Vijit Chao Phraya 2025: A Dazzling Display of Light & Color in Bangkok
Vijit Chao Phraya is one of Bangkok’s most anticipated annual festivals, lighting up the Chao Phraya River every December with dazzling light shows, cultural performances, and fireworks.
For 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents Vijit Chao Phraya: Light of Siam – Mother of the Nation, running from November 9 to December 23, 2025 along both banks of the river. This 45-day celebration of light, color, and sound has been thoughtfully adapted to honor the national mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
Excited already? Let’s take a closer look at where to go, when to visit, and what highlights you shouldn’t miss!
Written by Minh VO (local expert)
Updated on Nov 06, 2025
2 comments
Minh VO, a blogger and travel enthusiast, born and raised in Hanoi, a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. Growing up in the heart of Vietnam fostered a deep appreciation for travel and storytelling, inspiring the sharing of experiences with others.
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✨ Where: Both banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
✨ Good news: Every show and activity is free for everyone to enjoy!
🤝 Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Poster of Vijit Chao Phraya 2025
VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2025,’ now in its fourth consecutive year, is Thailand’s biggest New Year celebration event. In 2025, the event will be held from November 9 to December 23.
The event aims to showcase Thailand's rich history and cultural heritage through spectacular multimedia light shows and other engaging activities.
The Vijit Chao Phraya light show has launched in Bangkok
Through a 360-degree collaboration between public and private sector partners, the government aims to creatively enhance and build on Thailand's cultural capital by combining various forms of art and multimedia. This approach helps to emphasize the historical and cultural significance of the Chao Phraya River, presenting its stories in exciting new ways and perspectives," said the Minister.
This initiative is part of Thailand's broader effort to showcase its rich cultural heritage through innovative events like Vijit Chao Phraya 2025, which blends traditional art with modern multimedia to captivate audiences.
The Chao Phraya River shines brightly during the festival
This year’s celebration is even bigger, growing from 8 to 14 iconic locations. The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 experience now stretches from Rama VIII Bridge to Rama III Bridge, with each site bringing the theme to life through a unique mix of light, sound, and storytelling.
2.1. Rama VIII Bridge
With the theme “Royal Compassion, a Stream to Rama VIII”, this riverside show celebrates Her Majesty’s enduring compassion through a mesmerizing blend of light and sound. Expect royal shades of blue, white, and golden yellow, along with Thai flag motifs, laser projections of her royal emblem, and delicate jasmine patterns lighting up the night sky.
Showtimes: Six short performances every evening at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m., each lasting around five minutes
Drone light show on the Chao Phraya River
Traditional dance: Khon, Lakhon, and Fawn Thai are skillfully performed at Santichaiprakan Park
2.2. Khlong Bangkok Noi – Khlong Dusit Mouth (Siriraj Hospital)
Titled “The River of Royal Mercy to the Mountains”, this segment symbolizes Her Majesty’s compassion for the hill tribe communities, expressed through lights and colors that represent her missions to improve their well-being and livelihoods.
2.3. Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum (Siriraj Hospital)
Theme: “The River of Time, a Great Current Towards the People”.
This display highlights Her Majesty’s lasting contributions to public health, volunteerism, and the development of medical services throughout the kingdom.
2.4. Royal Thai Naval Institute (Navy Headquarters)
The “Power of the Thai Navy” show blends lights, sound, and laser projections in shades of blue, white, and gold, accented by the colors of the national flag. The presentation emphasizes both the architectural beauty of the building and the enduring strength and unity of the Thai nation.
Schedule: Six performances each evening (five minutes each) at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m.
2.5. Nagaraphirom Park
Presented under the theme “Rhapsody of the Chao Phraya,” this installation features a symphony of lights and illuminated puppet ballet, celebrating the river’s sacred role as a source of life and prosperity for the Thai people.
2.6. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
“Siam’s Sunrise” illuminates the Phra Prang in all its splendor with light and laser projections, honoring its significance as a symbol of Bangkok and the spirit of the Chao Phraya River.
