Whether your vibe for New Year’s Eve is going to a wild party, a quiet and romantic dinner, or a night of fireworks on the beach, Phuket has something exciting to look forward to ringing in the new year.

Although Buddhism is predominantly the Thailand religion, the island still celebrates this Western tradition. In context, Thailand’s New Year is the same as the Buddhist New Year, which they call the Songkran, and is celebrated every April.

Nevertheless, though this Western practice is not part of the country’s religious traditions, it is still a massive part of Phulket’s celebrations, where locals and tourists celebrate on the streets, beaches, hotels, and private homes.

So, how do you celebrate the New Year in Phuket? Here is a short guide to help:

1. Phuket’s Beaches

Photo: Bangkok Airways

The main venue for Phuket’s New Year festivities is Patong Beach, the most popular and one of the longest beaches on the island. Live music performances, fire dancers, and fireworks displays create the most festive atmosphere in Phuket.

The island’s central hub and leading the way for New Year revelry, it is the liveliest and most energetic beach for a midnight countdown.

Other beaches also have their festivities, albeit smaller and less spectacular. However, they still feature festivities such as performers, fireworks displays, and locals’ and tourists’ picnics on the sand.

Some of these beaches include Bangtao and Karon, but the beaches of Kata, Nai Thon, and Banana Rock are perfect for more secluded spots with fewer crowds.

Related article: Phuket’s Best Beaches

2. Old Phuket Town

Photo: ForeverVacation

For those who want a more “localized” New Year’s Eve experience, there’s nothing better than Old Phuket Town. It is the spot for cultural and historical settings, so you can expect locals to do their versions of New Year’s Eve.

The streets of Old Phuket Town come alive at night with live performers, art displays, live music, good food, and plenty of localized festivities.

3. Bangla Road

Bangla Road is Phuket’s party central, and if, on any given night, it is packed with crowds and loud music, expect it to be amplified on New Year’s Eve. Bars and clubs will typically have large crowds, loud music, and plenty of exuberant partygoers.

The 400-meter street will be closed for foot traffic, so you can expect festivities in and out of the bars and nightclubs that fill this central party hub.

4. Hotel Banquets

For family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations in Phuket, the best thing to do is participate in hotel banquets. Hotels and resorts like the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, Anantara, Movenpick Myth Hotel Patong, Marriott, Novotel, and other 5-star hotels offer special gala dinners and parties for New Year’s Eve.

A much more private, exclusive, and quieter choice to observe the New Year in Phuket, these hotels also offer unique performances, fireworks displays, and live music for these special gala dinners and banquets.

5. Beach Clubs

Photo: South China Morning Post

And yes, for those who crave all-in celebrations or a more organized party, Phuket’s beach clubs are the perfect venues. These beach clubs already host international DJs and musical performances on any given weekend. Still, they typically bring in more famous names and feature a lineup of artists during New Year’s Eve for a more “beach party/festival” vibe.

Related article: The Best Beach Clubs In and Around Phuket

As for food and drinks, special menus and cocktail lists are typically created for the night, where you can enjoy a chic, stylish, and vibrant New Year’s Eve party by the pool or on the beach.

Nothing beats a private and intimate party at your Phuket luxury villa for a more private and exclusive New Year’s Eve experience in Phuket. Gather your family and friends, host your New Year’s Eve party with the help of your villa’s concierge, and concoct the most intimate and festive get-together to welcome the New Year.

Celebrate the Magic of Phuket this New Year

Regardless of where you are on the island, whether you’re having a romantic picnic on Kata Beach, having a sumptuous dinner banquet, or partying the night away at Bangla Road, it shows that it’s always a great idea to spend your New Year in Phuket.

Book your luxury private villa and start planning the most epic and private New Year’s Eve party for your loved ones. You can even add an evening itinerary featuring visiting a beach club, going to Bangla Road, Old Phuket Town, or Patong to create your unforgettable New Year celebration on the beautiful island of Phuket.

Featured Image by Bangkok Airways