Around the region: The best parties in Asia to ring in 2018

Taipei, Taiwan

If you’re up for getting out of Singapore and joining hordes of other revellers in another part of Asia, then why not hit up Taipei? The W Taipei, to be precise. The hotel’s Woobar is staging a knockout ‘Welcome 2018’ NYE bash from 9pm with DJs providing the beats and a pumped-up party atmosphere as you’re counting down the clock. It’s $112 a person and that comes with a glass of Dom. But, of course, that’s just for starters – this is the sort of ramped-up celebration that needs plenty of champers and cocktails to go alongside all that mad dancing and whooping.

woobartaipei.com

Tokyo, Japan

For a NYE party with a difference, you should crawl into a womb. And by that, we mean Womb nightclub in the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya ward. This famous venue is jam-packed on December 31 as locals and tourists gather for a night of international DJs and much drink-fuelled fun. See the club’s website for more details as they’re announced. It’s also recommended to hit up emerging hipster neighbourhood Tomigaya, which is next to Shibuya, before you embark on the big Womb celebration. There’s a ton of bars there along the main drag which should be in party mood.

womb.co.jp

Shanghai, China

Every year, Shanghai’s 3D laser and firework show thrills around 300,000 spectators along both sides of the Huangpu River. And it’ll be no different this time round. The laser extravaganza starts at 11.45pm before the boats that have been cruising the famous harbour blast rounds of colourful fireworks at midnight. It’s a glorious sight. But for those who prefer their parties intimate, head on over to Elevator nightclub in the busy Donghu Lu neighbourhood for their cool-as-a-cucumber NYE bash.

facebook.com/elevatorshanghai

Seoul, South Korea

Are you a soju lover? Do you love grooving to K-tunes? Then zoom over to Seoul and go nuts inside one of the capital’s newest nightclubs, Soap. On December 31, the team hosts a ‘Pute Deluxe’ New Year’s Eve celebration, starring local and international DJs including About Julian, Ligrye, Didi Han and Yann Cavaille. Void Acoustics speakers cling on to the DJ booth, creating vibrations across the dancefloor in this crazy neon-lit, bubble-themed venue. Expect special NYE gifts and surprises on the night.

soapseoul.com

Hong Kong, China

Few sights in Hong Kong beat seeing the annual NYE fireworks bursting over Victoria Harbour as the clock strikes 12. Sure, you can head to either side of the water to catch the pyrotechnics but we recommend you do something completely different to usher in 2018. Steak restaurant La Vache! in Central is putting on its Le Disco New Year’s Brunch – basically an all-day nonstop disco with freeflow Kir cocktails and wines. There are two seatings during the day but the 8pm session sees you through to midnight with a champagne toast to boot for $137 a head. Steak your claim now.

lavache.com.hk