New Year in Bangkok combines riverside celebrations, lively countdowns, peaceful temples, and sparkling skyline views. Whether you prefer festive energy or a calm cultural start to the year, this guide brings together the best ways to welcome 2025 in the Thai capital.
Top 10 things to do in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve
Ring in the year at Bangkok’s tallest viewpoint
Start your celebration with sweeping sunset views from Mahanakhon SkyWalk. The open air deck offers a dramatic setting to watch the city prepare for the countdown and captures Bangkok’s New Year buzz from above.
Join a temple-focused New Year tradition
New Year’s Day in Bangkok is an important time for temple visits. A guided temple tour helps you understand local customs, while offering a mindful way to welcome new beginnings.
A canal tour is an enjoyable way to see Bangkok from the water on New Year week. It gives you a closer look at local neighborhoods, bridges, and riverside temples without the daytime crowds.
Add a high energy finale to your New Year plans with a cabaret performance. Bangkok’s show venues offer colorful choreography, music, and a festive atmosphere ideal for an uplifting night out.
Spend an afternoon wandering through Ancient Siam’s reconstructed palaces, villages, and monuments. Its expansive grounds offer a calm setting to reflect on the new year between scenic gardens and architectural landmarks.
If you prefer a slower start to the year, Safari World is ideal for families. The park’s shows, open air exhibits, and drive through zones allow you to ease into 2025 at your own pace.
Morning: Begin your last morning of the year with a relaxed visit to Bangkok’s floating markets. Choose a centrally reachable market such as Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom, where you can enjoy boat side snacks, fresh produce, and festive decorations. Afternoon: Head into the city for a Bangkok Temple Tour. Visit iconic temples like Wat Pho or Wat Arun to experience the cultural calm of the afternoon and learn about the significance of year-end blessings in Thai tradition. Evening: Make your way to Mahanakhon SkyWalk for the countdown. Arrive before sunset to enjoy the golden hour views, then watch the city light up as fireworks and celebrations begin across the skyline. Stay in the Silom or Sathorn area for dinner and lively New Year street scenes.
Morning: Start the year with a visit to Safari World. The cooler January morning makes it comfortable to explore the drive through safari zone and enjoy wildlife shows at an easy pace. Afternoon: Travel to Ancient Siam, where expansive gardens and architectural replicas offer a gentle cultural introduction to the year. The open air layout provides a relaxed way to walk, explore, and take photos. Evening: Return to the city for a colorful performance at Calypso Cabaret or Golden Dome Cabaret. The upbeat atmosphere, costumes, and music make it a bright, entertaining way to round out your first evening of 2025.