New Year's Eve in Thailand, in Phuket
Flight, hotel and transfer, with Christmas and New Year on the Andaman Sea.
Christmas and New Year's Eve in Thailand, in Phuket: 9 nights at 31°C, the calm Andaman Sea, Phang Nga Bay and fireworks on the beach.
New Year's Eve in Phuket means the winter holidays in a tropical summer. The end of December is the best time of year on Thailand's west coast: dry season, around 31°C by day, and a calm, warm sea at 28°C. You leave on Christmas Eve, and on New Year's Eve the beaches fill with fireworks. Thailand is 5 hours ahead of Romania, so you welcome the new year before everyone at home.
The package has a flight from Bucharest on 24 December, 9 nights, returning on 2 January, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer, and transfer. The hotels are in Phuket, from the old town to the beaches of Rawai and Surin, and in Khao Lak, on the mainland; you see the price of each one in the offer, before you pay.
What to see in Phuket & Krabi
New Year's Eve on the beach
On New Year's Eve Phuket celebrates outdoors: fireworks on the beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon, parties on Bangla Road and festive dinners at the hotels, many on the sand. If you want peace and quiet, Rawai, Surin and Khao Lak have calmer beaches, where you watch the fireworks from afar.
Phang Nga Bay
Hundreds of limestone pinnacles rise straight out of the sea in the bay north-east of Phuket, among them Ko Tapu, known from the James Bond film. The day trip is by boat, and you paddle in among the rocks and caves by kayak.
The Big Buddha
The 45-metre white marble statue sits on a hill in the south of the island and can be seen from many beaches. From the top you look out over the bays of Chalong and Kata. Shoulders and knees must be covered; you can borrow a sarong at the entrance.
Phuket Old Town
Thalang, Dibuk and Krabi roads keep colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses built by merchants in the days of the tin mines. On Sunday evenings Thalang Road becomes a night market, with street food, music and crafts.
Everything you need to know about Phuket & Krabi
New Year's Eve weather
December–January is the dry season on the Andaman Sea: 30–32°C by day, warm nights, high humidity and rare showers. The sea is around 28°C and calm. The sun is very strong: bring high-factor sun cream and a hat, and drink plenty of water.
Where to stay
Phuket Town for restaurants, markets and low prices, a drive from the beaches. Rawai and Surin for quieter beaches in the south and west of the island. Khao Lak, a little over an hour north, for resorts on long beaches and easy trips to the Similan Islands.
Entering Thailand
Romanian citizens do not need a visa for a short holiday. You need a passport valid for at least six months, and in the three days before arrival you fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) entry form online. Check the rules before you travel.
Money and food
The currency is the baht; cards work in hotels and restaurants, but for markets, tuk-tuks and street food you need cash. Try pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup and mango with sticky rice. With taxis and tuk-tuks, agree the price first.
Frequently asked questions about Phuket & Krabi
- What does the Thailand New Year's Eve package include?
- The return flight from Bucharest, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer, the airport–hotel–airport transfer and TravelTheme assistance throughout the trip. You can see exactly what each hotel includes in the offer, before you pay.
- Is the New Year's Eve dinner included?
- It depends on the hotel. Many hotels in Phuket hold a gala dinner on 31 December, sometimes compulsory, that is paid separately; others have no programme. Write to us before you book and we will check for the hotel you have chosen.
- When do I leave and when do I come back?
- The departure from Bucharest is on 24 December, returning on 2 January, after 9 nights, so you spend both Christmas and New Year's Eve in Thailand. You can see the seats and the price at the top, under “Nearest departure dates”, or in the search.
- Can I fly from a city other than Bucharest?
- Yes. Around New Year there are also flights to Phuket from Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, leaving on 27 December and returning on 3 January. Choose your departure city in the search to see the dates and prices for each.
- Can I pay only a deposit?
- For bookings made well in advance you can pay a 25% deposit and the rest by the date shown in your confirmation. At checkout you will see whether your booking can be paid with a deposit; closer to departure, payment is made in full.
- What documents do I need for Thailand?
- A passport valid for at least six months from entry. For a short holiday Romanian citizens do not need a visa, but they must fill in the TDAC form online in the three days before arrival. Check the current requirements before you travel.