Married in an Octopus’s Garden

Hug Thailand guest blogger and award-winning travel writer, Roderick Eime, follows the sometimes crazy wedding trail through Trang.

On the big wedding day, some people are happy to quickly run down to the registry office for a no-fuss event and maybe a few drinks afterwards. Others get married by Elvis in Las Vegas while some choose death-defying stunts like skydiving or perhaps a novel venue like a fast food outlet or a platform hoisted 50m into the air.

Here in Trang in Southern Thailand, couples come from all over the country and often from different countries to scuba dive to their ceremony beneath the waves. Continue reading “Married in an Octopus’s Garden”

Swimming with a naked Russian on Koh Chang

Guest blogger and award-winning Australian travel writer Louise Southerden finds an unusual swimming companion on Koh Chang island.

I’m not quite sure what my first thought was on seeing the wiry, bearded man walking towards me along the beach that first morning. Sure, he looked normal enough, in his straw hat, shorts and T-shirt. But it was early (too early for the sunbathers that usually emerged after a late breakfast) and he seemed to be carrying a backpack (unlike your typical early-morning tourist out for some exercise before the heat became too intense). Continue reading “Swimming with a naked Russian on Koh Chang”