Earth Hour 2026 in Bangkok: Which Landmarks Go Dark on March 28

Bangkok Goes Dark for the 20th Anniversary

Earth Hour turns twenty in 2026, and Bangkok is once again joining the global lights-off movement. On Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., buildings, temples and landmarks across the Thai capital will switch off non-essential lighting for one hour. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority has invited residents and businesses in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan to participate. Not sure where to stay in Bangkok? The riverside and Rattanakosin areas put you closest to the action.

The event is coordinated worldwide by WWF, which now brands the initiative "The Biggest Hour for Earth." Thailand has been an enthusiastic participant for years, and the 2026 edition is no exception. It also happens to fall during Songkran season, making late March an especially lively time to visit.

Which Landmarks Switch Off?

Bangkok's most photogenic sites traditionally go dark during Earth Hour. Based on previous years and current announcements, expect the following landmarks to dim their lights:

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) — the riverside temple's illuminated spires are unmistakable at night, making the switch-off especially dramatic.
• The Grand Palace — the sprawling royal complex near Sanam Luang turns off its floodlights. Pair it with a daytime visit to nearby Wat Pho to make the most of the area.
• Democracy Monument — the Ratchadamnoen Avenue landmark joins in every year.
• Rama VIII Bridge — the cable-stayed bridge over the Chao Phraya goes dark.
• King Power Mahanakhon — Bangkok's tallest skyscraper, home to the famous SkyWalk, dims its LED facade.

If you are visiting Bangkok on this date, the Chao Phraya riverfront between Wat Arun and Rama VIII Bridge is the best vantage point. The sudden darkness over the river is a surprisingly atmospheric moment. Getting there is straightforward on the BTS and MRT, which run until midnight.

How Travellers Can Take Part

Earth Hour is not just about watching the lights go off. WWF encourages everyone to "give one meaningful hour to the planet." For travellers in Thailand, that could mean:

• Switching off your hotel room air conditioning and lights for the hour.
• Joining a rooftop bar that participates — some venues host candlelit events for the occasion. Check out the latest new rooftop bars in Bangkok for options that lean into sustainability-themed events.
• Spending the hour walking along the river or a park instead of a shopping mall. The area around Talad Noi is a great hidden-gem neighbourhood for an evening stroll.

The event is free, requires no tickets and lasts just sixty minutes. If you happen to be in Bangkok on March 28, it is a small but memorable way to experience the city differently. Planning a longer stay? Our Bangkok neighbourhood guide for expats and long-term visitors breaks down every district, and our Thailand first-timers guide covers everything else you need before you land.

Before you travel, make sure you have travel insurance for Thailand in place — it is especially worth having if your trip spans multiple events and provinces. Also check the latest Thailand visa requirements to confirm your entry options.

Earth Hour takes place on the same evening as some of Bangkok's best night markets, so you can combine the lights-off moment with a street-food crawl once the hour is over. For a broader look at what Bangkok's food scene offers after dark, see our Bangkok street food beginners guide and the roundup of the best street food markets in Bangkok.

If you want to make a full day of it, Bangkok has excellent day trips that pair well with an evening Earth Hour event — Ayutthaya by train is a classic choice. And if you are new to visiting temples, brush up on Thailand temple etiquette and dress codes before heading to the Grand Palace area.

Note that March 28 falls during Thailand's peak hot season. If you are sensitive to heat, read our El Nino 2026 weather and heatwave guide for practical advice on staying cool during your Bangkok visit.