The Sophisticate

Offering a more intimate though sophisticated setting is Sukhumvit Soi 16’s Long Table, a rooftop bar-cum-restaurant that still competes with lebua’s flashier rooftop eatery. Dimly lit, with a flair for highlighting beauty in simple, everyday things (the restaurant/bar is adorned with writing; the entry hallway decorated with glowing lights; the eponymous table is a 25-metre stretch of beautiful wood), it is perfect for alternating between deep contemplation and conversation and exhilarating views. Its three-course Thai sharing menu on New Year’s Eve (costing 6,900 baht++) comes with a glass of Moët & Chandon, and is lively with Thai-inspired culinary creativity. There is salmon tartare with avocado and chilled oysters; artichoke and tamarind soup with crispy pork; wagyu beef with cashew nut and palm hearts; Canadian lobster; and of course, mango and sticky rice with the traditional fried mung beans. Subdued, mellow music and unforgettable fireworks from nearby buildings make Long Table the place for heartfelt celebrations with close friends. Ask about the bar package for drinks (which start at 12,000 baht++ for four) if you don’t want to pay the 1,000 baht entry fee. Call 0-2302-2557-9 for details.

Known for its poetry nights, art galleries and pop-up restaurants, cheekily named WTF Bar and its sister art gallery, Opposite, has become a regular hangout for discerning Bangkok creatives. WTF Bar, located in Sukhumvit Soi 51, is a two-storey space with an ever-changing art gallery on top and a quirky and decidedly international bar serving cocktails destined to become bar-goers’ favourites at the bottom. One art auction saw Opposite patrons quaffing yaa dong (Thai herbal whisky) – now predictably becoming popular in all the cool bars across Bangkok. On New Year’s Eve, popular Bangkok DJs 4Players and Freelenser will spin pressed wax, cosmic oldies, retrofunk and afrobeat, while renowned Shanghai import DJ Elnomo will showcase retro and underground Latin music. Expect to meet poets, writers, graphic designers, comic artists, rappers, spoken word artists, journalists and musicians both newly arrived and veteran residents from across the globe. A free glass of bubbly and a shot will be served to all at midnight. Call 08-9926-5474 for details.

The Retro 60's Lover

Bed Supperclub

In Bangkok club years, Sukhumvit Soi 11’s Bed Supperclub is positively geriatric, but this club and restaurant remains as spry and lively as ever. The all-white exterior and interiors, the long beds lining the walls, a rotation of the latest, edgiest DJs - these signature features continue to delight. Bed keeps it fresh, serving playful and delicious international cuisine alongside nightly contemporary dance performances. This New Year’s Eve the eat-and-play venue is themed Bangkok ‘69, harking back to the era of gigolos, go-go girls and GIs in Thailand. Easy-going Bed staff don clever mod costumes while serving some of the strongest Long Island iced teas in Bangkok. The last week of December includes a showcase of an all-GI funk band during dinner, which includes beef tenderloin with pepper brandy cream, wagyu beef burger and Thai-inspired fusion dishes from France and Australia. Book the four-course weekend meal (at 1,750 baht++) on the dining side, then wander over to the other half to enjoy the musical talents of renowned DJ Maft Sai, drinks and a memorable countdown. Call 0-2651-3537 for details.

The Party Animal

Imperial Queen's Park Hotel

There is probably no bigger rooftop party than Imperial Queen’s Park Tower’s Altitude shindigs, which started in November this year. Drawing thousands a night, the venue consists of two huge helipads, two poolside floors and two rooftop floors. At one Altitude party, a snow machine blew flakes of fresh snow over the two-thousand-strong dancing crowd while a projector flashed colourful visuals on the side of a building. Guards and policemen line the perimeter of the space for safety’s sake, and no wonder – drinks are strong and bartenders attentive. Bring a wide-ranging group of friends to mingle; the crowd is tipsy, friendly, and international. Celebrity DJ Monton Jira will have you grooving to the music and at midnight a huge fireworks display is expected. Buy tickets for 600 baht (including one drink) before the day of the party; walk-ins pay 800 baht. Call 0-2261-9000 for details.