Most foreign visitors in Thailand celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bangkok, beach locations or around the Moonmuang Road-Loy Kroh Road area of Chiang Mai. Although it is not a full moon night, the legendary party island of Koh Phangan is staging a countdown party. At Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier, the countdown to the New Year began on Christmas Day and will culminate with a fireworks and live entertainment extravaganza tomorrow.

In Bangkok, the plaza at the front of CentralWorld Shopping Centre is the principal venue for New Year’s Eve. The live entertainment and countdown here are broadcast live on national TV. Local artistes and an amazing light and sound show as well as beer gardens are among the offerings at CentralWorld. Judging by past years, Khao San Road, Royal City Avenue and Thonglor will be among other Bangkok locations ringing in the New Year until the early hours.

The interior of the massive building that contains Tawan Daeng is styled on a Bavarian beer hall. Nevertheless German Oompah bands have not made it as far as Thailand and artistes mostly play music from the northeastern Isarn area of the country. The onsite microbrewery allows patrons to sample Dunkel and Weizen (wheat) beers as well as lager.

Tables are laid out in the manner of a large dining room. Diners can choose from a menu with eclectic international and Thai specialities on it, or just soak up the exciting atmosphere while listening to some of the finest live musical entertainers in Bangkok. The bands usually come on stage at around 20:30. Tawan Daeng is close to Chong Nonsi Skytrain station on the Silom Line.

This predominantly adult scene is situated in Sukhumvit soi 4 and it is Bangkok’s central sleaziest because of its neon clad themed go-go bars, where just about everything can be found from school girl’s of fantasy to leather dominatrix to lady-boys. Unlike Patpong or Soi Cowboy, Nana is more adult scene which means no families, no markets, just a few curious tourists strolling in for a look which is worth it, if you are looking for an exotic experience.

Nana plaza is exclusively comprised of Bars and some of them a 20 year age as a minimum of entry, it mainly comprises of 40 go-go bars, larger beer bars and smaller beer bars in the ground floor square. As you can imagine, it is very male oriented although the odd curious female tourists can always be seen.

Soi Nana is well worth a visit even if the adult entertainment it offers, isn’t for you as the soi it’s self is varied with many hotels and restaurants with some ubiquitous bars and they vary from cheap guest houses to the five star hotels.

The Londoner Brew Pub is an English-style microbrewery serving excellent pub-brewed beers that are refreshing change from the usual range that is available in Thailand and the style is that of a big city pub with enough seating which includes quiet booths, a bar, a dinning area and the usual bar stools to accommodate a bigger crowd.

The food ranges from spicy Thai Menu to more traditional western pub fare, including some the best burgers, Kebabs and a Yorkshire pudding; don’t forget a stage with live bands and big screens covering sporting events.

Some of the specials that the Londoner offers include the Wacky Wednesday and it is a weekly event that has become on of the wildest party night in Bangkok, with all drinks 2- for 1 all night, so if you like to drink, dance or looking for a partner, friend, this is the place for you while in Bangkok, Thailand.

You can never be bored in this place because if you have been away from home for a long time, you can drop in for lunch and get the read the news papers from United Kingdom and also remember, if you are planning a party in Bangkok, the Londoner pub, is the best venue in holding special parties. So don’t miss out while you in Thailand.

It is estimated that Haad Rin the home of full moon party houses 3000-5000 rather made people as it is the island’s nightlife capital and Koh Phangan as general, has the biggest concentration of beach clubs that collectively put on the ultimate traveler’s get together with over 12 major sound system running the length of Haad Rin beach catering for 8000-12,000 people in the low season, 15,000-20,000 people in the high season and 30,000 at the new year’s party and some world’s highly talented DJ’s pass through with their wares to the raging lunar explores than on the planet party.

There are a few places in this world where you can live out your desert island dreams of palm trees and white sand beaches but Koh Phangan is very special places because it has all the above and still has a blinding night out at a rocking party every month. The full moon party that Koh Phangan holds has gained a global notoriety as one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world.

So when making plans to holiday in Thailand, why not make plans to visit Koh Phangan with in the dates of the full moon party because each year, the scene grows with an ever increasing number of party faithful that return bring their mates and spreading their vibes. Be advised that if you are coming in the high season, don’t forget to have a confirmed reservation at a guest house otherwise, in the low season, you needn’t worry as they is plenty of accommodation on the island.

In 1902, the foreign community who had settled on the river further east of Chinatown petitioned the king for a larger road and Yaowarat road was built as a result.

If it is your first time to come to Bangkok, despite the many things to do, make time to visit Chinatown for it is packed with street-side restaurants, market stalls, and Chinese medicine stores and is probably the concentration of gold shops in the city. It is an experience not to miss. This historic area is as old as Bangkok itself and it’s growth spawned by waves of Chinese immigrants who left the communist China and settled here to do what they do best which is trade.

