Your guide to magical views without spending a baht...
When I first moved to Thailand I did not think New Year’s Eve, 31st December, was such a festive holiday like it is in the west. If you have lived here long enough you know that April actually begins the New Year in Thailand which is another huge holiday that I will write about later.
Honestly, I was oddly surprised to find out that there are so many peaceful, free places to watch fireworks in Bangkok. It becomes breathtakingly beautiful during New Year’s Eve with skies lighting up with bursts of colour. The best part is that you do not need expensive rooftop bars or paid events to enjoy the festivities.
All across the city, there are gorgeous, completely free places to watch fireworks in Bangkok and many of them offer some of the best views. Here is the list…
🎇 1. ICONSIAM Riverside (Free Viewing Area)
One of the most popular spots is ICONSIAM where the riverside area hosts one of Bangkok’s largest and most dramatic fireworks shows each year. Even if you don’t attend a paid celebration, the public walkway along the river remains open, giving you a clear, wide view of fireworks shimmering across the Chao Phraya River. It does get crowded, but the atmosphere is energetic and exciting, and the views are incredible.
🎆 2. Sathorn Pier (Central Pier)
Just across the river, Sathorn Pier, also known as Central Pier, offers an equally impressive perspective. Located only a few steps from BTS Saphan Taksin, it gives you a direct line of sight toward several major fireworks launch points. Many locals prefer this pier because it feels less overwhelming than Iconsiam while still offering beautiful reflections on the river and a buzzing holiday atmosphere.
🌉 3. Rama VIII Bridge
Further up the river, the area around Rama VIII Bridge provides a completely different vibe. The public park is a hidden gem underneath the bridge. It is peaceful and spacious, making it ideal for families or anyone who wants to sit and relax while waiting for the show. The fireworks appear over the water with the elegant bridge in the foreground and the lights of Old Bangkok behind you, creating a picturesque and calm viewing experience.
🌊 4. Asiatique The Riverfront
Another vibrant location to enjoy fireworks for free is Asiatique The Riverfront. The long riverside boardwalk offers plenty of space to find a good viewing point, and the atmosphere becomes especially festive during holidays. As fireworks light up the sky, Asiatique’s Ferris wheel glows in the background, creating a picture-perfect moment.
🛶 5. Thonburi Riverside Pathway (Across from ICONSIAM)
The river path on the Thonburi side offers a quieter, less crowded place to enjoy fireworks without the huge ICONSIAM crowds.
🌆 6. Benjakitti Park Skywalk
Surprisingly, Benjakitti’s elevated skywalk gives you a distant but beautiful skyline view, perfect for those who want a quieter, family-friendly option.
🏙️ 7. Mahanakhon Skywalk Outside Areas Only
While the observation deck itself is paid, you can find free places to watch fireworks in Bangkok from the surrounding streets and open spaces below the tower. The view is not direct, but the tall buildings make for dramatic skyline fireworks.
🚤 8. Public Piers Along the Chao Phraya
Several public piers along the Chao Phraya also offer free, open access and surprisingly good views. Places like Rajinee Pier, Memorial Bridge Pier, and Wat Arun Pier give you a local, riverside experience where you can watch the glow of the fireworks reflect across the water while standing among Bangkok residents who come out to enjoy the show.
🎇 9. Lumpini Park (Skyline Views)
While not riverside, Lumpini offers open skies and distant fireworks views from the Silom/Sathorn skyline.
⭐ Tips for Watching Fireworks in Bangkok for Free
Arrive early (especially at riverside spots).
Bring water and a mat if you plan to sit.
Check BTS/MRT extended hours during major holidays.
Stay aware of crowds near ICONSIAM — it gets extremely busy.
- Keep belongings and children in eyesight as there will be big crowds.
→ Check the MRT or BTS map here
→ More instagrammable & picturesque places in the city
The city offers a good amount of free places to watch fireworks in Bangkok — from riverside boardwalks to elevated parks and peaceful bridges. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve, Loy Krathong, or a major festival, these free viewing spots give you some of the best views in the city.
