Should We Cancel Our Trip To Koh Samui? (18nov07)

[Mark Wolfe]

To the original poster:

The flooding on the roads won't affect your holiday much. It isn't like you are commuting and by the time you get here, the waters will have receded.

The problem is one of rain (beaching it in the rain?) and the condition of the beach itself (see photo).

Unless you have a mate here you want to visit, I might wait until the last minute, get updates and think seriously of going somewhere else.

By the way, I live on the beach at Lamai so I am here on the ground.

Simey wrote:

Then the rain stops, they fix the roads, and everything is normal again until next year.

They fix the roads? That's news to me. Like they fix the street lights?

[Khun Jean]

This thread is quit revealing, you can pick out the ones with businesses on Samui very easy.

The junk will be around a little longer than two days, people will need to fix there places which also takes some time.

I hope they have everything in order before high season, than all should be ok for the businesses.

Now, with this much rain, i would suggest a different place to spend a well earned holiday.

People who live here can wait, when you are on a holiday every day is precious.

I would suggest the area around Hua-Hin, or maybe Koh Chang, Koh Samet if you want an island.

But in this time of year the weather is rather unpredictable.

[limbos]

Seems SJ assumed it was personal. Pity, I have no problem with posting news reports but as they are already posted in several other threads, which, it seems the OP has already read, I felt it was more in the interest of the OP to hear actual reports from people in Samui.

I'll break my pledge simply to say that I didn't take it personally. I just thought that the reports I quoted, specifically quoting people that one can only presume ARE there and in key positions, as being factual and not "misleading", "totally irresponsible", and "hyperbole."

If the Samui people of my quotes can not be trusted with the words in their quotes or are best described as contained in the previous sentence, then I think Samui has greater problems than I imagined.

As someone who always tries to dig to try to get to the truth on thaivisa, no matter what the issue, that's all I was attempting to do in this case. Oh well... it's not always appreciated, I can appreciate that.

If those people in key positions would've done a better job, possibly a lot of the floodings and conditions wouldn't have been as bad as they are, to start with.

And yes, planes have been taking off yesterday and today as well. I live in Plai Laem and can hear the planes take off or land.

[breezein]

If I were you i would seriously reconsider, the sky is a mass of grey and the forecast is bad, very bad. You will find it very difficult to get around and sightseeing will be immpossible. Once the rain passes the floods will take days to receed (3-5) and the roads months to repair as the foundation is sand based. You will also encounter sewage and stench once the water receeds.

[limbos]

The forecasts I've been looking at is easy on the rain, check Windguru, as of next Wednesday more wind and such but still not a lot of rain.

I do find Windguru fairly accurate, out of experience.

Other sites have similar predictions, where the amount of rain seems to ease up.

[natalidi]

A very big thank you to everyone who took the time to write - I was amazed at the speed of response.

As much as it kills me to say, I think a change of plans is probably in order. Absolutely devastated, I have been picturing myself in Green Mango dancing with a bucket of red bull for over a year now, so its sad to know I probably won't be going!

I will probably keep the Koh Samui flight just in case and book another to Phuket maybe. Hopefully the weather in Samui will clear up (fingers crossed) in a few extra days and we'll get to go.

Anyone have an idea whether Full moon party is even worth considering? Probably have a problem getting there!

Again, thanks for your concern, and your messages, which I've found really helpful. I'll keep checking this JUST in case the gods smile upon us and it all goes away! I hope the locals have not been too seriously affected, it feels perverse worrying about holidays when there are people whose every day lives have been affected.

[sbk]

If it's raining in Samui, its raining in Phuket.

See this thread: Rain, Rain, Rain.... what are you doing?

[lazeeboy]

i came out of my house at 8 am ,travelled the lake road ,water around 70-70cm ,came back 12.30pm ,the flood at the deepest was no more than 30cm ,no real rain today and the water is draining .

[PoorSucker]

The parties around green mango never stop.

Could be problems to go to the Full Moon Party due to high waves.

[Rooo]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

[natalidi]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

[Rooo]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

Nataldi, as I understand, you have been to Samui before.Yes we have had some major rain,but that does not mean the whole island is paralysed.Conditions change to the better fairly quickly.I would keep on checking the various threads before making a final decision.Yes people are up & around, a bit of a comprise sometimes , allowing for conditions & rainy season, restaurants are still open, bars are open, you might have to pick an alternate form of transport rather then a motorbike.

[LaoPo]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

Keep an eye on 'Peipah' though !

Although the 'track' looks to go more Southwest, instead West but with these nasty depressions it's hard to tell.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/wp200721.html

LaoPo

[Rooo]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

Keep an eye on 'Peipah' though !

