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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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.

Travel

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bangkok Now

December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 dixonthum

As someone who frequently visits Bangkok, I can confidently say it’s one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Southeast Asia. Known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, the vibrant capital of Thailand is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences, especially during this festive season. From bustling markets and flavourful street food to serene temples and dynamic nightlife, Bangkok truly has it all. If you’re planning your next vacation, here are five compelling reasons why Bangkok should be at the top of your travel list right now.

#1 Christmas Decor
The Christmas decorations in Bangkok are nothing short of spectacular, especially with the buzz around Labubu and other Popmart characters adding a trendy twist to the festive season. Iconic malls such as CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, and ICONSIAM go all out with dazzling light displays, towering Christmas trees, and meticulously crafted holiday setups. Even the streets and smaller markets embrace the holiday spirit with festive decorations and cheerful music. It’s an ideal time to immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere and snap picture-perfect moments with your loved ones.

#2 Street Food
Bangkok’s street food is legendary and a highlight for every visitor. The city is often referred to as the world’s street food capital for good reason. You can savour everything from the classic pad thai to spicy som tam (papaya salad) and grilled seafood. Sweet treats like mango sticky rice and roti with condensed milk are equally irresistible. Popular food hotspots like the newly opened Jodd Fairs and the Sukhumvit food stalls offer a chance to enjoy authentic Thai flavours at affordable prices. Every bite is a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage with hints of urbanisation.

#3 Shopping Haven
Shopping in Bangkok is an experience like no other, offering everything from unique handmade goods to luxurious branded items. Chatuchak Weekend Market is a treasure trove of bargains, where you can find souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. Platinum Fashion Mall is a favourite for affordable yet stylish apparel, while Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM cater to those seeking luxury and high-end brands. Don’t miss the floating markets for a more traditional shopping experience, where you can buy everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

#4 Creative Exhibitions
Bangkok is currently buzzing with exciting creative events that showcase its vibrant cultural scene. One must-see is the ICONSIAM Bangkok Illumination 2024 x ROBBi, running until 25 December 2024. This dazzling event transforms the riverside into a spectacle of lights and art, featuring ROBBi installations that blend innovation and festive cheer. Another highlight is the Immersive Disney Animation at EMSPHERE, open until 29 December 2024. This magical experience brings beloved Disney stories to life through cutting-edge technology and interactive displays, making it perfect for visitors of all ages. There are many other events happening in Bangkok now until the end of the year!

#5 Vibrant Nightlife
Bangkok’s nightlife is as vibrant as its daytime attractions. Rooftop bars like Tribe, Sky Bar and Vertigo offer stunning views of the city’s skyline, complemented by world-class cocktails and fine dining. For those seeking more energy and excitement, places like Khao San Road, Soi Thonglor, and Silom buzz with activity, featuring live music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening or a night full of adventure, Bangkok’s nightlife has it all.

With its festive atmosphere, incredible food, endless shopping, inspiring creative spaces, and electrifying nightlife, Bangkok is a city that promises something for everyone. Now is the perfect time to explore its magic and create unforgettable memories in this one-of-a-kind destination.

Bonus: 7-Eleven
And while I’m on the topic of favourite spots, I can’t leave out 7-Eleven, which is a must-visit in Thailand. It’s not your ordinary convenience store—here, you’ll find everything from delicious ready-to-eat meals like spicy basil chicken rice to unique snacks and beverages that you can’t get elsewhere. I make it a point to pop into a 7-Eleven every time I’m in Bangkok, whether it’s for a quick bite, an iced coffee or simply to explore the latest offerings. It’s a little slice of convenience and culture that I always look forward to.

Lifestyle

Choco Albab Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Sweet Success and Empowering Opportunities

December 8, 2024 dixonthum

On 7 December 2024, I had the privilege of attending Choco Albab’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration, held at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre. Themed Beyond the Star, the event was not only a showcase of delicious chocolate but also a testament to the brand’s inspiring journey of transforming lives through entrepreneurship.

Said Saiful Fazli Said Aluwi, Founder & CEO of Choco Albab

The founder and CEO of Choco Albab, Said Saiful Fazli Said Aluwi, shared his heartfelt reflections during the event. He emphasized the brand’s mission of creating happiness—not just through their delectable chocolate offerings but also by empowering individuals to earn additional income.

In just three years, Choco Albab has grown into a powerhouse, uplifting the lives of nearly 100,000 agents and producing dozens of Crown Leaders. Said credited these achievements to the collective effort of his team and his 14 years of experience in the business world. “My journey with Choco Albab is rooted in the desire to share opportunities and help people achieve financial independence,” he said, addressing the enthusiastic crowd.

Winner of Proton X70 ‘Buy & Win’ Lucky Draw

Empowering Entrepreneurship
Choco Albab’s agent system stands out with its remarkable 42% commission rate, the highest in Malaysia for similar products. Said explained that this initiative is tailored to support women, homemakers, single mothers, and youths, offering an accessible way to generate income with minimal capital and no need for agents to purchase or stock products.

“This is more than just a business; it’s a community of entrepreneurs. My vision for 2025 is to double the number of agents to 200,000 and make Choco Albab the leading local chocolate brand in Malaysia,” he added.

A Sweet New Launch
The event also witnessed the launch of the much-anticipated Choco Albab Hazelnut Spread. After trying it myself, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. With its premium quality and rich, creamy taste, this spread is poised to become a staple in Malaysian households.

An inspiring entrepreneur of Choco Albab from Singapore

A Brand That Transforms Lives
The celebration was more than just a milestone—it was a reminder of Choco Albab’s mission to transform lives. From providing a steady income stream to fostering entrepreneurial spirit, the brand continues to make a lasting impact.

As I mingled with the agents and guests, their stories were a testament to the brand’s philosophy. Many spoke about how Choco Albab had given them financial stability and hope for a brighter future.

Datuk Jerry Zafrol Rizal Mat, Director of Saudagaar Asia

Looking Ahead
Choco Albab’s journey is far from over. With ambitious plans to produce more Crown Leaders and expand its agent network, the brand is set to redefine the chocolate and entrepreneurship landscape in Malaysia.

To learn more about Choco Albab and its agency programme, visit chocoalbab.asia.

As I left the event, one thing was clear—Choco Albab isn’t just about selling chocolates; it’s about delivering happiness and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow.