We’ve talked a lot about New Year’s these past couple weeks. Not that we hold any particular enmity towards 2012, but all the same, we’re excited to welcome in a fresh beginning. Or maybe we’re just excited for an arbitrary date on which to party ourselves into incoherence. Whichever.
It seems like most of Bangkok has jetted off to the brisk air of the north or the sunny islands of the south for Near Year’s. But if you’re stuck in the big city, fret not: There are still a shedload of various party options to consider.
Regardless what you thought of 2012, you can turn the first few hours of 2013 into a solid “win” by checking out these freshest of the fresh events throughout Bangkok.
New Year’s Party at Park Society
Park Society, located at the very peak of the Sofitel So Hotel, provides an awe-inspiring view and a chance to get your groove on, all for a somewhat reasonable price (THB1,600).
Park Society at Sofitel So Hotel. 7:30PM – 2AM. THB1,600 (Includes one drink). Perks: Drinks, DJs, stunning view.
“The Countdown is On” at Café Democ
On the opposite end of the expenditure spectrum lies Café Democ, whose “rustic” interior and ample supply of inexpensive beer have secured it a well-earned place in the hearts of drink and dance-prone Bangkokians. This New Year’s, Democ is offering not only free entry (!), but also a super-deal wherein partiers can get three Changs for THB200 (!!).
Café Democ. 6PM – 6AM. FREE ENTRY. Perks: Cheap, techno, 12-hour span.
We’re not sure what “Nu Year Electronique” means, but it seems like this party is going to entail some kind of an “electronic New Year’s” (curse this language barrier!). Manning the turntables will be Denmark’s Leodoris, an indie-electronic DJ who has supplied remixes for such impressive compatriots as Hercules & Love Affair and Metronomy.
Nu Year Electronique at Glow (Sukhumvit Soi 23). 10PM – 6AM. THB300 before midnight, 400 after (includes one free drink). Perks: Indie cred, stylish Dutchmen, reasonable entry fee.
Imperial Queen’s Park New Year’s Eve Rooftop Gala
This unrivaled rooftop jam will feature six DJs and a firework show. There will be two main stages, a VIP lounge with open bar, and three “visual DJs” serving up trippy, moving art on the walls. Those who have been to previous Altitude parties know what to expect.
Imperial Queen’s New Year’s Eve Party and Gala. Gala 6:30PM, Dinner 8PM, Rooftop party 9:30PM – ???. Dinner THB7,500, Rooftop party THB1,200 (includes two drinks). Perks: Rooftop views, classy dress code, “3D visuals,” close-up explosions.
Zodiac New Year’s Eve Party at Bed Supperclub
There are plenty of clubs offering DJs and drinks this New Year’s, but only one of those clubs is also offering a fashion show and “zodiac-inspired costumes.” Though Bed Supperclub’s four-course New Year’s Eve dinner runs a bit steep (THB8,400), entry to the club’s dance party is only THB1,200 (including one drink). With that admission you also gain access to an astrologer that the club has arranged to have on hand to look into the partiers’ horrifying futures.
Bed Supperclub. 8PM – 2AM. Dinner THB8,400, Party entry fee THB1,200 (includes glass of champagne). Perks: Cool architecture, opportunity to know your future, good excuse to wear best pants.
Evening of Prayer at Various Temples
At least according to this last-minute poll, more Bangkokians will be spending this New Year’s praying than partying. And you know what?—57.3% of respondents can’t all be wrong. If you’d like to start 2013 off on spiritually sound footing, head to one of the city’s many Wats for an evening of respectful prayer.
Various Wats throughout the city. 6PM -???. FREE. Perks: Cultural insight, no hangovers, avoiding New Year’s parties because they’re kind of amateur hour anyway.
