Festival · Bangkok
VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2026
A month of light, colour and sound shows along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, from 13 November to 13 December 2026.
- 13 Nov – 13 Dec 2026
- Bangkok, Thailand
VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2026 is a month-long night festival of light, colour and sound along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, running from 13 November to 13 December 2026. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), it lights up landmarks and historic riverside spots with large-scale projections and installations. It is free to view from many public places and suits families, couples and groups on a year-end Bangkok break.
About VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA
The Royal Thai Government's official portal describes VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA as a night tourism spectacle that uses modern lighting design and creative visual technology to illuminate key landmarks and historic sites along the river. Highlights listed for 2026 include immersive light, colour and sound displays across major riverfront landmarks, with the festival linking local dining, river cruises, hotels and heritage attractions into one evening experience.
The festival has run in previous years and has become one of Bangkok's best-known year-end events. TAT has also used the same format in other provinces under the wider VIJIT Thailand banner. See the official event page for updates.
VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2026 dates and venue
The VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2026 dates are Friday 13 November to Sunday 13 December 2026. Shows take place in the evenings at locations along the Chao Phraya River in central Bangkok. Exact show times and the list of lit-up sites are announced by TAT nearer the opening. There are no general VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA tickets; you can watch from riverside parks, piers and public spaces, or from a dinner cruise or river boat, which carry their own fares.
How to get to Bangkok for VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA
Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the main hub for long-haul and Gulf routes, and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), used mostly by low-cost and regional flights. From BKK, the Airport Rail Link connects to the city's BTS and MRT networks; taxis and pre-booked transfers are also available from both airports.
Along the river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat and cross-river ferries are the easiest way to move between viewpoints. Saphan Taksin BTS station connects to Sathorn Pier, a main hub for river boats. For a trip to Bangkok for VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA, plan one or two evenings on the river during your stay.
Where to stay
Riverside hotels around Charoen Krung, Sathorn, Khlong San and the Old Town (Rattanakosin) give the best access, and some have river views of the light shows. Silom and Sukhumvit are good alternatives, connected to the river by BTS and MRT. Mid-November to mid-December is Bangkok's high season, with cooler weather and Loy Krathong celebrations, so book early.
Planning a group trip to VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA
A group tour to VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA works well as an evening activity in a Bangkok package. Agencies can book a private or shared river cruise with dinner, timed to pass the main illuminated landmarks, then return guests to their hotel by coach. For Muslim groups from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Gulf, ask cruise operators about halal menus in advance. Combine the evening with daytime visits to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the riverside markets.
Frequently asked questions
When is VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2026?
It runs from 13 November to 13 December 2026 along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, according to the Royal Thai Government's official portal.
Do I need a ticket to see the light shows?
The displays can be seen from public riverside spaces at no charge. River cruises and dinner boats charge their own fares.
What is the best way to see the festival?
A river cruise gives views of several sites in one evening. Alternatively, use the Chao Phraya Express Boat and walk between riverside viewpoints.
Which airport should I use?
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international gateway; Don Mueang (DMK) serves many regional low-cost flights.
Who organises VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA?
The festival is organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with public and private partners.
Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.
Dates and venue come from the organiser and can change. Always check the official event page (last checked 3 Nov 2026) before you book.
