How To Spend New Year's Eve In Myanmar

Holiday festivities are becoming more and more popular in Myanmar as international influence continues to make its way into Burmese culture. From lavishly thrown parties in Yangon to ringing in the new year on a far-off island paradise, spending New Year’s Eve in Myanmar will give travelers something much more adventurous to do than watch a ball drop.

1. Spend New Year's Eve in Myanmar on a secluded island

Hotel

Yangon is where most of the action is at for New Year’s Eve. However, if getting out of Myanmar’s busiest city for the holiday is desired, why not sail around the islands of the Mergui Archipelago? Tight travel budgets aside, providers like Elegant Myanmar Tours can make New Year’s Eve extra special. Explore, snorkel and kayak by day. Dance beside a bonfire complete with fireworks on a remote island by night.

Elegant Myanmar Tours, Mya Yeilk Nyo Hotel Compound, Pa-le Road, Bahan Township

One of many islands that make up the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar | © Karen Macleish

2. Visit Kandawgyi Park for a royal New Year's Eve experience

Park

Yangons floating Karaweik Palace at night

Kandawgyi Park hosts one of the largest New Year’s Eve gatherings in Myanmar. Stroll along the boardwalk surrounding parts of Kandawgyi Lake and be mesmerized by the grand floating Karaweik Palace lit up at night. Stop by a number of waterfront bars and restaurants to grab a bite while waiting for the fireworks display, or make a reservation to enjoy a cultural performance and international buffet inside the Karaweik.

3. Watch fireworks from above Yangon

Bar

Twinkly clusters of color bursts can be seen going off all over Yangon on New Year’s Eve. For a crowd, go to Kandawgyi Park. For what feels more like a private fireworks showing with a better view from above, head to a rooftop bar or a friend’s balcony. Vista Bar has one of the best views of the Shwedagon Pagoda at night.

Vista Bar, 168 West Shwegondaing Road, Yangon, Myanmar, +95 9 252 666 678

Fireworks over the Shwedagon Pagoda | © Prasit Rodphan / Shutterstock

5. There's always karaoke

Hotel

Karoake is private-room style in Myanmar. There are many places to go. Some are shadier than others, but all promise a good time. Karaoke joints such as the Music Box in Yangon offer special set menus for New Year’s Eve including drinks, food and a little (or a lot of) mic time. Be careful not to miss out on the fireworks because of too much singing, though.

Music Box, Yangon International Hotel, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar, +95 9514-8524

A close up of a karaoke microphone | © Derek Gavey / Flickr

Party in Yangon and then head for a beach

Several luxury bars, restaurants and hotels in Yangon such as the Sule Shangri-La and Sedona Hotel hold themed parties with lavish countdowns for New Year’s Eve. Party it up in style in Yangon, and then recover for a few days on one of Myanmar’s gorgeous beaches to start the new year off right and relaxed.

Sunset behind Kyauk Maumghnama Pagoda at Ngwe Saung Beach

Literally ring in the new year at a pagoda

Looking for something a bit more local to do for New Year’s Eve? Find the nearest pagoda and ring in the new year with a bell. Bells are a big thing in Myanmar. Not only in size but also in daily use as an important aspect of Buddhist culture. Nearly every sacred site will have a bell or 10 to ding. It’s customary to hit a bell with a piece of wood after doing an act of merit such as praying.

People sitting near the Tharrawaddy Min Bell show its immense size

December and January are two of the busiest months for tourism in Myanmar. Venues hosting New Year’s Eve bashes fill up fast. Make sure reservations for special meals and events as well as hotels are booked far in advance to make the most out of spending New Year’s Eve in Myanmar.

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