Many tourists are used to spending their holidays in Southeast Asia. Meeting the New Year not in a snowy city but on the shore of a warm sea, under a gentle breeze, has become a dream-come-true vacation scenario for many. New Year in Thailand is no longer an impossible goal, but a perfectly affordable holiday—especially if you plan in advance to avoid breaking the bank. Let’s take it step by step…
Traditional New Year
Few know that Thai New Year and the “standard” New Year are two different things, and celebrating both holidays in Thailand has been customary for a long time (maybe it started when the first wave of travelers arrived—or possibly even earlier).
In total, Thais celebrate three different New Years:
- European-style New Year.
- Chinese lunar New Year.
- The Thai New Year, Songkran.
The “Western-style” New Year in Thailand is celebrated much the same as it is worldwide (apart from some remote areas). Thais are quite easygoing, and they’ll celebrate according to local custom—if it’s common to decorate houses with garlands and gather the whole family at the festive table, that’s exactly what they’ll do.
The date is the familiar December 31 to January 1. But even though it might be 2025 now (or 2026 approaching) in the Western calendar, Thailand follows the Buddhist calendar—so it’s already year 2554 there.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the most variable, tied to the lunar phase. Obviously, if you want to experience authentic Chinese holiday traditions, you go to China, not Thailand. Still, Thais do try to bring the Chinese New Year spirit to life, with noisy parades featuring dragons, paper lanterns, songs, and festivities—these people truly know how to have fun. Any tourist will likely feel comfortable in this atmosphere.
The Chinese New Year falls in late January or early February—something to keep in mind when purchasing tickets or booking a trip.
Thai New Year or Songkran
So, the big question: when is the Thai New Year, on what date? On April 13, Thais celebrate Songkran. April 13 is the day to tidy up the house and get rid of anything unnecessary. But don’t toss out still-functional appliances—Thais donate them to temples, which are plentiful around the country.
Songkran is quite a religious holiday, with many rituals, prayers, and requests to the deities for luck and prosperity for one’s family.
The most striking tradition is splashing water on everything that moves—regardless of whether a tourist is carrying electronics or wearing fancy clothes. So on April 13, it’s best to leave water-sensitive items at home, or protect them in a waterproof case, because there’s a 90% chance you’ll get drenched.
What to Do
Chinese and Thai New Year aside, let’s talk about the earliest form of celebration—Western-style New Year. Typically observed with a tropical twist: lots of sun, sea, and sand. If you want wild partying to ring in 2025, Bangkok or Pattaya are your best choices. For something calmer and more peaceful, head to Phuket or one of the islands.
Incidentally, the weather around New Year’s is always mild, since the rainy season has ended by then, so the forecast is generally favorable.
On the Islands
Having a great time doesn’t have to mean drinking and partying all night. Some prefer a laid-back beach scene, sipping a cool drink. If that sounds like you, you’d enjoy Samui or the quieter areas of Phuket. Here you’ll find plenty of beach, sea, a relaxed atmosphere, and perhaps a romantic dinner at a restaurant or resort.
The festivities typically end with a fireworks display, whose grandeur depends on the hotel’s budget.
If lazing around all day isn’t your thing but you also don’t want a loud party, consider going on an excursion that offers plenty of photo ops (including ones hinting at the upcoming holiday).
In the Hotel
You can celebrate New Year 2025 in Thailand at a restaurant or right in your hotel. Almost every hotel organizes a special holiday dinner for guests. The cost is often included in your travel package, which explains why New Year packages usually cost more than those in mid-December or late January.
If you really must watch a TV address from home, hotels sometimes set up foreign TV channels—at least one might carry a broadcast in your language. But traveling all the way to Thailand to watch a president’s speech is a bit questionable, isn’t it?
In Bars and Clubs
How can you have a holiday in Thailand for New Year 2025 without visiting the colorful bars? Sure, it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s worth it. Streets of big (and not-so-big) cities become huge crowds, with fireworks, drinks, and carefree partygoers—some might seem wilder than you’d expect. Just before midnight, everyone joins a countdown on a giant screen, enthusiastically shouting each number as it appears and disappears.
Plenty of videos and photos of these scenes can be found online.
However, remember to book your table at a restaurant or cafe in advance, since the closer you get to the date, the higher the chance the last table is taken.
Prices for New Year’s Packages
It’s best to buy tours or plane tickets in advance—two or three months out. The closer to December 31, the more expensive everything gets (and the more likely things will be sold out).
A package tour for two in an average three-star hotel will cost about $1,800–2,000, including flights and fees. Better hotels will push the cost higher.
So, spending New Year’s Eve in Thailand is a wonderful experience—just remember to book your tickets early for a good price!
