Are you planning a New Year vacation or just looking for a different place for a New Year's Eve celebration? Come to Asia to experience a special and different celebration from your own country. Fantastic fireworks, exciting street countdown parties, friendly people and rich travel opportunities, not to mention warmer weather, make Asia a perfect place for a New Year holiday.
The following are the top 10 places to celebrate New Year in Asia. Links allow you to choose one and start planning your trip to Asia.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Being rich in historical temples and modern bars and hotels, the amazing capital of Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for welcoming in the New Year. The fantastic and colorful fireworks on New Year's Eve and great parties in Bangkok give an unforgettable experience to people coming from all around the world.
The world-class countdown landmark of Thailand at Central World Square is a must-visit place for New Year celebration. There the 1,400-meter-wide (almost a mile wide!) eco-friendly multimedia fireworks will give you a spectacular light-and-sound display.
Or you can join the street party with your family or friends at the atmospheric bars and restaurants at Khao San Road. There are numerous places with events for New Year's Eve in Bangkok. For more, see Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Thailand.
Besides the New Year Celebrations, Bangkok offers rich travel opportunities. You can visit Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and make your New Year wishes. The Grand Palace is a must visit in Bangkok. If you have more time, pay a visit to the National Museum, take a boat trip along the Chai Phraya River, or go shopping in Chatuchak Market. For more, see Things to Do in Bangkok.
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you are planning a trip for New Year in Vietnam, then spend your New Year's Eve in the largest city (Ho Chi Minh, previously Saigon). There you can take part in the biggest party in Vietnam. It is an unforgettable experience to spend New Year's Eve there.
Thousands of people celebrate this special time with their friends and families along the Saigon River. They are waiting for the midnight fireworks near the Bitexco Tower, which is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. If you don't want to join the crowds, then take a cruise on the Saigon River to admire the colorful fireworks displays. There are numerous nice restaurants or rooftop bars in the city where you can spend your whole afternoon while waiting for the countdown and midnight fireworks.
For a short trip, you could explore the oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh City (Giac Lam Pagoda) and visit the gardens around the temple. The War Remnants Museum is a good place to learn more about the Vietnam War. Another fantastic trip is the Bonsai River Cruise, on which you can take in the night views of the city along the river. See more on Planning a Trip to Vietnam.
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
Chris Williams, Nov 2023
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Seeing Bangkok with ease
In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. More
Diane Elkins, Nov 2023
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Thailand- October 2023!
The team in Thailand was also great. Shout out to our tour guides (Monchai in Bangkok, Indy in Chang Mai and Sonia in Phuket) they were the best!! It was 6 of us and they make us all feel right at home! Kudos! More
Mori P, Nov 2023
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3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Full of life and movement, with flea markets and many temples, Siem Reap is a great city to spend your New Year's Eve in Cambodia. Siem Reap has a bustling nightlife that you can enjoy for a whole night with your friends or loved ones.
Local celebrations can be seen in every restaurant, hotel, and bar at the streets with live music playing the whole night. Enjoy a delicious meal made specifically for the occasion while having a rest in a hotel or bar in Hap Guan Street. You can expect a magnificent New Year's Eve celebration in Siem Reap!
During your New Year holiday, you could spend a whole day to explore Angkor Wat — the largest Buddhist temple on earth. Or just walk around the 'Old Market' (the locals call it Psar Chaa) to experience the life of local people. Visit Cambodia Landmine Museum to learn more of the history and culture of Cambodia. Siem Reap has many more travel options to fill your holidays.
Suggested reading: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Honeymoons, Families, and More
4. Singapore
With its vibrant fusion of cultures, and friendly ethnic people, Singapore is a good choice for celebrating New Year's Eve. You will be amazed by the grand celebrations of the Lion City. There you can hop on the Singapore Flyer (world's tallest ferris wheel), to get a view of the festivities unfolding below. If you are traveling with kids, getting breathtaking views of Singapore from the sky is particularly recommended.
Top places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Singapore include Marina Bay, the Siloso beach party at Sentosa, and Wave House at Sentosa.
It is easy to find fun things to do in Singapore. A trip to the Gardens of the Bay can delight and increase your knowledge about Asian plants and flowers. You can also climb up the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park to get amazing sunset views of the whole city.
5. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
If you are looking for a quieter, romantic, and contemplative place to welcome in the New Year, then Bali should be on your list. Bali is not only well-known for its beautiful and quiet beaches, but also for its diverse culture. Head for the cultural center of Bali, Ubud, to experience its slow-paced life at the main street, which is decorated with fairy lights for Christmas. Enjoy low-key music and a relaxed dance party on New Year's Eve.
