A Thai-Aussie New Year | Camping, Fireworks & Friends

Thai-Aussie New Year – Camping, Fireworks & Friends

This Thai-Aussie New Year was welcomed with a simple one-night camping trip, shared with friends and a mix of Thai and Australian traditions.

Bags packed (far more than you’d think necessary for one night), we head out on a short drive — the last stretch almost convincing us we needed a 4WD — before arriving at the campsite just as the sun is setting. It’s only about 30 minutes from home, but it feels like a different world.

Chanya immediately gets to work organising the boys to set up the tent, while I take a short wander around the site. There’s even a disused coconut plantation nearby — complete with stagnant water and the inevitable mosquito thoughts. Along the way, I give a quick shout-out to Camping.BAR, whose sign sits near the entrance.

Before long, the campsite comes alive. The tent goes up, noodles come out, hosts are introduced, and somehow Christmas lights appear — because many Thais can make anything festive. We even have a dog hanging around, which Chanya instantly wants to adopt (not happening).

As the evening rolls on, we settle into party mode. There’s food, laughter, and that familiar kitchen-area social hub. We watch the Sydney fireworks on my phone, catching a small slice of Australia while sitting in rural Thailand. There’s also a Secret Santa–style gift exchange, and I take a short walk around the campsite — every tent glowing with lights. Is this camping, or Thai-style glamping?

The fireworks start a couple of minutes early (as usual), midnight arrives, and the party rolls on. It’s a relaxed, social, very local way to celebrate the Thai-Aussie New Year.

The next morning tells a different story. Everything hurts, the rainforest turns out to be very loud at night, and I survey the damage — including Chanya without makeup (still cute).

We wrap up with tired smiles, packed tents, and a heartfelt Happy New Year.

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