For one night a year, the countdown to midnight is an excuse to throw a party, not end it. And for the ringing in of 2008, Bangkok has an awful lot of them up its sleeve - as the following recommendations prove...
Where to celebrate New Year
What: Hands Bangkok Countdown 2008@CentralWorld
When: December 21, 2007 - January 01, 2008
Where: CentralWorld
Celebrate 2008 in front of Southeast Asia's biggest mall, and you may be asked to drop your bags and join hands! The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Panasonic and uber-mall CentralWorld have cooked up a countdown event to rival Shanghai, Hong Kong or Sydney. The theme, 'Hands Bangkok Countdown 2008', is designed to encourage harmony among Thai people by asking them to - for the countdown at least - join hands with lovers, family members, friends, maybe even you! Not only that though. Running for ten days, celebrations will include activities that express gratitude to His Majesty the King (who turns 80 this month), concerts, fashion shows and beer gardens appealing to Bangkok's hip generation.
Highlights will include a Greeting Ball Tower, a pyramid 21 meters high with a giant three-meter diameter LCD screen. With fireworks and the ability to emit light, color, sound, smoke and movement simultaneously, this promises to be a memorable focal point during the countdown. Another is an exhibition featuring New Year cards His Majesty created and sent to His Majesty's elder sister, HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana and grandmother Queen Savang Vadhana, as well as cards designed in Honour of His Majesty by noted artist M.L. Jirathorn Jiraprawat. These will be available for purchase at Zone A's activity ground.
On New Year's Eve itself, performers will include AF1, Toh-Saksit, The Strangers, Modern Dog, Palmy and Christina. A fashion show will give shopping-loving girls hot tips. Actors from Channel 7, such as Pu-Praiya Suandokmai, Tangmo-Patarida Patcharaveerapong, Kete Thantap and Nam-Rapeepat Ekpankul, will also appear. And fashion guru Ford Kulawit Laosuksri, Elle Thailand's editor-in-chief, will be there to share his views on 2008 fashion trends.
What: The Spirit of Festive Season at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Restaurants at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
Welcome 2008 with Bangkok's most spectacular New Year fireworks display over the River of Kings. Celebrate with a superb New Year's Eve Gala Dinner in the lush riverfront gardens of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. Set along the banks of the Chao Phraya river, the hotel's exclusive poolside venue provides sought-after front row seats for viewing the city's grand fireworks spectacle.
A gourmet set dinner and live entertainment from the Halo band specially flown in directly from New Zealand highlight the New Year revelry. Enjoy special performances, raffle draws and all-night dancing (adults 13,800, children 7,200 baht). The glimmer of Bangkok's evening skyline sets a romantic tone for the festive New Year dinner aboard the Horizon Cruise. The price includes a deluxe buffet dinner, live entertainment and the evening cruise along the famous River of Kings (adult 9,800, child 5,000 baht).
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Celebrate with NEXT2 Café & Terrace's extensive New Year buffet dinner, and enjoy the New Year's Eve poolside entertainment projected live on a giant TV screen. Head to the poolside to join in the 2008 countdown and fireworks display (adults 9,800, children 5,200 baht). Set along the Chao Phraya River and amidst lush tropical gardens, Salathip is the perfect setting for a delightful New Year Thai-style celebration. Classical Thai dance performances will add to the holiday mood (adults 9,800, children 5,200 baht).
Start the year with a leisurely brunch or a luxurious high tea buffet with family and friends. Indulge in an extensive international brunch buffet, and treat yourself to a scrumptious selection of festive delicacies and sumptuous desserts (adults 2,800, children 700 baht). The New Year High Tea buffet with superb musical performances by the Bangkok Symphony Light Orchestra will take place from from 15:00 to 16:00 (1,200 baht).
What: Celebrate the Festive Season at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Bangkok
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Make your way up the red carpet to a sensational Gala Dinner Buffet on the New Year's Eve at one of thee Riverside terrace venues at this fabulous hotel to enjoy a spectacular countdown with fireworks that will light up the midnight sky - at a price of 9,999 baht per person (including a party set and a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne). Alternatively, enjoy dinner and traditional Thai entertainment in the restaurant for 5,900 baht per person, which will also include a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, a party set and giveaway. After dinner, you can choose to see out 2007 in style at the Lobby Lounge from 22:00. Quench your thirst with colorful cocktails, shooters and specially created canapés. 'White Mouse Trio' in-house Russian band will keep the party going from 22:00 until the wee hours with a variety of top hits (1,000 baht per person including a party set and one drink).
