Has anyone experienced western New Year's Eve in Bangkok? We need to be in Bangkok January 3, and we're considering arriving in time for New Year's. However, I cannot stand to be in a crush ala NYC Times Square type new year's celebration. I would love to see fireworks ala Sydney, Australia if there is a hotel that would afford a view of what is on offer in Bangkok. I'd appreciate any input you have regarding your experience, and possibly suggestions for where to stay riverside. In the past we have stayed at the lovely little inn Ariyasom Villa, but it is not on the river, and I do not want to be caught in a crush of people.
Thanks!

I've been there over a 20-year period during that time of the year and have just watched the fireworks from my various hotels or my serviced apartment building which have either been in Sukhumvit or Rajadamri area.

Happy Travels!

We were in Bangkok three years ago for New Years Eve ...we stayed at the Millenium Hilton and the fireworks show along the river was spectacular as all of the riverfront hotels put on displays simultaneously..We went to a rooftop party at the Hilton but there maybe other options available...have a great trip

I have spent many NYEs in Bangkok. We always stay along the river, and the views from the river hotels are spectacular. As the above poster mentioned, each hotel puts on a fireworks show from the river, directly in front of each of the major riverfront hotels. While you can see the fireworks from all over Bangkok, there is nothing like watching the fireworks from one of the upper floors of the hotel, with the shells breaking at eye level!

We stayed at the Peninsula one NYE and the fireworks were great. Not comparable with say Sydney or London but still pretty good. Most of the riverside hotels will likely have “enforced jollity” in the form of compulsory gala dinners at exorbitant prices - but at least you would avoid the crowds. I would imagine that most riverside places are already booked solid, but you never know.

A good forewarning about compulsory dinners from Crellston ... I've never experienced that in Bangkok (We stay at the Royal Orchid), but I've seen it most often at beach locations over the holidays.

Both the Ibis Riverside and the Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside still have river view rooms.

I've been in a river room at the Peninsula a couple of times on NYE. I think our rooms were around the 26th floor, so we were at eye level with the fireworks. It was really wonderful, and I know we didn't ever have to pay for a party, though they were available.

The fireworks were beautiful and went on forever as each of the neighboring hotels (Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental and Shangril-La ) seemed to compete for the best show!

There weren't huge crowds along the river, as it isn't like there is a walkway. It's hotels with piers and other private buildings. If I recall, they stop all the ferries before the fireworks begin, so I think most people are in their rooms or on rooftops for midnight.

Riverside is good fun. Lots of stuff going on. China town for some food prior before the fireworks maybe. Loads of bars etc around khao san area that celebrate in one way or another.

Thank you to all who have responded! I'm off to research prices.