Bangkok’s most lit festival returns

Get ready to see Bangkok in a whole new light. Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 returns from November 13 to December 13, bringing light, art and culture to the Chao Phraya River. The full programme is still to come, but previous editions have covered historic temples, bridges and buildings in colourful lighting, projection mapping and light-and-sound shows.

Part of the fun is moving between locations. Past festivals have spread installations along both banks, turning familiar landmarks into stops on an after-dark riverside wander. Start at a pier, follow the displays through parks and walkways, then cross the river for another view. Each stop shows off a different part of Bangkok’s riverside heritage.

You don’t need a ticket to join the fun. The free public displays can be enjoyed from riverside areas, piers, parks and walkways along the Chao Phraya. If you fancy taking in the illuminated skyline from the water, a Chao Phraya dinner cruise or riverside restaurant can also offer a great view.

For this year, the exact dates for fireworks, drone displays and performances are still to be announced. But with the festival running for a full month, there should be plenty of opportunities to catch the riverside at its sparkliest.

November 13-December 13, 2026. Free public view. Along the Chao Phraya River.