Bangkok riverside festival to bring lights and drones to 13 sites
The fifth Vijit Chao Phraya festival begins on November 13 and runs for 31 nights, with free viewing from public riverside spaces.
Bangkok will stage the 2026 Vijit Chao Phraya festival at 13 riverside locations from November 13, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said. The programme spans 31 nights and includes fireworks, drone displays and illuminated landmarks.
For its fifth year, the festival takes the theme “Light of Imagination”. Cultural performances, sound and light displays, and projected images will feature at sites on both riverbanks in the stretch between Rama III and Rama VIII bridges.
Among the venues are Wichai Prasit Fort, Krung Thep Bridge, Memorial Bridge, Phra Pok Klao Bridge, Rama VIII Bridge and Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.
Viewing from public parks, piers and riverside walkways will be free. Restaurants beside the water and river cruises will provide other viewpoints. Fireworks, performances and drone shows will each follow separate schedules.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the festival was a major year-end high-season event aimed at supporting Bangkok's night-time economy, according to In News Online. Tourism officials are working with police, city officials and marine authorities to coordinate safety arrangements and manage the venues.
