One of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, the city of Hoi An is not only an amazing place to encounter some of the country’s best-preserved architecture from a bygone era, it’s also an excellent place to ring in the New Year in one of the town’s famous bars and restaurants.

When looking for a prime party spot in the Vietnamese city, there are a number of great venues to choose from. Some of the top options are:

Sleepy Gecko Chillout Bar (above): A good place for ice cold beers and sunset views.

Mango Mango: Ideally situated close to Hoi An’s famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the restaurant and bar is a fantastic venue to enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations with delicious food, good drinks and great company.

White Marble Wine Bar & Restaurant: In the centre of the old town, this establishment is one of the city’s most acclaimed spots for spectacular cuisine and is sure to be a popular place to celebrate the end of another year

Though you don’t need to visit Vang Vieng over New Year’s Eve to have an awesome time in this Lao town, you’ll definitely enjoy major celebrations if you do.

This extremely popular Lao destination has long been one of the highlights in the South-east Asian country, and for good reason. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and with a wealth of guest houses, backpacker hostels, hotels, bars, restaurants and other tourism-focused amenities, Vang Vieng has much to offer its visitors, throughout the year and especially over the festive season.

Tubing and/or kayaking down the Nam Song River (above) is perhaps the most popular activity in Vang Vieng and without a doubt, a fun and unforgettable way to usher in 2017.

And come midnight on December 31, 2016, Vang Vieng will certainly rival any other New Year’s celebratory vibe anywhere around the region, and indeed the world.

Since opening its gates in 2012, Legoland Malaysia has thrilled and amazed countless visitors of both local and international origin.

This incredible award-winning, Lego-themed amusement park consists of a fun-filled theme park, adrenaline-packed water park and world-class hotel. And with over 70 rides, slides and exciting attractions, this is one destination that’ll liven up your New Year’s with a sense of fun.

Ideal for families, and conveniently located virtually a hop, skip and a jump from Singapore, Legoland Malaysia promises to provide one of the region’s most entertaining ways to bring in the New Year.

Due to the national mourning period marking the recent passing of Thailand’s King Bhumibol, this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be somewhat muted in the Thai capital. However, you will still be able to enjoy a resoundingly convivial New Year’s Eve party in and around Bangkok.

With so many rooftop bars throughout the city, bidding 2016 a fond farewell with a bird’s-eye view of the bustling Thai capital is surely one of the most memorable ways to celebrate the New Year.

While our top pick for rooftop celebrations might be the beautiful Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok (above), with so many lofty Bangkok venues to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find a rooftop bar that suits your individual preferences.

If you’d like to experience the full extent of a South-east Asian New Year’s celebration, the famous Full Moon Party on Thailand’s Koh Phangan is the item to add to that bucket list.

Probably one of the world’s biggest New Year’s parties, the Full Moon Party is undoubtedly going to be an event to remember. Celebrate through the night on the island’s beautiful beaches and enjoy the beats of international DJs, the famous alcohol buckets and more glow-in-the-dark paint than you could ever imagine.

As with Bangkok, New Year’s celebrations around Thailand will definitely be more subdued than usual as the country continues to mourn the passing of the late Thai king. In its own unique way, though, Chiang Mai will certainly not disappoint in terms marking the arrival of the New Year.

It is the city’s world-famous custom to release lanterns into the air as a way of ushering in good luck for the New Year, and while this year’s lantern releasing ceremony may not be as grand as it normally is, you’ll still be guaranteed a meaningful New Year’s experience in this Northern Thai city.

There are also a variety of pop-up bars, food vendors and live performances scheduled to take place in and around the city.

Text: Saul Lipchik/SilverKris