We take a look at a few of the options that Thailand provides for a last minute quick New Year’s Eve getaway:
The holiday season brings hoards of revellers to greener pastures, unwinding after a long and hopefully eventful year. Among the growing list of popular Southeast Asian destinations, Thailand offers a welcoming tropical paradise for rest and relaxation across its major cities, meeting all budgets and preference types:
Phuket
A popular vacation spot for both locals as well as foreigners to flock to, Phuket’s New Year festivities begins a few days prior to the grand night. The beach party culminates on the 31st through an all-night party that includes bands playing on a floating stage over the water.
Partygoers can also usher in the New Year in true Thai fashion, enjoying a host of local food stalls, barbecues and cocktails. Celebrations also include a grand display of fireworks and thousands of lanterns that set the night sky ablaze. For those who would like an alternative destination, the slightly more tranquil and scenic Krabi is just a boat ride away.
Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival
Although the releasing of lanterns is a nationwide tradition, the practice takes centre stage in Chiang Mai during New Year celebrations. Locals and visitors usher in the year ahead by partaking in the candle-lit lantern ceremony. Participants gather with various types of paper lanterns around the city before letting them go into the dark night sky.
The festival’s nucleus sits within Tha Pae Road, lined with live music performances, food vendors, pop up bars, and a big crowd awaiting a grand and long display of fireworks. For those who are seeking a quieter experience, there is also the option to join the monks at the Wat Phan Tao, who spend the last hour of the year in meditation and chanting in a candle-lit hall.
Bangkok
Often referred to as one of the best global destinations to usher in the New Year, the capital of Thailand offers something for almost everyone.
Those who enjoy sipping on cocktails with live DJs playing in the background can visit one of the city’s rooftop bars and enjoy a panoramic view of the skyline and fireworks at midnight. Similar to many other capital cities, these bars usually release their own special menu for the night and bookings should be made some time in advance.
Another popular countdown destination is Asiatique, a clever combination of a night bazaar and a mall. Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, Asiatique offers a family-friendly venue to witness the city’s fireworks. The festivities that are broadcast live on TV incorporate live music performances while combining the restaurant and local vendor food experience. Shops are also open till late on the 31st, catering to the crowds that flock to the banks of the river.
Whether one wants to spend the last day of the year in a bustling street party or with drinks overlooking the water and city skyline, Thailand has a host of options to satisfy. As always, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance if the venue of choice involves a ticketed event.