This guide covers the dates, riverside locations, show times and practical tips so you can pick the right night for your Thailand trip.

When is Vijit Chao Phraya 2026?

Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 runs for 31 nights along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, from 13 November to 13 December 2026. The light displays are free to view, while drone shows and fireworks happen only on selected nights.

The festival is organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and uses the theme Light of Imagination. TAT says the event connects Bangkok's riverfront heritage with modern visual technology while supporting nearby restaurants, hotels, river cruises and attractions.

For official updates, check the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

Where is the festival along the Chao Phraya River?

![Night view of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok with illuminated riverside buildings]

The main festival area covers both banks of the Chao Phraya River from Rama III Bridge to Rama VIII Bridge. This stretch includes well-known temples, bridges, museums, parks and modern riverside developments.

Reports differ on the exact number of sites, and schedules and site lists can change, so check the official programme shortly before you go.

Locations named in the programme include:

• •Bank of Thailand Museum and Learning Center
• •Rama VIII Bridge
• •Bangkok Noi and Dusit canal mouths, near Siriraj Hospital
• •Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum
• •Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan campus
• •Royal Thai Naval Institute office building and Royal Thai Navy Auditorium
• •Nagaraphirom Park
• •Wat Arun Ratchawararam
• •Wichai Prasit Fort
• •Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan
• •Memorial Bridge
• •Phra Pok Klao Bridge
• •A building near Lhong 1919 on Charoen Krung Road in Khlong San
• •ICONSIAM
• •The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok
• •The First Presbyterian Church of Bangkok in Samre
• •Krungthep Bridge

Which shows should you plan for?

These 5 locations have special scheduled performances: Wat Arun Ratchawararam, Rama VIII Bridge, Krungthep Bridge, Memorial Bridge and Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan. The light installations continue through the festival period, but drone shows and fireworks happen only on selected nights. The listed shows begin on 12 November, 1 day before the 13 November festival start date, so confirm opening details in the official programme.

Drone show at Wat Arun

![Wat Arun temple beside the Chao Phraya River at night with lights on water]

Wat Arun Ratchawararam will be the backdrop for illuminated drone formations above the river. The drone show is scheduled for 7:50 PM on these nights:

• •12, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 November
• •2, 4, 9 and 11 December

Each scheduled night has 1 drone show. Arrive early if you want a clear view near the river, because this is a popular highlight.

Fireworks at Rama VIII, Krungthep and Memorial Bridges

![Rama VIII Bridge over the Chao Phraya River at night from a viewing area]

Rama VIII Bridge will host a waterfall-style fireworks display, while Krungthep Bridge and Memorial Bridge will have special fireworks shows. Memorial Bridge is also called Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge.

The fireworks are scheduled for 8:45 PM on these nights:

• •12 and 13 November: Rama VIII Bridge, Memorial Bridge and Krungthep Bridge
• •20 and 27 November: Rama VIII Bridge and Krungthep Bridge
• •4 and 11 December: Rama VIII Bridge and Krungthep Bridge

On 12 and 13 November, you can see fireworks at all 3 bridges in the same evening. On the other listed nights, Rama VIII Bridge and Krungthep Bridge both have 8:45 PM displays, so they work well if you want to see more than 1 fireworks location.

Cultural performances at Wat Kalayanamit

Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan will host traditional cultural performances with light-and-sound effects and special visual displays. Shows are scheduled for 7:20 PM and 8:20 PM on these nights:

• •12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 November
• •4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 December

Each scheduled night has 2 performances. This suits you if you want to combine river views with Thai culture rather than focus only on drones or fireworks.

Which night should you choose?

Choose your night based on the show you most want to see. The festival's lights and multimedia displays run throughout the 31 nights, but drones and fireworks do not.

• •For the drone show: go to Wat Arun on 12, 13, 18, 20, 25 or 27 November, or 2, 4, 9 or 11 December, and be in position before 7:50 PM.
• •For all 3 fireworks bridges: choose 12 or 13 November, when all 3 displays are scheduled for 8:45 PM.
• •For 2 fireworks bridges in a single night: choose 20 or 27 November, or 4 or 11 December, when Rama VIII Bridge and Krungthep Bridge both have 8:45 PM shows.
• •For culture and lights: visit Wat Kalayanamit on any of its scheduled performance nights.
• •For a relaxed river walk: any festival night works, but confirm the nightly programme if a particular display is important to you.

How to watch from the river

A Chao Phraya river cruise can give you a different view of the illuminated temples, bridges and riverbank installations. However, each cruise has its own route, departure time and sailing speed, so it may not pass a drone or fireworks site at the exact show time.

Before booking, ask the cruise operator whether your chosen sailing is expected to be near Wat Arun at 7:50 PM or near the fireworks bridges at 8:45 PM. A riverside viewing point gives you more control over your position, while a cruise is more comfortable if you want dinner and sightseeing together.

Practical tips for visitors

• •Arrive early: popular riverfront areas near Wat Arun and the bridges can become crowded before scheduled shows.
• •Check the official programme: dates, times and locations may be updated during the festival.
• •Use public transport: Bangkok's river piers, BTS and MRT connections can help you avoid traffic near the river, and the Bangkok BTS and MRT connection guide explains how to link the 2 systems.
• •Plan your route: the festival area is long, so do not try to see every location in a single evening, and our Bangkok travel planning tips can help you build a realistic schedule.
• •Keep an eye on weather: rain can affect comfort and visibility, even when a show is still scheduled.
• •Stay near the river if possible: a hotel close to a pier or riverside walkway makes it easier to get back after a late show, and our Bangkok trip plans for new visitors cover wider planning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 run?

It runs from 13 November to 13 December 2026, for 31 nights along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

Is Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 free?

The riverside light displays and scheduled performances are presented as free public viewing events. Costs may apply if you use a river cruise, buy food and drinks, or stay at a riverside hotel.

What time is the drone show at Wat Arun?

The drone show at Wat Arun is scheduled for 7:50 PM on its listed dates. Each scheduled night has 1 show.

What time are the fireworks?

The fireworks at Rama VIII Bridge, Memorial Bridge and Krungthep Bridge are scheduled for 8:45 PM on their listed nights. Not every bridge has a display on every fireworks night.

Can I see the festival from a river cruise?

Yes, but the view depends on the cruise route and timing. Ask the operator before booking whether the boat will be near the drone or fireworks locations at the scheduled show times.