Phnom Penh Post - Turning the page on the New Year

Sofitel ‘Golden Era’ banquet
The Sofitel’s “Golden Era” New Year’s Eve party will mix a nostalgic tribute to Cambodian 1960s pop icons, gastronomy and authentic ballroom dancing. Welcome cocktails and food bites with a twist of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk’s musical creations will be followed by a nine-course gala dinner, free flow of wine and spirits. On stage in the Grand Ballroom, NM Sisowath Siengdy, Cambodian tenor Sethisak Khuon and Mealea Lay (Miss Sarawan) will present a tribute to the musical greats Sinn Sisamuth (pictured) and Ros Sereysothea as well as a 10-piece Cambodian ’60s orchestra, led by Rilyka Sok. Price is $148 per adult and $98 per child.
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, #26 Old August Site. Tel: 023 999 200.

Music at The Mansion
The FCC on Riverside is a prime spot to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, but before they kick off, dance away the final hours of 2014 at the beautifully dilapidated Mansion. Drinks will be available and hungry folk can order food from the FCC at normal a la carte prices. Crowd favourite DJ Jerry will be playing all kinds of music, from retro to hip hop, starting at 9pm and running until late. The Mansion New Year’s Eve party is free entry.  
FCC, #363 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 210 142.

Dinner at Chinese House
Tepui at Chinese House has a five-course set menu dinner on offer for New Year’s Eve (including a welcome drink and a dessert wine digestif) for $65 per person. Devour watermelon gazpacho/foie gras terrine, beetroot carpaccio with marinated salmon, seafood in coconut cream, beef tenderloin with Kampot pepper sauce and vegetables, and, finally, flourless chocolate cake with mango, honey-cream cheese mousse. Once you’re done, roll yourself downstairs to the bar for the countdown.
Tepui at Chinese House, #45 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 991 514

Raffles feast with the Royal Ballet
The New Year’s celebrations at Raffles will kick off by the pool, under the stars and frangipani trees, with an extravagant dinner of foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, roast lamb, roast beef, international cheeses and more served up from live cooking stations. While they eat, guests will be treated to performances from the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and Royal Band. If the $210 (not including VAT and service charge) pricetag is a bit much, a live band will also be playing in the Elephant Lounge from midnight.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, #92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh. Tel 023 981 888.

Hotel Cambodiana masquerade ball
At the Hotel Cambodiana, you’ll get the chance to count down to the New Year with pop star Preap Sovath at a gala Venetian carnival-themed event. The New Year’s Eve masquerade ball will also have a buffet, free-flow beer, entertainment, fireworks, live band 17 Crush and even a circus show. VIP tickets are $129, while regular adults are $99 and children $49 (not including 10 per cent VAT). If you can’t be there in person, the whole shebang will be broadcast on CTN.
Cambodiana, #313 Sisowath Quay. 7pm. Tel: 023 426 288.

High-rise rooftop party
Dusk Til Dawn’s free New Year’s Eve party will feature two levels of DJs playing drum ‘n’ bass, tech house and breaks, with free glowsticks and visuals projected onto a nearby high rise. DJ Sequence, Phatt Controller and Moudy will be rockin’ out on the seventh-floor rootop where the crowd will see in the New Year under the stars (it’s also possible to see the fireworks over the river), while Dr Wah Wah, DJ Proff and guests will be downstairs in the lounge.
Dusk Till Dawn Rooftop, #46-48 Street 172. 9pm. Tel: 017 839 546.