Where you can meet 2012

Every new year deserves a warm welcome, and we can think of a few old years that we were quite happy to see go. Was 2011 one of them for you? Will 2012 be better? Be there to witness the regime change tomorrow at one of these splendid New Year’s Eve parties.

KHAO SAN ROAD

The backpacker strip may not be as cool as it once was, but occasions like this make it a sure-fire magnet for the big crowds, and it should once again be a blast. Get there early for delicious street food and a perch to watch party prowlers of every nationality. Just make sure you have a clear escape route if the revelry takes a nasty turn.

LONG TABLE

Do the Legendary Dance of the Naga at this rooftop restaurant and bar in the Column Building on Sukhumvit Soi 16. The aquatic goddess reigns over the boogie music, ample food and drink and even some contemporary dance. The three-course dinner is Bt6,990. Otherwise admission is Bt1,000 with one drink. Call (02) 302 2557.
BARSU

BarSu on the ground floor of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit will have the five-piece band PO8 and DJs firing up hits and dance-floor favourites for the “Party in White. At the Vodka Ice Bar powered by Ketel One Vodka, a bottle costs Bt3,000 net, while Pommery Brut Royal Champagne goes for Bt4,000. Call (02) 649 8358.

NEST ROOFTOP

Get high at the Nest’s Come Together Countdown, with the city sprawled out at your feet and the breeze carrying the scent of the new. DJs To-Ru from Japan, Luke James Taylor from England, Soulboy from Scotland and Mars from Germany will join local stars Sample and Doctor. Entry is free before 9pm and after 2am and Bt500 with a drink in between. Go to Le Fenix Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 and climb nine storeys. Call (080) 608 9116 or see www.TheNestBangkok.com.

BED SUPPERCLUB

The great white spaceship on Sukhumvit Soi 11 is hosting a retro countdown party called “Bangkok 1969”, so you need to borrow your parents’ old clothes. Bed’s resident DJs and guest performers provide amusement while chef Dan Ivarie prepares a five-course dinner worth Bt6,999. A party-only ticket is Bt1,000, and that includes a Grey Goose cocktail. Phone (02) 651 3537 or type in www.BedSupperclub.com.

CLUB CULTURE

Get funky, get underground on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road with a party dubbed (it says here) “Auld Lang Sign”. Two rooms, a squad of DJs and much unhealthy drinking until dawn. Pay Bt700. The fun starts at 9pm. The bar stays open and the snacks stay free until 2am. Fall through the door after 2am and they still charge you Bt250, but you get a free drink. Beam in to (089) 497 8422 or www.ClubCultureBkk.com.

LEAPFROG

Bangkok’s newest high-altitude party zone – at the Ramada Encore Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 10 – will have DJs, an open bar until midnight and free tapas for Bt1,690 net, plus a lucky draw that might get you a holiday on Khao Lak. If you refuse to go home, there’s a Chill-out Brunch at the hotel restaurant the Hub the next day for Bt950. Call (02) 615 0999 or pop over to www.LeapfrogBkk.com.

INDUS

DJ Sunil Primalani is flying in from Singapore to shake up the popular Indian restaurant-bar on Sukhumvit Soi 26. His subliminal tunes will be part of the party in the garden, along with dancers and fireworks.
It’s Bt2,900 with dinner at 8pm included, and Bt1,500 without dinner after 11.30. Either way, the booze and snacks are free. Book your moment at (02) 258 4900 or www.IndusBang-kok.com.

VIE BAR

The Vie at the Vie Hotel Bangkok is going Retro Chic, starting with a hefty set dinner at Vie Wine & Grill for Bt1,950 net.
Then you dance over to the Vie Bar to show 2011 what it will be missing. At the strike of midnight, up into the sky go the balloons. Ask to be there at (02) 309 3939 or www.VieHotel-Bangkok.com.
ST REGIS

Singer Margarie Mullings and her band will welcome 2012 with jazz, blues and gospel. Ask “Marg” about the time she sang for Mick Jagger. No admission charge unless you’re hungry, in which case give them Bt1,500 for a share in the Midnight Supper. Set it up at (02) 207 7801.