8 Epic destinations in Southeast Asia to spend New Year’s Eve

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1. Bangkok, Thailand
Every year, Thailand’s capital of Bangkok - and everyone’s favourite party city in Southeast Asia - impresses with an inexhaustible array of New Year’s Eve celebrations. From an intimate dinner cruise with your loved ones to partying it up at one of the city’s atmospheric rooftop bars, Bangkok definitely has something for everyone. For something a little different this year, ring in 2018 at Asiatique’s Thailand Countdown 2018, Bangkok’s trendy open-air market.

Best NYE 2018 Parties: Asiatique’s Thailand Countdown 2018, Mandarin Oriental’s Black-tie Gala Dinner

Best Bars/Rooftop Bars for Countdown: Vertigo Moon and Rooftop Bar, Banyan Tree Bangkok; Sky Bar Rooftop at Lebua; Khao San Road
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2. Bali, Indonesia
This paradise island is a place of epic celebration at the end of the year, so if you’re looking to spend your New Year’s Eve in Bali - you’re in luck. Big names in music, such as the likes of Charli XCX and Sam Divine will be playing on the island across its various prominent beach bars and clubs.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more soulful way to spend your New Year’s Eve, give the NYE parties a miss and head down to Ubud, the island’s arts and cultural hub. Here you’ll find bars and restaurants ringing in the new year with their traditional dance and music shows to even jazz musical performances and Latin dance. No doubt, this is a far more intimate alternative for couples or families looking for a more subdued way to welcome the new year.

Best NYE 2018 Parties: NYE at Finns Beach Club (featuring Flight Facilities and Claptone and Hayden James); The Mulia Resort (featuring Charli XCX); NYE at W Bali Seminyak (featuring Sam Divine); Watch fireworks at Sundara, a beach club and restaurant along Jimbaran Bay

Other Ways to Spend Countdown: Jazzy evenings in Ubud; Watch fireworks along beach bars at Jimbaran Beach
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3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
No doubt, the most spectacular aspect of spending New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai is the iconic release of lanterns. Each year, thousands of beautiful candle-lit lanterns are released around Chiang Mai, as a symbol of good luck for the new year.

We Recommend: Thapae Gate (for the NYE lantern release)
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4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s major New Year’s party might be reserved for its Tết holiday; but despite this, New Year’s Eve in Saigon is an unforgettable atmosphere. Spirits are high, there’s a magnificent fireworks display at the city’s iconic Bitexco tower and also plenty of nightlife for you to usher in 2018. No doubt, the best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City is to party its many rooftop bars (recommendations below!).

Best NYE 2018 Parties: SOHY Sky Lounge & Dining Countdown, Caravelle Hotel’s New Year’s Masquerade 2018

Best Rooftop Bars for Countdown: Chill Sky Bar, Air 360 Sky Lounge, Liquid Sky Bar, Eon51, Glow Sky Bar, Breeze Sky Bar, The View Rooftop Bar
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5. Koh Phang An, Thailand
Thailand’s most famous beach party, the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, is the best option for those who wish to spend their New Year’s Eve partying away in paradise. With a number of internationally-recognised DJs playing tracks to thousands of happy revellers on the beach, it blends the feel-good spirit of NYE seamlessly with the island lifestyle of Thailand, creating a night you won’t forget in a truly stunning location. Throw cheap drinks into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a party.

We Recommend: NYE Full Moon Party
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6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
With its vibrant nightlife and lifestyle scene, Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur certainly can’t be excluded from the list! Catch the majestic fireworks and enjoy the live music performances at KLCC Park, delve into the bustling nightlife along Changkat Bukit Bintang or enjoy the views from the city’s best rooftop bars.

For a more low-key celebration option with the family, head down to Desa Park City (preferably before peak hour before it gets too packed) to secure a good spot to watch the fireworks with your loved ones at the park. Alternatively, culture vultures might appreciate the live performances happening on NYE at Publika, KL’s lifestyle hub, where you get to count down to the new year with great music and even catch the fireworks.
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7. Singapore
For a breathtaking fireworks display, be sure you head down towards Singapore's iconic Marina Bay. Here you can enjoy the views of the city's iconic landmarks, which include the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, Supertree Grove and Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel lit up by the dazzling display - all for free. It will be extremely busy the closer you get, so to enjoy the show without having your personal space too violated make sure to head to the Bay East Garden for a panoramic view that’s simply out of this world.

Best NYE 2018 Parties: Siloso Beach Countdown

Best Bars/Rooftop Bars: Loof, Ce La Vi
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8. Phuket, Thailand
If you’re looking to head down to Thailand over the holidays, but want a more subdued and relaxed alternative to Bangkok, Phuket’s for you. This popular island destination comes alive on New Year’s Eve with the various beach parties happening around the island.

We Recommend: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Feeling the pressure to book plans for New Year’s Eve, but haven’t quite gotten round to it? If you’re looking to ring in the new year abroad, and are looking for an epic way to celebrate it, this guide is for you.

Whether you’re looking for an epic countdown party complete with a majestic firework display to boot, or something a little more subdued and family-friendly, check out the best destinations in Southeast Asia for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration! Rest assured, you’ll be starting the year on a high.

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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