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Most people celebrated the countdown to 2010 in beer gardens, on rooftops or at riverside pubs, and saw the fireworks explode in Bangkok's night sky from various relatively remote viewpoints.

A lucky few enjoyed the best vantage point in town as they cruised along the Chao Phya River for a count-down party that promised music, dance, food and drinks as well as a close-up view of the most spectacular pyrotechnics set off from boats on the river.

Dubbed the "Roaring River Safari", the first annual countdown party was a joint effort between TV travel and lifestyle show, "The Nomad", and "The Traveller Show", which airs on business-oriented radio station FM98, with the goal of raising funds to support meals for children at the Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand.

The party took place aboard Chao Phraya Cruise's gleaming yacht "The Star" after a pool-side reception at Chakrabongse House.

About 50 guests turned up for the party, among them such VIPs as World Bank analyst Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr, Komol and Amarat Gambir from Euro Creations, Josef and Renate Marcolin from Marcolin Art Crystal, Austria, and Atchara Siriyaman and friends from interior designer firm Studio Vert.

Joining them were a certified wine expert Parani Chitrakorn of Winesmart101.com, PR and communications consultant Atiyanee Mathayomchan, Anywhere magazine's deputy editor Sutthima Suangam, and Radio Bangkok's executive producer Bill Hammerton. They were welcomed on arrival by project manager and VJ for the night, Varin Sachadev, editor-in-chief of "The Nomad".

"2010 is the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese calendar. So, we came up with the safari theme, with support from Jet Airways who kindly gave us round-trip tickets inclusive of an Indian safari to see Bengal tigers," said a smiling Varin.

It was a night of nonstop music with Varin manning the DJ deck. Most took to the dance floor while other stood at the railings, drawn by the charms of Bangkok's waterfront. Most guests were awestruck by the architectural wonder of the Rama VIII Bridge, which glittered in the moonlight.

The flow of food, which included mandarin duck's breast, udon with grilled prawn, salmon spicy salad and shrimp cocktail, was assured by the staff of Divana Catering led by Khun A of Divana Spa on Sukhumvit.

After belting out greatest Bollywood and international hits, among them "Dancing in the Moonlight", Barry White's "Love's Theme" and "My Way", Varin slowed down the pace with some fun games. Up for grabs were such fabulous prizes as overnight stays at Villa Maroc in Pran Buri or B-Lay Tong in Phuket, Evason Hua Hin and Phuket, and ayurvedic treatment at Ayurveda Residence Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and a ticket to London on Jet Airways, which was won by Karoonnisa Pogate.

But the real highlight came last: the long-awaited fireworks on the Chao Phraya. Those on the rooftops of riverside hotels may have had good views of the nocturnal show, but partygoers on the boat saw the pyrotechnics close up, right from the moment these crackers shot up from their water-borne base.

It was a grand finale to a party that signified an auspicious start to the New Year. And it's a sure bet that most guests will join next year's bash organised by "The Nomad"!