🗓️ Sunday, November 9, 2025 -
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
📍 Bangkok, Thailand

🎇 “Light the River” — Vijit Chao Phraya 2025: New Dates, Lights Replace Fireworks

Bangkok’s spectacular riverside festival is changing up for this edition — and it’s all about mood, meaning, and breathtaking visuals on the Chao Phraya River.

🗓 What’s Happening & When

Originally set for 1 November – 15 December 2025, the festival has been pushed back to 9 November – 23 December 2025 to allow for adjustments and tribute-style programming following royal events.

Although earlier sources still list the 1 Nov–15 Dec window, the official update confirms the new timeframe.

Evening shows generally run from around 18:00 – 22:00 across the riverside.

🔥 Fireworks Out, Drone Shows In

A major change this year: no fireworks displays will be held for main events — instead, drone light-shows will replace many of the traditional pyrotechnics, in part as a mark of respect for the national mood.

The evolved theme is more contemplative — honouring Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother — raising the tone while still delivering spectacular visuals.

📍 Where the Magic Happens

The festival spans 15+ landmark sites along the river, including:

• Rama VIII Bridge
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
• Memorial Bridge (Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge)
• ICONSIAM
• Soi Lhong 1919
• and many more historic riverside spots

✨ Iconic shows you’ll want to aim for:

• Drone light-show over Wat Arun & around Rama VIII Bridge (especially on weekend evenings).
• Projection mapping and installations at heritage sites like the former Soi Lhong 1919 warehouse.
• Nighttime river-cruise vantage points for full panoramic views.

🌍 Why You Should Care

The event is pegged to attract an estimated 1.5 million visitors and generate upward of 500 million baht (approx. USD 14–15 million) in economic activity.

It’s part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) strategy to turn Bangkok’s river-front into a “global tourism stage” by mixing tradition, technology, and meaningful storytelling.

✅ What to Know Before You Go

• Best viewing times: Aim for weekends when highlight shows (drones, projections) happen.
• Transport tip: Use the Chao Phraya Express Boat or riverside piers. Cruise boats around 7–8 pm offer great views.
• Dress for the mood: Expect a slightly more formal tone this year due to the tribute theme.
• Check official updates: Times and sites may shift due to rescheduling.
• Free to enter: Most installations are public, but premium cruise vantage points may have a cost.

Would you like me to pull together a visual guide — a map of the 15+ locations and best photo spots — so your readers can plan their visit like pros?