11 places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand
As the end of the year draws near, you’ll probably be looking for nice spots in Thailand to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your friends or family.
So, we’ve made a list of some interesting places in major cities in Thailand that offer fun events, including firework shows and concerts.
Contents
- 1 11 places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand
- 1.1 1. ICONSIAM – high-end shopping mall by Chao Phraya River
- 1.2 2. Asiatique The Riverfront – big ferris wheel and live performances
- 1.3 3. centralwOrld – central BKK mall with Christmas decorations
- 1.4 4. Amphawa Market – a floating market in Samut Prakan
- 1.5 5. Pattaya Beach – celebrate new year’s eve at the beach
- 1.6 6. Pa Tong Beach – a popular and vibrant beach in Phuket
- 1.7 7. Khao Kho Viewpoint – scenic views of mountains
- 1.8 8. The Tha Phae Gate – the old city in Chiang Mai with a vibrant market
- 1.9 9. Clock Tower Chiang Rai – a golden Thai-style clock tower
- 1.10 10. Sukhothai Historical Park – a historic site with old temples and Buddha statues
- 1.11 11. Mega Bangna – Free concert at one of Bangkok’s biggest suburban malls
- 1.12 New Year’s Eve celebration places with vibrant events in Thailand
1. ICONSIAM – high-end shopping mall by Chao Phraya River
Image credit: @ningpixel via Instagram
If you’ve lived in Bangkok for some time, you might know that ICONSIAM is a high-end shopping mall and a significant BKK landmark.
Located by the Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM doesn’t only offer various stores and restaurants but also scenic views of the river – which makes it a well-liked hangout for many BKK residents.
Image credit: @chaimongkol.sil via Instagram
If you like taking photos of Christmas decorations such as a huge Christmas tree, the mall is also decorated with a Christmas theme with photogenic spots.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Opening hours: 10am–10pm, Daily
Nearest train station: BTS Charoen Nakhon
Contact: +66 2 495 7080 | Google Maps
2. Asiatique The Riverfront – big ferris wheel and live performances
Image credit: @jamesinseoul via Instagram
Alternatively, you can come to Asiatique The Riverfront instead, if ICONSIAM isn’t your thing.
Once a trading port, Asiatique now offers shoppers luxurious restaurants and charming shops. The highlight here is a large ferris wheel that’ll give you panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River from ฿500 (~USD14.38).
Image credit: @aunyaaunyarin via Instagram
Plus, you’ll see fireworks from your cabin on New Year’s Eve, as they’re part of the mall’s fun performances starring Thai singers on that night.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Opening hours: 5pm–12am, Daily
Contact: +66 9 2246 0812 | Google Maps
3. centralwOrld – central BKK mall with Christmas decorations
Image credit: @taka0001jp via Instagram
Situated in central Bangkok, centralwOrld holds a vibrant annual New Year’s countdown event you can enjoy with your friends. The mall also boasts cute Christmas decorations and photogenic spots for shutterbugs.
Image credit: CentralWorld via Facebook
Address: 4, 4/5 Ratchadamri Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Opening hours: 10am–10pm, Daily
Nearest train station: BTS Siam
Contact: +66 2 640 7000 | Google Maps
4. Amphawa Market – a floating market in Samut Prakan
Image credit: @khaolak_thailande via Instagram
Instead of flocking to modern shopping malls in BKK, you should consider heading to Amphawa Market to rejoice in the celebration.
This busy floating market in Samut Prakan features various types of Thai street food. Here, you’ll see plenty of hawkers selling Thai dishes and snacks on wooden boats. The market isn’t only popular among Thais but also among tourists.
Image credit: @martin_sw_32 via Instagram
Foodies can find lots of Thai food such as grilled prawns, Thai Coconut Milk Custard, Thai Tea and many more to munch on while celebrating the last day of the year.
Furthermore, you can take a boat ride at ฿60 (~USD1.72) to explore the market as well. For this price, you will be sharing a ride with other guests. To hop on a boat tour, you can visit boat service centres around the market or contact your hotel’s reception. Amphawa District Office is one of the places you can visit for a boat ride, too.
Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110
Opening hours: 10am–9.30pm, Friday–Sunday
Contact: +66 8 3433 5613 | Google Maps
5. Pattaya Beach – celebrate new year’s eve at the beach
Image credit: @panwasin_srimala via Instagram
Besides Bangkok, there are many interesting places outside the city that are worth your attention. Pattaya Beach is definitely no exception.
Image credit: @junekultida via Instagram
Just two hours away from Bangkok, Pattaya Beach lets you celebrate New Year’s Eve at the beach with beautiful displays of fireworks over the iconic Pattaya City sign.
You can find many food stalls in the event as well as chic cafes along the street to hang out while counting down to the first day of the new year. Also, you can hit up the Pattaya Eat and Walk Festival for Thai street food.
