New Year’s 2023 is also upon us. In Chiang Mai we are preparing our the New Year celebration to welcome the year 2023. After a long, confusing, political, bad economic, supply chain distribution, World Cup, and more. The year 2022 still has a month left, but it felt like a rollercoaster ride. Many things have been happening in the world, and it is going to continue happening till 2023.
But for a moment a three days break, let’s celebrate the year in the cultural and soul city of Thailand.
This year, Chiang Mai is the place to be for New Year celebrations. There are many great events happening, from the famous Tha Pae Gate countdown to the amazing firework show.
The celebrations start on December 31st and continue until January 2nd with a variety of events for people of all ages. The city will be open late, with many restaurants and bars staying open until midnight or later.
Let’s dig in the list to check out the best places to celebrate New Year’s 2023 in Chiang Mai.
New Year’s Chiang Mai: Places to Celebrate
Tae Phae Gate
The spot to go in Chiang Mai to celebrate the New Year is Tae Phae Gate. There will be live music and entertainment, numerous food vendors, and a countdown. Your family might be able to light a lovely lantern here to ring in the new year and launch all of your aspirations for the future year into the sky. The government has recently restricted lantern releases, however it might still be allowed close to the next suggested location, Nawarat Bridge.
Since Tae Pae Gate’s traffic is typically restricted starting around 5:30 p.m., kids can safely roam the streets there. Just be mindful of the crowds because there will be many people there.
Nawarat Bridge or Charoen Bridge Areas, Chiang Mai
There will also be events at the numerous eateries that flank the Ping River. You will have a better view of the fireworks here because the city typically sets them off along the river, and it is much less crowded out this far (it is unclear if they will do fireworks this year). Make reservations in advance if you plan to eat at one of the riverside eateries. On New Year’s Eve, people will flock there for dinner in great numbers.
As an alternative, you may eat nearby, then stroll over to the bridge as the fireworks show approaches. In this location, there won’t be as many people around, but the streets won’t be open to traffic either.
Rooftop Bars in Chiang Mai
Enjoy a great special lunch or dinnerto welcome the new year.
Aperitivo:
Mushroom Brie (truffle cream, honey truffle and sour dour)
Anitpasti:
Hokkaido Scallop & Corn Veloute, Seared Rougie Foie-Gras, and Cured Salmon Salad (made-in-house cured salmon, mixed greens salad, ikura, and finger limes) (corn soup, melba and crispy bacon)
Secondi:
Miso Glazed Black Cod or Wagyu Beef Cheeks (parmesan mousse, crispy parmesan, and red wine jus) (pumpkin puree, black pepper sauce and baby bokchoy)
New Year Chiang Mai: Fireworks
Let’s face it, the new year is very demanding. The kids frequently have trouble staying awake, and so do we! From your window, you might be able to see the fireworks if you’re fortunate enough to be high up or in the ideal location. After the kids have gone to sleep on numerous new years, we have done this. Simply grab a drink and relax on the balcony, or watch the fireworks from inside by gazing out the window.
As an alternative, Channel 3, NBT, or TPBS have a live fireworks display on New Year’s Eve if you have Thai cable in your hotel room or at home. This is a fantastic choice if you have little children who go to bed well before midnight. For a proper Chiang Mai New Year style you should always eat a good bowl of spicy khao soi. Check out our guide for the best khao soi you must try in the province.
As a family, you would have a good time with family and friends in the old city in Chiang Mai, in a more quiet and private New Year 2023.
Before asking your plans in Chiang Mai for New Year’s, the World Cup is still going, check out the guide here on where to watch the World Cup 2022, in a different city of Thailand.