Phuket weather from 14 to 17 October 2013

Quickly we getting to end of the week and winter is getting closer.

Correct I said winter, and means Monsoon will turn blowing from North East. Fresh and dry air from inner Asia will keep sky clear and reduce humidity. In fact winter means high and good season.

Why winter in Thailand? Yes because Thailand is north of equator and follows same season as Europe and North America. Don't expect cold or snow. Will be dry, specially from January, air in the morning between mid November and end of January could be "just" 16 degree Celsius...and just for one hour. During the day will be very nice sunbathing as humidity is low,  making pleasant stay in the Sun.

For the moment still some shower and storm, but they normally last just one or two hours. the image here below show exactly what you can expect. Sun shining and storms at horizon, the Picture was take on the road between Patong and Karon Beach, where Le Meridien Beach Resort is located.

Flat Sea in front Le Meridien on 15 October 2013

Sea is now flat making perfect for any water activity, later in November will stay flat on west side where or famous beaches are and could be more rough on the way to Phi Phi islands. This condition will be normal specially during the morning when air will be colder than sea resulting in wind and waves.

Flat Sea at Patong Beach on 17 October 2013

Update about Phuket life, last night an iconic Phuket place got fire and is now just a big pile of rubble still burning after 15 hours.

In the picture below takes at dawn in Kathu can see over the hill a tick smoke, isn't a cloud. That is 10 km away and behind hills. The famous Supercheap store is still burning.

Smoke from Supercheap fire from Kathu on 17 Octber 2013

Supercheap in Phuket is a local supermarket chain, up to two years ago was just the huge superstore close to Mission Hospital in the north part of Phuket Town. Just opposite the Provincial Bus Terminal. in Phuket everyone has been there at least twice a year. At Supercheap you could find anything. From car spare parts to cooked meals. All best foreign brand. Restaurants, Hotels and boats use to get supplied form there. Hopefully nobody died inside last night when at 9:00 pm the fire started. We will miss the place and next week will be difficult find all supplies.

Phuket Weather - 11 to 13 October 2013

Time is running and we already are in mid October, and at the end of famous Phuket Vegatarian Festival.

The Festival started under heavy rain as can see from our Phuket blog post few days ago. But since few days weather turned good with only few showers lasting maximum one hour.

So last night will be perfect for fireworks and crackers to make sure all Emperor Gods will make their way back to Heaven. And people can enjoy one of most strange things in Thailand. The open air cinema. Offered by Kathu Temple.

Open Air free movies in Kathu - 13 October 2013

The street cinemas in Thailand use old projectors that show the movie on a screen. The screen is sometime placed opposite the road than the projector so traffic pass in between, drivers slow down or stop to look part of the movie.

The one in the picture was in Kathu near the shrine to entertain people for vegetarian festival last evening. They are normally part of offers to temple or placed during funerals. In open air and open free to everyone like to stop and have a look or enjoy the full length.

Now with internet and satellite TV, people can enjoy a lot of movies any time and in remote areas too. But up to few years ago for small villages these kind of cinema where the only way to see new and old movies, specially Kung Fu.


For all next week forecast are good with only 30% to 40% probability of rain, despite tropical Storm Nari. It is going to crash over north East Thailand but already weakened by Vietnam.

Relax bay at Le Meridien on 13 October 2013

A bit stronger wind is blowing however sea is almost flat and actually wind is keeping sky clean from clouds and allow the Sun to dry everything.

Phuket Vegetarian festival 2013 - last night

Normally on a Phuket blog everyone writes about starting day and processions during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. So why don't say what happen last day and specially last night?.

After nine days on Earth is time for the spirits of the Emperor Gods to go back to heaven. This evening in Kathu people were waiting for the time to gather at Kathu Shrine and get blessed by those possessed. To receive blessing must have observed the  "Jay" tradition for at least last three days. Then wear a white shirt and get to in time to Shire.

Kathu Village - The Shrine entrance

A lot of people queued up soon after sunset, to get a place to pass between two wings of "Ma Song", those that have let the spirits enter their bodies. the Ma Song will stamp everyone one the shoulders, the red stamps will be then well visible. More you get more you will be protected.