Although the 'track' looks to go more Southwest, instead West but with these nasty depressions it's hard to tell.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/wp200721.html

LaoPo

Laopo. Seems to be loosing momentum.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/track...;theprefvalue=0

[LaoPo]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

Keep an eye on 'Peipah' though !

Although the 'track' looks to go more Southwest, instead West but with these nasty depressions it's hard to tell.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/wp200721.html

LaoPo

Laopo. Seems to be loosing momentum.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/track...;theprefvalue=0

Yes, it could be...although after it hits Vietnam, it will hit the Gulf of Thailand again and regain in strength over open water..hard to say now.

LaoPo

[PoorSucker]

And hit north of Samui, as usual.

[suegha]

10days is a long time in the scheme of things. However perhaps you can arrange alternate plans elsewhere as backup???

I lived in Samui for a couple of years but now bangkok and just got a text off my mate who lives there and he says its the worst weather he has ever seen..but from personal experience samui can be flooded to hel_l one day but then the next day the rain will have stopped and the water starts to clear, 2 days later you wouldn't no it had been flooded...so its a take the risk or not situation!!

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

Ya know what, I'd say just go for it. The weather is unpredictable, and it could be glorious by then. If it's not, enjoy it for what it is, you'll have a good time any way!

[BigC]

don't go anywhere near. the island. i live there and have a business. i have left for pattaya the weather is great here. i wiat till it blows over. cannot do any work when weather is like this.

if i was you would change even if you lose money. bangkok and pattaya weather is great. why sit in a flood disaster zone for your 1 year planned trip.

[limbos]

This morning started out with sunshine, we haven't had rain since 24 hours and the predictions are good.

Yes, PTY and other Northern places (compared to Samui) may have better weather, but things are coming back to normal here again.

[sbk]

And hit north of Samui, as usual.

There is a reason Chumphon is typhoon alley

[mattias33]

Just driven from Bophut to Nathon, couple of spots of bother, but no major drama.Pumps workin & roads clearing.

Are people out and about? I really don't want to cancel!!! Hanging onto every hope and dream!

Well, the last 2 days chnged the whole picture. No rain all day yesterday and the night befor. Also no rain tonight and today has been a sunshining day so far. Alot of the roads are now dry again. Yesterday i drove bike to fishermansvillage, and whre they apperently had "canote-taxis"?? on the road between fishermans and ringroad, was already dry yesterday evening. I say from the looks of it you wont have to cancel your dream, but then again, 2 days of heavy rain change the whole picture. Sorry to confuse you, but at the end of the day, going here you take a chans. There is a big chans you get the perfect holiday, and theres a chans it gets ruin by flooding. It might be worth the chance since when it is good it realy is a one of a kind holidayisland. As you know. Good luck anyay. We will keep you updated on this thread for the next days.

[natalidi]

I'm so sorry to get all sentimental, but I had to write again to say a great big thank you to everyone who has responded, and to those who continue to respond. I'm touched by the personal concern you have all had for our plans - and we can't thank you enough for your continued efforts to advise. For anyone else reading this wondering what to do - I've spotted the following useful links:

http://www.samuicam.com/index.html?c=LAMAI

http://samui-weather.blogspot.com/

http://www.tmd.go.th/en/

I'll keep checking here though - nothing beats the truth from those who are there!

[breezein]

I'm so sorry to get all sentimental, but I had to write again to say a great big thank you to everyone who has responded, and to those who continue to respond. I'm touched by the personal concern you have all had for our plans - and we can't thank you enough for your continued efforts to advise. For anyone else reading this wondering what to do - I've spotted the following useful links:

http://www.samuicam.com/index.html?c=LAMAI

http://samui-weather.blogspot.com/

http://www.tmd.go.th/en/

I'll keep checking here though - nothing beats the truth from those who are there!

wow i

[Mark Wolfe]

Khun Jean wrote:

People who live here can wait, when you are on a holiday every day is precious.

Very true for those wishing to get the most out of a trip to the island, but Natalidi says:

…I have been picturing myself in Green Mango dancing with a bucket of red bull for over a year now, so its sad to know I probably won't be going!

Why would you not go if you want to sit in a pub and get pissed? You can do that quite successfully while it is raining, even if it is pissing down. I don't want to get pissy, but if all you want is a good time in the clubs and bars and so forth, come on!

Also, looking around Lamaiville, the fact is that the rains and the flooding haven't really done any real damage. I assume that the declaration of "disaster areas" by local heads was done basically to try to get some money out of the government.

However, this is the wettest month of the year statistically, so what do you expect?

