tired so most people just settled into a beach chair and relaxed, a few  people ventured into the water for some more snorkelling.  The guide told us this island was given it's name because from above it looks like a fried egg (the island is a large rock covered in rain forest surrounded by a wide beach). After about 30 minutes we reboarded the speedboat for the last time and headed back to Phuket, in about ten minutes we were back at the jetty and into the mini-vans for our ride home.

This Phi Phi Speedboat trip is a fun and active day out getting close to all the sights, great in calm seas but only go in rough weather if you have a strong stomach.

Phuket Weather 26 July 2013

Another nice sunny day, and hopefully this weather will be stable for the weekend. Also wind calmed down and waves on shore are much smaller than last week, very good to enjoy a swim but still being careful about rip currents that could be present even with quieter sea conditions.

Many people are afraid to find only rainy days if they come to Phuket during low season but truth is that most days are like today, sunny with some harmless clouds passing by. Another positive note is that the popular beaches like Patong are much more enjoyable than during high season because they are not overcrowded, and do not forget that during low season all hotels are much cheaper.