Explore And Celebrate New Year In Asia

Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Asia With Style!

New Year's Eve In Asia

There’s a whole new truth that travel can awaken you to. Like the fact that the places closest to you, can surprise you the most. Case in point, being Asia. You probably think you’ve seen and done most of what there is to, in Asia. The rain and the sun, the magical and mystical, the fun and the tranquillity, the jungles and the beaches, the yin and the yang. But have you ever spent a magical New Year’s Eve in Asia? Because if you haven’t, here are ten surprises at ten Asian destinations, waiting to unfold before your eyes, this year end. And what better time than the beginning of a new decade to unfold its magical surprises.

1. The dazzle of Tokyo, Japan

The dazzle of Tokyo, Japan

Let’s get one fact straight right away. Unlike a lot of other countries, where New Year’s Day is considered any other holiday, Japan considers it the most important holiday. The Japanese New Year celebrations are called ‘shogatsu’ and New Year’s Day is called ‘gantan.’ However, Japan makes a long celebration out of this time of the year, with festivities continuing till January 3^rd. Tokyo’s love affair with lights continues through this period so make sure you don’t miss this watching the entire capital coming alive with fairy lights and psychedelic glow. Head to Roppongi, Starlight Garden, Marunouchi, Caretta Shiodome, and many more such vantage points, so you get the best pictures. And when all of that excitement dies down, shop at Tokyo’s many department stores where festive displays and year-end sales tempt you. Hungry much? Try the toshikoshi soba or buckwheat noodles that are served hot on New Year’s Eve to symbolise the cutting off of the year’s misfortunes, and the bringing in of good luck and long life.

2. The laidback ease of Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi, Malaysia

Great weather, beach vibe and the freshest seafood – honestly, what’s not to like about a New Year’s Eve that gives you all of this. December in Langkawi is magical, since the weather is just perfect for all kinds of ocean activities including snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, parasailing and banana boating. Head to the Pentai Cenang Beach, the longest and most famous in Langkawi and don’t forget to do a cable car ride when there. And if you love night markets, Langkawi’s markets are buzzing with cheap, delicious eats and cool souvenirs. New Year’s Eve is just magical here, and we’re quite sure you won’t disagree!

3. The razzmatazz of Singapore

Marina Bay Sands

Eat, drink, make merry, repeat! At the Lion City, this life mantra never gets old. From hippie parties to New Year cruises to lavish penthouse celebrations, Singapore has it all. Head to the glamorous Marina Bay Sands and watch the dazzling fireworks ring in the new year. Or just book tickets at Universal Studios and watch yourself become a kid along with your children! Because here, you can enjoy all the fun rides, dance all night, listen to great music and eat all the delicious food you’ve been dreaming of – under one roof.

4. The calm of Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa, Vietnam

Why does New Year’s Eve have to be about noise and hustle-bustle? At Sapa, a tiny mountain town in Vietnam, you’ll discover that its scenic rice fields, friendly highland tribes and energetic forest treks make for the perfect backdrop to a different end-of-year experience. Arguably the best natural highland winter setting, you’ll be content staring at Fan Si Pan – the highest mountain in Vietnam. And if you’re a bit of a trekker, wake up on New Year’s morning and walk to Sin Chai – a close-by village where the locals will make you feel welcome with their dance, song and food.

5. The surprises of Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok does it best and New Year’s is testimony to this. End of year in this crazy city can be as raucous as it can be calm and it would be fair to say that whatever you choose, Bangkok won’t disappoint. Rooftop champagne dinner on your mind or clubbing with friends or watching fireworks with friends? Whatever you choose, you’ll be delighted. Countdown parties are very common outside significant shopping landmarks and streets, so take your pick. We’d recommend the one at CentralWorld, a shopping mall outside which a vibrant party happens every year. If something quieter is what you desire, choose from the plethora of classy rooftop bars where from where you can enjoy lavish 7-course dinners as you look upon the city, decked in lights.

6. The tropical charm of Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

If you’re heading to this charming island destination for New Year’s, you’ve certainly chosen well. Because the people here sure know how to have a good time! Expect the trendiest restaurants and bars in Seminyak to lure you with the finest cuisines and all-night parties. If you’re looking for something far quieter, head to Ubud and stay in one of the exquisite villas that face the ocean in Amed, Lovina or Sanur. Also, if you want to begin New Year with a dose of self-healing, enrol for one of the week-long Yoga workshops in Ubud that train you in yoga, breathwork, meditation and traditional healing. No matter what you like, they have the ideas.

7. The fireworks of Dubai, UAE

Dubai, UAE

With a bout of insane fireworks blazing through the night sky and the happy possibility of enjoying New Year’s celebrations for free, Dubai certainly should be high on your list of must-visits during year-end. Watch the highest tower in the world – Burj Khalifa – treat you to a spectacle that will leave you gasping. Televised all over the world, the light-and-water show that happens at midnight is nothing short of wondrous. So, get there early, for sure. If you’re a party lover, there’s no shortage of music-fuelled bashes to keep you going – including the Zero-Gravity party everyone is talking about. Or simply head to Umm Al Sequim Beach, conveniently located between Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, and get the best of the fireworks displays happening at both venues.

8. The quaintness of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Since Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, you should definitely consider spending New Year’s Eve by the sea. Beachside parties are very common during this time of the year, and the best areas for this are Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and Unawatuna. Or you can opt for the cityscapes of Colombo, where fairy lights, twinkling decors and grand celebrations are very common. With streets erupting with cheer at the stroke of midnight, ringing in the New Year with a touch of Sri Lankan finesse is certainly wonderful.

9. The diversity of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat

It’s the temple hub and it’s the party hub. At Siem Reap, you’ll wonder at the sheer dichotomy of this. Kick start your New Year’s by visiting one of the world’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites: Angkor Wat. 400 sq. kms of sheer visual delight, here’s where you’ll find temples, temples and more temples. And post that, get set to party at the infamous Pub Street where mistletoe and cocktails abound. Feeling gutsy? Try a friend scorpion or a tamer fried ice cream as you watch the world celebrate the festival of cheer, with gusto.

10. The mysteries of Harbin, China

Mysteries Of China

It’s not called the Ice City of China for nothing. After all, where else can you witness the world’s greatest and most spectacular winter shows – the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. The chilly winds will surround you, but you won’t care because the mesmerising ice sculptures at the Fest as well as the lights, will keep you hooked. And apart from all the quaint pubs and restaurants here, this ‘Oriental Moscow’ will also regale you with the best of both Russian and Western styles of architecture. Landmarks like Wen Miao Confucius Temple, Temple of Heavenly Bliss, Harbin Jewish New Synagogue, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Zhongyang Dajie and Old Quarter are definitely not to be missed.