Vijit Chao Phraya plans 31 nights of riverside displays in Bangkok

What has changed

Bangkok’s Vijit Chao Phraya festival is scheduled to return from 13 November to 13 December 2026, with new reporting outlining a programme across 13 riverside locations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s festival calendar confirms the dates and Chao Phraya River setting.

In a 23 October report, The Nation quotes TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool describing the fifth edition as a 31-day programme under the theme Light of Imagination. The announcement gives visitors a clearer basis for planning an evening on the river during the year-end travel season.

What is planned along the river

The new report describes a corridor between Rama III Bridge and Rama VIII Bridge. Planned formats include light-and-sound displays, projection mapping, drone formations, fireworks and cultural performances.

Named locations include Wat Arun, Wichai Prasit Fort, Memorial Bridge, Phra Pok Klao Bridge and Krung Thep Bridge, as well as Rama VIII Bridge. These are locations identified in the announcement, rather than a guarantee that every type of performance will take place at every site.

A festival window is not a nightly running order

The 31-day date range does not establish that fireworks or drone shows will run each evening. Visitors looking for a particular display should wait for the relevant programme date, location and viewing instructions before making a non-refundable booking.

Earlier visitor coverage describes free public viewing, with separately paid river cruises or restaurant experiences available as alternatives. Check the conditions for a chosen activity: an ordinary cruise booking should not be assumed to include a particular festival show.

Plan around the river journey

As practical trip-planning advice, choose one or two nearby viewing areas instead of assuming that every location can be visited in one evening. Confirm pier access, the last return service and any special crowd arrangements close to the date.

The new announcement also describes coordination between tourism, police, marine and city agencies. Specific access restrictions or transport changes should be taken from their actual notices; the festival announcement alone does not establish any road or river closure.