dixonthum

To end 2024 on a high note, my friends and I hiked up Khua Mountain in Rattaphum, about an hour drive from Hat Yai. We started in the dark, climbing up a manageable trail, less than 1km. By the time we reached the top, the sky was starting to light up. This spot is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Now, let me share my experience and tips to help you plan your own trip!

The Journey to Khuha Mountain
We started early, leaving our hotel in Hat Yai around 5:00AM to reach the trailhead before dawn. The hike itself is fairly moderate, but it’s always good to come prepared. Bring a torchlight, as it’s pitch dark when you start. Wear proper hiking shoes for grip, and pack enough water to stay hydrated. A light breakfast or snacks can help keep your energy up.

The Magical Sunrise
Reaching the summit just as the horizon lit up was worth every step. The sunrise was stunning—shades of orange, pink, and gold spread across the sky, marking the last sunrise of 2024. It felt surreal, and knowing it was the final sunrise of the year made it even more special.

Friendly Dogs and Fun Surprises
To our delight, some friendly dogs roamed the summit, wagging their tails and mingling with us and other hikers. They added a warm, playful touch to the experience. Nearby, a couple was having a cozy picnic. They generously let us borrow their setup for some impromptu photos, which turned out amazing!

What to Prepare
Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re ready for the hike:

Torchlight: Essential for the dark trail.
Hiking Shoes: For a safe and comfortable climb.
Water: Stay hydrated throughout the hike.
Light Breakfast: Pack something easy to eat for energy.
Camera or Phone: You’ll want to capture the incredible views!
Towel: To wipe off sweat. (optional)

Why You Should Go
Khuha Mountain isn’t just about the sunrise—it’s an experience. The trail, the views, the friendly dogs, and even the chance to meet kind strangers made it a fantastic way to end the year. Whether you’re into hiking or just looking for a peaceful escape, this place won’t disappoint.

Final Thoughts
If you’re near Hat Yai, I highly recommend taking this hike. Watching the last sunrise of 2024 from Khuha Mountain was unforgettable and a perfect way to reflect on the year. Here’s to more adventures in 2025!

Travel

Dine on the Boat Experience with Barahom Community in Pattani

January 6, 2025 dixonthum

Never have I imagined that I have this opportunity to discover an unforgettable cultural and culinary adventure with the Barahom community in Pattani, Thailand. This unique experience begins with a serene boat ride along the picturesque Di Chae River, winding through lush mangrove forests and offering breathtaking views of nature. Perfect for those seeking an authentic connection to local traditions, this journey blends tranquility, stunning landscapes, and delicious Malay kampung-style cuisine.

The Journey
The adventure begins at Barahom Barzaar, where friendly locals welcomed us aboard a traditional boat. The tranquil Di Chae River becomes our pathway to an untouched mangrove forest, a breathtaking natural reserve that sets the stage for a memorable lunch. As the boat glides gently through the water, we took in the sights and sounds of this beautiful ecosystem, making it as much about the journey as the destination. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

A Feast to Remember
The highlight of this experience is undoubtedly the meal—a spread of Nasi Ideh Kampung (Nasi Hidang Kampung in Bahasa Malaysia), a spread of classic Malay kampung-style dishes. Each dish is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the region:

Ikan Selayang Goreng – Deep-fried mackerel, firm and flavourful.
Ikan Masak Lemak – Fish cooked in a creamy yellow coconut curry with a hint of spice.
Ulam with Sambal & Budu – Fresh local herbs served with spicy sambal and budu (fermented fish sauce) for an authentic taste.
Paku Masak Lemak – Wild fern cooked in a rich coconut milk gravy, offering a unique texture and flavor.
Telur Dadar – A simple yet satisfying dish of fried scrambled eggs.
Teh O Ais – Refreshing iced tea.

Every bite reflects the freshness of local ingredients and the skill of the cooks who have mastered these traditional recipes. My personal favourites definitely goes to the fried mackerels and ulam with sambal.

One-of-a-Kind Experience
Dining on a boat amidst the mangroves is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive cultural experience. You’ll gain insights into the Barahom community’s way of life and their harmonious relationship with nature. It’s an opportunity to connect with the people and flavors of Pattani in an intimate and unforgettable setting.

Plan Your Visit
This unique boat dining experience is perfect for those seeking something different while exploring Pattani. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, the Barahom Barzaar’s boat ride promises to leave you with cherished memories.

Tuk Tuk used to transport the packed food from the kitchen to the boat by the river

Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure—book your spot with the Barahom Barzaar today and embark on a journey that celebrates the beauty of Pattani and its culinary treasures.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BarahomBarzaar/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/barahom_barzaar_shop/
WhatsApp: +66935802702
Line: 0935802702

Travel

Why Buri Sriphu Hotel Is the Perfect Place to Stay in Hat Yai

January 6, 2025 dixonthum

Planning a trip to Hat Yai, Thailand? Let me recommend a top-rated hotel that I’ve personally experienced—Buri Sriphu Hotel. This modern 4-star boutique hotel combines contemporary luxury with the vibrant charm of Hat Yai’s local culture. Perfectly located in the bustling Hat Yai Market Area, the hotel offers easy access to shopping centers, street food delights, and popular attractions like Kim Yong Market and the Lee Gardens Night Market. Read on to discover why Buri Sriphu Hotel is the ultimate choice for your accommodation in Hat Yai.

