What you need to know
What has changed
Drivers crossing the Chao Phraya in Bangkok should plan for short evening closures on Memorial Bridge and Rama III Bridge during the Vijit Chao Phraya festival. Police announced restrictions on selected dates through 13 December. The two bridges are due to close in succession on Friday 13 and Sunday 15 November.
Opening weekend traffic
On 13 and 15 November, Memorial Bridge, also called Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge, is due to close to vehicles in both directions from 20:30 to 21:00. Rama III Bridge is due to close in both directions immediately afterwards, from 21:00 to 21:30. The leftmost inbound lane on Rama III Bridge is also scheduled to close from noon to midnight on those two days.
On Saturday 14 November, the notice lists the Memorial Bridge closure from 20:30 to 21:00. It lists no closure for Rama III Bridge that day. All times are local. The festival officially runs from 13 November to 13 December, while some related traffic restrictions began on 12 November.
Later dates and alternate routes
Memorial Bridge is also scheduled to close from 20:30 to 21:00 on 21, 22, 28 and 29 November and 5, 6, 12 and 13 December. Rama III Bridge is due to close fully from 20:30 to 21:00 on 20 and 27 November and 4 and 11 December, and from 21:00 to 21:30 on 5 December. Its inbound lane restriction also applies on those five Rama III dates, from noon to midnight.
Police say the times can change. Check traffic just before departure and follow officers’ directions. If you are meeting a driver after the fireworks, choose a pickup point away from the bridges. Police have asked motorists to keep both crossings clear of parked or stopped vehicles.
For the event itself, see the Thailand Navigator festival guide.
Bangkok
Use the linked destination page for local context, practical guides and nearby places.
