Category: Travel

Health & Wellness, Travel

Thailand Yoga Art & Dance 2025 at Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok

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My recent trip to Bangkok was all about balance, mindfulness, and a good dose of fun — I attended the Thailand Yoga Art & Dance 2025 (TYAD), held from 31 October to 2 November 2025 at Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok.

For those who aren’t familiar, TYAD is an international wellness festival that combines yoga, dance, fitness, and culture in one vibrant space. This year marked its 9th edition, and it definitely lived up to its reputation. The event gathered 66 instructors from 13 countries, offering 133 classes across 12 classrooms — an impressive lineup that turned the entire hotel into a playground for wellness enthusiasts.

There were all kinds of sessions to explore — from Yoga, Dance, Pilates, Thai Massage, and Thai Cooking Class, to more adventurous ones like SUP Yoga, Fly Yoga, Detox Class, Ice Bath (Shock Cell), and this year’s highlight, the Stand Up Paddle Board on the River.

The festival kicked off with a lively Halloween Party on 31 October night — complete with a spooky photobooth, energetic performances, a fashion show, and a cocktail session that had everyone laughing and connecting before the workshops began. It was organized by Chayada Martcharoen, under TYAD by Make Friends For U Co., Ltd, and the whole weekend was filled with warmth, energy, and genuine passion.

During the three days, I joined two classes that stood out for me:

Aqua Yoga
One with Kru Bub

1. Aqua Yoga (1 November, 7am – 8am, 6th Floor Pool)
Taught by Kru Bub, this class was a refreshing way to start the day — literally. It was actually my first time trying Aqua Yoga, and practicing yoga in water gave a whole new dimension to balance and movement. The buoyancy made me feel lighter, and poses that are tricky on land suddenly became achievable. But it wasn’t all easy; maintaining balance against the gentle water current was its own challenge. It was fun, playful, and surprisingly calming at the same time — a perfect mix of exercise and mindfulness.

Attended the meditation session with Khun Sirin and Khun Mai

2. Vipassana & Walking Meditation by Kik Mayurin
Led by Kik Mayurin, a well-known Thai actress, this session was the complete opposite in energy — serene, grounding, and deeply reflective. She guided us through two forms of meditation: sitting and walking, rooted in Buddhist principles. During the walking meditation, we practiced awareness through breathing and slow, deliberate steps — lift, reach out, step — while focusing on the sensation of our feet touching the ground. It was a beautiful reminder to slow down and truly be present.

Overall, TYAD 2025 wasn’t just a fitness event — it was a soulful journey. It reminded me how movement, mindfulness, and community can nourish both body and spirit.

A huge thank you to Tourism Authority of Thailand Kuala Lumpur (TATKL) for giving me the opportunity to be part of this inspiring experience that truly brought health and wellbeing to my body and soul.

Travel

5 Must-Visit Spots to Explore in Bangkok

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Bangkok never fails to surprise me — from peaceful canals to modern shopping hubs, it’s a city that blends old charm and new energy effortlessly. If you’re planning your next trip, here are five spots I’d personally suggest exploring. Each has its own story, flavour, and vibe that’ll make your Bangkok trip even more memorable.

1. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Location: 30/1 Moo 15, Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170

This floating market started back in 2004 thanks to Uncle Chuan Chujan, who wanted to bring back the canal-community spirit that Bangkok was once known for. I think that’s what makes this place so special — it feels real and local. You’ll see vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, souvenirs, and cooked food both on land and from their boats.

I would suggest hopping on one of the small boat rides along the canal to soak in the scenery — it’s calm, friendly, and full of local colour. Plus, prices here are much cheaper compared to city markets, so you can snack all you want without burning your wallet.

2. Talad Noi Street Art
Location: Around Soi Charoen Krung 22 & Vanich 2, Samphanthawong District

If you enjoy artsy, laid-back walks, Talad Noi is one spot I’d definitely recommend. The old Chinese-Thai lanes here are full of colourful murals, installations, and creative cafés tucked inside heritage shophouses. One fun thing to do — hunt for all five “Talad Noi” manhole covers scattered along the streets!

I think it’s best to visit in the late morning when the sunlight hits the murals perfectly. Grab a coffee, wander slowly, and just enjoy how the old and new blend together so naturally.

3. Song Wat Road
Location: Song Wat Rd, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100

Once a trading street for rice and spices, Song Wat Road has now become one of Bangkok’s trendiest creative zones. I’d describe it as a mix of vintage charm and youthful energy — where old warehouses turn into cafés, and artisan shops line the narrow lanes.

