Phuket Weather 6, 7, 8 and 9 September 2013

First week of September passed and can only say that everything was normal, from flash floods to hot sunny afternoons. This is the month of rain that can be slow, lasting all day long, or just heavy and crazy for one or two hours.

First have a look to our river at Kathu Waterfall,  heavy rains at night he was running much faster then previous months and water level is rising.

Kathu River on 6 September 2013

During week end we also went around Phang Nga Bay for an inspection tour at the island where we do our special private Phang Nga bay tour, all day the Sun was playing with clouds and rain could be seen at distance, luckily we haven't got any and really enjoyed the fresh air.

Phang  Nga Bay on 7 September 2013

James Bond Island - Phang Nga Bay 7 Sept 2013

On Sunday was time for bicycles, we participated at Phuket Old Town Bike day organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand in Phuket, meeting was before dawn and thought nobody was there as rain was really heavy, but then by the time we started , at 7:00 am, only grey clouds soon we reached Kathu Chinese shire sun was out, everyone was soon dry and we did last part to the dam easy and faster.

Meeting point at 6:00 am - 8 Sept 2013

Kathu Chinese Shrine - 8 Sept 2013

HuaiKhwang Night Market - Bangkok

When I go to a country that I have never been to before, I normally try to do as a local does, eat like local eat and shop where a local goes, so tonight I have been to HuaiKhwang Night Market. It’s one of the biggest wet local markets in Bangkok. As a local Thai people who actually live in Bangkok more than 15 years like me. I don’t even feel like this could be some place that for a tourist ever wants to see, but as I said if you feel like be in the country and get to know about the way for life of the local people here instead of the tourist attractions place.  “Why not!?”

  HuaiKhwang Market is actually spread out along Ratchadaphisek road. You can easily get to this market by Subway (MRT) at              HuaiKhwang station. From there you can walk and wander around the place which miles and miles away on every corner or the little small ally and side walk. Here is where all the local people go to get food for cooking, lot of great Street Food. Everything here is so fresh and sometimes I can just find myself that also here must of the stuff are incredible cheap too. It seems like everything got brought here from everywhere in Thailand. No matter what and how local and strange of Thai ingredient food need, you can probably find it here.

A good time to visit here is from 6 pm till 10 pm. It will get busy after work as everyone goes home and need to get dinner or something to cook at home or even shopping for clothes, kitchenware and all kind of things. Also if you walk farther away from MRT station around a kilometer you will find yourself in the middle of a playground and basket ball court. Here is more like for young local people to hang out play football and basketball. It is surrounded by lot of mobile clothing shops. It’s a good place for shopping for cheap fashion clothing. After this if you feel hungry why don’t you try some Street Food here?

When people talk about “Street Food” most of the people will think about some kind of cheap and dirty restaurant which all kinds of rat and cockroaches running around in the kitchen, but here in Bangkok Street Food actually feeds most of the population in this city. I also usually eat out. It’s just better and cheaper here. Some of the Street Food here even tastes better than in the big restaurants. So, for someone who is here in Thailand for the first time, I would recommend you to start with something that has been cooked hot before you take it. Well from here I hope you enjoy your shopping and tasty food.

Sugar Palm Grand Hillside - Kata Holiday packages

Sugar palm Grand Hillside is set on the hill just behind Kata Beach  on the southern west coast of Phuketand is only a two minute walk from the beach.

This hotel which opened in 2008 is tucked into the southern corner of Kata beach and climbs up the hill along the natural contours, also incorporating terraces, infinity pools and gardens.  The eleven infinity edged pools are designed as a virtual waterfall.  The 108 rooms are appointed in a modern minimalist style.  The upper floor have magnificent views of Kata bay.

• Four different styles of room perfect for couples and families
• Two minutes from the beach, just a short walk down the hill. 
• Among the eleven pools is a dedicated children pool.
• Facilities include a Spa, Sauna and fitness room.
• Free wifi in the rooms and throughout the hotel

Modern minimalist design combined with classic Thai style hospitality, just few minutes walk to Kata beach and close to many different styles of restaurants, bars and shops.  Also a convenient starting point for tours around the island and beyond.

