Bangkok River Festival 2025
The Colors of the Full Moon
When the moonlight meets the river, Bangkok transforms. Between temples, bridges and the shimmering surface of the Chao Phraya, November’s soft air carries music, incense and reflection. From 3 to 5 November 2025, the Bangkok River Festival – 11th Edition of the Thai River Culture Festival – celebrates light, heritage and sustainability along the city’s most iconic waterfronts.
Often mistaken for the Vijit Chao Phraya light show that runs later in the season, the River Festival is something entirely different — quieter, more soulful, deeply rooted in Thai tradition.
Where Vijit paints Bangkok’s skyline with lasers and projection mapping, the River Festival glows in candlelight, temple music, and the gentle rhythm of floating krathongs.
It’s a celebration not of spectacle, but of spirit — a reflection of how Bangkok remembers, honours, and renews itself each November.
This year’s theme, “Si San Wan Phen” – Colors of the Full Moon, invites locals and visitors alike to experience the river through art, design, and cultural harmony.
Official Schedule
1–2 November 2025: Preview Nights – Lighting Installation at Wat Pho & Wat Arun (16:00 – 22:00)
3–4 November 2025: Main Festival Days (16:00 – 22:00)
5 November 2025: Loy Krathong Night (16:00 – 24:00)
Entry to all locations is free, and shuttle boats connect each pier throughout the evenings.
Bangkok River Festival 2025
The Colors of the Full Moon
Bangkok’s river glows once more. From 3–5 November 2025, the Bangkok River Festival – 11th Edition of the Thai River Culture Festival – transforms the Chao Phraya into a shimmering corridor of light and culture. Under the theme “Si San Wan Phen” (Colors of the Full Moon), the city’s most iconic riverside sites open their doors for an unforgettable celebration of heritage, art, and gentle elegance.
Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho)
One of Bangkok’s oldest and most revered temples becomes the spiritual heart of the River Festival. Soft lighting plays over its stupas and courtyards while monks’ chants blend with traditional Thai instruments. Visitors float eco-friendly krathongs beside golden reflections.
Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon
Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn)
Across the river, Wat Arun rises in shimmering gold and ivory. Lighting installations illuminate its spires, turning the temple into a breathtaking silhouette against the night sky. Best viewed just after sunset from the opposite bank.
Address: 158 Wang Doem Rd, Bangkok Yai
Wat Rakhang Khositaram
A tranquil, lesser-known temple that glows with quiet charm. Locals gather here to release lotus lanterns on the water, accompanied by soft flute music and candlelight reflecting off the river’s surface.
Address: Arun Amarin Rd, Bangkok Yai
Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan
Famous for its enormous seated Buddha and peaceful riverside setting, Wat Kalaya hosts cultural performances and small craft fairs during the festival. The atmosphere is deeply traditional – serene and local.
Address: 371 Thesaban 1 Rd, Thonburi
Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn (Wat Prayoon)
Known for its striking white chedi and turtle pond, Wat Prayoon becomes one of the most photogenic sites of the River Festival. Expect art installations around the chedi and soft instrumental music after dusk.
Address: Thanon Charoen Nakhon, Thonburi
Tha Maharaj
Urban sophistication meets riverside culture. The promenade fills with artisan stalls, live jazz, and food markets under string lights. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine as lanterns drift by.
Address: 1/11 Trok Maha That, Maharaj Rd, Phra Nakhon
Asiatique The Riverfront
The most vibrant venue of the festival, Asiatique hosts open-air dance shows, fashion displays and modern Thai performances. Its Ferris wheel and light installations make for some of the best photos of the week.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem
SookSiam @ ICONSIAM
Inside ICONSIAM, the indoor Thai cultural zone “SookSiam” celebrates the country’s regional traditions through crafts, cuisine and live music. Outside, the River Park glows with art projections and floating lights on the Chao Phraya.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San
Khlong Ong Ang Canal
Bangkok’s creative canal quarter becomes a charming pedestrian zone lined with lanterns, buskers and small cafés. Street artists add colour to the old walls as the canal shimmers with floating candles.
Address: Samphanthawong District, Old Town Bangkok
Khlong Prem Prachakorn
Further north, this quieter venue focuses on community and ecology. Workshops for children teach sustainable krathong-making, and volunteers help clean the waterways as part of the “River for Life” initiative.
Address: Pathum Thani Boundary, Bangkok
Museum Siam
This modern museum near Wat Pho hosts interactive exhibitions exploring Thai river culture and sustainability. Its gardens become a calm retreat filled with soft ambient light and traditional dance.
Address: 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon
Good to Know
Dates: 3–5 Nov 2025 (main festival) · Lighting Preview 1–2 Nov
Hours: 16:00 – 22:00 · until 24:00 on 5 Nov
Entry: Free · 11 venues · Free shuttle boats between piers
Theme: Colors of the Full Moon · The 11th Edition of the Thai River Culture Festival
Eco Note: “Eco Friendly Krathong Pool” for biodegradable floating lanterns
Dress Code: Smart casual in soft tones – respectful and elegant
Atmosphere 2025: In memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, the festival embraces a quieter, more reflective tone – no fireworks, but an ocean of light.
