When and where
When: Nine days from the first day of the 9th Chinese lunar month (September/October)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar (Chinese) calendar. 2026: 10-18 October; 2027 expected around 30 September-8 October (computed).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most spectacular and intense festivals in Thailand. For nine days devotees eat vegetarian and purify themselves while the island's temples hold processions. Some participants fall into trance and pierce their cheeks with swords and needles, or walk over hot coals. It is not for everyone: some scenes are shocking. But it is also a deep religious tradition of the Chinese community.
Getting there
Phuket Town is about 40 km from the airport; taxi or bus.
Highlights
- Processions Temple processions through Phuket Town.
- Piercing and fire-walking Trance rituals of the mediums (ma song).
- Vegetarian food Jay food stalls everywhere.
Tips for Phuket Vegetarian Festival
- Keep your distance from processions and be careful of fireworks.
- Wear white if you take part.
- Book early; it is a busy time.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows the Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town, one of the festival centres.
Frequently asked questions about Phuket Vegetarian Festival
When is Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2026?
Phuket Vegetarian Festival falls in 2026 on 10–18 October, at Jui Tui Shrine and Phuket Town. Rule: Nine days from the first day of the 9th Chinese lunar month (September/October). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Phuket Vegetarian Festival?
Watch it best at Jui Tui Shrine and Phuket Town. Temple processions through Phuket Town. Phuket Town is about 40 km from the airport; taxi or bus. Trance rituals of the mediums (ma song). Highlight: Vegetarian food – Jay food stalls everywhere. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most spectacular and intense festivals in Thailand.
What should I bring or wear to Phuket Vegetarian Festival?
Keep your distance from processions and be careful of fireworks. Wear white if you take part. Book early; it is a busy time. Highlight: Processions – Temple processions through Phuket Town. Highlight: Piercing and fire-walking – Trance rituals of the mediums (ma song). For nine days devotees eat vegetarian and purify themselves while the island's temples hold processions.
Festivals near Jui Tui Shrine and Phuket Town
- Phuket Old Town Festival 1 km as the crow flies
- Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival, Phuket) 1 km as the crow flies
- Phuket Heroines' Festival 11 km as the crow flies
- Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival) 13 km as the crow flies
- Trang Love Festival (Underwater Wedding) 140 km as the crow flies
Also in September / October
- Akha Swing Festival
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races
- Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)