Blessing at Kathu Shrine

Ma Song blessing people

After the whole nine days on Vegan diet I have got two stamps on my shirt no so bad and should be enough for the year.

got two stamps

Tonight fire crackers and fireworks will be fired specially well the moon will go down to be sure all spirits will leave.

Kathu Shrine

Tomorrow everyone back to normal food and actually most chats during evening where about food tomorrow. After the Vegan diet that has last nine days people will aim to their favorite dishes.

Thanks for coming to Emperor Gods.

Phuket vegetarian festival is probably the most important tradition for Phuket people and during this time the year you will see how serious all this is taken. Don't think is just for tourist but enjoy the nice and festive atmosphere around and if you are here on holidays you will see something really special.

Reviews - Chris from Australia

Gents,

Just a very brief note to express, once again, our gratitude for the tours and activities that you and Tee arranged for our recent trip to Phuket with the kids.

Both the Kerr’s and our family thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  The kids loved Tee (I think both Karen and Liz did as well), his friendly out going personality typifies what we expect each and every time we contact you for help.  Tee really made our ½ day island tour very special by taking the time to explain to us, amongst all of the activities we did that day, the significance, intricacies and lifestyle of the Monks at Wat Chalong, then topped off the experience by having us make an offering and to getting blessed by a Monk.  The kids are still talking about it.  He put up with a lot that day (and the previous day when we had to reschedule due to the kids getting ill), especially being able to find the Phong Phang Seafood restaurant from my poor description of how to get there!

The over night stay at the P.P. Erawan Palms Resort was the highlight of the trip for us.  The accommodation, ferry trip on the Royal Jet Cruiser, pick up and return to Katathani was brilliant.  Tee spent a lot of time arranging this trip (not sure whether he did this direct or via yourselves) and we will be eternally grateful for his efforts.

Our diving day to Racha Yai didn’t quite go to plan (no one can control the weather) however Riccardo and crew did a fantastic job of getting Karen and the kids comfortable, and getting Peter and myself in the water.  I’ll never want to dive Thailand again unless it’s on MV Sai Mai……what a great vessel.  Seriously, Riccardo really looked after the needs of those who were suffering from sea sickness whilst trying to get a couple of decent dives in.

Lastly our night at FantaSea was a great night.  The kids loved it.  The Mums loved it!  I’m afraid I’ve done it again, forgotten the name of the driver, but he was a delight, a very funny and entertaining man.

We will of course have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to any of our friends or colleagues travelling to Thailand.

Anyway, thanks again, all of you have helped us have a brilliant holiday.

Chris

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Phuket weather 9 and 10 October 2013

Last two days deserve a mention because weather was really good.

On the 9th we saw some more rain but definitely today was a great day with blue sky, no wind and a hot sun. Phuket is getting busy as the good season coming close and a lot of people enjoyed the beaches and sea today.

Patong Beach on 10 October 2013

specially good for those that arrived this week. remember that swimming is still dangerous off  West Coast. This will stay until wind changes direction blowing from North East and bringing dry and fresh air to Phuket. Normally between mid October and first week of November.

Sunset at Patong Beach on 10 October 2013

Phuket Weather 7 and 8 October 2013

Yesterday was better than previous days. During afternoon even a bit of Sun. But overall was a cloudy and rainy day. In Phuket Town show keep going and now the Phuket Vegetarian Festival really kicked in with parades and most important events all around the island.

Jui Tui Junction - Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2013

Yes this despite rain that today started falling down again. Strong wind and big waves left boats with no choices and they stayed ashore. Situation should improve from the 10th with more Sun and less wind.

Jet skies sty on sand - Patong Beach 8 October

Patong beach - 8 October 2013

However is nothing strange for October. Remember to check your pick up time for your Phuket airport transfers for departure flights. The Parades, events and floods create traffic jams and get to airport can be difficult, taking a very long time. We suggest to always plan your pick up at hotel at least three hours before flight departure time for Phuket airport transfers.

Tomorrow will be time for Ta Ruea Shrine near Heroin Monument for their Parade and traffic will be slow and jammed in the morning.