Best Places in Asia to Celebrate the New Year 2017

By Rea Gabriel
Celebrating New Year in Asia
Singapore Harbour Pixabay

There are different beliefs and traditions that people in Asia practice annually to celebrate the New Year 2017. From warding off evil spirits to praying solemnly on New Year's Eve, experiencing various customs of the East could certainly be a good start for the entrance of 2017.

Bangkok in Thailand is the foreign tourists' go-to place in celebrating the New Year in Asia. The city offers a variety of high-end shopping markets, restaurants, and bustling night life. The people gathers in the Central World Square to celebrate the New Year and watch the firework shows. The event also features live bands and parties. Bangkok is riddled with establishments, like five-star hotels and restaurants, which offer quality service to cater for tourists in different demographics.

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia offers a variety of skyscrapers where tourists can view the fireworks. By staying a night in the Petronas Tower during the New Year's Eve, spectators can see a magnificent view of the fireworks closely. According to Forbes, the best place in Petronas Tower to book a room is the Marini's on 57. Most of the hotels, restaurants and bars conduct their own New Year parties for guests to take part in. The Sunway Pyramid, Damansara Mutiara, Bukit Bintang, and Dataran Merdeka will conduct their own fireworks display and parties.

Manila is the most lively and noisiest city in Asia that celebrates the New Year. Every household conduct their own firecrackers and fireworks display to celebrate the New Year. Filipinos believe that the most boisterous and loudest antics done in the start of the year will ward off evil spirits and bad luck for the entire year. Tourists anywhere in the Philippines who want to take part in the rowdy celebration can just pick a nice and high spot, like a rooftop, and view the fireworks of the neighboring residents which normally starts fifteen minutes before the New Year's Eve.

The exact opposite of Manila, Tokyo conducts the most solemn celebration of the New Year. The Japanese people greets the start of the year by going in a temple for "hatsumode" or first prayers. This is perfect for tourists who want to spend the first day of the year differently, without the fireworks and parties, by having a solemn and silent experience. The temple that is perfect for the New Year celebration is Zōjō-ji Temple near the Meiji Shrine.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories