Asia

5 Asia Destinations For New Year’s Eve Countdown

New year, new you… New travel destinations? Make use of the long weekend over this new year for a short trip — there’s no better way to usher in 2019 than being on vacation. Start your new year right with these 5 Asia destinations for an overseas New Year’s Eve celebrations on a budget.

1. Taipei

Fireworks at Taipei 101
Fireworks at Taipei 101 (Flickr / Teddy Cross)

Named one of the top 10 cities to usher in the new year in Asia, Taipei’s 101 lights up floor by floor from bottom as the countdown enters the final stages, turning Taipei 101 into the biggest New Year’s Eve countdown clock in the world. Following a variety of performances and activities led by a star-studded group, fireworks are set off as soon as the countdown ends.

2. Kuala Lumpur

Fireworks in Kuala Lumpur (Flickr / Van Ambruce Ligutom)

Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur’s new year’s celebrations is as vibrant and colourful as its diverse culture. Watch fireworks jet off from the Petronas Twin Tower along the streets of Kuala Lumpur which gets pretty packed as the countdown nears. To avoid the crowds, book a hotel or serviced apartment with a rooftop garden or pool. From there, admire fireworks go off hundreds of times over major buildings in Kuala Lumpur.

3. Bangkok

Asiatique Festival at the Riverfront, Bangkok (Flickr / Ecodallaluna)

Although New Year’s celebrations in Bangkok will be subdued out of respect for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Bangkok still offers many opportunities to ring in the new year. Bars and clubs in Bangkok typically hold their own new year’s celebrations, or join the crowd in admiring the stunning firework displays along Chao Phraya River at the Asiatique Festival countdown. If battling crowds isn’t your cup of tea, hit up a rooftop bar for a glitzy affair with panoramic view of Bangkok.

4. Tokyo

Fireworks over Tokyo Disneyland (Flickr / Raelene Gutierrez)

Japan, land of the rising sun, is believed to be one of the first countries to use fireworks to celebrate holidays, so where else to better experience the magic of New Year’s Eve fireworks than a holiday to Japan itself? Grab a seat around Tokyo Bay and catch the astounding fireworks shoot for miles around the area. Other than Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Tower also have their own new year’s celebrations fireworks showcase.

Alternatively, join the locals to visit temples and shrine like Zojoji Temple, located beside the wonderfully lit Tokyo Tower. Traditional lanterns light up the area around Zojoji Temple; when the clock strikes 12, transparent balloons tagged with wishes are released into the air.

5. Hong Kong

Fireworks display at Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong (Flickr / Michael Elleray)

Countdown to 2019 as the radiant Victoria Harbour lights up with a ten minute light and music concert in the skies above the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Whether you’re enjoying the spectacular fireworks display along either sides of Hong Kong’s shoreline, from a boat on Hong Kong’s harbour or high up in a skyscraper, there’s no denying that one of Asia’s most beautiful fireworks can be found along Hong Kong’s waterfront annually.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable New Year’s Countdown on a holiday, now is the best time to book your flights, pack up and have one hell of a night, ending 2018 with a bang!

Other travel guides for your short weekend getaway:
>> 8 Night Market You Must Visit In Bangkok
>> 5 Most Epic Bars For A Happening Night In Taipei
>> These 5 Pocket Friendly Eateries Will Let You Enjoy Tokyo On A Budget
>> Top 8 Food In Hong Kong Even The Locals Love

Tags: