Phuketweather 23 June 2013

Today the update is directly from the sea, all morning blue sky and just a breeze, however on the way to Racha Yai big swell from south west. Sea was flat around the islands south of Phuket.

On the way to Racha Yai this morning

At Racha Yai Island great weather and if you like to enjoy beach and sea then the best is book few nights on this beautiful islands, just 15 miles south of Phuket. The island east side is sheltered from wind and waves making the place ideal for a relaxing holiday, no traffic and confusion.

Massage on the beach - Racha Yai Island

Lunch Pic Nic style at Racha Yai Island

Can enjoy great snorkeling and diving straight from the shore, there few restaurants to enjoy dinner directly on the beach and couple of bars if like to sit and have a beer. Surely no night life.....Just Relax.

Ao Leuk - Racha Island on 23 June 2013

Best way to enjoy the island is with at least an overnight stay, as between 10:00 and 14:30 a lot of day trippers are coming here to enjoy the beautiful sea, but then the island go back to quiet life as usual. Stay at Ban Raja Resort and Spa is surely best choice.

Ban Raja - Racha Yai Island - park and restaurant

Or do an overnight trip on boat to really discover the place specially if like to dive.

Boat Charter in Phuket

And back to Chalong pier a wonderful full Moon was there to show the way

Full moon - Chalong Bay - 23 June 2013

Phuket Weather 22 June 2013

Wind was down and sky clear, must say a wonderful day for those on holidays, waves also are calming down making pleasant to be on the sea too.

This morning went on top of one of Kathu Hills to see a beautiful area that nobody goes to visit, weather was so good that fruits from the many orchard there was put to dry next the small river.

Here a Monk used to leave and meditate, a place peaceful and quiet.

This is also the place where the Hanuman has is lair, this is one of best attraction during Summer, when the beach offer less to do, a great experience  flying from tree to tree in a untouched rain forest. You want believe that such a natural paradise is just ten minutes from Patong Beach one of world most famous places for nightlife and tourism.

Phuket Weather 21 June 2013

Today is Summer Solstice and we couldn't ask for a better day, wind still blowing but much
less then during past few days, waves less strong and lower and Sun was shining all day.

So week end should be good with less wind, may be some rain will then fall as clouds will able to form again in the sky.

Take it easy and enjoy anything like to do, from tours to activities, after few days rain rivers are now perfect to enjoy a day for tubing or Rafting.

Tubing at Kapong- Pang Nga

Varinda Garden Resort Koh Samui Inspection Report

I stayed at the Varinda Garden Resort in early June 2013. This small Thai family owned and run resort is located on the hillside at the southern end of Lamai beach. It's about two minutes walk from the beach and from Lamai centre where bars, restaurants and shops can be found.

I arrived in the evening as the sun was setting and immediately liked the place. The friendly greeting from the owner and the secret garden setting, full of quirky ornaments, provided a relaxed and welcoming vibe. There is nothing formulaic about Varinda resort, it hasn't been designed by numbers, it feels like it's been grown with love. Every room is unique, each painted multiple different colours that blend with the natural setting. The style will appeal to old hippies, wannabe eco warriors or anyone else who hates the idea of staying in just another identikit resort.

The gardens are full of quirky ornaments

My room was a Deluxe double room with separate living room and bedroom, both of which had large teak doors opening onto the balcony. It had a very nice view of Lamai bay which had me asking myself, why is this resort called Varinda Garden Resort and not Varinda Lovely Sea View Resort. I later realised that my room (number 39 if you want to request it) is the only one with a seaview, all the others are in a garden setting. 

Each room is individually styled

The best sea view is actually from the resort restaurant, a cool and breezy room with a rustic ambiance. Breakfast was included in the room price and if I hadn't been so busy doing all kinds adventurous stuff on  Samui day tours which picked me up at the crack of dawn each day I could have happily whiled away an hour there over coffee and croissants. Although the menu sounded delicious I never did eat dinner at the resort, choosing instead to eat in Lamai centre which has plenty of local eateries to choose from.

The swimming pool also overlooks Lamai bay. It's a small pool but does have a slide which you might fancy trying after a few cocktails.

Sea view swimming pool

The resort location will not suit everyone because it's not on the beach front and access to the beach, as well local restaurants and bars, is down some rather rickety steps. It's not ideal for pensioners with dodgy hips, it's certainly not wheelchair friendly. 

In summary, the Varinda Garden resort is an idiosyncratic resort. Not luxurious and not directly on the beach but full of unique character run by a charming local family who will make you feel very welcome. We are  happy to offer it as one of our Easy Day Thailand selected resorts.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket weather 20 June 2013

A real sunny day today nice and warm, only problem is still the strong wind that should go for another two days.

Karon Beach view on 20 June 2013

However until wind blows clouds pass quickly over, so as soon wind drops we can expect bit more rain then good weather as usual in July. Don't forget what the red flag means, it is dangerous swim in the sea because of rip currents

Red flag at Karon Beach

The picture here below is from the Moevenpick Resort in Karon, looks like the pool flows into the sea.

Movenpick Resort - pool

Phuket weather 19 June 2013

Wind is even stronger today so many boats have to cancel their scheduled trips, but overall weather was good almost all day sun was out.

In the picture can see a lot of cables that are normal part of the view, as telephone lines, internet and cable TV are not buried but suspended to high posts.

Took a moment to get on top the hill between Kathu and Patong, when arriving from airport and staying in Patong need to go over the steep hill, and on top everyone honk in sign of respect for the Buddha in the temple on top the hill and someone says for good luck.

A small but interesting place to go if you are in Patong, just be careful the traffic. There are many other temples and shrines around the island and each one is different. Some thing special to do until the sea calms down.

Phuket temples