Address: 333 102 Moo 9 Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Google Maps
6. Pa Tong Beach – a popular and vibrant beach in Phuket
Image credit: @manuela.deus via Instagram
Patong Beach is a destination vacationers will spend their time during their trip to Phuket. The beach is a bustling place full of restaurants and bars, and is sure to become a hotspot for this New Year’s Eve celebration.
Image credit: @raj_p_pawar via Instagram
Patong Countdown 2023 will take place by the beach with outdoor activities to join, from a beachside food tour, watching fire shows to enjoying a concert. If you live in Phuket or plan to visit the city at the end of the year, drop by at this beach for the celebration.
Address: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
Google Maps
7. Khao Kho Viewpoint – scenic views of mountains
Image credit: @hack_tanakorn_photo2022 via Instagram
However, if you’re looking for a quieter place outside metro cities like Bangkok or Pattaya, Khao Kho Viewpoint is the place you shouldn’t miss.
Image credit: หนาวนี้ที่เพชรบูรณ์ via Facebook
Known as a popular vacation destination among Thais, Khao Kho Viewpoint is surrounded by green mountains and serene ambience, perfect for nature lovers.
Address: Khao Kho, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270
Google Maps
8. The Tha Phae Gate – the old city in Chiang Mai with a vibrant market
Image credit: @____seul__ via Instagram
Chiang Mai is a major city in northern Thailand where people around the country come to celebrate New Year’s Eve, thanks to its culture, quaintness, and the beauty of nature.
Image credit: @momahachai via Instagram
The Tha Phae Gate is located at the well-known old city in downtown Chiang Mai with an animated market, drawing lots of tourists. It’s also an interesting spot to celebrate the occasion amid its traditional Lanna vibes – traditional culture from an old kingdom in northern Thailand.
Address: Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Google Maps
9. Clock Tower Chiang Rai – a golden Thai-style clock tower
Image credit: @jenniejournies via Instagram
Located above Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai offers another option to keep on your radar. Clock Tower Chiang Rai is a spot where city dwellers and visitors gather for a New Year’s countdown every year. The street nearby will be packed with large crowds of people enjoying the event and fireworks.
Image credit: @pimsesthapongvanich via Instagram
Conveniently near the tower, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and Walking Street Chiang Rai offer abundant bars and restaurants, including street food.
Address: Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000
Google Maps
10. Sukhothai Historical Park – a historic site with old temples and Buddha statues
Image credit: @mayoypop via Instagram
Unlike other places, Sukhothai Historical Park lets you experience different vibes with its historic mondops and Buddha statues. If you’re into Thai history, especially that of the Sukhothai Kingdom, we recommend taking a trip to this historic site.
Image credit: @tat_sukhothai_kamphaengphet via Instagram
With the backdrop of the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th century, the stage will be decked in lovely adornments and colourful lights for its countdown event. When you come here, you can find many pretty spots to take pics to show on your IG feed.
Likewise, the site will also be hosting a countdown event with live music performances and traditional Thai dance shows guests can enjoy before the countdown begins.
Address: Moo 3 498/12 Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210
Contact: +66 5 569 7241 | Google Maps
11. Mega Bangna – Free concert at one of Bangkok’s biggest suburban malls
Image credit: @seaza_pompom via Instagram
Whether you’ve made Bang Na (also spelled Bangna) your home or if it’s just on your way to the airport, it’s hard to miss Mega Bangna. You may have already seen some of their festive Christmas decorations, but prepare to be amazed by the show they’ll put on for New Year’s.
Mega Bangna has become the place to go when it comes to suburban Bangkok if you’re on the eastern side of town. It has the variety to match centralwOrld and Siam Paragon, but with community mall vibes. So if you’re looking for a place that’s sure to be lively, while still retaining that convenience that only Bangkok’s shopping malls can bring during the holidays, look no further. Plus, it has an IKEA.
Just to sweeten the deal, Mega Bangna’s MEGA COUNTDOWN 2024 is a surefire hit with big hitters like Palmy, Tilly Birds, and Cocktail performing. The show starts at 3pm, so make sure to drop by early to catch it all.
Address: 38, 38/1-3, 39 Moo 6, Bang Na-Trat Frontage Rd, Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +66 2105 1000 | Google Maps
New Year’s Eve celebration places with vibrant events in Thailand
If you have no ideas where to go for the New Year’s Eve celebration, we hope this list can give you some ideas.
Any of these places are sure to offer you a fun experience to ring in 2023 the Thai way.
Cover image adapted from: @jamesinseoul via Instagram, @panwasin_srimala via Instagram, @____seul__ via Instagram, and @mayoypop via Instagram
Article originally published by Bank Fasaisirinan on 22 December 2022. Last updated by buranond on 26 December 2023.
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