New Year in Bangkok: 5 Best Places to Celebrate
Where to go in Bangkok to ring in the New Year?
New Year’s celebrations in Bangkok can be as relaxed or as raucous as you like, and there are plenty of places to celebrate the new year in the Thai capital. You could consider a classic option like rooftop dinners with champagne or watching fireworks with friends.
If you like to dance the night away, the clubs in Khao San Road, RCA, and on Sukhumvit 11 bring in international DJs who spin records till the early hours of the morning. Local restaurants and bars will also be celebrating the annual event. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or alone, enjoy the New Year countdown in Bangkok at these great venues.
1. CentralWorld
Fireworks at the shopping mall
Good for: Food, Shoppers
A vibrant street countdown party happens every year outside CentralWorld shopping mall. Find a good spot near the junction where you can enjoy fireworks and cheery crowds that will have gathered here from the early evening, with over 100,000 people expected.
In front of the mall, there’ll usually be a beer garden, snack stalls, and live entertainment like DJs and bands. To really fit in, find one of the sellers who’ll be touting their flashing headbands and sparkly date sunglasses. Getting there and back is extremely easy as the BTS Skytrain runs past midnight on New Year’s Eve. Read more
Location: 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0)2 640 7000
CentralWorld
2. Asiatique
Full of energy and atmosphere
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Asiatique is one of the most popular places to ring in the New Year in Bangkok. At 5 pm, the NYE countdown at Asiatique will be broadcast on national TV, so expect glitz and glamor. The best way to get there is via boat from Saphan Taksin Pier (near the BTS of the same name).
The night market will be buzzing with live music and Thai celebrity appearances, as well as fireworks when the clock strikes 12. Many Asiatique’s restaurants will be hosting special suppers; book ahead to make sure you get a table. If you don’t manage to get a table, never fear, as there are plenty of food stalls and bars to keep you fed and watered.
Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0)92 246 0812
Asiatique
3. Bangkok rooftop venues
Magical city views
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
Bangkok rooftop venues are pretty magical on any night of the year but when it’s New Year’s Eve, they add an extra dose of sparkle to their lofty surroundings. New rooftops open almost every year in the city, and as competition increases, the events become more impressive.
Lebua often does a New York-inspired ball drop, and lavish 7-course dinners are usually offered at Lebua’s Sirocco bar, Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel, and many others. Standard end-of-the-year celebrations will include plenty of bubbly, excellent food, and quality entertainment. Pick a top rooftop bar out of the many in Bangkok to enjoy fantastic views of the fireworks. Read more
Bangkok rooftop venues
4. RCA in Bangkok
Late-night excitement and entertainment
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
RCA in Bangkok is a classic option if you’re partying in a group and can’t decide whether you want live music, R&B, pop, or international DJs. This nightlife complex runs from Rama 9 to Petchaburi, housing over half a dozen nightclubs, pubs, and bars. For the end-of-year celebrations, they take it up a gear, so don’t expect an early night.
Make sure you bring ID as RCA are strict on this issue. Clubs will stamp your hand upon entry, so you can pop in and out throughout the night. The crowd here is young and fun-loving, a great party spot to ring in the new year in Bangkok. Read more
Location: RCA Alley, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
RCA in Bangkok
5. Bangkok river cruise
Relaxation on the water
Good for: Families, Luxury, Nightlife
A Bangkok river cruise on New Year’s Eve can be a truly romantic experience. Tours often have a special departure at 8.15 pm, spending the last few hours of the year down the river on a converted barge. View the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Rama VIII bridges glowing in the lights.
One of the options is dinner on the Loy Nava which usually features a 10-course Thai dinner, a bottle of wine per couple, and party favors. Ringing in the new year aboard this beautiful boat is just about the most Thai way to party, and it goes on until 2.30 am (with scheduled disembark times throughout the night for people who don’t fancy burning the midnight oil).
Bangkok river cruise
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