In Thailand, we get to celebrate the New Year twice! While Thailand is known for Songkran, which is the Buddhist celebration involving water for Thai New Year, the country still celebrates the New Year at the end of December in fabulous fashion.
Though Songkran is considered a national holiday, Thailand officially recognized the New Year in Thailand as January 1st nearly 80 years ago! During this time, Thai residents make trips to local temples to give merit and alms to the monks. The period is also a time for many locals to spend their own time away on meditation retreats across the country!
The spirituality and vastness of experience make Thailand an inviting place to visit for the New Year. Instead of celebrating the arrival of 2019 through the television or on through cold and crowded streets, we’ve gathered a few ways to celebrate and relax through the last few days of the year. After all, we like to enjoy the warmth of the holidays both literally and figuratively.
Bangkok
Views from 137 Pillars Bangkok
Fireworks displays are a common and spectacular experience in Thailand, especially if you’re staying in the city. If you’re in Bangkok for the holiday, you won’t have to look far to find a fantastic panoramic view stories up in the skyline.
If you’re looking to avoid the streetside crowds and celebrate the holidays from above, you probably will love the New Years package at 137 Pillars Bangkok. If you’re feeling really festive over the holiday season, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel decks the halls and the rooms in absolutely festive fashion while wining and dining you throughout the holiday, whether you’re tucked away in your room or choose to enjoy an intimate holiday dinner at their two fine-dining establishments.
The hotel also offers a similar package for the New Year at the hotel’s opulent high-rise, Marble Bar. Here, you can enjoy some of the best views of the city for while ringing in the new year.
Still, if you’re the type who can’t give up on the city but want a more down to earth experience, Check out you might want to stay at Peninsula Bangkok The hotel is currently offering a bunch of benefits for winter guests even beyond the holiday season, valid until February.
If you’re interested in seeing New Year’s fireworks without moving a muscle, there’s a great hotel poolside view here, providing a great vista over and across the Chao Phraya River!
For the traveler looking for a Bangkok adventure where the city sprawls out at your fingertips, try staying at the luxurious and well-located LiT Bangkok. The hotel is just minutes away from the Skytrain and is located conveniently near city malls, giving you a quick way to grab some “it’s in the mail” gifts for those you forgot about over the holiday. The hotel is offering 15 percent off for guests that book through their website, running from December 10th until February 28th.
Northern Thailand
If you’ve missed the lantern festival of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, you’ll be happy to know that the region hosts a second lantern festival to ring in the New Year! If you’re interested in joining the event yourself, one of our favorite hotels in the area has to be Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. The hotel is home to lush suites resting on the Mae Ping river overlooking Suthep Mountain, so when you’re not out exploring and enjoying the city or visiting the weekend night market just minutes away, you’ll be right at home enjoying luxury on the grounds.
You can also take a look at other Anantara hotels elsewhere in Thailand here!
If you can’t make it in time to celebrate the holidays but still need a winter retreat (or to start your resolution early,) check out The Riverie by Kathani in Chiang Rai. The hotel does a great job of balancing rest and relaxation with exploration and experience. Guests booking this package will be able to tour and explore the province freely and as organized by the hotel, and then top it off with a relaxing time at the spa. Count us in!
Krabi
Looking for a beach and avoid the crowds? The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort can wash away 2018 and welcome 2019 with a warm and relaxing coastal vibe. The stay will pamper you for the 5 night, 4 day stay with a beachfront dining experience, a complimentary spa session, and a New Year’s Eve Gala dinner. Talk about a svelte finish to 2018!
Remember, If you can’t visit us to the winter, there’s always spring break! Check back for new recommendations and experiences in the New Year!
Want to explore other travel packages, visit our website here!
