Bangkok Travel Forum

Hi everyone! I'm planning on being in Thailand for New Year's Eve 2009. My boyfriend and I will be flying into Bangkok the last week in December and I was wondering if anyone had recommendations of where to go on New Year's, whether there is another city or beach town close to Bangkok or if we should stay there? Also any suggestions for booking in advance vs. when we arrive? Any and all input is much appreciated! Thanks :)

December 31st is not a major event for the Thais as they have their own calendar and their New Year, Songkran, is in April. However, all the major hotels will have "gala dinners". For a Western style NYE find a have a look at what the hotels are offering.

You don't give very much info on your budget as far as what type of hotel that you are looking for.
If you are staying in the Khao San rd area (backpakers) it may be busy but you should still be able to get a room. And there are rooms around Bangkok but your 3-43-and 5 star places are going ot be busy. As John mentioned about the Gala dinners, it is compulsary and expect to pay double or more for that NYE night, in addition to the dinner fee, whether you eat there or not. The Thia's do celebrate NYE but they do have their own NY's celebration per their calandar. This will be the case all over Thailand, not just in Bangkok.
Again, don't know what you are looking for as far as entertainment, or how long you have, but no matter where you go you should be able to find some sort of celebrations going on. Are you looking to stay in the hotel and take advantage of their festivities that are going on or go out?

NY Celebrating in Thai is not have much thing to do. We prefer to countdown before step to new year. For sightseeing place, I recommended you to go around Central World, Siam Paragon. There're a lot of light decoration. If you want to outside BKK, there's the celebration in big town like ChiangMai, Pattaya or somewhere else like these.

Have a nice trip!!

NY Celebrating in Thai is not have much thing to do. We prefer to countdown before step to new year. For sightseeing place, I recommended you to go around Central World, Siam Paragon. There're a lot of light decoration. If you want to outside BKK, there's the celebration in big town like ChiangMai, Pattaya or somewhere else like these.

Have a nice trip!!