While it’s always a blast to head down to riverside and rub shoulders with the crowds watching the fireworks, or cramming the rooftop bars to get the best views, here’s a list of alternative options of things to do on New Year’s Eve and the best recovery options on the first day of 2019!

The New Year’s Eve Roundup…

Look Your Best for the Big Night

Work Up a Sweat

If you want to get your blood pumping and finish off 2018 feeling fine, the folks at Running Bongs have got you covered. You can start December 31^stwith a easy pace, 3-4km run around the streets and alleys of Phnom Penh. The group is a mixture of experienced and beginner runners, and you’re most welcome to bring friends to encourage that healthy end to the year.

Running Bongs starts at 6:15am at Phnom Climb Community Gym, #345 st 460, Toul Tom Poung.

Grab a Great Outfit

Want to show off some new outfits on your big night out? It’s the last day of Dondondown’s end of year sale across all their stores! Fill a bag with as many clothes as you want for just $10. Hats, shoes and other accessories are not included but are reduced by 20%.

Checkout Dondondown’s Facebook pagefor store locations.

Watch the Sun Set on 2018

Social Sundown Club will be able to ease yourself into you night out with some chilled out vibes and good tunes. They’ll be running an extended happy hour from 4pm with some delicious end of year additions to their regular Sunset Aperitif Menu, as well as all the classics including $3 Negronis, Martinis and Le Grand Fizz’s

Social Sundown Club’s Farewell 2018, 4pm – 8pm. #86 Street 440, Toul Tom Poung.

Get Your Dancing Shoes On

If you want to end the year in retro style that’s all about a e s t h e t i c, head down to Cloud Bar from 8pm for the their funky 80’s Party.  $10 will get you free-flow beer wine and house spirits, and hourly jello shots. There will also be a 80’s fashion contest with a mystery prize for the best-dressed person or couple!

Cloud’s 80’s New Year Party starts at 8pm, #32, Street 9

Meanwhile, Blue Chili will be holding its usual, amazing, New Year’s party, with all the drag shows, great drinks and awesome times you know and love about the place.

Blue Chilli’s Happy New Year party starts at 9pm, #36 St 178

Countdown in Style

Swing by Rokku Bar for a night with Laura Mam, who will be providing her soulful voice to help send out the new year in style with a countdown. Entry is free with limited seating, so it’s first come first serve… but arrive before 9pm for a free cocktail! The night will also feature live music from Divergent and DJ Santana, so don’t miss out.

Rokku NYE with Laura Mam starts at 8pm, #507 Sisowath Quay.

If you want the rooftop experience but don’t want the hecticness of riverside, head over to Aquarius Hoteland Urban Resort and ring in the new year with their amazing roof top pool and bar. $10 ticket gets you a free glass of red, white or sparkling wine.

Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort, #5, St.240, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

The Morning After

If you want some hairs of the dog to start your new year, Lot 369 BKK is serving up bloody marys from 8am along with it’s usual delicious coffee, and breakfast options.

Lot 369 BKK, St 282, BKK1.

Or if you want some wholesome vibes to help ease yourself in to the first day of 2019, Farm to Table is offering a new year’s day bbq, flipping burgers, sausages, and smoked eats as well as seasonal cocktails to start your new year right.

Farm to Table’s 2019 bbq starts at midday, #16, St 360 BKK1.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for something more fancy, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is holding a new year’s day with a festive gastromony, featuring a buffet in their main dining room. Tickets start at $90 inclusive of signature wines, beers, mineral water, soft drinks and chilled juices.

 Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Sangkat Wat Phnom, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh

Happy New Year! Have an amazing one and we’ll see you on the other side!