Explore Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 with All the Essential Tips Before You Go

Experience the cool evening breeze along the Chao Phraya River and enjoy a stunning year-end light show at “Vijit Chao Phraya 2025”, one of Bangkok’s most spectacular winter events. This free annual celebration features colorful lights, sound effects, and breathtaking drone performances that form beautiful shapes and messages in the night sky.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading out to enjoy the show.

Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 is a grand outdoor light-and-drone festival held along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The show features over 1,000 drones, coordinated lighting, and large-scale projections on iconic riverside landmarks.

The viewing area stretches from Rama VIII Bridge all the way to Rama III Bridge, covering many of the city’s most famous attractions. Visitors can enjoy the riverside atmosphere, nighttime scenery, and world-class light performances.

Best of all—the entire event is completely free.

Event Dates & Recommended Visiting Hours

• Event period: 9 November – 23 December 2025 (45 nights total)
• Best visiting time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM This is when the lights turn on and all Light, Sound, and Drone shows are scheduled.

• The theme for this year is “The Light of Siam, the Mother of the Nation” in honor and remembrance of  Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Lighting and decorations are designed to reflect respect, elegance, and national pride.

What’s new in 2025?

• 500–1,000 drone formations painting patterns in the night sky
• Advanced Light & Sound, Laser, and Illumination techniques
• Artistic lighting on iconic buildings and historical landmarks
• Projection mapping, cultural displays, and refined lighting concepts for a peaceful and meaningful atmosphere

The festival features 15 major highlight points along the river from Rama VIII Bridge to Rama III Bridge. 

Here are some must-see spots and the concepts behind each:

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) — “Dawn of Siam”  : Lighting and laser effects illuminate the iconic prang towers.
• Phutthayodfa Chulalok Bridge (Memorial Bridge) :  The main location for 1,000-drone shows on special nights.
• ICONSIAM :  Giant Christmas tree, multimedia water shows, dancing fountains, and festive lighting.
• Rama VIII Bridge :  Beautiful lighting on both sides of the bridge with projection mapping underneath.
• Tha Phra Athit :  Historical storytelling visuals of Rattanakosin Island, with warm and elegant lighting.
• Phra Pinklao Bridge :  Decorated with water-inspired flowing light motifs.
• Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) :  Thai traditional patterns, cultural performances, and lighting on the four main chedis.
• Wat Kalayanamit :  “Connection Across the Chao Phraya River” concept with serene lighting.
• Wichai Prasit Fort :  Classic historic-style light projection featuring the community’s heritage.
• Royal Thai Navy Headquarters :  Large-scale projections with Royal Blue lighting.
• Tha Maharaj :  Plenty of riverside space, cafés, and decorative lighting perfect for photos.
• Lhong 1919 :  Historic Chinese-style buildings lit with heritage-themed lights.
• Asiatique The Riverfront :  Live shows, live music, Sky Flyer Wings of Garudapterus ride, and illuminated Sky Wheel—great wide-angle drone-viewing spot.
• Sathorn Bridge :  A popular starting point for river cruises.
• Rama III Bridge :  A quieter viewing zone with scenic lighting along the river’s edge.

Special Drone Show Schedule

500 drones : 20:45

• 14 & 21 November 2025
• 5, 12 & 19 December 2025 

1,000 drones : 20:45

• 9, 15, 22, 28, 29 November 2025
• 6, 13, 20 December 2025

Note: Schedule and number of drones may change. Check official pages for updates before visiting.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes for cooler nighttime weather

• Camera or smartphone with good night mode

• Small flashlight and power bank

• Walking shoes

Safety & Cleanliness Tips

• Be mindful of others and avoid blocking pathways

• Watch out for slippery riverside areas, especially after rain

• Keep the area clean and dispose of trash properly

Crowd Management

• Arrive before 7:00 PM for the best viewing spots
• Set a clear meeting point if going in a large group
• For children and elderly visitors, choose flat and less crowded areas

By BTS / MRT + Boat

• BTS: Krung Thon Buri, Saphan Taksin, Wongwian Yai
• MRT: Hua Lamphong

 Then connect to a boat or Chao Phraya Express Ferry.

 By Car — Recommended Parking Spots

1. ICONSIAM: Largest riverside parking. Easy connections to viewpoints & boat piers
2. Asiatique The Riverfront: Large parking area. Close to riverside viewing points
3. Tha Maharaj Parking: Limited spaces. Near Wat Pho & Grand Palace
4. SENA Fest (Charoen Nakhon): Convenient access to ICONSIAM
5. Riverside Hotels : Hotels often have more open parking areas than shopping malls — for example, Chatrium Riverside, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Millennium Hilton, and Mandarin Oriental — and parking fees vary depending on each hotel’s policy.
6. Wat Arun / Wat Kalayanamit : Close to major landmarks. Narrow roads—expect traffic
7. River City Bangkok : Large parking. Close to Sathorn and ICONSIAM viewpoints
8. Khlong San Market Parking : Walkable to ICONSIAM. Good for avoiding crowds

A dinner cruise is one of the most impressive ways to enjoy the festival.

 You’ll see:

• Full river skyline
• Drone formations
• Lights on both riverbanks

Book early, especially on weekends. For guaranteed seats, you can book ThaiGo Electric Boat and Chao Phraya Express Boat cruises through Gother.

Absolutely—it's one of the best free events in Bangkok, featuring stunning riverside scenery, over 1,000 drones, beautiful lights and cultural projections, and dozens of landmarks illuminated at night. Whether you spend a full day in the city and end your night with the show or stay at a riverside hotel to watch it from your window, this event is truly a must-see.

Discover more Bangkok activities with Gother or explore riverside stays for a perfect night by the Chao Phraya River.