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Vijit Chao Phraya 2025: Bangkok's River of Light Festival
Bangkok's Chao Phraya River transforms into a spectacular light display each night through December 23, 2025. The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 festival features drone shows, light projections, and fireworks across 14 riverside landmarks—all completely free.
This year's theme, "Light of Siam – Mother of the Land," honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The festival opened during Thailand's mourning period with a more serene atmosphere, though fireworks have since returned to the schedule.
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What's New in 2025
If you attended last year, here's what's changed:
Drone Show Relocated to Memorial Bridge
In 2024, the drone show launched near Wat Arun. This year, it's centered at Memorial Bridge (Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge), making it easier to catch both the drone show and fireworks from the same area.
More Impressive Drone Displays
The 2025 drone show is a noticeable step up from last year—larger formations, more intricate patterns, and better synchronized with the music. Friday shows use 500 drones; Saturday shows scale up to 1,000 drones.
Extended Festival Duration
The festival runs 45 nights (November 9 – December 23) compared to 30 nights in 2024.
Earlier Start Time
Shows begin at 6:00 PM this year, giving you an extra hour compared to 2024's 7:00 PM start.
2025 Event Details
Drone Show Schedule
The drone shows at Memorial Bridge are the festival's highlight. They're held on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:45 PM.
500-Drone Shows (Fridays)
November 14, 21, 28 | December 5, 12, 19
1,000-Drone Shows (Saturdays)
November 15, 22, 29 | December 6, 13, 20
Remaining drone show dates: December 19 (500 drones) and December 20 (1,000 drones)
The Saturday shows with 1,000 drones are worth prioritizing if your schedule allows—the scale makes a real difference.
Fireworks Schedule
Fireworks at Memorial Bridge run every Saturday and Sunday at 8:45 PM through December 21.
Remaining Fireworks Dates
- December 20 (Saturday)
- December 21 (Sunday)
Best Viewing Spots
For the Drone Show (Memorial Bridge Area)
The park next to Memorial Bridge offers excellent views and a good atmosphere—locals spread out here with street food from nearby vendors. Arrive 30-45 minutes early on weekends to secure a spot.
For Wat Arun Light Display
There's a small soi directly opposite Wat Arun that gives you an unobstructed view of the temple's light projections. See exact location on Google Maps.
For Fireworks
- Memorial Bridge puts you right under the display
- Chao Phraya Sky Park (the elevated pedestrian walkway) offers a wider panoramic view—better for photography
How to Get There
The riverside venues are spread across several kilometers, so plan your transport:
By BTS/MRT + Boat
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai station (near Pak Khlong Talat flower market), then walk to the river or catch a cross-river ferry.
By Chao Phraya Express Boat
The orange-flag tourist boat stops at most major piers along the festival route. Useful for hopping between venues.
By Vijit Sightseeing Cruise
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat operates a special hop-on hop-off cruise for the festival (฿600). This is the most efficient way to see all the light installations along the river—the displays were designed to be viewed from the water. I took this cruise in 2024 and it's the approach I'd recommend.
Need transport to Bangkok? Book airport transfers and intercity travel on 12Go Asia.
River Cruises
A dinner cruise lets you see the full stretch of illuminated landmarks while eating, though you sacrifice flexibility. Several operators run Vijit-specific routes:
- Royal Princess Cruise – Departs Asiatique 7:30 PM
- The Planet Cruise – Departs Asiatique 8:00 PM
- The Luxury White Cruise – Departs ICONSIAM 8:15 PM
Book a Chao Phraya dinner cruise on Klook
My recommendation: For the drone and fireworks shows specifically, prioritize a land-based viewing spot at Memorial Bridge over a cruise—you get a better angle and can position yourself optimally.
The 14 Festival Venues
Light installations run nightly at these locations, each with its own theme:
- Rama VIII Bridge – "The Royal Compassion" light and laser show (6 rounds nightly)
- Khlong Bangkok Noi / Siriraj Hospital – "River of Royal Mercy"
- Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum – Healthcare heritage tribute
- Royal Thai Navy Headquarters – "Might of the Thai Navy" projection
- Nagaraphirom Park – "Chao Phraya Rhapsody" with illuminated puppet performance
- Wat Arun – "Dawn of Siam" laser projections on the Phra Prang
- Wichai Prasit Fort – "Guardians of the Sea"
- Wat Kalayanamitr – "Lamp of Kindred Spirit" (special shows at 7:50 PM and 8:20 PM on select dates)
- Memorial Bridge – "Threads of Glory" + drone shows + fireworks
- Phra Pok Klao Bridge – "Landmark Luminary Golden Threads"
- Lhong 1919 – "Siam Ghostly Heritage" folklore-inspired projections
- Holy Rosary Church – "Beacon of Ambition"
- ICONSIAM – "Thai-conic Lighting Symphony" (shows at 6:55, 7:55, 8:55 PM)
- Bangkok Dock Company – "Crystal of Life" art installation
You don't need to see all 14. The drone show and fireworks at Memorial Bridge are the main attractions; Wat Arun and ICONSIAM are worth visiting if you have time.
