Bangkok has been hailed as a great New Year's Eve celebration spot among savvy revellers from around the world. With breezy weather instead of full-blown winter, spectacular Christmas decorations easily rivalling other top cities, and an air of unique festivity, the city is home to massive countdown events from dusk to dawn, with mega-concerts and non-stop parties.
Here are some of the more interesting choices that will help you start the New Year in a wonderful way.
The debut of TBC: The Bangkok Countdown will change the definition of a New Year's Eve party, with a two-day EDM festival that is expected to attract 12,000 New Year's revellers from around the globe to Live Park Rama 9, Rama IX, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 5pm.
Said to be Bangkok's coolest countdown for both its stylish production and cool misty air, the event will present a genuine music festival atmosphere -- huge futuristic stages, Bangkok's best comfort food, digital experiences, and a diverse line-up of international artists and DJs from various electronic music genres.
The stellar line-up includes some of the world's top 100 DJs, such as EDM megastar Afrojack, house producer Chris Lake, and trap/bass heavy hitters like Knife Party, Wiwek, Lookas and Riot Ten. Topping off the list are live act Mosimann, trance chart topper Mark Sigma, top Russian DJ Feel and even some hard style courtesy of Kutski.
Tickets cost 1,500-2,000 baht per day (2,500 baht for VIP tickets). Minimum entry age is 20.
Visit www.thebangkokcountdown.com.
Sawasdee Bangkok 2018 will feature artists from the 60s to 80s. photo courtesy of BEC – Tero Entertainment
Held under the "Super Sonic Space" concept, the AIS Bangkok Countdown 2018@CentralWorld will take everyone to a new realm right in front of CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, on New Year's Eve starting at 5.30pm.
This iconic countdown landmark will be transformed into a huge space-like party ground for the six-hour non-stop extreme fun enhanced by light and sound technology. Taking turns to give a full-length concert on the 80m-long stage will be Peck Palitchoke, Room 39, Stamp Apiwat, Da Endorphine, Hun Isariya and The Parkinson. They will be performing under the theme "Super Sonic Anti-Gravity".
Then hot star James Jirayu will join some of the artists to lead everyone to countdown to the New Year with the Super Sonic Fireworks Celebration show, wherein the fireworks will be lit in tandem with the fun rhythm.
On the same night, the countdown fun will also take place at 11 other CPN branches nationwide, with select popular artists set to perform from 5.30pm onwards. The venues include CentralPlaza WestGate, CentralPlaza Udon Thani, CentralPlaza Ubon Ratchathani, CentralPlaza Nakhon Si Thammart, CentralPlaza Nakhon Ratchasima, CentralPlaza Mahachai, CentralFestival Chiangmai, CentralFestival Hatyai, CentralFestival Samui, CentralPlaza Salaya and CentralFestival Pattaya Beach.
There is no admission fee. Call 02-640-7000.
Sawasdee Bangkok 2018 will celebrate New Year's Eve with a throwback concert at Oasis Outdoor Arena, Show DC, Rama IX, on New Year's Eve from 7pm.
Organised by BEC-Tero, this is the earliest countdown concert, with a retro theme featuring a legendary line-up of pop stars and bands from the 60s, 70s and 80s to sing hits of yesteryear.
They include The Palace, Pu Anchalee, Jeed Royal Sprites, Pink Panther, The Shadow, Too Direk, Auan Warunee, Kung Tuangsit, Chompoo-Pink Fruity, Pom Autobahn, The Hot Pepper Singers, Pom Kathawut, Chairat-Supaporn Tiabtiam, Pannida Sawettasai, Prawit Freebirds, Tong Nakorn and Tor Saksit.
Tickets cost 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 baht and can be purchased from Thai Ticket Major.
Visit www.thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3838.
Chang Music Connection Presents Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2018. photo courtesy of Asiatique
The Chang Music Connection Presents Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2018 will feature legendary artists from the 1990s who will take to the stage on New Year's Eve from 4pm.
Nui Ampol, Mos Patipan, Pang Nakharin, The Parkinson, Mr Team, Nont The Voice, Instinct and DJ Rita, as well as electronic live band Naf, will be offering non-stop entertainment on a spectacular stage the height of a nine-storey building.
The night will also feature a special world-class fireworks show that has decorated the night skies of Sydney Harbor, Hong Kong, America, Europe and Africa. Asiatique The Riverfront is on Charoen Krung Road.
Visit www.facebook.com/Asiatique.Thailand.
Mega Countdown 2018 will present a big concert featuring famous acts on New Year's Eve starting at 6pm. The line-up includes Body Slam, Kan Ko Club, Slot Machine, 25 Hours, New-Jiew, Aof Pongsak and Tattoo Colour.
The highlight will be a fireworks display that will appear as high as 200m in the sky and last for eight minutes. Megabangna is on Bang Na-Trat Road, KM8.
Visit www.mega-bangna.com or call 02-105-1000.
Winter Wonderland The Grand Celebration will mark the last night of the year with an exciting concert by rapper Joey Boy and dance queen Christina Aguilar at the Quartier Avenue of EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road, starting at 7.30pm.
The highlight will be the international countdown with South Korean idols who will be sharing the stage at Quartier Parc. Nichkhun, Day6 and Nakjoon as well as DJ Ho.K and DJ Camine will perform at 8pm before taking the audience to countdown to the New Year together.
There is no admission fee. Call 02-259-8345 or 02-269-1000 ext 1084.
Future Park & Zpell Countdown 2018: Life Of Happiness will feature an extravaganza concert by five famous acts -- Getsunova, Jetset'er, Potato, Mild and Cocktail -- at the Shot Stay parking lot on New Year's Eve from 6pm-1am.
Everyone will also get to count down to the New Year with a fireworks display together. Future Park is on Phahon Yothin Road.
Call 02-958-0011.
S.C-C Countdown 2018 will present an indoor countdown experience at Siwilai City Club on Level 5 of Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road, on New Year's Eve.
The evening will begin with a special New Year's dinner at 6pm. Besides the set menu curating a variety of the finest dishes, the chef of the social club will create special à la carte signature dishes.
The celebration will feature musical performances by iconic artists and DJs starting at 7.30pm. The line-up includes Lukpeach Band, DJ To-Ru, Nut & The Soul Ho and DJ Jedi & Baby Scash.
While the clock is ticking to midnight, enjoy the New Year's countdown in a dynamic atmosphere in an urban space overlooking the twinkling concrete ocean of Bangkok.
Call 02-160-5631.
The Remix Your Year Countdown Party will get everyone to count down in style with special guest, Khan Thaitanium, at Woobar of W Bangkok, Sathon Road, on New Year's Eve.
Start the night off young from 9-10pm with W Bangkok's music curator DJ Orawan. Then, Whatdagfrog continues the hype before the hip-hop artist Khan hits the stage. He will be joined by MC Emon, DJ Jedie and DJ Toru.
There is no entry fee but table reservation is required.
Email bf.wbangkok@whotels.com or call 02-344-4000.