Enjoy your holidays at Sugar Palm Grand Hillside starting from

3,250 Thai Baht per person
Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfer, two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Grand Pool View room with breakfast, tax and insurance


For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

How to get there - from Phuket airport you take the main highway south towards the centre of the highway, then following the signs for the beaches turn onto the bypass road.  Follow this road until you reach a roundabout, here take the fourth exit (right turn).  Stay on this road as it goes up over a hill just as you reach the bottom of the far side of the hill there is a turning to the left, take this at follow it until the next major junction. Here take the small road to your left and follow this up the hill and you are at your hotel

Sugar Palm Grand Hillside

1 Koktanod Soi 3, Tambon Karon, Amphur Muang
Phuket 83100 Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

Phuket weather 3, 4 and 5 September 2013

It is really September, wind is now down so clouds start to gather around the top of Phuket hills and rain can be heavy for one or two hours. However this doesn't mean that rain all over the region at same time.

Can be in one side or Phuket where is heavy raining talking on the phone to someone on the other side of the island complaining about hot weather and sun.

The picture taken this morning in Kathu show this perfectly, on left side rain is falling on the hill while on right side clear cloud and sun strays
.

Kathu on 5 September 2013 - morning

Clouds and humidity come from West so as soon they meet with the hiils rain start but to East in places such as Phi Phi islands could be a very nice and dry day as it was today.

Phuket weather 1 and 2 September 2013

Welcome into the month of rain, in fact September has highest humidity, mots of days will rain and surprise lowest temperatures, still around the 30 Celsius. But no wind and almost flat sea.

The photo below give the right picture, flat sea in Patong Beach clouds at horizon but still enough blue sky to enjoy a sun bath.

Patong Beach on 1st September 2013

Rain can be just for few hours every day, for few drops to an heavy shower that can flood an entire area, or keep going for days an alternation of drops and heavy rain.

I have took a photo of Kathu Waterfall stream, reason is to compare how is now at begin of September and how will be after few days rain, if rain will come. However will need rain to fill up the water reservoirs, that water will be used during Phuket dry season from January to mid May.

Kathu Waterfall river  on 2nd September 2013

Phuket Weather August 2013

Summer is almost at the end and another month has passed quickly, normally August means violent storms , big waves and rain, This year as happen last year, we had some storm but not strong as usual. Sea was almost flat all time, few days with heavy rain but many more with sun shining and the breeze making very pleasant to stay on the beaches.

Have a look to our reports to have an idea how weather was during the days, specially if you are an holiday to Phuket in August.

Off Phuket to Racha Noi Island - Mid August 2013

• 29, 30 and 31 August 2013
• 26, 27 and 28 August 2013
• 24 and 25 August 2013
• 19 to 23 August 2013
• 16, 17 and 18 August 2013
• 13 and 14 August 2013
• 12 August 2013 
• 10 and 11 August 2013 
• 8 and 9 August 
• 4 to 7 August 2013
• 3 August 2013
• 1 and 2 August 2013

Boats and tours went our regularly, weather was good and hotels are cheap so every year now more and more people are coming to Phuket Island in July and August. few years ago I always suggested to just buy the airplane ticket and once here can decided where to stay.

Now I suggest better book at least three nights stay to be sure you have the hotel you like in the place you like, then once here can see what is available. three to four stars hotels have been fully booked for many days, making sometime difficult for last minute arrivals to find a solution on line with needs.

Also tours to popular destination are getting full  so if looking to a private tour and custom made itinerary better plan in advance.

Phuket Weather 29, 30 and 31 August 2013

Once again at month end, last two days of August were good as almost the moth but some more rain falls happen specially. So you could be at the beach sunbathing while other waiting to board boats ta Chalong pier could see rain coming close.

Chalon pier - 30 August 2013

Overall two more good days and not too hot thank you the short rain. What is important that wind is down so is very enjoyable to go out on boats and safe, also can enjoy all beaches, still following warnings about swimming. The two pictures has been takes some day and almost at same time, on 30 August morning, The two places, Chalong Pier above and Laem Singh Beach Below are less then 20 far. Best example of weather you can expect in August in Phuket, so just enjoy what you have decided to do as weather is anyway unpredictable.

