This Year's Best New Year's Eve Events In Bangkok

Asiatique, Bangkok’s hipster entertainment venue, is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The former trading port is now an eclectic night bazaar – come market – comprised of boutique shops, eateries, bars and live music. On offer at Asiatique you’ll also find classic Thai puppet shows and Calypso ladyboy cabaret. Asiatique is widely considered the best place to enjoy the countdown in the city with an impressive fireworks display. New Year’s celebrations at Asiatique are a fun way to enjoy festivities with the whole family.

Asiatique, 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok, Thailand

If a crowded street party with folks from all over the world gets you excited, Khao San Road is the right place for you! The backpacker haven is also perfect for those on a budget as prices tend to be cheaper than in other parts of the city. Let your hair down and party the night away jumping between street bars and Khao San Road’s famous nightclubs. Each bar usually has a New Year party which collectively turns into a huge street party that you’ll likely remember for years to come, or not as the case may be, after a few too many SangSom buckets.

Khao San Road, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand

Ring in the New Year as you float on the majestic River of Kings on an old teak rice barge. See some of the cities most famous attractions including Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), The Grand Palace and Rama VIII Bridge. Dine on a delicious feast as you are serenaded by live music and toast the New Year with champagne and cocktails as you watch fireworks light up the sky. A Chao Phraya River cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will likely be the highlight of your holiday. There are numerous companies offering New Year’s Eve dinner and party cruises so make sure you choose the right one for you.

Enjoy the magic of Bangkok’s rooftop restaurants and bars as you watch the sunset over the city’s skyline and then party in style into the New Year. Snack on lavish tapas, enjoy fine dining, sip tropical and exotic cocktails and let some of the world’s best DJs dance you into 2018! Try Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel, Three Sixty, Cloud 47 or see the island bar change colour every 90 seconds at Sky Bar to symbolize their cocktail culture and celebrate the New Year.

The RCA is located in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district and is the epicentre of Bangkok’s world-famous clubbing scene. RCA is separated into four blocks of sweaty, packed-to-capacity, heaving nightclubs. Attracting mainly well-dressed young Thai’s, RCA is home to clubbing institutions like Route 66, Cosmic Cafe and Slim. New Year’s celebrations at RCA are HUGE, to say the least with international DJs, live concerts, and soundtracks by popular local artists. If you are looking for an all-night party with a local flavour, RCA is guaranteed to provide an epic new year to remember.

RCA, ถนน เพชรบุรีตัดใหม่ Khwaeng Bang Kapi, Khet Huai Khwang, Bangkok, Thailand

Makeshift parties are set up throughout the city on street corners and down little neighbourhood lanes. Locals are always eager to offer you a drink and invite you to join the merriment. This is not only a great way to practice your Thai skills, it is also the ideal opportunity to hang out and celebrate with local people.

Central World is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest mega malls and might not be the first place that comes to mind in search of New Year party options. Prepare to be surprised as Central World, Bangkok’s equivalent of Times Square in New York, goes all out with live music, shows, delicious food, a beer garden, and fireworks. There is also an ice-skating rink to keep the kids entertained or for a romantic activity with a difference.

Central World, 4/4, Rachadamri Rd., Phathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand

This article was originally published by Kelly Iverson in November 2016.