Phuket New Year’s Guide 2026: Best Places to Celebrate & Travel Tips

Bangkok Airways Round-Up

Phuket is one of the most popular destinations for New Year’s Eve in Thailand. Patong Beach is renowned for its huge entertainment scene and lively atmosphere. Surin Beach is perfect for those seeking luxury events, while Karon Beach is best for families looking to spend time during this special celebration.
One of the traditions of Thai people on New Year’s Eve is visiting temples for blessings to start the year. Wat Phra Yai is a popular temple for good fortune. Wat Chalong is a well-revered temple for good health and healing. Lastly, Wat Sri Sunthon is perfect for meditation with a peaceful surrounding.

Phuket: One of the Top New Year’s Destinations in Thailand

Fire show on the beach at night in Phuket

Celebrate your special time during the New Year 2026 in Phuket, Thailand’s top destination, where vibrant parties meet stunning tropical landscapes, from beach countdowns and lively parties with DJs to elegant rooftop dining and dinner cruises. The island offers various types of celebrations that bring you into the New Year in style.

Bangkok Airways has recommended the best 7 places to celebrate the New Year in Phuket, with extra travel tips you should know. Find out your Phuket destinations in this comprehensive guide here.

Best 7 Destinations to Celebrate New Year in Phuket

1. Phuket Outdoor Arena

One of the most popular countdown locations on the island is the Phuket Outdoor Arena at the Central Phuket Festival shopping center. With a full line of entertainment, you can expect famous Thai singers, top international DJs, and a buzzing atmosphere with an impressive light and sound show.

The highlight of the event is the spectacular fireworks that follow the end of the countdown. Join the crowd and witness the grand fireworks to start the New Year at the Phuket Outdoor Arena.

2. Phuket Old Town

Colorful fireworks over the clock tower in Phuket Old Town

Another way to celebrate the New Year 2026 is through the cultural aspect of Phuket. Head to Phuket Old Town and experience a cultural twist, where the streets are filled with glowing lanterns, vibrant lights, and festive decorations.

Phuket Old Town also offers a range of entertainment throughout the night with many local musicians, street performers, and authentic street food. Stroll along Thalang and Dibuk Roads and admire the shimmering fairy lights reflecting on the pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, creating a cultural New Year’s Eve experience.

3. Patong Beach

A row of fireworks fills the night sky over the sea at Patong Beach

Patong Beach attracts thousands of locals and travelers worldwide during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Being the heart of Phuket, it hosts one of the island’s biggest countdown events.

The beach comes alive with live music, world-class DJs, and a majestic fireworks show over the Andaman Sea. Head over to the beach early to catch the beautiful sunset and secure a prime spot before the crowd comes in. In the same area, boost your party energy at Bangla Road, where a massive street transforms into a huge party filled with excitement and fun vibes, bringing the vibrant energy into the New Year 2026.

4. Karon Beach

Beach chairs and umbrellas on Karon Beach during the day

Karon Beach is a perfect choice for those looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve beach party in Phuket. Lined with local restaurants and bars hosting their own celebrations, the beach boasts a long, spacious shoreline with plenty of space for relaxed gatherings.

The Karon Countdown features live artists and festivities, full of exciting performances, family activities, and a diverse range of international food. The beach offers a laid-back and calmer atmosphere where stunning fireworks fill the night sky once the clock strikes midnight.

5. Nai Harn Beach

Top view of Nai Harn Beach with white beach and turquoise seawater

During the New Year’s Eve festival in Phuket, Nai Harn Beach brings the lively spirit and transforms into a fun and relaxed location for the New Year celebration. Ideal for friends and family, the area lights up with beautiful lights along the waterfront.

With a lively atmosphere without being overwhelming, Nai Harn Beach is suitable for those seeking a relaxing location to celebrate New Year’s Eve and enjoy the international energy and local charm in Phuket. The Rawai Sky Night Festival brings the excitement to the beach, featuring several days of events leading up to the countdown. Make your way into 2026 while singing and dancing with concerts from local artists and a festive coastal vibe in Phuket.

6. Surin Beach

Top view of Surin Beach with resorts on the hill and turquoise seawater

Known for its upscale vibe, Surin Beach is ideal for a chic New Year’s celebration in Phuket. With a range of stylish beach clubs, lively sunset bars, and upscale restaurants, the beach offers many top places that host their own New Year’s Eve events.

For elegant countdown parties, Catch Beach Club is well-known for a fancy party featuring gourmet dining, crafted cocktails, and live music playing all night. When midnight arrives, get ready to witness a sophisticated fireworks display glowing in the dark sky along the luxurious stretch of coastline.

