Hi,
I'm a travel writer looking for story ideas about Christmas and/or New Year for a very affluent readership. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks.

jw marriott, phuket
oriental, chiang mai
langkawi, malaysia
off beat bangkok

Depending on what kind of New Year's you are looking for, regarding SEA, any of the extremely pricey hotels(there are many on Langkawi) or destinations with large expat communities are good places to start. KL, Malaysia supposedly is a crazy place. Like Times Square filled with teenagers but I cannot confirm this. I do know some affluent people who reside in Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. that fly into Bangkok specifically for New Year's celebrations.

Pattaya rages NYE, particularly South Pattaya, most of the bars have free food and parties, just before midnight the Walking Street is packed solid, then at midnight the whole area errupts with fireworks. If the terrorist let off a bomb there you wouldn't know.

Christmas and New Year festivities at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok and then talk a bit about what is done in the city itself. They have wonderful parties, exquisite decorations and many special events. The hotel also has guests who return year after year at this time.