Fulfill My Dreams Foundation With Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Bangkok
Associates of the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers led by Charles Jack, the Hotel Manager, recently launched the Fulfill My Dreams Charity Foundation that aims to provide much needed assistance to hardship schools in rural areas. With the purchase of teddy bears (available in several 'flavours' such as chocolate, caramel, coffee, and vanilla) by guests and the public, the hotel is collecting money to build a canteen at Wat Huay School in Singburi Province. It is a second official charity foundation established by the hotel after the Royal Orchid Kidney Foundation that has been founded in 1998 and successfully donated six kidney dialysis machines to needy hospitals.
What: Starlight Countdown at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Dine in style under starlight and with a cool breeze from the river, and celebrate the start of the year at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa. Enjoy an array of culinary delights and exciting entertainment throughout the night. A live band and spectacular cabaret show will set the parrty tone. After dinner, guests will be escorted to the Grand Ballroom which will be transformed into 'It's a 70's Show' with the DJs' and entertainment adding to party atmosphere. Exclusive New Year's Eve promotions include the River Terrace Grand Buffet Dinner (9,999 baht), Trader Vic's Candle Light Set Dinner (3,999 baht), and Benihana's Special Set Dinner (3,999 baht). And don't miss Trader Vic's New Year's Day Buffet Brunch (2,999 baht)!
What: The Utimate Feast of the Festive Season at JW Marriott Bangkok
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: JW Marriott Bangkok
This year ends with an array of spectacular events for you to celebrate New Year's Eve at the JW Marriott Bangkok. Choose from the hotel's many dining venues, each offering special promotions. Lobby Lounge will be the centerpoint of this grand evening, featuring a great selection of fine beverages. DJ Patrick Carmignani will be spining into the new year. Exclusive New Year's Eve dinners are available at Man Ho Chinese Restaurant (12,000 per table), White Elephant (2,000 baht per person), New York Steakhouse, Marriott Café (2,400 - 3,200 baht per person) and Tsu Nami Japanese Resturant (4,500 baht per person).
What: Gala on the Riviera
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
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Have fun and rediscover the 'silver and diamond' theme at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square's New Year's Eve Gala Dinner. To be held on the Splash Poolside, the scintillating event pays tribute to the best of Thailand but also features a mouthwatering array of international and Thai dishes. There will be non-stop entertainment from 20:00 to 01:00 by local and international performers. Tickets are 2,800 baht, inclusive of a glass of sparkling wine when the clock strikes twelve. For a wild night of great music, Concept CM2 features Magical Xmas & Sparkling New Year, together with resident DJs pumping out everything from earth-shattering base beats, to pop, dance R&B and hip-hop. Plus giveaways and drinks specials, there's a whole host of fun awaiting all party lovers until closing time. Admission for the New Year's Glitz n Glam Party is 999 baht per person (before 02:00), inclusive of two drinks, and 790 baht (after 02:00), inclusive of two drinks.
What: 2007 Festive Celebrations at The Conrad Bangkok
When: December 3 - 26, 2007
Where: The Conrad Bangkok
Count down and celebrate the New Year in the mood of a colourful extravaganza dance at 87 Plus where, for 800 baht, you can get two tasty drinks, a deluxe party pack and exclusive access to watch 'Solidaz' band from New Zealand perform live. Be prepared for non-stop dancing fun from 21:00 until the next morning. On New Year's Eve, dine at the hotel's famous restaurants like Italianate, Café@2, City Terrace (alfresco dining by the pool) and Drinking Tea Eating Rice, where lunch and dinner 'Teppan Matzusaka with Sushi & Sashimi' can be had at 4,350 baht. Liu Chinese Restaurant will feature a special dim sum lunch and dinner at 780 baht, and a New Year set dinner for ten people at 19,800 baht. All guests will receive a deluxe party pack and get a free pass to the Countdown Fun at 87 Plus.
What: Festivities at The Peninsula Bangkok
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: The Peninsula Bangkok
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An evening of fine dining, dancing, spectacular fireworks and the stylish surrounds of one of Bangkok's most luxurious hotel properties have all the right ingredients to impress your date and for a memorable way to welcome in the New Year. Enjoy the music of the Lai Thai Orchestra and famous Thai singers Radklao Amaradit and 'Jib' Wasu Saengsingkaew as a reminder that you're in The Land of Smiles, alongside a scrumptious six-course International Gala Dinner at The Pool for 18,000 baht per couple. At The Peninsula Lawn and Terrace the cost is 14,800 per person for a Gala Dinner Buffet with live orchestra, singers and other performers. Dress code is white dinner jacket or tuxedo. The six-course International Gala Dinner will set you back the same, and also comes with live entertainment, while a six-course Thai Gala Dinner with classical Thai dancing is on offer at Thiptara for 10,800 per person. A DJ and jazz band will be providing the entertainment at the contemporary Jesters Restaurant while guests are enjoying a six-course culinary journey, of which the cost is 10,800 baht per person. Lovers of Chinese cuisine are well-catered for at Mei Jiang with an eight-course set menu at 8,800 baht per person. The dress code for all function is formal, and cocktails will eb served in the lobby from 20:00 onwards.