If you like exploring on foot, this place is for you. You’ll find unique crafts, minimal-design coffee bars, and cool street art tucked behind classic architecture. I’d suggest visiting mid-morning to afternoon for the best vibe — it’s lively but not too hot yet.

Note: Song Wat Road is located just a short walk from Talad Noi Street Art, so I’d suggest visiting both on the same day. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to explore two creative neighbourhoods in one go.

4. Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market
Location: Chak Phet Rd, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200

This is Bangkok’s largest flower market, and honestly, it’s one of my favourites. I think there’s something magical about walking through rows of fresh marigolds, orchids, lotus and roses at 6 AM while vendors bustle around arranging petals for temples and homes.

Besides flowers, you’ll also find vegetables, fruits, herbs, and food stalls. I’d suggest going early in the morning or late at night when it’s less crowded and the atmosphere feels more authentic. Bring your camera — the colours are incredible.

5. Dusit Central Park
Location: 1 Soi Sala Daeng 1, Si Lom, Bang Rak District, Bangkok 10500

To balance out all the market wandering, I’d suggest ending your day at Dusit Central Park — one of Bangkok’s newest luxury lifestyle hubs. It’s modern, clean, and the criss-cross escalators inside have already gone viral for being super photogenic.

I think the rooftop “Hanging Garden” is a must-visit. You can enjoy the city view, catch some fresh air, and just unwind after a full day of exploring. The place combines shopping, dining, and greenery in such a refreshing way — it’s a great spot to end your Bangkok adventure.

My Final Take
What I love most about Bangkok is how every corner tells a different story — from floating markets run by locals to sleek skyscraper malls that redefine the skyline. If you’re planning a trip soon, I’d suggest mixing both sides of the city in your itinerary. You’ll come home not just with good photos, but with real experiences worth sharing.

Travel

Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok Review of Classic Thai Hospitality and Modern Comfort

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I stayed at Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok during my recent Bangkok trip for Thailand Yoga Art & Dance 2025, and it turned out to be one of those stays that quietly impresses you the more time you spend there. This 5-star riverside hotel has been around for quite some time, but it still carries that warm, old-school Thai hospitality that’s hard to find these days.

The first thing that caught my attention was how spacious everything felt — from the lobby to the rooms and even the restaurants. There’s this calmness about the place, especially when you’re facing the Chao Phraya River. I stayed in a river-view room, and every morning started with a peaceful view of the water and passing boats — a nice contrast to Bangkok’s usual buzz.

The room itself was clean, roomy, and well-equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable stay. It came with a bathtub, a flat-screen TV, a safe box, an electric kettle, a mini fridge, and plenty of space to unpack and settle in. It’s the kind of setup that makes it easy to just unwind after a long day exploring or attending events.

The hotel has a good mix of facilities too. There’s a big outdoor swimming pool, a gym with solid equipment, a sauna, steam rooms, tennis courts, and a full business centre if you’re mixing work and leisure. Service throughout the stay was warm and consistent — the kind of attentiveness that makes you feel genuinely looked after.

Now, food-wise, I’ve got to give special mention to their Hainanese chicken rice. I didn’t expect it to be that good, but it’s apparently one of the hotel’s signature dishes, and after trying it, I get the hype. Simple, comforting, and full of flavour — the kind of meal that makes you want to order it again the next day. Besides the chicken rice, the hotel also serves a variety of Thai and Western dishes to suit different tastes.

In terms of location, Montien Riverside Hotel is well-situated along Rama 3 Road. Terminal 21 Rama 3 is walking distance away if you need a quick shopping run or a good dinner spot. Asiatique The Riverfront is also nearby — perfect if you’re in the mood for a night stroll, riverside dining, or a cruise. There’s even a convenience store 7-Eleven around the corner for last-minute essentials, which is always handy.

The hotel is scheduled to go through some phased renovations to modernise its rooms and facilities while keeping operations running smoothly. I think once the full refresh is done, it’ll be even more impressive.

Overall, Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok feels like a place that balances comfort, classic hospitality, and a bit of quiet luxury. It’s not flashy, but it has character — and for me, that made the stay feel authentic. If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and prefer somewhere peaceful with easy access to everything, this hotel is definitely worth checking out.

