Let’s Wing It: An Unexpected but Amazing New Year’s Eve

When we finalized our itinerary for our grand adventure, the plan was simple: depart in early January. But, as with all great plans, flexibility became key. Our One World Round the World ticket dictated that we’d leave on December 28th and land in Phuket on December 30th.

By mid-December, I started wondering about New Year’s Eve. It’s one of those nights that always feels like it should be magical—fireworks, music, and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Yet, more often than not, NYE has this sneaky way of falling short of expectations. I’ve had some spectacular ones, sure, but the ratio isn’t exactly in my favor (and I’m 44!).

Memorable NYEs? A few come to mind:

• 2010 on a boat in San Francisco, cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge as fireworks lit the sky.
• 2024 at our home in Carlsbad, a lobster-and-steak feast with neighbors, friends, and a glow-in-the-dark dance party for kids.
• 2007, just a day after proposing to Happy Gal, surrounded by family in Los Angeles.

But just as many have been quiet nights where I’ve crashed by 9 PM.

This year, with a once-in-a-lifetime trip underway, I felt the urge to make NYE extraordinary. Researching Phuket, I kept running into the same recommendations: Patong Beach. Yet, its reputation as nightlife central made it an obvious no-go with kids in tow. So, I turned to Facebook groups, Google, and even AI for family-friendly ideas near the Hyatt.

A few promising options surfaced:

• Casa Boho Restaurant at the Hyatt ($200/person!)
• Cafe Del Mar at Kamala Beach (same price, no kids allowed)
• Smile Cafe ($100/person, slightly more affordable).

All offered a buffet, some entertainment, and fireworks. But spending $500+ on dinner didn’t feel right, especially in Thailand where a fantastic meal for four costs $10. I reached out to Smile Cafe, trying to arrange something remotely, but after going back and forth about seating options and fees, I decided to throw in the towel. We’ll figure it out when we get there, Happy Gal and I agreed.

Touchdown in Phuket

After 36 hours of travel, we arrived in Phuket on December 30th, jet-lagged but excited. December 31st rolled around, and we were still debating NYE plans. Determined to stay up until midnight, we took a 2-3 hour nap (not nearly enough, but better than nothing).

In the hours leading up to the evening, I asked everyone I could—waiters, bellboys, taxi drivers—where we should go. The consensus: Kamala Beach, near Cafe Del Mar.

We were torn between two choices:

1. Stay at the hotel and watch fireworks from our balcony.
2. Venture into Kamala Beach and see where the night took us.

At 9:30 PM, armed with hope and spontaneity, we opted for adventure.

Kamala Beach: A Shot in the Dark

We booked a Bolt to take us to Cafe Del Mar. As we arrived, the power had gone out, leaving the beach bathed in darkness. Despite the blackouts, the beach was alive—random fireworks burst along the shore, lanterns floated into the sky, and the hum of chatter filled the air.

Walking along the beach, we saw food stands run by locals, packed with Thai families and a sprinkling of tourists. Every seat was taken. For 15-20 minutes, we wandered, hoping for a miracle. Finally, Happy A and Happy L spotted two open chairs and claimed them.

Nearby, a waiter added two more chairs to the table, handed us menus, and just like that, our luck turned. We’d stumbled upon Pakarang Restaurant, a hidden gem with 4.9 stars on Google Maps, perfectly positioned for the midnight fireworks display. Even better? The meals were ridiculously affordable—fried rice, Pad See Ew, and drinks for the whole family came to just 450 Baht (about $12.85 USD).

Family, Lanterns, and Fireworks

As we enjoyed our meal, Happy L started feeling unwell. Of course, our parental instincts went into overdrive, but it turned out to be jet lag. Despite her discomfort, she insisted on staying—a trooper through and through.

After dinner, we tried our hand at releasing a traditional Thai lantern. Our first attempt was a disaster—hungry, tired, and jet-lagged, tensions flared. But after a deep breath and some apologies, we tried again. Success! Watching our lantern float skyward felt symbolic—a bright light rising against the odds.

Then, at the stroke of midnight, the sky erupted in a breathtaking fireworks display. Barefoot on the warm sand, waves lapping at our feet, we soaked in the magic. It was everything I’d hoped for and more.

The Adventure of Getting Home

The night wasn’t over yet. The chaos of Kamala Beach post-fireworks was something else. The only way out was a narrow pathway to a bridge, packed with people—and mopeds. Once across, we faced a new challenge: finding a ride.

Taxis were charging triple, and ride-sharing apps showed no cars available. Exhausted, we began walking the 1.5 miles back to our hotel. Along the way, I stopped locals, using Google Translate to ask if they’d drive us. Thankfully, one kind soul agreed, and minutes later, we were back at the hotel, ready to collapse.

A Night to Remember

Despite the hiccups and unknowns, this NYE will go down in the memory books. From the unexpected magic of Pakarang Restaurant to the warm sand beneath our feet as fireworks lit up the sky, we couldn’t have planned a more perfect evening if we tried.

Here’s to more adventures, more spontaneity, and always choosing to wing it when the moment calls.