The next day, The Peninsula's New Year Brunch Buffet will be the perfect way to start the year on a delicious note with a vast selection of over 70 dishes at River Café and Terrace for 2,200 baht per person. Or, if you can't get out of bed in time for brunch, between 14:00 and 18:00 the New Year Afternoon Tea Buffet is 880 baht per head and will offer lots of delectable sweet and savoury bites to feast on. There will also be live music and entertainment for kids, like face-painting, balloon arts and a magician. All prices are inclusive of a 10% service charge and VAT, and children under 12 will pay half prices for the buffet.
What: Jazz Up Your Christmas and New Year at The Living Room
When: December 24, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
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Jazz Up Your Christmas and New Year at The Living Room with a series of spectacular sessions performed by some of the finest international jazz musicians. Highlights include appearances by Steve Cannon, the veteran trumpet player set to thrill the crowd with his dazzling virtuoso playing. Whether taking a commanding lead in the brass section or playing swinging jazz solo, Cannon's three decades of experience on the trumpet has provided him with an unmistakable sound and an unusual level of versatility. He will perform at The Living Room's decadent jazz cocktail party on New Year's Eve, accompanied by the Shawn Kelley Trio, the Randy Cannon Trio, the inimitable Alice Day and vocalist Richard Arnold. The performance at the New Year Countdown starts from 20:30 onwards. On New Year's Day, the brunch featuring live jazz is from noon to 14:45, while the evening session, starring the Randy Cannon Trio, Alice Day and special guests, will begin to entertain guests from 21:30 until late.
What: Festive Season Celebrations at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
When: December 24 - 25, 2007
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
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Spectacular New Year's Eve and New Year's Day dining and entertainment options are offered at the hotel's great dining venues. Aqua, Madison and Spice Market (Parichart Court) offers an extensive buffet with seafood and oyster bar, foie gras and prime meats plus a tempting selection of desserts, with live entertainment by a Jazz trio. The Lobby Lounge will thrill guests with a special six-course menu of outstanding dishes prepared by Executive Chef Nicolas Schneller. Welcome the New Year and dance the night away in this spectacular setting with entertainment from a live band from 19:00 until midnight. Italian five-course dinner and Japanese cuisine at its best are also available at Biscotti and Shintaro. On the first day of the new year, treat yourself with a special brunch at Aqua, Madison and Spice Market (Parichart Court) and delight in Afternoon Tea Buffet at The Lobby Lounge, where a tempting selection of savory dishes, desserts, cakes and homemade ice creams are served. Alternatively, start the first day of the year with authentic, not to mention healthy, Japanese breakfast at Shintaro. Prices per person vary between 2,500 and 3,000 baht.
What: Festive Celebration at Nai Lert Park Bangkok
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Nai Lert Park Bangkok
Ring in the New Year with great promotions at Nai Lert Park Bangkok, where you and your family will be treated with exciting entertainment, an array of culinary delights and lavish parties. The whole hotel lobby will be turned into a big stage for a variety of music styles such as string, classic pop, Latin and much more. Ma Maison offers a luxurious six-course dinner set, complete with the great selection of wine. Every booking of four persons at ISO or Ma Maison, will receive a 50% discount voucher for a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate the arrival of 2008 at Syn Bar. Japanese and Chinese food lovers don't miss wonderful offers at Genji and Noble House restaurants, where every 9,000 baht spent will get 50% discount voucher for a bottle of Prosecco at Syn Bar. Prices per person vary between 550 to 3,500 baht.
What: Sparkling Season's Greetings at Millennium Hilton Bangkok
When: December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Where: Millennium Hilton Bangkok
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Countdown to 2008 right on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River and let Millennium Hilton Bangkok put excitement into your New Year's Eve with the very best river views, spectacular fireworks, lucky draw prizes and sumptuous menus. Prepare to be thrilled at Flow's circus-themed New Year Eve's Party and the Grand Buffet. The culinary splendors of ancient China are recreated in a stunning, contemporary setting at Yuan. In the restaurant's masterfully crafted main dining room, guests can enjoy Yuan's three special set menus and a premium selection of Set Menus inclusive of Superior Shark's Fin this New Year's Eve. Experience and savor dinner with prime steak, prime views, prime service and special access to party at Zeta Bar, where the sound of hip-hop or funk will be delivered to you from the bar's resident DJs. Take pleasure in the breathtaking panoramic views during the spectacular countdown fireworks display at Threesixty. Finally, conclude your holidays' indulgence with Flow's 'Hangover Specials', a wide range of mouth-watering delicacies and live cooking action stations prepared by the hotel's talented chefs. Prices per person vary from 1,000 to 9,900 baht. |