📍Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok
372 Rama III Rd, Bang Khlo, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
🌐 http://www.montienriversidehotel.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/montien.river
IG: https://www.instagram.com/montienriverside/
Check-in time: 2:00 pm
Check-out time: 12:00 pm

Travel

Family-Friendly Singapore Attraction: Explore Real Dinosaur Bones at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

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Guys! I just discovered a very unique museum in Singapore that you should explore too. Thanks to my brother in-law for bringing me there during my last trip. So if you’re planning your next trip to Singapore and want to explore something beyond shopping and food, here’s one of my favourite finds — the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. Located inside the National University of Singapore (NUS), this is the country’s first and only natural history museum, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you love science, history, or simply want a unique experience in Singapore.

Walking in, I was immediately drawn to the dinosaur exhibition in Singapore. The museum houses three massive sauropod skeletons, and here’s the exciting part — these are not replicas, but real dinosaur bones that are more than 150 million years old. Two of them even still have their skulls, which is extremely rare. Standing underneath them, I felt like I had stepped straight into a Jurassic era. Another jaw-dropping highlight is the sperm whale skeleton, measuring 10.6 metres long. This whale was discovered off Jurong Island in 2015, and it’s Singapore’s first recorded sperm whale.

But the museum isn’t just about giant creatures. The Heritage Gallery gives you a fascinating look into Singapore’s natural history research, dating back to the days of the old Raffles Museum. Beyond that, the Biodiversity Gallery is packed with specimens of plants, corals, insects, reptiles, and marine life — a true showcase of Southeast Asia’s incredible biodiversity.

For practical details, here’s what you need to know before visiting. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) and is closed on Mondays. Tickets are priced at S$18 for Singapore residents (adult) and S$27 for non-residents (adult), while children, students, and senior citizens enjoy discounted rates. Kids under three enter free, and NUS students and staff get free admission. Entry is based on time slots (10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM), but once inside, you can take your time exploring.

What’s exciting right now is the museum’s special exhibition — “A Decade of Discovery” (2025–2026), celebrating its 10th anniversary. It features rare historic collections, a stunning coral specimen from Pulau Hantu, and a commemorative book that dives deep into Singapore’s natural heritage. The museum also hosts fun programs like scavenger hunts, open houses, and even after-hours events where you solve mysteries in the galleries.

If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, a family-friendly attraction in Singapore, or simply want to see real dinosaur bones in Singapore, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum should be at the top of your list. It’s educational, fun, and one of the most unique experiences you can have in Singapore.

Lifestyle, Travel

Ascott Star Rewards Festival 2025 at MYTOWNKL – Hotel Deals, Live Music & Freebies!

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I attended the launch of the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) Festival 2025 at MyTOWN Shopping Centre and honestly, it’s one of the more fun events I’ve been to lately. Happening from 24 to 27 July 2025, this 4-day festival runs daily from 10AM to 9:30PM and brings together a bit of everything — music, games, rewards, travel deals, and some pretty cool collabs.

Organised by Ascott Malaysia, the whole setup feels like a mix of lifestyle carnival and travel expo, but with a more relaxed vibe. You’ll see familiar names like CIMB, ShopBack, Jaecoo by Weststar, ASTRO Rocketfuel, and SONY Music Malaysia taking part.

Who is the Next Star of SONY Music?
One of the highlights is the SONY Music Karaoke Competition on Saturday (26th) and Sunday (27th). This one’s for aspiring singers — the winner gets to record one song in duet with a SONY Music artiste. Pretty epic chance if you’ve always dreamt of going pro! And even if you’re not singing, just hang around — there are live performances by Naqiu, Wany Hasrita, Kidd Santhe, Vanessa Reynauld, Yulia and others.

Travel Deals & Freebies
If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, the hotel deals here are quite solid. Ascott is offering up to 40% off room bookings in Malaysia and nearby countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more.

  • Deals run online and onsite
  • On-site buyers get a turn inside the Human Wind Chamber — 10 seconds to grab flying money. It’s fun to watch too!
  • You’ll also walk away with a MYTOWNKL Flower Bricks Blind Box and a CIMB Octo keychain.

Games, Giveaways & More
The vibe’s lively with interactive booths, mini games, lucky draws, and giveaways happening throughout the day. CIMB and ShopBack have booths with some perks, and Jaecoo has a car display if you’re curious about their latest model.

If you’re free this weekend and happen to be near MYTOWNKL, it’s worth dropping by. Whether you’re just looking to chill, shop around, catch a live performance or hunt for travel deals — this one’s got a bit of everything. Runs until Sunday (27 July), so still time to check it out.

📍MyTOWN Shopping Centre (Central Town)
🕙 10AM – 9:30PM daily