The Wat Arun temple is immersed in light and color as night falls
Khon, the traditional masked dance-drama of Thailand, at Wat Arun during Vijit Chao Phraya 2023
2.7. Wichai Prasit Fort
Under the concept “Guardians of the Sea”, this presentation honors the Royal Thai Navy’s dedication to protecting Thailand’s maritime heritage and natural resources.
2.8. Wat Kalayanamitr Woramahawihan Temple
Theme: “Lamp of Kindred Souls”.
This light and projection show symbolizes compassion and friendship, reflecting the temple’s spirit of unity.
Special performances (10 minutes each) take place on November 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, and December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:50 p.m. and 8:20 p.m.
2.9. Phra Phutthayotfa Memorial Bridge
Concept: “Threads of Glory”.
This artistic display of light and sound represents Thailand as a land of peace and unity, with vivid projections across the bridge. A translucent curtain reinforces the themes of culture, prosperity, and solidarity.
The "Vijit Chao Phraya" light show is inaugurated in Bangkok with great fanfare at the Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge
Schedule: Six performances each evening (five minutes each) at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m.
The show also includes a drone performance, “Light of Siam – Mother of the Nation”, representing devotion to the Thai people.
500 drones: November 9, 14, 21, 28, and December 5, 12, 19 at 8:45 p.m.
1,000 drones: November 15, 22, 29, and December 6, 13, 20 at 8:45 p.m.
A 15-meter stretch of light and color projections symbolizes Thailand’s enduring prosperity and cultural identity.
2.11. Abandoned Building in Soi Lhong 1919
Title: “Ghostly Heritage of Siam”.
Through light projections, shadows, and illuminated balloons, this installation evokes a mysterious atmosphere inspired by Thai legends and river ghost tales.
Schedule: Six performances nightly (five minutes each) at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m.
The light show transforms the abandoned building into a dazzling spectacle
2.12. Church of the Holy Rosary (Kalawar)
“Lighthouse of Ambition” uses light projections to symbolize the journey toward enlightenment and prosperity.
2.13. ICONSIAM
Concept: “Thai Symphony of Lights.”
This performance features Thai and Western music composed by Dr. Narong Prangcharoen, followed by the ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature, showcasing royal compositions by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
Schedule: Three performances per night at 6:55 p.m., 7:55 p.m., and 8:55 p.m.
You can enjoy unique shows at ICONSIAM
Scenic tours to view the shows at River City Bangkok
2.14. Bangkok Dock Company (Water Crane Installation)
“Crystal of Life” is an art installation symbolizing harmony between nature and the city, using luminous spheres to represent sustainability. The Hand of Life sculpture rising from the river conveys humanity’s shared responsibility to protect the planet.
The buildings are brilliantly decorated
Light projection show on the buildings
3. Schedule and Map to Admire the Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 Light Show
4. Complete Schedule Overview
Schedule of presentations
Areas
1st round
2nd round
3rd round
4th round
5th round
6th round
Rama VIII Bridge
7 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
Royal Thai Naval Institute
7 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
Memorial Bridge
7 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
Abandoned building in Soi Hong 1919
7 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
ICONSIAM
6:55 PM
7:55 PM
8:55 PM
none
none
none
Thai cultural performance at Wat Kalayanamitr
Special Presentations
Areas
✨Presentation
🗓️ Dates
Schedules
Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan Temple
Sound and light show A spectacular combination of lighting, sound and special effects technology
9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 November 2025 and 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 December 2025
1st round: 7:50 PM, 2nd round: 8:20 PM
Memorial Bridge
500 Drone Show
9, 14, 21, 28 November 2025 and 5, 12, 19 December 2025
8:45 PM
Memorial Bridge
1000 Drone Show
15, 22, 29 November 2025 and 6, 13, 20 December 2025
8:45 PM
Note: ⏰ Schedules may be subject to change as needed.