Bangkok to host heritage festival at three temples and a historic fort
Relic ceremonies, a temple fair and Loy Krathong celebrations offer residents and visitors a glimpse of Rattanakosin’s heritage and community life.
- A heritage festival will take place in Bangkok from November 17 to 29, 2026, at three temples and one fort.
- The featured locations are Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan, and Mahakan Fort.
- Activities will focus on Thai arts, culture, and Buddhist traditions, including paying homage to sacred relics and a red cloth ceremony at the Golden Mount.
- The event will also incorporate Loy Krathong festivities, floating markets, and a traditional temple fair atmosphere.
Bangkok residents, members of the public and tourists are invited to experience Thai arts, culture and traditions, pay homage to sacred images and relics, and explore Buddhist heritage, Rattanakosin history and community life at four landmarks: Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan and Mahakan Fort.
The event, “Preserving Rattanakosin’s Waterway Traditions: Three Temples and One Fort”, runs from Tuesday (November 17, 2026) to Sunday (November 29, 2026).
Thansettakij has compiled the programme and highlights below.
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
The festival paying homage to the Buddha’s relics at Loha Prasat runs on November 17–29 .
Merit-making and almsgiving to 30 monks will take place on November 22.
Buddhists and members of the public are invited to venerate the Buddha’s relics at Loha Prasat, an important example of Rattanakosin architecture commissioned by King Nangklao (Rama III).
Visitors can also pay respects to sacred images and important landmarks within the temple grounds:
- Phra Phuttha Setthatamamuni, the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall, a treasured religious work created during King Nangklao’s reign.
- Phra Phuttha Chuthamnarasop, the principal Buddha image in the assembly hall, revered by Buddhist worshippers.
- The Buddha image in the contemplative posture, where visitors can reflect on the Buddha’s virtues and practise meditation for blessings.
- The monument to King Nangklao, where visitors can pay tribute to the temple’s founder and remember his benevolence.
Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan
The festival paying homage to the Buddha’s relics at Borom Banphot, or the Golden Mount, runs on November 17–29 .
The traditional ceremony to drape the Golden Mount’s stupa in red cloth begins at 6am on November 17.
Visitors can:
- Pay homage to the Buddha’s relics at the Golden Mount.
- Write their first names and surnames on the red cloth before it is taken up to drape the stupa in veneration of the Buddha’s relics.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional temple fair.
Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan
Activities run on November 17–29 .
Visitors can pay respects at important sacred sites and explore the temple’s cultural heritage:
- Pay homage to Phra Phuttha Thewa Wilat, also known as Luang Pho Khao, the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall.
- Visit the hall featuring images of 52 bhikkhunis (Buddhist nuns) and Mahapajapati Gotami Theri, and appreciate the beauty of its Buddhist sculpture and art.
- Follow in the footsteps of Sunthorn Phu, a celebrated poet of the Rattanakosin era, and learn about history, literature and valuable works of art.
Mahakan Fort
Loy Krathong activities aimed at preserving the tradition are scheduled for November 17–29 at Mahakan Fort in Phra Nakhon district.
Visitors can:
- Experience the atmosphere of historic Phra Nakhon and learn about the ancient fort and community life.
- Experience floating markets, old markets and local ways of life that reflect the distinctive character and charm of Thai culture.
- Take part in Loy Krathong 2026.
