The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique event that takes place annually in Thailand and draws visitors from around the world. It’s a celebration of Chinese culture with an emphasis on vegan cuisine, street processions, and other religious rituals. Held at various locations throughout Phuket Island, this festival offers something for everyone to enjoy – whether you are looking for delicious food or thrilling entertainment!
This year, the event will take place from 21st to 29th of October 2025.
Get ready to explore what the Phuket Vegetarian Festival has to offer; we will provide insight into where it happens, what activities can be experienced during the festival, different types of food offerings available as well as accommodation options so you don’t miss out on any part of this extraordinary cultural experience!
What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival?
It is a nine-day celebration of Chinese culture and vegetarianism that has been celebrated for over 200 years. During this time, locals take part in parades, street processions, temple ceremonies, and food offerings to honor their ancestors.
The festival begins with a parade from each participating temple around the city center. The streets are lined with colorful decorations and flags as people walk through carrying statues of gods or goddesses while chanting prayers and playing music. This procession symbolizes the purification of the body and soul before entering into a period of abstinence from meat consumption during the festival days.
During these nine days, there are various activities such as traditional dances, theatrical performances, martial arts demonstrations, firewalking rituals, and more to celebrate Chinese culture. These events usually take place at temples throughout Phuket but some may also be seen in public areas like beaches or parks depending on where they are being held that year.
Food offerings play an important role during this time too as it’s believed that offering vegetarian dishes will bring good luck to those who partake in them. There are many different types of dishes available ranging from stir fries to curries all made without any animal products whatsoever – even fish sauce. Many restaurants across Phuket offer special menus for vegetarians during this period so it’s easy to find something delicious no matter what your dietary preferences may be.
Where Does it Take Place?
The main events are held at the Jui Tui Shrine in Old Town Phuket and other temples throughout the city.
The festival begins with a parade from Jui Tui Shrine to Sapan Hin, a public park located near the beach. This parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and dancers dressed in traditional costumes. After arriving at Sapan Hin, there will be various performances such as martial arts demonstrations and music shows.
Other locations around Phuket also host their own festivities during this time including street markets selling vegetarian food items as well as traditional Thai snacks like grilled bananas or sweet sticky rice cakes filled with coconut milk and sugar. There are also special ceremonies held at local temples where people can make offerings to Buddha statues or take part in religious rituals such as fire walking or piercing themselves with metal rods without feeling any pain.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place in the streets of Phuket Town, so visitors can expect to experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with culture and tradition.
Main Shrines Where Events Take Place
- Jui Tui Shrine
ศาลเจ้าจุ้ยตุ่ย [View Map] - Tha Rua Shrine
ศาลเจ้าท่าเรือ [View Map] - Yok Ke Keng Shrine
ศาลเจ้ายกเค่เก้ง(ซอยพะเนียง) [View Map] - Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine
ศาลเจ้าหลิมฮู้ไท้ซู่(สามกอง) [View Map] - Kuan Tae Kun Shrine
ศาลเจ้ากวนเต้กุ้น สะปำ [View Map] - Bang Neow Shrine
อ๊ามบางเหนียว [View Map] - Kathu Shrine
ศาลเจ้ากะทู้ [View Map]
What to Expect During the Festival
It is a nine-day celebration that takes place during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar and usually falls between October and November. During this festival, participants observe a strict vegetarian diet for nine days as part of their spiritual journey.
One of the most popular events during this festival are colorful parades with participants dressed in traditional costumes carrying ornate floats. The streets are filled with people walking barefoot over hot coals or climbing ladders made of blades as part of their spiritual journey. There are also performances by local musicians playing drums and gongs to accompany the procession.
Many temples throughout Phuket host special events such as lion dances, puppet shows, kite flying competitions, and food stalls selling vegetarian dishes prepared according to Buddhist principles (no meat or eggs). There are also fortune telling booths offering advice from monks or fortunetellers about one’s future prospects based on palm reading or astrology readings.
Firewalking ceremonies can be seen where devotees walk across burning charcoal without being burned and spirit mediums perform rituals on stage. Various cultural shows featuring Thai dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and more are often held during the festival.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique and exciting experience that will leave you with lasting memories. It’s truly one of the most unique things you will ever experience.
Ma Song – Spirit Mediums, Ritual Piercings, and Self
The role of ma song, or spirit mediums, is an integral part of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Ma song are individuals who are believed to be possessed by the Nine Emperor Gods during the festival, and they play a central role in the spiritual rituals and ceremonies that take place.
During the festival, ma song can be seen participating in a variety of rituals, such as piercing their cheeks with needles or swords, walking on hot coals, or climbing ladders made of sharp blades. These rituals are seen as acts of spiritual devotion and self-mortification, and are believed to bring good fortune and blessings to the community.
