Bangkok has plenty of ways to make New Year’s Eve memorable. For those who are intrigued by the buzz of a cheering crowd counting down to 2023 and a firework extravaganza, Guru has a list of NYE countdown events, in and out of Bangkok, alongside low-key spots to take in the firework splendour from different angles.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 at Iconsiam
What’s a New Year’s Eve celebration without an epic countdown? Iconsiam goes all out to present itself as a global countdown destination with "Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023". Festivities coupled with the alluring scenery of the Chao Phraya River will definitely attract the countdown crowd, as well as the ongoing “Iconsiam Bangkok Illumination 2022”, a sustainable light installation festival. This year's NYE countdown event also pays homage to Mother Nature. Japanese fireworker Oguchi Yoshimasa is tasked with lighting up the sky with a dazzling showcase of eco-friendly 30,000 fireworks made from Thai sticky rice. To make the event even more memorable, Iconsiam presents the stories behind each set of fireworks through the Onesiam Superapp, using augmented reality technology to create an eye-opening experience of the show.
Ring in the new year with mini concerts by Thai artists, such as Atom Chanakan, Ink Waruntorn, J Jetrin and his son Jaonaay, with a special appearance by Mark Tuan, from GOT7, who will make his first official solo performance in Thailand.
Eyes and cameras up, photography enthusiasts! Iconsiam has put up a fireworks show photo contest under the concept of the "Amazing Shot of Happiness", with a prize worth more than B200,000. Visit iconsiam.com.
Centralworld Bangkok Countdown 2023
Where else to head for a countdown in the city centre but to Centralworld for "Centralworld Bangkok Countdown 2023". The lifestyle complex has become synonymous with Bangkok's NYE countdown, offering one of the best firework displays in Bangkok. A comparison may be made to the famous Times Square New Year's Eve countdown, given a firework extravaganza above the concrete jungle or counting down to the new year on expansive digital billboards. Centralworld is trying to be the Time Square of Asia. At the stroke of midnight, all eyes are turned to a 180-degree firework extravaganza for 15 minutes. Warming the New Year celebration is a pre-countdown music festival where local artists take the stage for a mini-concert, from Dec 21-30. 4Eve, Billkin & PP Krit, Bowkylion, Joeyboy and other noted artists usher in the new year with a special performance on Dec 31. Visit bit.ly/3uOnnBv.
Asiatique Countdown Thailand 2023
Another riverside venue to ring in 2023 with spectacular fireworks is Asiatique The Riverfront on Charoen Krung. Those looking to spend quality time with their friends and family before the clock strikes midnight can stroll around a night market or take a Ferris wheel ride. Packed with restaurants and bars, Asiatique has your celebratory supper covered; think of Happy Fish, a casual restaurant inside a warehouse, while Sirimahannop serves an exclusive experience inside its classical three-masted vessel. It’s worth booking ahead to make sure you get a table on New Year's Eve. This year, the riverfront mall will light up the sky with a stunning yet melodious firework show under the "Colour Symphony Fireworks" concept. Visit asiatiquethailand.com.
Pattaya Countdown 2023
'Tis the season to fulfil yourself with good food and music before the start of 2023. Pattaya is giving you a chance to enjoy both in one place with its "Pattaya Countdown 2023", taking place at Bali Hai Pier. A jam-packed line-up of more than 20 singers and music bands will be shown over three days at the countdown event under the theme of "The Festival of Seaverse", starting from Dec 29-31. A little present for K-pop fans: three international headliners will be there, including Sandara Park, a former member of the iconic girl group 2NE1; Sunmi, a South Korean singer and songwriter; and Bambam, a Thai rapper and singer, who rose to fame as a member of GOT7. Visit fb.com/Prpattayacity.
Khao Kho Countdown 2023
The "Khao Kho Countdown 2023" in Phetchabun is an easy alternative if you're looking for a more breezy location to enjoy fireworks. Though it may be a six-hour drive from Bangkok to Khao Kho National Park, an intimate experience amid nature, with a panoramic view of dazzling fireworks is well worth it, we say. There would be food trucks and mini-concerts throughout the two-day event. Visit bit.ly/3j4Jpxr.
Low-key spots to enjoy fireworks
If you want to catch the fireworks, King Taksin The Great Bridge is it. There’ll be unblocked views of the fireworks show as you'll be standing on the bridge in the middle of the river while witnessing the firework extravaganza on both sides. It’s best to be there way before midnight because climbing up the bridge takes time. Phra Pokklao Sky Park would be another bridge we recommend. The bridge provides seating areas, but the catch is its location, which is quite far from the main firework displays, which are all set off around King Taksin The Great Bridge.
How can I get home on NYE in Bangkok?
To facilitate your way back home, BTS will extend its services on its Green Line (Sukhumvit) and Gold Line until 2am on New Year's Eve. The last train departing from Siam station to all Green Line stations leaves at 2am. They recommend you purchase a one-day pass at B140 for unlimited rides so you do not have to wait in a long line to get a ticket.
