The top 5 places to spend New Year

Arguably the most amazing way to ring in 2016 is in foreign climes, trying something new and seeing how a different culture celebrates. What’s more, people in other parts of the world certainly know how to party. Here are five of our top places to spend New Year 2016.

Bangkok

The thing that can take New Year’s Eve to the next level is a bit of sunshine and you’re sure to find it in Bangkok. This high energy city goes into overdrive at New Year, with the biggest event taking place at CentralWorld shopping complex, where thousands gather to share in the big countdown. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you can take a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, while enjoying a ten-course traditional Thai dinner and a cocktail or two. Alternatively, head over to Asiatique on a boat from Sapphan Taksin Pier. This night market shines on New Year’s Eve, with celebrations starting at 5pm. Live music, fireworks, celebrities, restaurants, food stalls and bars combine to make this a truly special place.

Sydney

Sydney has to be up there, as its New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the Sydney Opera House is an iconic image, and what better than being among the throng watching it happen in real life? Sydney Harbour is certainly the place to be, with over a million people gathering every year in the streets and a lucky few getting a front row seat at some of the restaurants in the harbour. If you don’t want to be smack in the centre of the hustle and bustle, you can head to one of the parks with a picnic and settle down with loved ones. This is a bit of a different way to enjoy the festivities and if you like to live like a local when travelling, this is probably the option for you.

Las Vegas

If you want a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime experience this New Year, the only place you can go is Las Vegas. Head to the bustling strip, which is closed to traffic from 4pm, and join in the street party that goes on till midnight. However, you need to be organised and prepared to wait, as it can be cold and you may need to queue. At 11pm the hotels stop letting people in to ensure they can control occupancy at the casinos, so make sure you are in situ by then.

There’s also activity downtown at the Freemont Street Experience, which is ten hours of live concerts on three stages.You’ll need tickets for this, so book as soon as possible if you want to attend.

While Vegas will be mad on New Year’s Eve, there will truly be nowhere else like it and you’ll get to experience the city in all its unique glory.

Dubai

If extravagance is what you want on New Year’s Eve then you need to head to Dubai. There’s lots of stuff going on across the city, with one of the biggest events happening downtown. Organised by Emaar properties, this celebration showcases a range of dance and musical performances, in addition to a gala on the Burj Lake. Combining water, light and fire with a 210-metre long projection screen, attendees are sure to feel pleasantly overwhelmed and entranced.

Alternatively, you can see in the New Year on the beach at Nasimi. This is one of the oldest New Year’s events in Dubai and each year it offers great dance, music and pop singers, all while partying along the Atlantis The Palm. What’s great about Nasimi Beach is that it gives you front-row seats to the firework display that happens over the sea.

Kuala Lumpur

If you want something a little bit different, you should certainly try Kuala Lumpur. In addition to the firework display around the Petronas Towers, there are also displays at Damansara Mutiara, Sunway Pyramid, Bukit Bintang, and Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). Alternatively, there’s Changkat Bukit Bintang, which is a popular boulevard for bars, pubs and restaurants. On New Year’s Eve many will have themes and promotions, in addition to lots of music across multiple genres. However, if you want to get a real taste of how the locals like to party, you should head to a rooftop bar, which are becoming more and more popular.