Laem Singh Beach - 30 August 2013

The picture above show a view of Laem Singh beach a beautiful cove between Kamala Becah, at horizon and Surin Beach. During dry season (november to April), this is a very popular destination for some reason during Summer not many people come to this place that is even nicer without the the overload of chairs and people.

How to get to Laem Singh beach?  Easy if you stay somewhere from Rawai Beach and Patong need to go north, drive with the Ocean on your left, pass Kalim Beach go over the hill between Kalim and Kamala Beach. Down in Kamala follwo the main road, pass Phuket Fanatasea Show, follow main the main road, go up the slope and when road is flat look on your left. You should see the sign for parking (there is a small fee to pay) and depending on time of the year, will be empty as in the picture or so full that those arriving late will have problem finding space.

Laem Singh Beach parking area

If you stay in Syrin or more North (Bang Tao and Chern Talay), need drive south direction Kamala Beach and Patong Beach. When at Surin beach stay on main road, go up the hill and look at your right side will see a new view point, look for a parking place and walk down to the beach.

Remember to not carry too much with you as to get to Laem Sing need to walk down the mountain for about 10 to 20 minutes and then back after the day.

Phuket Weather 26, 27 and 28 August 2013

August is still giving a very good gift to everyone, nice weather, dry and not too hot, the picture here below was taken at Kata View Point yesterday. From west can see only blue sky.

Kata View Point - 27 August 2013

Today we saw bit more clouds and some rain late afternoon but this can't change much the great picture, for the pleasure of those that decided to take their holidays in Phuket in August despite statistics and a lot of wrong information keep saying that is raining season.

Karon Beach - 26 August 2013

Once again be careful about rip currents and don't swim too far from shore, in case get caught in the current...stay calm...and let the current take you, soon will stop, then try to swim to shore but avoid to go against current. Swim perpendicular to current even yo will arrive far from starting point.

Warning at Kata Beach

Grand Palace Bangkok

Once up a time King Taksin freed Thailand from Myanmar for the second time during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century. He was looking for a new location to make a new capital of Siam. He found a location for a new capital in Thonburi for about 15 years, then King Rama 1 just realize the palace was on the wrong site of the Chaopraya River, so he moved the palace to the Bangkok site. Today the Grand Palace was set to be the icon of Bangkok from 1782 till now.

                                                                 

                                                                                    Before you get in there.

 

Most days the Grand Palace will open every day. Do not believe  any tuk tuk driver, or anybody that trys to tell you that “Oh today the Palace is closed” then they try to take you to the Gems factory or shopping for happy lucky Buddha, as I can tell from  my 10 years experience as tour guide. I still can see this for every single time when I go there, so just walk inside the main entrance and buy the ticket at the ticket office.

The other thing, if you wear a singlet, shorts, broken jeans or tight pants which look comfortable and trendy for a hot city like Bangkok, they will not allow you to get in with those things.
The best choice you should have a sarong (long skirt or a piece of fabric) to cover your legs or shudder before your get in or the other choice.

They will have the costume for you to borrow. That you have to leave the deposit 200 baths per piece (you can get money back after you return). Please note there is a very long cue to borrow it, so better bring it yourself. 

Briefly about the Grand Palace

By the old day, The Grand palace is just like the other palace in Thailand. It is divided by 3 zones by this day, it has only 2 zone left.

The outer zone contains the Emerald Buddha Temple. It is for the King to make ceremonies. In this temple you can see very beautiful hand paintings and a massive golden Pagoda.

The main feature is the Emerald Buddha image. This Buddha is not actually made from Emerald but from one big piece of Jade, 66 cm wide and 44 cm high. The King or Prince will come here 3 times a year to change the Emerald costume when the seasons change.

The center zones have 3 throne halls and the officer building. You can enjoy Thai architecture and art. You can also walk in and out of some of these halls at your leisure.  Then next station! You might need to see the temple of Dawn and Wat Pho. It’s just walking distance from there.

Like me to guide you through Bangkok and the Grand Palance? Then please contact me. 

Phuket Weather 24 and 25 August 2013

Last August week end has been very good as rest of the week, I would say that last night thunderstorm was perfect too refreshing the air. Then this morning few more drops left space for a beautiful sun that was shining all day.

Still a bit of wind however forecast say that will be another good week to enjoy beaches, tours and all activities that Phuket offers.

