VIJIT Thailand 2026 lights up Lamphun, Trang and Roi Et after dark from 25 September

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) opens VIJIT Thailand 2026 on 25 September. Over the next three and a half weeks the programme turns three regional cities into open-air night venues: Lamphun in the north, Trang in the south and Roi Et in the northeast. Light and sound shows, projection illumination, 3D mapping, drone displays and cultural performances run until 18 October.

Each city gets 10 curated installations or experience points, built around its own story. TAT calls the event a sustainable event prototype and says it follows the VIJIT format used in earlier editions, including Vijit Chao Phraya in Bangkok. The stated aims are simple: extend evening activity, encourage regional travel and bring income to local businesses and communities.

Lamphun goes first, from 25 September to 4 October, 17.00 to 24.00, across the old town. The theme is 'The Eternal Kingdom of Hariphunchai', and the route ties together the city's history, Buddhist heritage and architecture. It starts at Tha Sing Bridge and passes Tha Nang Gate at Wat Chang Rong, the old moat near Wat Mahawan, the Queen Chamadevi Monument, Wat San Pa Yang, Chedi Chai Chana and Wat Si Bun Rueang. Tha Nang Gate hosts five-minute light and sound shows at 19.00, 20.00, 21.00 and 22.00 every night, with fireworks added to the 20.00 show on 25-27 September and 2-4 October. Khum Chao Chakkham Khachonsak runs shows at the same times, and the Queen Chamadevi Monument adds a cultural performance at 19.00.

Trang follows from 2 to 11 October, 17.00 to 22.00, at Chaloem Phrakiat 95 Public Park in Mueang Trang. Under the theme 'Trang Lights Alive', the lakeside park is centred on 'Magic Island', with installations inspired by the dugong, local flora and forest, and the province's multicultural character.

Roi Et closes the programme from 9 to 18 October, 17.00 to 24.00, at Bueng Phlan Chai. Its installations explore faith, beliefs and Isan identity through mapping, lasers, mist, LED displays and sound, from a large animated naga to an illuminated version of the city's octagonal pavilion. Opening night on 9 October has fireworks at 19.30, and there is live music on 9-11 and 17-18 October.

TAT is targeting 200 million baht in economic circulation, 150,000 online and on-site participations and 1.5 million awareness impressions across the three cities. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool linked the programme to 'The Year of Transformation', TAT's direction built around meaningful experiences, quality tourism and a wider spread of tourism benefits. The three windows overlap, so a traveller with a flexible plan can see more than one edition.

For visitors, the key detail is timing. Almost everything happens between sunset and midnight, and the Lamphun route is spread over ten points in the old town. Lamphun is a short drive south of Chiang Mai, which makes it an easy evening out for anyone staying there, while Trang and Roi Et fit well into a wider regional trip. The part that needs planning is the ride back after the last show, so it is worth sorting out transport before the evening starts.

This is the kind of trip Balm Rentals was built to make easier. In one app on iOS and Android, travellers can compare scooters, motorbikes and cars from verified local rental providers, see the full price, deposit and conditions before paying, and read it all in their own language. For local rental businesses it is one more way to reach visitors heading beyond the main hubs, which fits the wider distribution of tourism income that TAT is aiming for.

If you ride at night, the basics still apply: a helmet for rider and passenger, a valid licence for the vehicle class and no alcohol before getting on. Event details are available from the TAT Contact Centre on 1672.