7. Kamala Beach

Massive fireworks by the Kamala Beach with people watching the fireworks display

Kamala Beach is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed festive spot for New Year’s Eve. With many resorts and beachfront restaurants in the area, most of them host their own celebratory dinners with a night full of live entertainment.

Casa Boho is a great choice with its notable rooftop bar, allowing you to take in the stunning sunset scene before the countdown begins. With a menu of Latin-inspired food, it offers an evening to remember with excellent dishes and a beautiful viewpoint.

For a more spectacular experience, the Kamala Bay New Year Firework Extravaganza is a must-visit event right in front of InterContinental Phuket. Being an iconic New Year countdown landmark of Phuket, the night sky becomes illuminated with a grand, continuous fireworks show lasting over 15 minutes over the sea. Get your camera ready or simply soak in the majestic atmosphere, creating an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience.

Top Experiences in Phuket New Year You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Beach Countdowns & Fireworks

Fireworks over Kata Beach during a late sunset sky in Phuket

Phuket’s beach clubs are stylish and iconic spots for ringing in the New Year. With live DJs, beachfront dance floors, and electric party vibes, plenty of beach clubs deliver a memorable countdown experience from day to night.

Explore some of Phuket’s top beach clubs here:

Cafe Del Mar Beachfront (Kamala Beach): Bringing the Ibiza vibe, experience the New Year celebration with infinity pools, luxury loungers, famous DJs, and sunset scenes in Phuket.
Catch Beach Club (Bang Tao Beach): For New Year’s Eve, top DJs and fire shows take place for ultimate entertainment filled with confetti cannons and fireworks for the special night.
Illuzion and Shelter (Patong Beach): For the special event on the 2026 New Year’s Eve, the club brings a global artist, Sam Divine, to take over the night. It is time to dance throughout the night and count down into the New Year at a top destination on the island.

2. Temple Blessings on New Year’s Morning

Sunset at Wat Chalong with illuminated pagoda

On New Year’s morning, many Thai people begin the year by visiting a temple for blessings. This meaningful tradition is important to many locals due to its Buddhist roots in the culture. Travelers from around the world are also welcome to participate in this ritual at any temple in Phuket.

Some of the famous temples are listed below:

Wat Phra Yai (The Big Buddha Temple): This is a must-visit temple with a massive white Big Buddha Statue sitting on a hill. People often come to offer a monk’s alms set and receive blessings for their wealth and good fortune. Discover more at Wat Phra Yai (The Big Buddha Temple), Phuket: The Complete Guide
Wat Chalong: Pay respect to Luang Por Chaem, one of Phuket’s most revered monks, and make your wishes. Locals believe in Luang Por Chaem’s renowned abilities in traditional healing and medicine. Discover more at Wat Chalong, Phuket: A Temple Rich in History & Stories
Wat Sri Sunthon: For a peaceful start to the year, visit Wat Sri Sunthon, which offers a serene and calming atmosphere. You can meditate and contemplate in silence while admiring the 95-foot reclining Buddha at the temple.

3. Dinner Cruises

Another unique way to enjoy New Year’s Eve is by actually cruising into the new year on dinner cruises. These cruises are known for top-notch service with luxury and a distinct style. Drift across the Andaman Sea and immerse yourself in the experience of a delicious dinner on deck and soft live music in the background.

One of the most popular cruises for New Year’s Eve celebrations is the Rhapsody New Year’s Eve Countdown. Experience the party in the middle of the sea with an energetic vibe, blasting music, bubbly drinks, and a full-throttle night to remember. As midnight strikes, watch fireworks light up across the coastline for a surreal, once-a-year moment.

FAQs about the New Year in Phuket

Are there family-friendly celebrations in Phuket?

Yes! Many resorts in Phuket host family-friendly events before the vibrant parties begin at night. With early fireworks, buffets, and activities for children, a range of resorts in Kata, Karon, and Bang Tao caters to everyone in your family, allowing you to celebrate together.

What’s the weather like during the New Year in Phuket?

The weather in Phuket in December is considered cool and comfortable, with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. Most days are clear with blue skies and small white clouds.

Where can I watch New Year’s fireworks in Phuket?

Patong Beach is the central location, where concerts and massive fireworks entertain the night. For those seeking a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, Karon Beach is perfect, with local restaurants along the seaside with their own events. For an exclusive experience, Surin Beach offers a luxury celebration with live DJs and a fireworks display over the sea.

Explore More of Phuket, Thailand

Make Your Way into the New Year with Bangkok Airways

Ring in the New Year 2026 on the stunning, tropical island of Phuket, Thailand. Witness the golden beaches, dazzling fireworks, and vibrant celebrations, and create a memorable countdown. Start your journey the right way and fly with Bangkok Airways. Escape to the island for New Year’s Eve with a smooth and comfortable flight experience.

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