If you're reading this, chances are you're already committed to celebrating 2018 in Bangkok. It's Dec 29, after all. You're not alone because we're here to help with our pick of celebratory countdown spots -- from fancy to free -- so you can usher in the New Year in style on any kinds of budget.
Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok
You'll get to celebrate 2018 at four venues inside the stylish hotel on Dec 31. As the clock ticks towards the new year, you'll be taking your celebration higher and higher. The fanfare starts with a feast on the ground floor at Party House One where an international buffet with highlights such as seafood on ice and sushi bar await you. Next, on the 11th floor enjoy a spread of snacks, canapés, desserts and bevvies at Candy Lounge with background music by a trio band and a DJ. Then sip Champagne while enjoying the view at La Vue on the 25th floor. Move to the final stop at rooftop The Roof Gastro on the same floor where a DJ battle takes place before the countdown begins. Have you camera ready for the fireworks.
6pm-1am / Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok, Rama I / 087-989-2525 (8am-6pm), fbrsvn@siamatsiam.com / B4,555 per person, buy tickets during Friday happy hour to receive a 10% discount. 
Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar
There's nothing vanilla about the countdown at Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar. Live DJ sets will get you pumped up as you watch the fireworks lighting up the night sky from the 36th floor (the sunset view up there isn't too shabby either). To go with an array of adult drinks, there will be a selection of oysters, mussels, prawns, snow crab, lobster and sashimi at the Raw Bar. VIP packages for two or four people to get the preferred seats in the house only require minimum spending and are available via advanced reservation. Those who join as VIPs won't need to pay the normal entrance fee.
From 5pm / Compass SkyView Hotel, Sukhumvit 24 / 02-011-1111, http://facebook.com/vanillaskyrooftopbar / B1,200 entrance fee includes two drinks, B2,000 extra per person to enjoy the optional all-you-can-eat Raw Bar.
Thailand Illumination Festival 2017
On top of a marigold garden dazzlingly lit up with tonnes of LED lights, street performance, and light tunnels, the light fest will throw in three Thai music acts on NYE too. Catch Atom Chanakan, Sincharoen Brothers and Jennifer Kim perform live. Don't forget to check out the piece of resistance in form of Thai numeral for nine -- an obvious tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. You may need a drone to fully appreciate this 39-rai venue. Free entry. It runs until Jan 6.
Mon-Thu 6-10pm, Fri-Sun 6-11pm / Opposite Esplanade Ratchada, Ratchadaphisek 8, MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Exit 2 / http://facebook.com/ThailandIlluminationFestival2017.
Mode Sathorn Hotel
Usher in 2018 with a party at The Roof on the 38th floor of Mode Sathorn Hotel. The rooftop bar and restaurant offers a city view of Sathon Road on one side and the Chao Phraya River and Thon Buri at a distance on the other. Three DJs -- Coran of Kolour fame, Nikki from Malaysia and Jay Please from Australia -- will get you off your feet and dance into the new year. Their countdown party includes four drinks and lucky draw.
6pm-2am / Mode Sathorn Hotel, 144 Sathon Nua, BTS Surasak / 02-623-4555 ext 1090 / B3,999 per person.
The COMMONS
For something more low-key, consider joining NYE at The COMMONS where you can enjoy an array of F&B and live music. A trio jazz band from Sweet Records will kick off the celebration from noon to 3pm. Then a live DJ set by Jam on Toast will take over from 3-7pm. Another jazz sesh by Pachara Phanthuvanich Trio caps it all off until midnight. Free entry.
Noon-midnight / The COMMONS, Thong Lor 17 / http://facebook.com/thecommonsbkk.
Chang Music Connection Presents Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2018
Enjoy free concerts by famous Thai bands and singers from the 90s at the riverside community mall. The line-up includes Pang Nakarin, Mos Patiparn, Nui Amphon, Mr Team and more. Capture the fireworks during the countdown with your camera (you'll take photos of them anyway) and enter a competition to win prizes. Grab a cold one with the front-row river view at Chang Sensory Trails (6pm-midnight) until Dec 31. Catch a free boat ride to Asiatique from BTS Saphan Taksin.
From 4pm / Asiatique The Riverfront, Charoen Krung 74 / http://facebook.com/Asiatique.Thailand.
AIS Bangkok Countdown 2018 at CentralWorld
Be ready to join the crowd at the famous countdown spot of Bangkok. This year, you can expect fireworks and concerts by popular Thai singers such as Peck Palitchoke, Da Endorphine, Stamp and Room39. The stage will be bigger than ever and you can expect fun activities, too.
From 5pm / CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road / http://facebook.com/CentralWorld.
Heineken presents Behind the Star Experience
If you're going to be at CentralWorld, you may as well check out this time-limited venue in front of it by Heineken, which runs until Dec 31. Enjoy an engaging exhibition on the brand and its golden beverage. Take photos with its cool and interactive displays and grab a cold one in one visit. Free entry.
5pm-midnight / CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road / http://facebook.com/heinekenth.official.
Federbräu Red Feather Club – The Club of Perfektion
The other one at CentralWorld you should check out if you're a beer buff is this pop-up club by the premium beer brand from ThaiBev. It's located in front of the Isetan side and features a live performance by noted singers and bands. To go with the German single malt beer, food from Bei Otto restaurant will be served. It runs until Dec 31.
5-11pm / CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road / http://facebook.com/Federbrauofficial.