Practical Tips
Timing Strategy
Arrive by 7:30 PM to explore the light installations, then position yourself near Memorial Bridge before 8:30 PM for the drone show and/or fireworks.
Crowds
The festival started quietly during the mourning period but has picked up significantly. Weekends are busiest—Friday and Saturday nights especially. If you want a calmer experience, go on a weeknight (you'll miss the drone show but still see all the light installations).
What to Bring
- Phone/camera with full charge
- Portable power bank
- Water bottle (the riverside gets warm even at night)
Food
Street food vendors set up near the main viewing areas. The park by Memorial Bridge has a good selection.
Where to Stay
Riverside hotels put you within walking distance of the festival:
Luxury Options
- The Peninsula Bangkok – Classic luxury on the Thonburi side
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Iconic riverside property
Modern Properties
- Avani+ Riverside Bangkok – Modern rooms with river views and rooftop bar
- Millennium Hilton Bangkok – Great location near ICONSIAM
Browse all Bangkok riverside hotels on Agoda
Official Information
For schedule updates and any last-minute changes, check the official Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 Facebook page or the TAT announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 runs from November 9 to December 23, 2025, nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The festival spans 45 nights across 14 riverside venues along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River.
Is Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 free?
Yes, admission to Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 is completely free. All light installations, drone shows, and fireworks displays are open to the public at no cost. River cruises are available for an additional fee.
What time is the drone show at Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
The drone shows at Memorial Bridge are held at 8:45 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday shows feature 500 drones; Saturday shows use 1,000 drones. Remaining dates: December 19 (Fri) and December 20 (Sat).
What time are the fireworks at Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
Fireworks at Memorial Bridge run every Saturday and Sunday at 8:45 PM through December 21, 2025. The remaining fireworks dates are December 20 and 21.
Where is the best place to watch the drone show?
The park next to Memorial Bridge offers excellent views with a good atmosphere. Arrive 30-45 minutes early on weekends. For photography, Chao Phraya Sky Park provides a wider panoramic view.
How do I get to Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai station, then walk to the river or catch a cross-river ferry. The Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) stops at major piers. The special Vijit Sightseeing Cruise (฿600) offers hop-on hop-off service.
What's different between Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 and 2025?
In 2025, the drone show moved to Memorial Bridge (from Wat Arun), displays use more drones (up to 1,000), the festival runs 45 nights (vs 30), and shows start at 6:00 PM (vs 7:00 PM). The 2025 theme honors Queen Sirikit.
Is the river cruise worth it?
The hop-on hop-off Vijit Sightseeing Cruise (฿600) is excellent for seeing all light installations from the water. For drone shows and fireworks specifically, land-based spots at Memorial Bridge offer better angles.
More Bangkok Guides
Planning more time in the city? Check out our complete Bangkok destination guide for attractions, neighborhoods, and local tips.
Related Content
- Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 Recap – Last year's festival coverage
- Bangkok Destination Guide – Complete city guide
Bangkok Tours & Experiences
- Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise – See the festival from the water
- Wat Arun & Temple Tours – Visit the temples by day
- Bangkok Night Tours – Explore the city after dark
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This guide is updated regularly with the latest Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 schedule information. Last updated: December 15, 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 runs from November 9 to December 23, 2025, nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The festival spans 45 nights across 14 riverside venues along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River.
Is Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 free?
Yes, admission to Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 is completely free. All light installations, drone shows, and fireworks displays are open to the public at no cost. River cruises are available for an additional fee if you want an elevated experience.
What time is the drone show at Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
The drone shows at Memorial Bridge are held at 8:45 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday shows feature 500 drones; Saturday shows use 1,000 drones for more spectacular displays. Remaining dates: December 19 (Fri), 20 (Sat).
What time are the fireworks at Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
Fireworks at Memorial Bridge run every Saturday and Sunday at 8:45 PM through December 21, 2025. The remaining fireworks dates are December 20 and 21.
Where is the best place to watch the Vijit Chao Phraya drone show?
The park next to Memorial Bridge offers excellent views with a good atmosphere—locals gather here with street food. Arrive 30-45 minutes early on weekends. For photography, Chao Phraya Sky Park provides a wider panoramic view.
How do I get to Vijit Chao Phraya 2025?
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai station, then walk to the river or catch a cross-river ferry. The Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) stops at major piers along the festival route. The special Vijit Sightseeing Cruise (฿600) offers hop-on hop-off service.
What's the difference between Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 and 2025?
In 2025, the drone show moved to Memorial Bridge (from Wat Arun), the displays use more drones (up to 1,000 vs 2024), the festival runs 45 nights (vs 30), and shows start at 6:00 PM (vs 7:00 PM). The 2025 theme honors Queen Sirikit.
Is the Vijit Chao Phraya river cruise worth it?
The hop-on hop-off Vijit Sightseeing Cruise (฿600) is excellent for seeing all light installations as designed—from the water. For drone shows and fireworks specifically, land-based spots at Memorial Bridge offer better angles and positioning flexibility.
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