I live here with the most spectacular view of all of Lamai so I know of what I speak. I'd put in a photo from my balcony but I don't want SBK to come egg my house... :-)

(By the way, drinking a "bucket of Red Bull" would probably keep you wired for a week. I suggest you mix it with something, anything [except coffee]).

[natalidi]

Khun Jean wrote:

People who live here can wait, when you are on a holiday every day is precious.

Very true for those wishing to get the most out of a trip to the island, but Natalidi says:

…I have been picturing myself in Green Mango dancing with a bucket of red bull for over a year now, so its sad to know I probably won't be going!

Why would you not go if you want to sit in a pub and get pissed? You can do that quite successfully while it is raining, even if it is pissing down. I don't want to get pissy, but if all you want is a good time in the clubs and bars and so forth, come on!

Also, looking around Lamaiville, the fact is that the rains and the flooding haven't really done any real damage. I assume that the declaration of "disaster areas" by local heads was done basically to try to get some money out of the government.

However, this is the wettest month of the year statistically, so what do you expect?

I live here with the most spectacular view of all of Lamai so I know of what I speak. I'd put in a photo from my balcony but I don't want SBK to come egg my house... :-)

(By the way, drinking a "bucket of Red Bull" would probably keep you wired for a week. I suggest you mix it with something, anything [except coffee]).

Of course drinking is not the only thing I'm going to Koh Samui for - it was simply the only thing I included in my posting!

Regardless of whether you are indoors or out, in a pub or on the beach - when you live in a country where it's cold and rainy all year long - every little bit of sunshine and dry weather helps and I can't imagine that anyone would want to find out their holiday destination has just been declared a disaster zone!

[LaoPo]

Khun Jean wrote:

People who live here can wait, when you are on a holiday every day is precious.

Very true for those wishing to get the most out of a trip to the island, but Natalidi says:

…I have been picturing myself in Green Mango dancing with a bucket of red bull for over a year now, so its sad to know I probably won't be going!

Why would you not go if you want to sit in a pub and get pissed? You can do that quite successfully while it is raining, even if it is pissing down. I don't want to get pissy, but if all you want is a good time in the clubs and bars and so forth, come on!

Also, looking around Lamaiville, the fact is that the rains and the flooding haven't really done any real damage. I assume that the declaration of "disaster areas" by local heads was done basically to try to get some money out of the government.

However, this is the wettest month of the year statistically, so what do you expect?

I live here with the most spectacular view of all of Lamai so I know of what I speak. I'd put in a photo from my balcony but I don't want SBK to come egg my house... :-)

(By the way, drinking a "bucket of Red Bull" would probably keep you wired for a week. I suggest you mix it with something, anything [except coffee]).

Since when is Red Bull getting someone pissed ?

LaoPo

[Rooo]

Check this site, gives a fairly accurare forcast too, same as windguru but more comprehensive.

http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast....UI&metric=1

://http://www.accuweather.com/world-fo...&metric=1

://http://www.accuweather.com/world-fo...&metric=1

http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast-details.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&locCode=ASI|TH|TH066|KO%20SAMUI&metric=1&fday=1

Try & use all the functions,you can get down to daily, hourly.

Edited November 11, 2007 by Rooo

[Rooo]

So after looking right through it, I would say enjoy your trip.

[mattias33]

Regardless of whether you are indoors or out, in a pub or on the beach - when you live in a country where it's cold and rainy all year long - every little bit of sunshine and dry weather helps and I can't imagine that anyone would want to find out their holiday destination has just been declared a disaster zone!

Offcourse not, you are right about that. Anyway the whole "disaster zone" thing was a bit exaggerated if you ask me. Dont take too much out of that. The real problems where a evening and a night and if the rain had continued at that stage i could have been a bit of a disaster on some parts of the island.

However, another sunshine day today. 3rd day without rain now. And if you do have bad luck you can always go north after 2 days. Now its looking good anyway, and today is sunday and you where gonna make a descission this weekend? Go for it!

Have a nice holiday.

[emmezeta]

Check this site, gives a fairly accurare forcast too, same as windguru but more comprehensive.

http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast....UI&metric=1

://http://www.accuweather.com/world-fo...&metric=1

://http://www.accuweather.com/world-fo...&metric=1

://http://www.accuweather.com/world-fo...&metric=1

http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast-details.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&locCode=ASI|TH|TH066|KO%20SAMUI&metric=1&fday=1

Try & use all the functions,you can get down to daily, hourly.

nice site, although the general ones for Samui are ok.

They have just to copy the cloudy icon from the day before and put a tstorm here and there.

Last december it was EVERY day Scattered tstorm

but no rain and enough sun, even if temperature was a bit low

All resort are full from 18 december, so this means do not came before if you want nice weather.....