Where to See Lion Dance in Bangkok 2026: Times & Tips

Bangkok’s signature Chinese New Year stage, ideal for sunset shots with the Chao Phraya as your backdrop. Head to River Park for the main evening program and to Suralai Hall or indoor atriums for daytime pop-up sets. Arrive 60–90 minutes before the headline evening show to secure railing space, and 30–45 minutes early for daytime sets. Performances typically run 25–30 minutes, with a quick blessing walkabout at the end. Expect multiple show slots across Chinese New Year weekend, with the biggest crowd on the festival day itself. Viewing is free, though tipping the troupe is welcome if you receive a personal blessing. For families, keep to the back-left edges of the stage where sound is slightly softer and exits are easy. Shows usually wrap by early evening, leaving time to dine at the riverfront or browse the indoor displays.

CentralWorld blends indoor comfort and open-air scale. Daytime lion dance sets usually appear at the Central Court atrium or near the main concourse, while the evening crowd gathers at the outdoor square facing Ratchaprasong. For indoor sets, arrive 30–45 minutes early to nab a barrier-side view; for the outdoor evening slot, plan 60 minutes or more. Shows generally last 20–25 minutes and often include drum lines and acrobatic climbs. It’s free to watch, but keep aisles clear for safety. Families should target the indoor atrium for gentler sound and easy restroom access. Typical wrap times are late afternoon for indoor sets and early evening for the outdoor headliner, letting you segue to dinner at Groove or nearby BTS-linked eateries.

Paragon’s strength is visibility, with Parc Paragon offering tiered viewing and the Hall of Fame providing air-con comfort. Aim for Parc Paragon if you want dramatic, wide-angle photos, arriving 45–60 minutes early for evening sets and 30 minutes for daytime shows. Typical performances run 20–30 minutes, sometimes followed by a blessing circuit at the front rows. Entry is free. If you’re sensitive to sound, choose the upper steps at Parc Paragon or the back corners of Hall of Fame. Shows often conclude by early evening, giving you time to cross into Siam Center or MBK for snacks. BTS Siam’s skywalk provides a convenient approach, but note that security can gate certain aisles when the crowd swells, so stake your spot early.

This Phrom Phong duo typically hosts photogenic troupes along Quartier Avenue and The Helix zone, with indoor atrium pop-ups when the sun is strong. For the best angles, stand slightly off-center near the stage corners to capture pole jumps. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for daytime sets, 60 minutes for the evening slot. Performances last around 20–25 minutes. It’s free viewing, but have small notes ready if you’d like a blessing photo. End times are usually late afternoon to early evening, leaving room for a rooftop drink or a stroll around Benchasiri Park. Families can escape the drum volume by positioning near the escalator landings, which still offer line-of-sight but with less acoustic intensity.

With vast space and family facilities, Mega Bangna is a relaxed way to catch a lion dance without downtown crunch. Expect one or two afternoon sets in the central atrium plus an outdoor plaza show near the fountain on peak days. Arrive 30–40 minutes early for indoor sets and 45–60 minutes for the outdoor headliner. Sets generally run 20–25 minutes, and the plaza show often includes a short parade segment. Viewing is free. For strollers, choose the balcony rails on the first floor for better visibility with less jostling. Shows typically wrap before dusk, so you can linger for early dinner or head back into the city before the evening rush.

Compact but lively, Terminal 21’s multi-level atrium gives you a great overhead view of acrobatic lion climbs. Performances usually pop up on the LG–M floors, with the most comfortable sightlines one level above the stage. Arrive 30–40 minutes early for daytime slots and a full hour ahead for any evening program. Expect 20–25 minutes of high-energy drumming and balancing acts. It’s free to watch. Shows often conclude by late afternoon, letting you hop back on the BTS or MRT with ease. Pro tip, use the skywalk entrance to avoid ground-level congestion, and position near the glass balustrades for clear shots without joining the scrum at stage level.

One of the eastern hub’s best festival stages, The Mall Bangkapi tends to run afternoon lion dance sets along the Canal Walk, with an early evening highlight at the Glasshouse or central atrium on the busiest day. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for daytime shows and an hour early for the evening set. Each performance is typically 20–25 minutes, with a short blessing queue afterward. Viewing is free. For an easy exit after the finale, stand toward the rear-right aisles, which lead to wider corridors. The shows usually wrap by early evening, making it simple to continue your night at the nearby food market or hop across the khlong to quieter cafés.

Near Suvarnabhumi Airport, Central Village hosts open-plaza lion dances that are easy to enjoy between flights or outlet runs. The best vantage is slightly elevated along the shopfront steps flanking the stage. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for afternoon slots and an hour ahead if an evening program is listed. Performances usually last 20–25 minutes, free to watch. Expect a tidy parade loop through the luxury zone on peak days, with chances for blessings and photos. Shows typically wind down before dusk, allowing time for dinner at the food hall or a quick airport transfer. Sound is lively but less intense than fully enclosed atriums, making it kinder for kids.

When scheduled, ASIATIQUE’s open-air stage delivers a photogenic river breeze and night-market vibe. Target the Town Square or central stage area and arrive 60 minutes early for the evening program, 30–40 minutes for earlier sets. The show typically runs 20–25 minutes, with a short parade threading the market lanes on peak days. Viewing is free, and the wide plaza gives you room to reposition. Sound levels are energetic but dissipate quickly outdoors, making it a comfortable pick for families. Performances usually wrap by early evening, perfect for pairing with a ferris wheel spin or a riverside dinner.