Ma song are typically chosen by the community and undergo a rigorous selection process. They must undergo a period of physical and spiritual preparation before the festival, including fasting and abstaining from meat and other stimulants. During the festival, ma song are treated with reverence and respect, and are seen as spiritual leaders and guides.
The role of ma song at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique and intriguing aspect of the event, and their participation in the spiritual rituals adds an extra layer of cultural significance and tradition to the festival.
Food Offerings
It is celebrated by Chinese Buddhists and Taoists who abstain from eating meat for nine days as a way to purify their bodies and minds. During this time, there are many food offerings available for visitors to enjoy without having to worry about consuming any animal products.
One of the most popular dishes served during the festival is noodles. These can be found in various forms such as stir-fried or soup-based dishes with vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients. Curries are also a staple offering at the festival; these range from mild coconut milk-based curries like green curry to spicier varieties such as red curry or Massaman curry.
Soups are another common dish served during the festival; they often contain vegetables, herbs, and spices simmered together in a flavorful broth base. Some examples include tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), tom kha gai (chicken coconut soup) and kaeng jued wan (vegetable clear soup). Desserts made without dairy products such as mango sticky rice or banana fritters can also be found at stalls throughout the city during this time period.
The food offerings at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are a unique and delicious experience, so be sure to sample some of the local delicacies. Now let’s take a look at accommodation options for your stay in Thailand.
Rules To be Observed During the Festival
- Do not eat meat or other animal-based products during the festival.
- Maintain clean bodies and clean kitchen utensils, using them separately from those who do not participate in the festival.
- Wear white to honor the Nine Emperor Gods.
- Exercise self-control and behave in a respectful manner both physically and mentally.
- Refrain from sexual activities during the festival.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Those in a state of mourning should not participate in the festival.
- Pregnant women should not watch any of the rituals.
- Women experiencing their menstrual cycle should not attend the rituals.
- Observe proper hygiene practices to maintain the purity of the festival.
Accommodation Options
When it comes to finding a place to stay during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, there are plenty of options available. From luxurious resorts and hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, visitors can find something that fits their needs and budget.
For those looking for a more upscale experience, many of the area’s top resorts offer special packages for guests attending the festival. These packages often include discounts on accommodations as well as access to exclusive events such as cooking classes or traditional ceremonies. Some resorts even provide complimentary transportation from nearby airports or train stations so you don’t have to worry about getting around town once you arrive in Phuket.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, there are also plenty of hostels and guesthouses located throughout the city that offer comfortable lodging at an economical price point. Many of these establishments feature amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning units, swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine without breaking your budget.
No matter what type of accommodation option you choose while visiting Phuket for the Vegetarian Festival, be sure to book early if possible since rooms tend to fill up quickly during this time of year due to high demand from tourists who come from all over the world just for this event.
The Memory at On On
The Memory at On On Hotel is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Phuket Old Town. It is the oldest hotel in Phuket, originally opened in 1929, and has been beautifully restored to retain its classic Sino-Portuguese architecture while offering modern comforts.
This hotel is known for its charming colonial-style design, vintage decor, and nostalgic ambiance, making it a favorite among travelers who appreciate heritage stays. It has been featured in films, including The Beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Guests love its convenient location, as it’s surrounded by Phuket Old Town’s vibrant streets, where you can explore colorful shophouses, street art, museums, markets, and local cafés. While it doesn’t have extensive resort-style amenities, it makes up for it with character, history, and easy access to Phuket’s cultural and dining scene.
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Phuket Town, offering 180 elegant rooms with modern amenities and scenic views. Guests can enjoy dining at Amor Restaurant or the Estrela Rooftop Bar, relax at InBalance Spa, or work out at the 24-hour fitness center. The hotel features a covered swimming pool, concierge services, and meeting spaces for up to 850 guests. Its central location provides easy access to Phuket’s cultural attractions and Rassada Pier for island trips, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
Ratri Hotel Phuket Old Town
Ratri Hotel Phuket Old Town is a modern 4-star establishment located approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Phuket’s historic Old Town. The hotel offers a range of accommodations all designed with contemporary aesthetics and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy various facilities, including a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant and bar that features nightly live music entertainment.
The hotel’s proximity to local attractions like Chinpracha House and Thai Hua Museum makes it a convenient choice for travelers interested in exploring Phuket’s cultural sites. Guest reviews frequently highlight the hotel’s cleanliness, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and the convenience of its location for accessing Old Town’s shops and markets.
Royal Phuket City Hotel
Royal Phuket City Hotel is a 4-star, 19-story hotel in the heart of Phuket Town, offering 251 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, HD satellite TV, a minibar, and a personal safe. Guests can enjoy dining at Good Eatz 154, authentic Chinese cuisine at Yan Long, or take in panoramic city views at TWIST Bar & Restaurant. The hotel also features an outdoor pool with a children’s section, a well-equipped fitness center, and relaxing spa services.
Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers extensive meeting and event spaces. Its prime location allows easy access to Phuket Old Town’s historic sites, markets, and shopping districts, with landmarks like Soi Romanee, Dibuk Road, and the Clock Tower within walking distance. Guests appreciate the hotel’s spacious accommodations, cleanliness, and convenience for exploring the city.
Sinae Phuket
Sinae Phuket is a luxury resort nestled along the tranquil shores of Siray Bay, approximately a 10-minute drive from Phuket Old Town. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including 1-2 bedroom private pool villas and larger 3-5 bedroom residences, each designed with Thai-inspired aesthetics and featuring infinity pools with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea.
Guests can indulge in various dining options such as Sai Bistro & Bar, which serves authentic Thai cuisine with stunning sea vistas, and the Hilltop Café, offering an exclusive Starbucks experience overlooking the bay. The resort also features the Sindh Spa for rejuvenating treatments and a modern fitness center.
Sinae Phuket is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of luxury, privacy, and proximity to Phuket’s cultural attractions.
FAQs in Relation to Phuket Vegetarian Festival
What is Vegetarian Festival in Phuket?
The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket is an annual event that takes place over nine days during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is celebrated mainly by Chinese Thai people and involves abstaining from meat, as well as other activities such as parades, street processions, and temple ceremonies. The festival also includes a vegetarian diet which consists of only vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Participants wear white clothing to signify purity while taking part in rituals such as fire-walking and body piercing with metal rods or blades. The festival culminates with a grand procession on the last day where participants carry decorative floats around town before returning to their temples for blessings from monks.
What is the vegetarian festival in Thailand?
The Vegetarian Festival in Thailand is an annual event celebrated by the Chinese community in Thailand. It usually takes place during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which falls between September and October. During this festival, people abstain from eating meat and other animal products for nine days as a way to purify their bodies and minds. Many temples also host vegetarian feasts where visitors can enjoy traditional Thai dishes made with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, nuts, and fruits instead of meat or fish. The festival culminates with a parade featuring colorful floats decorated with lanterns that are carried through the streets accompanied by music and chanting.
How many days does the Vegetarian festival in Phuket last?
The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket typically lasts for nine days. It is celebrated annually during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually falling between late September and early October. During this time, devotees observe a strict vegetarian diet and take part in various religious ceremonies to honor the Nine Emperor Gods. The festival culminates with an extravagant procession featuring elaborately decorated floats and participants dressed in white or yellow clothing carrying joss sticks and firecrackers.
What festival is Phuket famous for?
Phuket is renowned for its vibrant and colourful festivals. The most famous of these is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, held annually in October or November. During this time, locals observe a strict vegetarian diet and take part in various religious ceremonies such as processions with ornately decorated floats and firewalking rituals. Many streets are closed off to traffic during the festival period so that people can enjoy the festivities without disruption. Visitors from all over Thailand come to witness this unique event which has been celebrated since 1825.
Conclusion
It offers a unique opportunity to explore Thai culture and cuisine in an exciting way. From the vibrant street processions to the delicious vegetarian dishes, there is something for everyone at this festival. Whether you are looking for accommodation or just want to sample some of the local delicacies, make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible event! The Phuket vegetarian festival has something special for all who attend and it will surely leave a lasting impression on your trip to Thailand.
Come and experience the joy of Thailand’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival! From exploring stunning beaches to taking part in unique cultural activities, there is something for everyone. With our guide, you can find all the best places to stay, eat and enjoy your holiday with ease. Discover a different side of Thailand this year – book your trip today!
3 comments
LIM LH
请问2025年 九皇爷 游行正日是在初几？哪里一间wat 最老，最热闹
Karen
Any special packages can be offered during this nine emperor festival in Phuket. Or any suggestions where the best place to stay so that we can enjoy the procession throughout the day.
Steve
I went last year and stayed in Patong for most of it, using the Blue Bus to get there and Bolt app taxi to get back (avoiding the overpricing of the local Phuket Taxi Mafia), except on the last night where I stayed at Siri Hotel Phuket which was walking distance to Suriyadej Circle where the last firecracker procession walked past. Its also just around the corner from the Bus Stop Opp Phuket Merlin Hotel, where the 100 baht Orange Airport Bus stops going to Phuket Airport.
There was also a massive vegetarian food market from Suriyadej Circle along “Ranong” (where the Blue Busses terminate) to Patiphap Road junction and also quite a lot going on at Jui Tui Shrine near the end of the food market. The food market also went down a couple of the side streets where I found the most amazing vegetarian sausage potato corn dogs. I also visited Chillva Market (a small market and slightly more expensive than other markets in Thailand I have been to, with no discount or bartering on the shoes I wanted to buy, that were significantly cheaper on Lazada App) and there was also a large number of vegetarian food stalls lining the road along there with plenty of choice, but smaller than the other one and still worth checking out if you go to Chillva Market (the local Pink Busses stop here, but finish running early so you might have to get a Bolt Taxi back)