Exceptional Facilities and Amenities
Buri Sriphu Hotel offers a host of modern facilities designed to enhance your stay:

Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub: Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub after a day of sightseeing.
Fitness Centre: Stay on top of your fitness routine with the well-equipped gym.
Event Spaces: With 1,377 square feet (128 square meters) of conference space, the hotel is ideal for weddings, corporate meetings, and special events.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with fast and free wireless internet throughout the property.
Tour Assistance: The hotel provides tour and ticket services to help you explore Hat Yai hassle-free.

Comfortable Rooms with Modern Touches
The hotel features 78 air-conditioned rooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and style. Each room is equipped with:

LCD TVs with cable programming and DVD players for entertainment.
Mini-refrigerators and minibars for your convenience.
Private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Bath tub in rooms from Superior Room category and above.
Daily housekeeping to ensure your stay is perfect.
Some rooms even offer scenic city views, adding an extra touch of charm to your stay.

Delicious Dining Options and Breakfast Buffet
Start your day right with the hotel’s sumptuous breakfast buffet at Mor Khoa Mor Kaeng restaurant, available for an additional fee. Indulge in a mix of international and local dishes to fuel your adventures. My personal favourites are their Kanom Jeen Namya (rice noodle with fish curry or Thai laksa) and Hainanese Chicken Rice. You can also grab snacks and coffee at the café, Away Café & Co. There’s also a poolside bar for your favourite cocktails while you soak up the relaxing atmosphere on Level 2.

Prime Location for Exploration
Nestled in the heart of Hat Yai, the hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Hat Yai Bus Terminal and a short stroll from popular spots like Diana Shopping Complex, Kim Yong Market, Lee Gardens Night Market, and Central Festival Hat Yai. Its central location makes it perfect for travelers looking to explore the city’s lively markets, taste local delicacies, and indulge in a shopping spree.

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A post shared by Dixon Thum Wai Khong (@dixonthum)

Why Choose Buri Sriphu Hotel?
Buri Sriphu Hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a gateway to the vibrant culture and energy of Hat Yai. With its strategic location, top-notch facilities, and exceptional service, it promises a memorable and comfortable stay. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a bit of both, this boutique hotel caters to all your needs.

📍Buri Sriphu Hotel
310 Sripoovanart Rd, Tambon, Hat Yai Subdistrict, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province 90110, Thailand
Website: http://www.burisriphuhotel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burisriphuhotelhatyai/
Tel: +6674247111
Check-in time: 2:00 pm
Check-out time: 12:00 pm

Fashion, Shopping

ColourMeBeautiful Malaysia Hosts Exclusive Colour Analysis Session to Celebrate Indie Batik’s New Holiday Collection at Metrojaya Midvalley

December 12, 2024 dixonthum

ColourMeBeautiful Malaysia successfully hosted an exclusive colour analysis session to mark the launch of Indie Batik’s brand-new Holiday Collection at Metrojaya Midvalley. The event, which was attended by members of the media, influencers, and local celebrities, showcased how colour plays a pivotal role in enhancing personal style and confidence.

Colour is one of the most important factors in making wardrobe choices. Understanding which shades complement one’s features empowers individuals to present their best selves. At the event, ColourMeBeautiful expert Michelle Chan demonstrated how to identify these colours through the latest menswear pieces from Indie Batik, offering attendees valuable insights into the impact of colour on personal image.

Indie Batik is renowned for its unique range of 100% cotton and linen apparel, which features intricate batik-inspired block prints. The brand’s collection includes stylish shirts and comfortable drawstring pants, designed to celebrate individuality and cultural artistry. With its bold tagline, “Free to be Different,” Indie Batik encourages its customers to express their unique style through high-quality, distinctive clothing. The latest Holiday Collection is available in a stunning array of colours that embody the brand’s commitment to both heritage and individuality.

During the event, Michelle Chan employed ColourMeBeautiful’s signature colour analysis technique to help attendees identify the tones and shades that best complement their natural features, such as skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour. Using Indie Batik shirts and scarves in various shades, Michelle shared expert tips on how selecting the right colours can enhance personal features, boost self-confidence, and make a lasting impression—whether in personal or professional settings.

The successful event, supported by Metrojaya, marks the beginning of a series of future collaborations between ColourMeBeautiful and local brands. These partnerships aim to empower individuals and celebrate Malaysia’s vibrant fashion landscape.

For more info check out ColourMeBeautiful Malaysia official Instagram – @colourmebeautifulmy and Indie Batik on Instagram via @metrojayamy

About Michelle Chan, ColourMeBeautiful
Michelle Chan is a certified ColourMeBeautiful consultant with years of experience transforming the lives of her clients both locally and internationally. As an expert in colour and image consultancy, Michelle helps individuals build self-confidence and refine their personal brand. She has worked with prestigious brands and organizations, including Sephora, Bvlgari, Sunway, and Toujours, establishing herself as a leading figure in the industry.

