Tourexpi
Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024: A Dazzling Spectacle of Light and Culture
Running
from 17 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, between 18:00–22:00,
the festival transforms Bangkok into a mesmerising hub of night-time
tourism, reinforcing the city's status as a World-Class Event Hub.
Aligned
with the government's policy and the National Soft Power Development
Committee's strategy, this event showcases Thailand's cultural
richness while stimulating the local economy and enhancing the country's
reputation as a global Festival Hub. The festival is a highlight of
the Thailand Winter Festivals 2024, themed "7 Wonders of Thailand",
which brings together a variety of cultural, artistic, and festive activities
across the nation.
Minister
of Tourism and Sports Mr. Sorawong Thienthong remarked, "The year-end
is a special time for Thailand, filled with the joy of celebrations and an
abundance of events nationwide. The Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024 beautifully
highlights Thailand's position as a World-Class Event Hub, combining
vibrant artistry and cutting-edge innovation in night-time tourism. This event
not only promises unforgettable moments for visitors but also underscores our
efforts to stimulate economic growth and showcase the country's creative
potential."
TAT
Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool added, "The Bangkok
Illumination Festival 2024 is more than a celebration of light and art; it
represents a vital step in elevating Thailand's reputation as a
global festival hub. By intertwining cultural richness with modern technology,
this event revitalises Bangkok's night-time economy and creates
opportunities for local businesses to thrive. We are confident that this
festival will leave lasting impressions and inspire visitors to discover the
many wonders of Thailand."
Themed
Highlights: 'Moo Deng Takes Over Bangkok'
This
year's festival promises a spectacular experience under the whimsical
theme "Moo Deng Takes Over Bangkok", featuring the
adorable "Nong Moo Deng", a bouncy baby pygmy hippo from Thailand's Khao
Kheow Open Zoo who has become a global social media sensation. As the festival
mascot, Moo Deng will transform Bangkok into a playful, illuminated
wonderland. Visitors are invited to "bounce" through the city's nine
chic landmarks, each filled with unique installations, dazzling light displays,
and an electrifying atmosphere.
Whether
it's dancing alongside DJ Deng, shopping with Madame Deng, or
snapping photos with Dengzilla, this one-of-a-kind experience blends
creativity, fun, and innovation to create a festive atmosphere like no other.
A
Visual Feast Across Three Routes and Nine Landmarks
The
festival offers visitors an enchanting journey through three key routes,
featuring nine uniquely illuminated landmarks across Bangkok:
1. Pathumwan
to Nimibutr Stadium Route
Nimibutr
Stadium: A "DJ Deng" light installation turns the venue into a
dynamic dance hotspot.
One
Siam Skywalk: Inflatable art with the "Madame Deng" character
welcomes shoppers to this vibrant retail district.
Siam
Centre to Central World: Stunning installation art transforms the area into an
Instagram-worthy destination.
2. Hua
Lamphong to Yaowarat Route
Hua Lamphong
Station: Modern light installations and projection mapping showcase the
"Dengzilla" concept.
Phadung
Krung Kasem Canal: A picturesque canal adorned with colourful light displays.
Thai-Chinese
Friendship Road: "Deng's footprints" light patterns guide visitors
along a scenic pathway.
Odeon
Circle: A delightful "Muay Deng" art installation celebrates
Chinese-Thai heritage.
3. Asoke-Sukhumvit
Route
Asoke
BTS Skywalk: Cutting-edge projection mapping and light displays illuminate the
iconic walkway.
Benjasiri
Park: "Deng in the Park" invites visitors to enjoy a cheerful
picnic-like atmosphere amidst glowing lights.
Driving
Tourism and Economic Impact
Ms.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool concluded "The Bangkok Illumination
Festival embodies TAT's commitment to the IGNITE Thailand's Tourism strategy,
which seeks to elevate the country as a regional tourism hub through
world-class events. This festival is a testament to our vision of creating
enriching travel experiences that drive economic sustainability."
The
festival is expected to attract 435,000 visitors, generating an
estimated 1.2 billion Baht in economic activity.
Travel
Tips: Explore via Public Transport
Visitors
are encouraged to explore the Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024 conveniently
by using Bangkok's extensive public transportation network. The nine
illuminated landmarks are easily accessible via the BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway,
and public buses, making it simple to navigate the city's festive routes. For
example, landmarks along the Pathumwan-Nimibutr route can be reached via BTS
stations such as National Stadium and Siam, while the Hua Lamphong-Yaowarat
route connects seamlessly with MRT Hua Lamphong and Wat Mangkon stations.
