Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Phuket weather 13 and 14 August 2013

Two beautiful days with just a bit of rain on Tuesday evening that last for about one hour. The Tropical Cyclone Utor, at the moment moving to the South China Sea, doesn't affect weather in Phuket.
South part of Phuket Island - from the sea
On boat off Phuket Island in August 2013

Was a great day to be on boat and dive at Racha Noi, crystal clear water, white sand bottom and sun makes this Island, south of Phuket, perfect for snorkeling. Not so many boats are going to this beautiful place that often is unknown to those that travel to Phuket since many years. best way to enjoy Racha Noi is a boat private charter.
Racha Noi Island - Thailand
Racha Noi Island - Banana Bay


Forecast say that good weather will stay for all week, with wind getting a bit stronger but nothing serious, still during August weather can quickly change making any forecast wrong. Stay informed, don't play with waves and be careful about red flags on the beaches.

Can see from these pictures taken on the way to Racha Noi on 13th August morning.
Off Racha Yai Island - Phuket
Passing Racah Yai on the way to Racha Noi

Then during afternoon wind increased a bit and took clouds to Phuket with heavy rain for one hour, welcome to the tropics.
Clouds from the Sea south of Phuket
South of Phuket - afternoon 13 August 2013

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

MV Sai Mai - Private Diving Liveaboard Cruise to Similan Islands, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock - Day 1

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6


I joined this cruise because even though I did several tours and dives in the Southern Andaman Sea I never managed to properly visit Similan Islands and the few others north of them.

As confirmed the driver came to pick me up at my house on time in early afternoon and then we moved towards Phuket Airport to pick up Stefano and Giovanni who were scheduled to land soon, ready to go directly on board upon arrival.

With us was also Jason, a nice guy, diving instructor like me but with several years of experience diving in Similan area. He was an addition to me in order to make the most of this beautiful archipelago and to give the best experience to our guests.

After few minutes of wait finally Stefano and Giovanni, the guys (father and son) who chartered the boat showed up with their luggage. After a handshake and some conversation I quickly realized that we would get along nicely, something not always granted when you spend several days in confined spaces of a boat.

Since we had to wait a few hours before the boat was ready as it just came back from a previous cruise, we decided to take some time stopping on the way to Khao Lak at a place called Cafe 360° View Point which offers a very nice view on the northern side of Phuket Island and later we had dinner and a couple of beers on Khao Lak beach. Between beers and chatting it quickly came the time to finally get on board and set sail.

MV Sai Mai Phuket Liveaboard and Day Charters
MV Sai Mai Liveaboard

I always loved cruising at night time, with the lights of the fishing boats weakly breaking the darkness beyond the horizon, between the absolute silence of the flat sea and the gentle breeze my mind clears and starts flying. I could abandon myself to this peace for hours but in this case was better to be considerate and go down to the cabin to get some sleep in order to be well rested for the dives coming next morning.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

Monday, August 12, 2013

Phuket weather 12 August 2013 - Thailand Public Holiday

First of all today is one of most important Thailand Public Holidays, it is HM The Queen Birthday. Business, government offices and banks are close for one day to allow people to participate to events and pay respect to HM Queen of Thailand Sirikit.

Loma Park - patong Beach
Long Life The Queen
Weather in Phuket during this special day was good in the morning, then strong wind gusts announced the afternoon storms that washed Phuket Town and the West Coast.

During this day you need always be ready for rain so get a dry bag, very useful in the era of electronics and a rain poncho, this will make sure that with a good mood all will be right during your stay.
Phuket Town
Rain coats shops in Phuket Town

Don't forget the many things Phuket offers during raining days, enjoy spas, museums and private city and island tour for shopping and sightseeing. Bars and venues will be closed on 12 August when it is prohibited sell alcohol, the ban start at 00:00 on 12 August and end at 5:00 hrs on 13 August.


Sunday, August 11, 2013

Phuket Weather 10 and 11 August 2013

The week end started with rain in the night between Friday and Saturday and went like this until Sunday before noon when then clouds made space to a beautiful Sun that stayed out for all day. Everyone enjoyed soon beaches and water sports.
Phuket wake park in Kathu
Floating pool at Phuket Wake Park
Water Ski in Phuket
Phuket Wake Park

Sunday started as Saturday was and sunshine raise temperature, during the morning some isolated rain made the perfect tropical day when rain alternate with sun, raising humidity level and perception of hot air. The from late afternoon large and thick clouds arrived from West and soon was raining and it still going.
Kamala becah Phuket
Red Flag at Kamala Beach on 10 August 2013
Always keep in mind that red flags are out to the beach to warn people that rips currents are still there and dangerous, specially in August.



Friday, August 9, 2013

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 on 9 August 2013
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.
Patong Beach
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.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

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.
Karon Beach Phuket
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.
Kalim Beach Phuket
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.