Best Place For Christmas And New Years In Asia?

[DeathbyDurian]

It's about time to start planning/buying tickets for somewhere to spend Christmas and New Years this year.

I was on Koh Phangan last year for both and thought it was fantastic.

Don't need the wild rave party this year, but a party still needs to be had somewhere.

So, where's the best place to go?

Is Bali a good time? Hong Kong? Vietnam? Somewhere in Thailand?

Naturally this is going to be completely subjective (different prices, atmospheres) but that's ok, I welcome all input!

[think_too_mut]

So, where's the best place to go?

Is Bali a good time? Hong Kong? Vietnam? Somewhere in Thailand?

Naturally this is going to be completely subjective (different prices, atmospheres) but that's ok, I welcome all input!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Singapore.

Hotel prices were halved last year. As expats in the region head home, most of busineses go quiet and capacity is idling.

How much life is left in the city-state that time may be not important if you are with friends.

[DeathbyDurian]

Do they have fireworks and the whole deal or is it really subdued since all the westerners left town?

[think_too_mut]

Do they have fireworks and the whole deal or is it really subdued since all the westerners left town?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If we are lucky, someone on the board may have actually stayed in Singapore over Xmas/NYE to tell us the story.

Until 3 years ago I was always in Sydney (spectacular fireworks there). Last 3 Xmases and NYE upcountry in Thailand, I don't know what the atmosphere in Singapore might be (always enjoued my stay there).

I doubt 4 million people would sit still in the darkened city. Many are Chinese, they are masters in manufacturing and launching fireworks.

[NguuMuu]

I'm also curious on where a good place to go is. I don't think Singapore would be so great (at least for the budget traveller even if the hotels are cheap) as going out there can get fairly expensive...plus I've been there before anyway.

Anyone have any other recommendations?

What about Bali? In a muslim country is the night life there really any good?

[numpty]

bali would be ok, lots of beer gets drunk in and around kuta area

jakarta is a great night out as well. i tend to stay in on nye where ever i am but can assure jakarta is the best kept secret in asia

[fxm88]

So, where's the best place to go?

Hands down it's Sakon Nakhon. Second choice would be Mukdahan.

[AsiaWolfie]

I agree with NUMPTY that Jakarta is a great place for insiders.... no ridiculous raids, curfew and all that s.h.i.t that happens in LOS frequently these days EVERYTHING GOES in Jakarta, Ibu Kota, .... and by the way, Indonesia is the REAL Land of smile.... yeah I know this country has its problems too.... but I like the place. Jakarta: its a smiling angel with a dirty face...

though, my best new-years-eve in Asia was 2003 in a small Kampung almost in the jungle, near to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo..... very remote area, a big Kadazan (local tribe) family, about 200 people from the same family, and so friendly, funny.... and I had a sweetie with me (that was the reason why I had the chance to celebrate with them of course).

Will never forget this night, as it was the only and first new years eve ever where I didnt experience aggressive or weird behaviour or figthings like I was used to in big cities in Europe and Asia.... only smiling people having fun and party and yeah, LOTS of Talak (local rice liqueor)....

this year I will probably choose BALI, though..... (da sweetie from sabah is history already )

[NguuMuu]

How do you get from BKK to Bali (DPS)? Is Thai air the only direct flight? Are there any better alternatives?

[SeaVisionBurma]

I agree Bangkok is to be avoided... I am tossing up either for Singapore or Hong Kong this NYE.

Any advice on Hongkers?? Where do most go for the count down??

I take it the outer island ferries etc will continue to run.....

Singapore - also where to go?

[DeathbyDurian]

How do you get from BKK to Bali (DPS)?  Is Thai air the only direct flight?  Are there any better alternatives?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just did a bit of research and apparently Singapore airlines has a flight too. Both Thai Air and Singapore Air cost almost 20k Baht.

Alternately you can take Air Asia to KL and then KL to Bali for about 10-12k.

But you're going to be stuck in KL for as many hours as Air Asia deems necessary.

Perhaps I can just swim...

[sonthaya]

I'm also curious on where a good place to go is.  I don't think Singapore would be so great (at least for the budget traveller even if the hotels are cheap) as going out there can get fairly expensive...plus I've been there before anyway.

Anyone have any other recommendations?

What about Bali?  In a muslim country is the night life there really any good?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would choose Patong beach Phuket, have been there several times for Xmas

and new year, very nice.