Chao Phraya River and Bangkok Events Calendar
The Chao Phraya is Bangkok's stage: the Loy Krathong floats, the New Year fireworks at ICONSIAM, temple fairs on the water and the boat processions of the Buddhist calendar all happen on or beside the river. This is a living guide covering the current month and the next three, re-checked every week. Every dated entry below rests on at least two published sources; where a date is still provisional we say so rather than guess.
Months at a glance
October 2026
The Vegetarian Festival in Chinatown and Ok Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, when illuminated boat processions take to the rivers.
November 2026
Loy Krathong on Tuesday 24 November - the single best night of the year to be on the Chao Phraya.
December 2026
Father's Day and Constitution Day, then the Amazing Thailand Countdown at ICONSIAM with fireworks over the river on 31 December.
January 2027
New Year's Day, a quiet month on the river, and the run-up to Chinese New Year in Yaowarat.
Courses and workshops
Bangkok runs short courses that suit a river-based stay. Schedules roll, so book direct with the provider or through a booking platform and confirm the fee when you book.
Thai cooking classes
Half-day and evening classes run out of kitchens on both banks of the river, usually starting with a market visit. Book direct with the school, or through Klook or GetYourGuide.
Longtail boat and canal tours
Longtail-boat trips along the khlongs and the river run from Tha Chang, Tha Tien and River City piers. There is no fixed timetable; agree the route and the price before you board. See our complete river guide.
Traditional massage courses
Short Thai-massage courses are offered by the temple-based massage schools near Wat Pho. Rolling enrolment; book direct with the school.