After the New Year's celebration, you could visit the Museum Puri Lukisan, where you will see a wide range of artworks. Spend some time to visit a little temple (Pura Taman Saraswati), where amazing carvings of the Goddess Saraswati are on show all over the building. Try to learn some story in the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung).
6. Goa, India
Long night parties, cheap beer, amazing beach-side fireworks, live music, and happy and friendly people make Goa a great destination to celebrate New Year's Eve. It is regarded as India's unofficial party capital. You can expect huge numbers of people gathering along the beaches to watch the colorful firework displays and enjoy traditional Hindi music and dancing parties.
Goa offers luxury hotels, wonderful resorts, and delicious food choices. It is a perfect city for youngsters to welcome New Year. During your New Year holiday, you can explore numerous spectacular forts in Goa, including Aguada, Chapora, Reis Magos, Corjuem, and so on. Spend some time to explore and learn more about the spiritual and architectural grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Goa.
7. Kyoto, Japan
With a magical, charming, and romantic atmosphere, Kyoto is a good place to celebrate the New Year in Japan. The city is well-known for its geothermal springs, where you can relax in a thermal spa in its resorts surrounded by snow-laden branches in winter.
While waiting for the midnight countdown, you can explore the numerous traditional buildings and temples. You won't see a fireworks display in this quiet and beautiful city, but hundreds of bright lanterns and candles are lit to make the whole city look amazing.
You can also join the locals celebrating an important annual custom held at the city's temples or shrines. There the local people gather to ring the temple bell for the first time of the New Year. They believe the bell ringing will cleanse the bad luck of the old year and welcome good luck for the New Year.
For more days of touring after New Year's Eve in Kyoto, pay a visit to the beautiful golden Kinkakuji Temple, which is covered by gold and red leaves in winter. Learn more about Japanese chado ('the way of tea') by joining a tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. You may ascend the Kyoto Tower — the tallest building in Kyoto — to get a panoramic view of the whole city. See more on How to Plan a Trip to Japan.
8. Vientiane, Laos
If you are looking for a beautiful and relaxing city to spend your New Year's Eve in Laos, Vientiane is a good choice. Famed for its charming gold temples and historical sites, Vientiane offers great choices for resort hotels, relaxing cafés, and good restaurants.
Make sure to join the Tiger Beer Event at Nam Phou Square on New Year's Eve. The countdown party goes on from afternoon to midnight with the music playing for the whole night. The streets are decorated with colorful lights during the holiday. Vendors sell their food and drink while playing loud music. Sit around a long table to enjoy the delicious street food as the locals do while waiting for the countdown at midnight.
For more days in Vientiane, make sure to visit the best-known landmarks in Vientiane… Patuxai Victory Monument resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Or learn more about Buddhist culture from the sculptures of reclining Buddhas in Xieng Khuan ('Buddha Park'). Visit the Lao National Museum if you are interested in the history and culture of Laos. For more, see How to Plan a Trip to Laos.
9. Hong Kong, China
From Christmas to Chinese New Year, Hong Kong offers a great party atmosphere for travelers from all over the world. You will be amazed by the colorful fireworks at the Victoria Harbor on the night of New Year's Eve. The best way to watch the fireworks is by taking a cruise ship to watch the colorful light and sound show as well as seeing the sparkling of skyline in Hong Kong.
Join the street parades and street parties organized by locals which last to the New Year countdown midnight. Or you can attend the live concerts and countdown parties in Tsim Sha Tsui where there are street markets, brand hotels, and high-class pubs and bars. Tsim Sha Tsui is also a great place to watch the new year fireworks.
For more tour activities in Hong Kong, you could pay a visit to The Peak, which is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. You can get a spectacular view of the city and Victoria Harbour from the Peak. Be prepared for crowds of people during the New Year Holiday and long queues for the tram.
You could spend a night to explore the traditional Chinese market at Temple Street Night Market and shop for souvenirs, electronics, and numerous street foods. Then have a cup of coffee or drink in the restaurants and bars of Lan Kwai Fong for a rest. See more on Christmas in Hong Kong.
10. Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is regarded as a hidden gem of Asia; it is a popular destination for many youngsters to spend their New Year's Eve and holiday. Compared with many places in Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is much quieter, more relaxed, and less crowded — a town which is perfect for couples to spend their romantic time during New Year's Eve. Unawatuna offers more reasonably priced boutique hotels than other places on the island of Sri Lanka during the New Year holiday.
To make full use of your holiday in Unawatuna, plan a short tour to Galle Fort, which is a about 10 minutes' drive from Unawatuna. Or take a snorkeling class at the main snorkeling spot: Jungle Beach. The beach is surrounded by jungle, and there is a coral reef located just a few meters out from the beach. For more, see How to Plan a Trip to Sri Lanka.
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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
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