Whatever your verdict on 2019 turns out to be, let alone the second decade of the new millennium, it will soon be time to ring in a new one.
Bangkok has plenty of places for dancing and drinking, watching fireworks and drinking, seeing circus acts and drinking and even just strolling and drinking. We’ve conjured a list of things to do and the places to do them at to send 2019 into the history books. We’ll update the list as more things are announced.
Rave from rooftops: At the 76th floor, MahaNakhon Bangkok Skybar will shine with glamor and music at its Broadway-inspired party. The new-ish stylish ABar offers a city view of Bangkok with two music styles: Gatsby-themed party with live jazz and neon party with live DJs. Yao Restaurant and Rooftop Bar on Surawong Road offers a panoramic view coupled with Chinese-style live performance under the theme “A Night in Old Shanghai.”
Watch fireworks by the river: Walk through the night bazaar and get shot 60-meters above the city on the ferris wheel at Asiatique the Riverfront. Viva Aviv will offer a front-row view of the river’s pyrotechnics along with a set of dinner, cocktails and DJs. Over at the Icon Siam shopping mall, the tourism authority will host its Amazing Thailand Countdown with firework displays running 1.4 kilometers of the Chao Phraya River.
Chug, chug at beer gardens: Though the sud-soaked tradition of beer gardens at CentralWorld has been called off, there are other venues to sit outdoors and sip from a cold glass. On New Year’s Eve they can still be found at The Street Ratchada (MRT Thailand Cultural Centre), Artbox (BTS Nana), Gaysorn Village (BTS Chit Lom), MBK (BTS National Stadium), True Digital Park (BTS Punnawithi) and the Bangkok Dock Company’s complex (BTS Saphan Taksin).
Not necessary a commercial beer garden, Thonglor’s The Commons will celebrate the last night of the year with food, drinks, DJs and live bands running from late afternoon until midnight.
Cruise and carouse: Party boat Bangkok Island will take New Year’s Eve into the middle of the mighty Chao Phraya River with an event called Double Drop 2019. Revelers can hop on the party-refitted rice barge and cruise down the river while drinking, dancing and watching all the fireworks shooting lighting up the night.
Stroll through streets for parties: Epicenters of Bangkok’s clubbing scene will open from ultimate backpackers’ destination Khaosan Road to Silom Road, Thonglor area and Royal City Avenue (RCA).
Dance ‘til dawn of 2020: One of Malaysia’s largest electronic dance music festivals Neon Countdown will debut in Bangkok and bring promising DJ lineup, highlighting renowned DJs Armin Van Buuren, Ben Nicky and Blastoyz, to outdoor arena Show DC.
It’s going to be an epic hip-hop night at The Club at Koi when it’s taken over by Bangkok Invaders’ founding member DJ Ono. Over at Safe Room in Silom, true veterans in drum ‘n bass Fabio and Grooveriders will be hailing from London to deliver what they do best on the dancefloor.
For a more laid-back vibe, there is a living room-styled Culture Cafe in old town Charoen Krung that will continue to host its Tuesday vinyl session where everyone can be a DJ.
Dress up and go wild at themed parties: Who’s a fan of Mamma Mia? Greek restaurant Aesop’s will host a countdown party under the blockbuster musical rom-com theme — Mamma Mia NYE Party — with a Mediterranean feast, dance competition, singalong to Abba’s songs and some retro hits. It’s a chance to go full Greek by following its ancient tradition — smashing some plates.
Join a ‘Quirky’ circus: Magicians, acrobatics, jugglers, stilt walkers and more will ravish luxury shopping mall EmQuartier as its Latin party spot Flamenco will temporarily transform into a “quirky circus.”
Sling some axes: Relocating permanently to open-air night market Art Box, the first and still only axe-throwing range in Bangkok, according to its co-owner Ryan Nelson, will open for a countdown party from 4pm through midnight.
Vengan a la Fiesta: Unleash your inner Latinness and dance at no-longer-secret Havana Social. Mexicano Restaurante will throw an all-you-can-eat Mexican dishes, free-flow margaritas, live music and magic show.
Glory with glamorous queens: Bangkok’s drag artists will sashay away into 2020 with their performances ranging from lip-sync to death drop and comedic shades at Silom’s Stranger Bar.
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