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

Lifestyle

Diana Danielle and Joe Flizzow Honoured at ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 for Bridging Creativity and Entrepreneurship

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Two of Malaysia’s most influential cultural icons — Diana Danielle and Joe Flizzow — took centre stage at the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025, where they were honoured for their remarkable contributions that bridge creativity, business, and community impact in Kuala Lumpur.

Diana Danielle received the Outstanding Content Creator and Performing Artist Award, while Joe Flizzow was recognised as the Outstanding Hip Hop Entrepreneur, celebrating their success in blending artistic passion with entrepreneurial excellence — and inspiring a generation of creative professionals across ASEAN.

Graced by His Highness Tengku Arif Bendahara of Pahang and Her Highness Tengku Natasya, the glittering ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at MATRADE Kuala Lumpur marked a decade of the region’s most dynamic platform for youth-led innovation and creative enterprise. The event was officiated by YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, and attended by dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from across Southeast Asia.

What began ten years ago as a modest platform for youth innovation has grown into one of ASEAN’s most anticipated entrepreneurial gatherings — a celebration of creativity, culture, and business leadership under the theme “Connecting ASEAN, Creating Global Change.”

A beloved actress and digital storyteller, Diana Danielle was recognised for her evolution from screen star to multi-platform creative entrepreneur. Her commitment to producing authentic, meaningful content has inspired millions and brought attention to social and mental health issues close to her heart — showcasing the rising influence of Malaysia’s creative industry.

Meanwhile, Joe Flizzow — hip hop legend, mentor, and entrepreneur — was celebrated for his visionary role in shaping Malaysia’s urban music scene and elevating it onto the regional stage. Through Kartel Records, mentorship programmes, and cross-border collaborations, Joe continues to drive Southeast Asia’s creative economy forward, proving that music and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.

“Diana and Joe embody the spirit of ASEAN’s next generation — fearless, creative, and globally minded,” said Deborah Melissa Bottreau, Chairperson of AYEC 2025 and Founding Chairwoman of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC). “They prove that culture and commerce can work together to inspire real regional change.”

Supported by Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), MITI, ASEAN-BAC, MATRADE, MIDA, and the ASEAN Secretariat, this milestone edition marks a decade of AYEC’s evolution — from a startup initiative in 2015 to a powerful regional movement driving youth innovation, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship.

As the night celebrated both business excellence and artistic innovation, one message resonated throughout the hall — the future of ASEAN lies not only in technology and trade, but in the power of storytelling, creativity, and culture.

About ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council
The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC) is the official voice of young entrepreneurs within ASEAN’s policy-making framework. Established in 2015 and launched in Kuala Lumpur, AYEC unites government-endorsed young entrepreneur associations from all ten ASEAN Member States, connecting them with the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to advance innovation and regional economic integration. It also oversees flagship initiatives such as the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival and the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC), fostering cross-border collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth across ASEAN’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more info, visit AYEC website at ayec.org or their official pages on Facebook and Instagram (@aseanyec).

Lifestyle, Music

Malaysia’s Biggest Talent Show, Astro Star Quest 2025 Returns After 8 Years

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After eight long years, Astro’s most iconic talent show is finally back — Astro Star Quest 2025 Astro《新秀 崛起吧！》 is making a strong comeback with a brand-new mission: to discover the next all-round superstar in Malaysia and inject new life into the local entertainment scene.

Airing every Saturday at 8:30PM on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand and sooka, this year’s Astro Star Quest 2025 promises something bigger than a singing contest. It’s a full-scale test of star potential — where contestants must prove not just their vocals, but also stage charisma, versatility across genres, quick thinking and performance confidence. This is a stage where dreams meet reality, and only those who can truly shine under pressure will stand out.

Hosted by Hui Mei 萧慧敏 and Priscilla Abby 蔡恩雨, and partnered with Adonis, the competition brings together 20 promising new talents ready to battle it out for the title of Malaysia’s next superstar. Among them are Joshua 张佐权 (19岁), Liew Jian Xu 廖健旭 (17岁), Leow Yee Xing 刘伊幸 (24岁), Song 陈松宁 (26岁), Pang Ee Jun 彭义竣 (18岁), Yong Hui Ying 杨荟颖 (21岁), Jack 刘浅 (17岁), HOW1E 马豪怿 (25岁), Pang Ee Xin 彭于歆 (21岁), Yap Xiao En 叶晓恩 (19岁), Huang Peng Long 黄鹏龙 (21岁), Xavier小辰 (21岁), Danson 黄得昇 (25岁), EMI 萧洳晶 (21岁), Euzen 林妤真 (18岁), Bryan 张雍 (21岁), Chen Rou En 陈柔恩 (16岁), Chris 官杰皓 (20岁), Celine 陈芷萱 (24岁) and Jess 陈佳仙 (21岁).

One of the most exciting highlights this season is the participation of Chief Executive Officer of Emperor Culture (Beijing) Development Co., Ltd. and Chief Operating Officer of Emperor Entertainment Group (Hong Kong) Mani 霍汶希, who joins as a guest mentor #TheStarHunter (星选官) and judge. Each week, she will pick one contestant as her “Star Pick” — awarding them the equivalent of 5,000 audience votes, potentially shifting the entire leaderboard. Her selection represents not only audience expectation, but also industry-level recognition.

Meanwhile, the show’s Mentor #TheNavigator (领航人) Nicholas Teo 张栋梁 returns to guide the contestants as a mentor — helping them navigate each stage of the journey, offering insights, motivation, and sharing his own experiences in the music industry. When the contestants face challenges, he’ll be there to keep them grounded and focused, leading them step-by-step towards the grand finale.

Adding to the mentorship lineup, #TheCatalyst (崛起推手) Phei Yong joins in to offer holistic guidance that goes beyond singing. He focuses on helping contestants create a strong personal brand and a lasting impression on stage — because in this industry, it’s not just about singing well, but also about being remembered.

The judging panel is made up of three resident judges — renowned music producer Al Kuan 管启源, 2012 Astro Talent Quest champion Nicole 赖淞凤, and 2011 champion Geraldine 颜慧萍 — who will evaluate each performance with professional insights. Guest judges will also appear in selected rounds, including Hong Kong singers Vincy Chan 泳儿 and Angela Hui 许靖韵, adding even more star power and excitement to the show.

Astro Star Quest 2025 isn’t just a comeback — it’s a new beginning for a new generation of talents ready to rise. The stage is set, the lights are on, and Malaysia’s next superstar might just be born right here.

Astro Star Quest 2025 airs every Saturday at 8:30 PM on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, and sooka. Stay tuned to witness the birth of the next big star!

Subscribe to Astro One today for just RM49.99/month to enjoy on-demand, unlimited entertainment. You can also upgrade your streaming experience to Astro Fibre with 500Mbps high-speed unlimited internet and Entertainment Pack for only RM139.99/month. Learn more through the My Astro App, visit astro.com.my, or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838.