Sunset from MV SaiMai

The Rawai Palm Beach Resort - Phuket holiday Package

The Rawai Palm Beach Resort is just a stone's throw from Rawai Beach at the southern tip of Phuket. About one hour from the airport and about 30 minutes from Patong Beach.

This high class resort with three fantastic swimming pools is set in the peaceful and relaxed Rawai district, just a short walk from many excellent restaurants and just a couple of minutes by bike or car from the stunning sunset viewpoint of Promthep Cape.

• Spacious rooms with large balconies ideal for Families and Couples
• One minute walk from Rawai beach, Free shuttle bus to Ya Nui Beach
• There is a a specific Children's pool  & play area, a well equipped fitness centre and Spa
• Just a short walk from the  excellent Seafood restaurants along Rawai Beach
• Free Wi-fi throughout the hotel

Rawai Palm Beach Resort is a unique blend of Traditional Thai and contemporary asian and international architecture.  This tranquil hideaway is the perfect place to relax and let the cares of the world be washed away.

Enjoy your holidays at The Rawai Palm Beach Resort starting from

2,600 Thai Baht per person

Three days, two nights

Inclusive of return airport transfer (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Superior room with breakfast, tax and insurance.

                                   

How to get there - from Phuket airport you get onto the main highway heading into the heart of the Island, at the bypass Junction turn right onto the bypass road and follow this all the way south until you reach Rawai beach, here turn and go the length of the beach road until it turns inland and comes to a T junction, the hotel is in front of you to your left.
Rawai Palm Beach Resort
66/2 Viset Road, T. Rawai, A. Muang
Phuket 83130, Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

Children's play area at the shallow "Beach" pool

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment 

Phuket Weather from 19 to 23 August 2013

The week was great weather wise, sun shining everyday, just few drops during afternoon or evening that refreshed the air. Wind is now bit stronger since yesterday making fun playing with waves. Today sky was more covered the previous days but no rain.

Sunset at Karon Beach

With stronger wind some kite appeared at Karon beach that is popular for surfing, kites surfing in Phuket is possible only for a short period of the year, wind is always too weak or too stronger. Also beaches are not the best and need to be there at correct tide. However there are few kitesurfing school in Phuket and if like to try ask them when will be best time.

Kite surfing Karon Beach

Forecast say that will blow stronger until tomorrow , so expect waves in open sea, then back to almost flat and no wind during week end and for rest of next week. However how can see from our boat MV Sai Mai in Phi Phi waves are not high and is possible to enjoy diving and sailing around, only concern is use of speedboat specially if like to avoid a bumpy way back.

Approaching Phuket Island 23 August 2013

The Memory at On On Hotel Phuket town holidays package

On On Hotel in Phuket Town

The On On Hotel was Phuket's first hotel, opened in 1929.  It was featured in the 1999 film "The Beach".  During 2012 & 2013 the  Hotel was fully refurbished and reopened under the new name of The Memory at On On Hotel.

Originally designed as a place for international merchants and sailors to stay and conduct business this classic Sino-Portugese style building has been lovingly renovated to recapture it's original charm the Memory at On On Hotel takes you back to the 1920's

• Colonial style hotel in the centre of Phuket town ideal for a transit stop over
• Offers suites, rooms and dormitories to suit all budgets
• In the heart of the Old City
• Large communal lounge, Bakery and Coffee shop on site, close to many different styles of restaurant
• Free Wi-fi throughout the hotel





On On Memory Deluxe Room





The Memory at On On Hotel welcomes you with Colonial era charm and classic Thai hospitality. A different way to see Phuket and perfect for a transit stop over on your way to Phi Phi or the Islands of the Gulf of Thailand.

Enjoy your holidays at The Memory at On On Hotel Phuket starting from

2,500 Thai Baht per person
Three days, two nights

Inclusive of return airport transfers (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Superior room, tax and insurance.

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

How to get there -  Enter Phuket town on the main highway, Thep Krasattri Road, and continue along this until you enter the one way system. Once in the one way sytem continue straight on along the road until you reach the last junction in the one way system, here you turn right onto Ratsada road, continue straight on until you reach a traffic circle, here turn right and then then first right again onto Phang Nga road. Just ahead of you to your left is the hotel.
The Memory at On On Hotel
19 Phang-Nga Rd, Talad Yai, A Muang
Phuket 83000, Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment 

Phuket Airport Resort & Spa - Phuket holiday package

The Airport Resort & Spa is only three minute from Phuket Airport and is close to Nai Yang Beach on the edge of Sirinthon National Park. The Thai style bungalows are set around the pool and beautiful tropical garden.

