Vijit Chao Phraya 2026: Free Light Festival on Bangkok's River, 13 Nov–13 Dec
Bangkok's year-end riverside light festival is back. Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 is free for 31 nights; here are the fireworks and drone nights, the best spots and how to get there.
Meeting Point Executive Team
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Quick answer
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 runs from 13 November to 13 December 2026, 18:00–22:00 every night, free, from Rama 3 Bridge to Rama 8 Bridge. Fireworks and drones are on Fridays at Krung Thep Bridge and on weekends at Memorial Bridge, at 20:45. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday have lights and projections only.
Key takeaways
- 31 free nights, 13 Nov–13 Dec 2026, 18:00–22:00
- Fireworks and drones at 20:45: Fridays at Krung Thep Bridge, weekends at Memorial Bridge
- Free viewing: Chao Phraya Sky Park, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamit, Rama 8 Park
- Take MRT to Sanam Chai or BTS to Saphan Taksin plus a boat; avoid driving on fireworks nights
Contents
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 is the riverside light festival that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is staging for the fifth year running, this time under the theme "The Light of Imagination". It is free to watch every night from 13 November to 13 December 2026, 18:00–22:00. Installations of light, images projected onto buildings and drone displays line the river, starting at Rama 3 Bridge and running all the way to Rama 8 Bridge, with fireworks on selected nights. Here is what happens on each night and where to watch.
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 dates and free viewing hours
The festival runs for 31 nights, opening on Friday 13 November and closing on Sunday 13 December 2026. Every site lights up from 6 pm to 10 pm and no ticket is needed. There is a full rehearsal on Thursday 12 November at Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut), a good chance to see it early before the crowds arrive.
| Day | What to see | Main spot |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday | Lights and building projections only (no fireworks or drones) | Along the whole river |
| Wednesday | Reflections of Wat Arun on the water | Wat Arun |
| Friday 20:45 | Fireworks and drones | Krung Thep Bridge |
| Saturday–Sunday 20:45 | Big fireworks and drone lettering | Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) |
The Friday fireworks fall on 13, 20 and 27 November and 4 and 11 December. The weekend shows are on 14–15, 21–22 and 28–29 November and 5–6 and 12–13 December. The organisers say times may change, so check the official page on the day you go.
Where the Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 lights are
The lights run along both banks. The best-known and most photogenic spots are:
- North: Rama 8 Bridge, the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Noi by Siriraj Hospital, Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum, Thammasat University's Tha Phra Chan campus
- Middle: Nagaraphirom Park, Wat Arun, Wichai Prasit Fort, Wat Kalayanamit
- Bridges: Memorial Bridge, Phra Pok Klao Bridge, the Lhong 1919 area
- South: ICONSIAM, The Langham Custom House hotel, Krung Thep Bridge
Best spots to watch the Vijit Chao Phraya fireworks
The free viewing spots recommended by the organisers are Chao Phraya Sky Park (the unfinished bridge turned park in the middle of the river), Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Arun, Rama 8 Park and Rama 8 Bridge. On weekend nights, when the fireworks are fired at Memorial Bridge, the Sky Park and the Pak Khlong Talat side are closest to the action.
Another option is a boat trip to watch the drones from mid-river, where you can see both banks at once. These cruises are booked directly with boat operators, and prices vary.
Getting to Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 without the traffic
- MRT Blue Line, Sanam Chai station: comes out near Tha Tien and Pak Khlong Talat, within walking distance of the Wat Arun side and Memorial Bridge.
- BTS Saphan Taksin station: walk to Sathorn Pier and take a boat north to Tha Tien or Rajinee Pier.
- Gold Line: runs to ICONSIAM for the southern stretch.
- Driving: not recommended on fireworks nights, as some riverside roads close and car parks fill up quickly.
Tips for the best Vijit Chao Phraya visit
- For good photos with fewer people, go Monday to Thursday; all the lights are on, just without fireworks.
- On fireworks nights, reach your spot before 8 pm because the riverbank fills up fast.
- Bring a power bank and comfortable shoes, as the festival stretches for several kilometres.
- Combine it with dinner around Tha Tien, Pak Khlong Talat or Charoen Krung in the same evening.
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 in brief
In short: the festival runs 13 November to 13 December 2026, 18:00–22:00 every night, and is free. Fireworks are on Fridays at Krung Thep Bridge and on weekends at Memorial Bridge, both at 20:45; weekdays have lights and projections. Find more year-end events in the Events & Festivals section.
Sources
- Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 official page
- Thansettakij: TAT announces Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 (Thai)
- TrueID: Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 schedule (Thai)
- Time Out Bangkok: Vijit Chao Phraya 2026
- Wat Arun photo: Radek Kucharski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) · Fireworks photo: Nik Cyclist / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0), cropped
FAQ
If I can only go to Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 once, which night should I choose?
For lights, drones and the big fireworks together, pick a Saturday or Sunday and be near Memorial Bridge before 8 pm. For photos of Wat Arun reflected in the river with fewer people, Wednesday is the better choice.
Where can I watch the fireworks without the biggest crowds?
Try the Wat Kalayanamit side or Rama 8 Park, which are further from the launch point but still have an open sky, or book a boat to watch from mid-river. Chao Phraya Sky Park is the closest spot but fills up first.
Is it suitable for small children or older relatives?
Yes. Go on a Monday to Thursday night without fireworks, when there are far fewer people, and choose spots with seating such as Nagaraphirom Park or Rama 8 Park.
Will the fireworks be cancelled if it rains?
The organisers say show times may change, so check the official Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 page on the day before you set off.
What time is best for photos of the river lights?
Arrive around 18:00–18:30, when the sky is still deep blue and contrasts best with the lights, then move to a fireworks spot before 20:45.
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