Today, Bangkok’s Chinatown is a popular tourist attraction and a food haven for new generation gourmands who flock here after sunset to explore the vibrant street-side cuisine. At day time, it’s no less busy, as hordes of shoppers descend upon this 1-km strip and adjacent Charoenkrung Road to get a day’s worth of staple, trade gold, or pays a visit to one of the Chinese temples.

Chinatown never runs out of sights to see, and the energy that oozes from its endless rows of wooden shop-houses is plain contagious – it will keep you wanting to come back for more. Plan your visit during major festivals, like Chinese New Year and the annual vegetarian festival in October, and you will see Bangkok Chinatown at its best.

The first thing you will notice about cinemas all through Thailand is their luxurious nature. These cinemas are almost like destinations in their own right, with everything from snack bars and cafes, to souvenir stalls. Tickets are also remarkably cheap, allowing you to indulge in the opulent VIP cinemas should you wish.

When you buy a ticket to the movies in Thailand, you will be given your choice of seats, allowing you to purchase a seat with extra leg room, or even a couple’s sofa for something a little more romantic!

The other reason I would strongly recommend a trip to the cinema, is that it is actually quite a cultural experience. At the start of every movie, the royal anthem is played, during which you will be required to stand up in respect for his Majesty the King of Thailand.

Thai cinemas show international blockbusters in English, and also a range of Thai films, some of which have English subtitles. Whatever you pick, catching a movie with friends at a Thai cinema will be unlike any other movie-going experience you’ve ever had, and is the best way to enjoy a bit of luxury for a very small price while you escape the blistering heat outside.

Thai Barbeques, or muukhataa as it is called in Thai, are quite unique, and offer a very “Thai” experience not to be missed. However, barbeques in Thailand are quite different to what you might expect, so here’s a bit of a run-down on what to expect when you go for this fantastic eating experience!

Muukhataa restaurants are found almost anywhere in Thailand, and are a very popular dining option. Upon arriving you will be shown to a table, often outdoors or semi-outdoors, which has a barbeque plate in the middle of the table. Around the outside of the barbeque plate is a small moat which is used to steam and boil various food items. The food is all located at a central buffet. Simply head on up to the tables and take everything and anything you would like, then take it back to the table to cook yourself. The meat is cut thinly so it takes next to no time to cook. While you enjoy your barbeque, you can enjoy the live performances of Thai songs from a band. As the night goes on the atmosphere gets considerably livelier, making for not only a tasty but a fun-filled night out that is like nothing you will experience back home!

Found directly between Phuket and Thailand’s Krabi coast, Koh Yao is actually two islands, Koh Yao Yai and Kok Yao Noi. The latter is where most of the local people and traveller accommodation is, despite being smaller.

Costs are much lower that the surrounding area, even in high season when most guesthouses are still booked up to the hilt. And there are many lovely beaches and restaurants to explore in the vicinity without the crowds of tourists and hawkers that characterise Phuket and the mainland resorts.

Basic but charming bungalows facing the beach are still on offer for around 300baht a night over the peak Christmas season. And, although nightlife is not exactly pumping, there are a few bars with live music, cable television plus decent grub.

If you fancy indulging yourself, then the Six Senses Hideaway resort is the place to be. This six star spa and hotel has its own delicatessen, spring water, helipad and two restaurants serving innovative takes on classic dishes such as massaman curried wagu beef cheek.

It is also possible to take a trip to some of the stunning limestone cliffs and beaches off the coast, with private boat charters starting at around 1,500baht including snorkels and snacks. The lagoon at Hong Island is a breathtaking natural wonder plus there are unique communities of sea gypsies still living in cliff faces high above the water as they have done for thousands of years.

Certainly Koh Yao Noi is a great place to visit for a cheap and relaxing break, although judging by the speed in which new resorts and developments are springing up, it may not be staying that way for too much longer.

Unlike Spanish bullfighting, the Ko Samui variety is fairly harmless with buffalos beautifully decorated with gold-painted leaves and ribbons.

The contest features bouts of head-wrestling where two male water buffaloes face off at selected stadiums at Ban Makham, Ban Saket and outside Nathon town around the island.

It lasts only two rounds with the competitors being sprayed with water by local monks. But competition is fierce with the owner of the winning animal typically taking millions of baht home in prize money.

The buffaloes lock horns with the boisterous crowd cheering them along. Eventually the weaker one will submit, with the first buffalo to turn and run away is deemed the loser.

The next Buffalo Fighting Festival should be held on the island on January 1 so look around town for details on posters.