Where To Enjoy The Countdown In Bangkok

The highlight being in Bangkok at the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun, one of the country’s important landmarks

The Thailand Countdown 2016 is set to be the centre of the New Year celebrations in the kingdom, and will take place on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River from 29 to 31 December 2015.

The highlight, the countdown to 2016, will take pace for the first time at the iconic Wat Arun with its glittering spires as the backdrop. On the New Year’s Eve, as the clock strikes 12, Wat Arun’s distinctive spires are set to shine the brightest with 9-minute displays of more than 5,500 fireworks, including 2,016 to ring in the global New Year, 2,559 to ring in Buddhist Year, and 999 to pay homage to His Majesty the King of Thailand.

Following the firework extravaganza, there will be 45-minute pyrotechnic displays on the ‘Chronicle of Land’ with music by Mahanakhorn Philharmonic Orchestra and Usa Asil (the first multi-cultural ASEAN music ensemble). Follow the countdown event at Wat Arun live on Thai TV 11, CBB and CCTV. The Chronicle of Land is also on show on 29 and 30 December from 21.30 hrs.

Across the river, the 300-metre stretch from Maharaj Road – at the section where the Nagaraphirom Park is located – to Chetuphon Road is turned into an ancient Thai-style market, selling GI (geographical indication) products from across the country, the one-tambon-one-product (OTOP) selections from TAT’s 24 hidden gems and plus destinations, and famous products from 50 districts of Bangkok. The special three-day market also features a stage for contemporary and cultural performances.

TAT is also supporting the countdown celebrations in seven more key destinations in Thailand, including:

2559 AIS Bangkok Countdown 2016 @CentralWorld on 31 December on Ratchaprasong Intersection;

2559 Chiang Mai Countdown 2016 on 25-31 December at Tha Pae Gate;

Pattaya Countdown 2016 on 29-31 December at the Balihai Bay;

Hatyai City of Fun: Joyful Night Paradise for All on 31 December at Sanehanusorn Road (Lee Gardens Plaza);

Phuket Countdown at Promthep Cape, Phuket on 31 December;

OK KhonKaen Happy Land Countdown 2016 on 25-31 December;

Three Nations Countdown 2016 in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai on 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

In addition, there are several other countdown celebrations organised by the public and private sector at locations across the country, such as:

Chiang Rai Flower Festival from 23 December 2015 to 31 January 2016;

Cha-am Countdown on Cha-am Beach from 29 December 2015 to 2 January 2016;

2559 Amphawa Countdown in front of Amphawa district office on 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016;

Korat Countdown on 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016;

Chiang Rai Countdown at the Chiang Rai Clock Tower on 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016;

Welcome the first rising sun in Thailand at Pha Chanadai, Pha Taem National Park, and other unique locations in Ubon Ratchathani

Furthermore, Buddhist devotees can join the sacred New Year praying rituals at temples across Thailand, including Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng in Nan, Wat Phra That Cho Hae in Phrae, and Wat Traphang Thong in Sukhothai.

For more information, please contact TAT Call Centre 1672.

Cr. Photos: tatnews.org