Ideas for Spending New Year’s Eve in Myanmar

By Amrita Kundu

The first half of 2019 is gone too soon, and before you know it, it’ll be time to make plans for New Year’s Eve. If you are looking for a getaway in December where you can spend the eve enjoying beautiful weather, Myanmar is the place to be. From amazing fireworks to ushering in the new year in a secluded place away from the world, this country has much to offer.

Here are a few ways you can enjoy a memorable New Year’s Eve in Myanmar.

Attend the NYE Gathering in Yangon

If you are the party animal and like to welcome the new year amidst gala-style celebrations, plan to be at Yangon on 31st December. The largest celebration of the country is held at Kandawgyi Park when the marvellous Karaweik Palace is lit up.

There are several bars and restaurants along the walkway where you can enjoy a drink or grab a bite. Take a walk there and soak yourself in the joyous atmosphere while waiting for the fireworks display. Cultural performances and a buffet are offered inside Karaweik Palace, so feel free to make a reservation.

Be Away From the World at Myeik Archipelago

For souls that crave quiet and solitude, an island holiday is the best option. There are 800 islands in the Myeik Archipelago located in southern Myanmar, most of which are away from the crowd.

Each island is unique in its way. You can head to one of these islands and spend some time with yourself. Here, you can take a walk on the beach at night, gaze at the star-studded sky and enjoy being amidst nature.

Spend a Romantic Night at Ngapali Beach

Craving to usher in the New Year romantically? Then head to Ngapali Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Ngapali Beach is a long beach lined with trees, overlooking the turquoise sea. You can enjoy the company of your partner while taking long walks in the sand.

Ngapali has several small food shacks and bars by the sea. You can simply sit there, enjoy a romantic dinner, sip on your favourite cocktail and say goodbye to the old year.

Attend a Party in Yangon

Several luxury hotels in Yangon hold New Year’s Eve parties. You can head to one of them and dance the night away. Many of these parties are themed parties that will require you to dress up.

Yangon is also lined with karaoke bars that come alive at night. They are especially vibrant on New Year’s Eve. Head to any of them and sing the entire night while enjoying local delicacies and brews of Myanmar.

Welcome the New Year Peacefully

Looking to add a local touch to your New Year’s Eve? Head to the nearest pagoda and spend the evening meditating or learning about Buddhist culture. Most of the pagodas are closed at night, hence, you can follow your visit to the pagodas with another plan.

Visiting pagodas is also a great plan to do on the morning of the 1st of January. If we are talking about making the right start to the new year, this will be it.

Get Lively at Inle Lake

December and January are the busiest tourist season in Myanmar. During this time, hotels and guesthouses around Inle Lake are filled with foreign tourists. Most hotels hold small parties for their guests. You can attend these and interact with fellow tourists. Who knows, you might end up making some new friends to take into the new year.

Before heading to Myanmar during New Year’s Eve, it is important to know that the locals celebrate another new year in April – the Buddhist New Year. The year is ushered in through the Thingyan Water Festival, where the locals have fun throwing water at each other. You can also plan a trip to attend this festival.

That said, December and January are the months when the entire country enjoys great weather, making it a great time to head to Myanmar.