Similarly, the Asoke-Sukhumvit route is best accessed via BTS Asok or MRT
Sukhumvit stations. Public transport not only reduces travel time but also
contributes to a more sustainable travel experience during this vibrant celebration.
Image Credit: © Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
The most interesting news
Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5MN New Jobs across the EU by 2035, Says WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today reveals a bright future for the European Union’s Travel & Tourism sector, with strong growth predicted over the next decade.
Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel Launches Traditional Sunday Roast Lunch at Queens Grill
Step into a realm of culinary nostalgia and maritime heritage as the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel launches its exquisite Sunday Roast Lunch in the famed Queens Grill.
Radisson Hotel Group crosses the 200 hotels mark in South Asia
In line with its ambitious growth plan for 2025, Radisson Hotel Group has reached a historic milestone in India with crossing 200 hotels, following the signing of five new hotels.
Scaling New Heights at Six Senses Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps
Alma Frequency | June 5 to 8, 2025.
South-South Cooperation for Tourism at 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit
UN Tourism has advanced South-South cooperation in tourism development, putting into action the aims of the Punta Cana Declaration signed by its Member States from Africa and the Americas.
Global Travel & Tourism is Strong Despite Economic Headwinds
WTTC reveals record-breaking international visitor spending in 2025 and continued global growth.
Condor further expands its route network for winter 2025/26
More flights in the winter schedule: Condor is expanding its services in winter 2025/26 and is offering its guests a sunny getaway with a new daily flight between Stuttgart (STR) and Dubai (DXB).
The RIU Group simplifies its corporate structure
The RIU Group is in the process of merging two of its holding companies as part of its corporate reorganisation and simplification project.
Senior Tourism: The Top 7 European Destinations for Travelers Over 65, according to TUI Musement
Study based on activity reviews identifies the best places for baby boomers.
UN Tourism and UNCTAD Unveil Guiding Principles for Sustainable Investment in Tourism
UN Tourism and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have set out a shared roadmap for building a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism sector, through sustainable investments.
Azamara Cruises Unveils Destination Immersion® Elevated: A Bold New Era of Culturally Rich Travel
New Shore Programs and Onboard Enhancements Will Redefine the Way Travelers Experience the World Giving them a Deeper Journey and a Greater Story.
Vienna Joins UN Tourism’s International Network for Sustainable Tourism Observatories
UN Tourism has welcomed Vienna as the newest member of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
IHG Hotels and Resorts signs first voco hotels in Türkiye
voco Antalya Konyaaltı adds to voco’s global ambition of 200 properties by 2028.
China issues travel advisory for citizens visiting US amid tariff war
Education Ministry issues study abroad alert for students planning to study in US, following general travel advisory for citizens.
Turkish city of Gaziantep awarded 2025 Europe Prize
Established in 1955 by Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Europe Prize is highest distinction awarded to European city for its actions in European domain.
Double luxury and lifestyle signing in Greece for IHG Hotels & Resorts
Opening later this year, The Chania Hotel Crete, Vignette Collection and a Kimpton La Mer Crete will bolster IHG’s leading luxury and lifestyle footprint in Europe.
Lufthansa City Airlines takes delivery of its first all-new Airbus A320neo
Lufthansa City Airlines took delivery of its first brand-new Airbus A320neo at the Airbus factory in Hamburg-Finkenwerder.
Holland America Line Extends 2026 Europe Season
Nieuw Statendam takes guests to the Mediterranean, Norway, and on a trip above the Arctic Circle for Northern Lights viewing.
Virgin Limited Edition Unveils The Ultimate Kenyan Safari Experience
A brand-new internal flight will exclusively connect Mahali Mzuri and Finch Hattons in high season.
Hilton Named the No. 1 Best Company to Work For in the US
Recognition marks Hilton’s fourth No. 1 ranking and 10th consecutive placement on the prestigious list.
Radisson Hotel Group continues strategic expansion in Türkiye
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of Radisson Hotel Istanbul Merter, strengthening its footprint in Türkiye with a new property in one of Istanbul’s most accessible and dynamic districts.