This resort's location makes it a perfect stopover option if you are arriving at Phuket airport late in the day and are planning to transfer onwards to Phi Phi, Racha Yai or the Gulf of Thailand Islands - Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Easyday Thailand can arrange this for you.

• Nice bungalow resort perfect for a short stop over or the beginning or end of a Thailand adventure 
• Three minutes from the beach, Three Minutes from the airport 
• The pool  is spacious with separate sections for kids and a jacuzzi and the pool bar is open all day to keep you hydrated. 
• Aromatherapy Massage is available
• The resort's restaurant serves excellent genuine Thai cuisine
• Wifi is available

Contemporary Thai Design married with modern facilities and classic Thai hospitality make your stay on Nai Yang beach a truly relaxing experience

Enjoy your holidays at Phuket Airport Resort and Spa starting from

Three days, two nights

Inclusive of return airport transfer (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Standard room with breakfast, tax and insurance.

                                   


For information and booking don't hesitate to ask the Easy Day Thailand team

How to get there - As you leave Phuket Airport turn right, after about 2 minutes you come to a traffic light junction, turn left here, then after about 50 metres on your right hand side you will see entrance to the resort.
Phuket Airport Resort & Spa
9/19 Moo1, T.Saku, A.Thalang
Phuket, Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment 

Phuket Best Sunset Cruise and dinner

If you are looking for the best sea view restaurant in Phuket, something different to do during your holidays, a romantic place for a memorable dinner, a  half day tour in Phuket without waking up early in the morning, an exciting cruise around Phuket's southern islands or just a unique tour to enjoy the Andaman Sea in the afternoon and have great Thai Food and Sea Food dinner with the best sea view on board our boutique cruise boat M/V Sai Mai.

South Phuket Map and Itinerary

Phuket Sunset

First of all it is important to know that the tour is limited to 10 people, or 12 if children are on board. So easy pick up and drop off by our aircon minivans, no long waiting for a people and not a long drive before getting on board or back to the hotel.

A small group tour makes it almost private with total attention from the guide and the crew on board. A lot of fun, swimming, snorkeling and best sunset pictures, with safety and great customer service.

Pick up from Hotels starts at 15:30 from Surin and Kamala beach, around 16:00 in Patong, 16:30 for Karon then Kata Beach at 16:45. if you will stay around Rawai Beach the pick up at 16:30.

The M/V Sai Mai will leave Chalong pier at 17:00 hrs, when all the other boats comes back we depart so we will have the sea all for our customers, direction south west to Koh Kaew Yai to take some pictures of this island's special Temple, swim and snorkel in front the island's beach. On board free of charge are masks, snorkels, fins and one towel per person.

MV Sai Mai

Time to move toward Coral island (the island's real name is Koh Hae), more swimming for those who wish to, ready for best sunset shots, then shower, the boat has four toilet with hot shower and get ready for dinner. Enjoy the scenery and calm around here.

MV Sai Mai - upper deck

Slowly we will cruise around Koh Lon and get back to Chalong pier by 20:30 hrs, back to hotel based on location between 21:00 and 21:30 hrs, so still plenty of time for enjoying Phuket's famous nightlife.

Food is surely the most important part on a sunset cruise with dinner and will be freshly cooked on board, every day a different menu, a good reason to try the experience more than once during your holiday. Food is served on table and it is a set menu not a cold buffet. Included in the cruise are all drinks, welcome drinks, soft drinks, water, local beers, wine.

Dinner is served

Price is 3,500 Thai Baht per person
Children between 3 and 11 years are 2,000 Thai Baht per person
Babies less then 3 years are free of charge

As we know how expensive it can be to bring a whole Family on holiday we have a special 

Family plan - two adults and two children at 9,000 Thai Baht in Total

Don't forget the opportunity to charter a sunset cruise for your special event, anniversary dinner, birthday parties, proposal dinner or a just a romantic evening.

Lanterns