With its gorgeous landscapes centered around the Ping River and stunning historical scenery, Chiang Mai is one of the best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand.
It offers several unique and memorable ways to do so. And on this list, you will find the places and parties we think you’ll love the most.
Check out also: Bangkok New Year’s Eve – Best Place To Celebrate
Best New Year’s Eve Chiang Mai Places & Parties
CHIANG MAI NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN 2025
This event is ideal for those who want to immerse in the rich Lanna Thai culture without having to do much. Everything is managed by the organizer – just show up at the pick-up point and they will drive you to the show.
In no time, you can start enjoying vibrant performances, parades, local music and dances, fireworks, street food stalls, and souvenirs. Some packages also include lanterns and buffet-style refreshments. After the celebration, they will take you back to the city or your accommodation.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER by Anantara
For a fancier setting, we recommend New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner organized by Anantara. This exclusive countdown takes place at the riverside and you can either reserve a spot on a candlelit lawn or at a rooftop bar (the latter comes with champagne and wine).
What else is special about this event? There is a dress code. This year, it’s the roaring 20s with a Thai twist. Intrigued?
ALONG THE BANKS OF THE PING RIVER – Best Lanterns Spot
Dozens of people lined along the banks of a river releasing thousands of lanterns into the sky as the clock counts down to zero. This is the scene along the banks of the Ping River in Chiang Mai during a typical New Year’s Eve celebration.
According to Thai tradition, releasing a lantern in the sky symbolizes new beginnings and good luck. On top of that, the experience is just spectacular. So come and make a wish for the year to come.
Riverside Music Madness
The Riverside is Chiang Mai’s legendary bar and restaurant nestled on the banks of the scenic Ping River. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, picturesque views, and unreal dinners.
It serves both Thai and Western food, exotic cocktails, as well as various draft beers. You can also look forward to live music. Note that, unlike other venues, they don’t take reservations for the NYE.
NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE DINNER by Intercontinental
The New Year’s Eve “Masquerade” Gala Dinner is another glorious way to finish the year. Kick the evening off with Asian delicacies and a glass of bubbly followed by an extravagant masquerade party with DJ sets and performances.
Do dress up – best costumes win prizes. You can also just have a set menu dinner and then head somewhere else – perhaps a different spot from our list?
THE NORTH GATE
Also known as ‘the gate’, the North Gate is a live music venue that offers more than just a party atmosphere. It’s mostly known for its jazz performances and as it’s been open for more than fifteen years, it has become the city’s staple both with visitors and locals.
They don’t offer much food, so better grab a pad thai on the way there. But the drinks are very affordable, so you can’t go wrong with the gate. Especially on a night like New Year’s Eve.
DOI SUTHEP – Best View Spot
If you are looking for a more low-key way to celebrate, why not visit Doi Suthep – one of Thailand’s two main peaks and home to one of the country’s most important Buddhist temples – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep? It makes for a cool daytime activity and a perfect way to wrap up the year.
Getting to the range might be more difficult around New Year’s Eve, as buses are not permitted. However, you can still manage with pre-booked private transportation.
The Tha Phae Gate
The Tha Phae Gate is an exceptional place to be for New Year’s Eve. There is always live music, excited locals and tourists, and hundreds of little pop-up tents offering everything you can imagine – souvenirs, locally made products, every type of fruit, drinks, and sensational street foods. You can also enjoy a full-body or foot massage right on the street.
Then, join the crowd in counting down and watch the wishes of all the people take flight into the night sky of Chiang Mai. This is a casual, exciting, and relaxed celebration you will never forget.
ROOFTOP AT MAYA SHOPPING MALL – Best for families
The Maya shopping mall is a spectacular place that offers plenty of shops and restaurants to visit on your trip to Chiang Mai. You can actually find some of the coolest and most popular rooftop bars there, and it’s not just because of the views.
Each establishment is unique and boasts a different vibe, some are more upscale, while others are great for families. Tables on the rooftop often sell out quickly around holiday celebrations. Therefore, it’s best to book well in advance.
WARM UP
The Warm-Up Café is a nightclub extremely popular amongst expats, tourists, and locals alike. It offers a wide variety of tasty food, spirits, and live music, making it a must when in Chiang Mai.
It’s huge – it features 3 different zones, including an outdoor stage, the main room, and a lounge area. However, it can get quite busy. For the best experience, make sure you reserve your seats.