For more info, visit https://colourmebeautiful.com.my/

About Indie Batik by EIC
Launched in May 2024, Indie Batik draws inspiration from the rich cultural traditions of Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. The brand’s designs weave together a tapestry of diverse cultural stories and craftsmanship. Indie Batik’s collections, created by skilled artisans whose expertise has been passed down through generations, celebrate individuality, free-spiritedness, and the beauty of cultural artistry. The latest Indie Batik Holiday Collection is now available at AvenueK Kuala Lumpur, Plaza Gurney Penang, and all Metrojaya stores.

For more info, visit https://indiebatik.com.my/

Lifestyle

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with Astro’s #xilele2025 and Exclusive Festivities!

December 10, 2024 dixonthum

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending Astro’s grand Chinese New Year campaign launch, themed “喜乐乐SHARE丰年” (Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity), at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. As we step into the Year of the Snake, Astro invites everyone to embrace love, empathy, and the spirit of sharing through its exciting initiatives.

The event kicked off with a dazzling showcase of performances by over 50 Astro and local celebrities, including fan favorites like Jiang Han, Jack Lim, Jentzen, Yoon, Freddie, Joe, Jack Yap, Joey Leong, Crystal Ong, Nicole Lai, Geraldine, Nicholas, William, Mei Sim, Vicky, Jazz, Amy, Tedd, Fuying, Sam, Hayden, Joey, Daniel Fong, Estee, Min, Kryston, Broco Lee, Ribbon Ooi, Weiwei, Weon, Aki, YYY, Wilson, Sherlyn, Tammy, Jonathan, Jian Yi, April Chan, Celes, Dada and Kenji. Their energetic dance routines and soulful renditions of the campaign’s theme songs set a festive tone, leaving the audience in high spirits.

Introducing Xilele : Astro’s Lucky Mascot for the Year of the Snake
The highlight of the campaign was the unveiling of Xilele (喜乐乐), Astro’s adorable snake mascot. Symbolizing prosperity and joy, Xilele instantly won hearts with its cheerful design, complete with a tail adorned with a coin motif to signify wealth.

Astro also revealed an array of Xilele-themed merchandise, from Xilele plush toy to trendy Xilele T-shirts, Xilele comic book, and even a Xilele USB Chinese New Year Album loaded with their #xilele2025 songs. These items are perfect for adding festive cheer to your celebrations, and they’re available at POPULAR stores, Shopee, and Lazada. Additionally, the adorable Xilele WhatsApp stickers are available now for free download via the My Astro app, making it easy to add CNY cheer to your chats. With such diverse offerings, everyone in the family can enjoy a memorable Year of the Snake together!

xilele2025 Music Album: Feel the Festive Spirit
Music enthusiasts will love Astro’s 17th CNY album, featuring four vibrant tracks that blend traditional New Year vibes with contemporary styles. The songs include:

“SHARE丰年 (SHARE Feng Nian)”: The title track for this year’s campaign is a lively A-go-go styled song, creating a strong New Year atmosphere with youthful lyrics and an upbeat rhythm, amplifying the joyous Chinese New Year celebrations.
“魔法新年 (Mo Fa Xin Nian)”: A bold latin Tango-inspired arrangement infused with complex rhythm and melody, blending New Year blessings with a celebratory magic touch to bring good fortune and peace.
“一起发达发达啦 (Yi Qi Fa Da Fa Da La)”: A cheerful Cha Cha-themed piece celebrating prosperity in all aspects of life—career, academics, relationships, and health—while inspiring resilience to overcome challenges.
“乎你赚够够 (Hu Ni Zhuan Gou Gou)”: A vibrant Rock ‘n’ Roll track paired with humorous lyrics, designed to lift spirits and invoke carefree, happy moments.

Upcoming Festivities and Special Programming
Astro’s CNY roadshows across Malaysia promise live performances, meet-and-greets with celebrities, and exclusive giveaways. From January 27 to February 28, the Xilele 喜乐乐 (Channel 100) will air festive dramas, movies, and variety shows. Don’t miss highlights including the heartwarming Astro Originals, CNY drama “All The Good Things “, Malaysia’s biggest “Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025”, Feng Shui programme “Sifu! May I Ask?”, a festive-themed show “Astro CGM CNY Concert 2025”, Hokkien New Year countdown show “I Love Hua Hee Bai Ti Gong”, CNY talk show “Best of Times”, “Taste of Home” and much more!

The event wrapped up with a heartfelt reminder of the campaign’s message: joy multiplies when shared. From music to merchandise and roadshows, Astro’s #xilele2025 campaign is a delightful celebration for everyone.

Make sure to grab your Xilele goodies and tune in to Astro for an unforgettable Chinese New Year! For more information, please visit xilele2025.com. Sign up for Astro today and enjoy the best of entertainment, all in one place! For more information, log in to the My Astro app, visit astro.com.my or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838.