New Year’s Eve – Ladyboys and Fireworks

To celebrate New Year’s Eve, we decided to check out the local ladyboy cabaret!

Ladyboy with a split personality

Ladyboy with a split personality

The dancers were extremely enthusiastic

The dancers were extremely enthusiastic

The show consisted of elaborately costumed performers lip synching and dancing to a wide variety of songs ranging from old standards to disco hits.

Dramatic closeup

Dramatic closeup

The cabaret was a unique and decidedly Thai experience

The ladyboy cabaret was a unique and decidedly Thai experience

The Thai name for ladyboy is kathoey (highly recommended read), and ladyboy cabarets are a celebration of this gender which is commonly accepted in Thailand.

Since the cabaret wrapped up a few minutes before midnight, we headed to the moat to take part in the city-wide party, complete with constant fireworks and sky lanterns.

Our view of the fireworks and lanterns on the moat surrounding the old city

Our view of the fireworks and lanterns on the moat surrounding the old city

Floating lanterns are popular for pretty much any holiday

Floating lanterns are popular for pretty much any holiday

Some of the lanterns have fireworks or flares attached

Some of the lanterns have fireworks or flares attached

It was an absolutely wonderful way to bring in 2014. Happy New Year!