By MOOK Scenic Spots & Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The highlight of this year’s New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations was held for the first time at Bangkok’s iconic landmark, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), to welcome the new year. At midnight, the temple’s most distinctive spire will feature a spectacular nine-minute fireworks display with over 5,500 fireworks, including 2,016 fireworks symbolizing the global new year and the launch of the Southeast Asian Economic Community, 2,559 representing the Buddhist calendar year, and 999 paying tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Following the dazzling fireworks, a 45-minute multimedia light and projection show titled “Glorious Historical Eras” will be presented on the surface of Wat Arun, accompanied by performances from the Mahanakorn Philharmonic Orchestra and Usa Asil musicians—marking the first-ever collaboration of ASEAN multicultural music.
The New Year celebration takes place at Wat Arun (also known as Temple of Dawn), one of Thailand’s most important landmarks. (Image source: Tourism Authority of Thailand)
This grand celebration also marks the 88th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the 84th birthday of Queen Sirikit. On the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, a 300-meter stretch from Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road—starting at the intersection at Naradhiwas-Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and extending to Tha Tien Pier Road—will be transformed into a pedestrian street themed around an ancient Thai-style market. The area will offer regionally categorized Thai products from various parts of the country, featuring OTOP (One Tambon One Product) items selected by the Tourism Authority of Thailand from 24 hidden gems and additional attractions, as well as renowned vendors from Bangkok’s 50 districts. This special three-day market will also host unique stage performances featuring both modern and cultural shows.
The 2016 Thai New Year’s Eve countdown at Wat Arun by the Chao Phraya River is expected to attract even more international visitors. (Image source: Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Other major New Year’s Eve countdown events at seven key locations across Thailand include:
December 31, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Bangkok @ CentralWorld, Ratchaprasong Intersection
December 25–31, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Chiang Mai @ Tha Phae Gate
December 29–31, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Pattaya @ Bali Hai Pier
Hat Yai Happy City: December 31 Night Parade @ Sanehanuson Road (Li Garden Square)
December 31, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Phuket @ Promthep Cape (Phromthep Cape)
December 25–31, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown at OK Khon Kaen Happy Land in Khon Kaen
December 31, 2015 – January 1, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai @ Three Countries New Year’s Eve Countdown
In addition, numerous other New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations are organized by both government and private sectors across Thailand, such as:
December 23, 2015 – January 31, 2016 Chiang Rai Flower Festival
December 29, 2015 – January 2, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown at Seven Villages Beach in Cha-Am
December 31, 2015 – January 1, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in front of Amphawa District Office
December 31, 2015 – January 1, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima)
December 31, 2015 – January 1, 2016 New Year’s Eve Countdown in Chiang Rai in front of the Chiang Rai Clock Tower
December 31, 2015 – January 1, 2016 Welcome the first sunrise of the new year at Pha Chan Daeng and other unique spots in Tha Taem National Park, Udon Thani Province.
Crazy New Year’s Countdowns: Top 5 Classic Global Celebrations
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