As 2025 draws to a close, the city comes alive with a dazzling mix of lights, celebrations, and a unique cultural rhythm that captures both tradition and modernity. What could be a better way to end the year in style than in Bangkok, where free spirits gather to embrace the city’s blend of art, cuisine, culture, and diversity?
Every corner tells a different story—whether it’s the aroma of festive street food wafting through Chinatown, the golden glow of temples adorned for New Year prayers, or the rooftop bars where fireworks paint the skyline in vibrant hues.
From candle-lit festivals by the river to the city’s newest sky-high lounges, Bangkok offers countless ways to celebrate. Here are nine unforgettable experiences that make the City of Angels truly shine this holiday season.
1. Feel the Spirit of Loy Krathong
On November 5, Thais will float a krathong – a floral float decorated with candles and incense – on water to pay respect to the Thai goddess of water and let go of bad luck. Ong Ang Walking Street in Chinatown offers an eco-friendly version of this nationwide festival, known as Loy Krathong, as visitors have the option of releasing a virtual, rather than physical, krathong onto Ong Ang canal. But even if you choose not to float anything, the market, decorative night lights, and buzzing street will make for a memorable evening.
2. Hunt at a Vintage Night Market
Second-hand clothes, retro toys, and mustached fashion bros can all be found in abundance at Train Night Market Srinagarinda (Thurs-Sun: 17:00-01:00). Inside the warehouse zone, you can peruse kitschy furniture and antiques or take photos with vintage cars to your heart’s content. Beyond the retail offerings, the countless snack stalls, open-air restaurants, and bars in old Volkswagen campers make this a bustling hangout spot.
3. Explore the Biggest Temple Fair of All
Tick off your merit-making and temple fair festivities in one go at Wat Saket and the Golden Mount’s ten-day festival in November. After offering marigold flowers or coin alms to the Buddha statues, climb up the 300 or so steps to the golden chedi, or stupa, and you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the city. Back down at street level, this humongous temple fair – the largest of its kind in Bangkok – promises street food stalls, carnival games, cultural shows, traditional music, and the quintessential neon-lit Ferris wheel.
4. Treat Yourself in Spa Heaven
Nestled on the fifth floor of the newly renovated Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel is a spa heaven called Devarana Wellness (Daily: 10:00-21:00). Thanks to the verdant views of Lumphini Park across the street, you’ll feel relaxed before you even start your treatment. Whether you opt for a Siamese Heritage Massage that relieves tension with a wooden tool or to unwind on your private daybed, every moment spent here is rejuvenating bliss.
