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Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2024:
A Guide to the Nine Emperor Gods Festival and All You Need to Know

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich heritage of Chinese culture and vegetarianism in Thailand. This remarkable festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, takes place in Phuket and draws visitors from all over the world. If you’re planning to attend or just curious about this unique celebration, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2024.

What Is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival?

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a significant event in Thailand, celebrated by Thai-Chinese communities in honor of the Nine Emperor Gods. Whether you’re a vegetarian enthusiast or simply curious about cultural festivals, attending the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2024 promises an unforgettable experience filled with spirituality, vibrant colors, and delicious vegetarian cuisine. Mark your calendar and get ready to immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration in the heart of Phuket.

When is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2024?

It typically takes place in the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which usually falls in September or October. This year, the event will take place from 3-11 October 2024. The festival spans nine days and is marked by colorful processions, vibrant ceremonies, and a strict vegetarian diet.

Where to join the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Jui Tui Shrine (Sang Tham Shrine): Jui Tui Shrine is one of the central hubs for the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket. It’s located on Soi Phutorn, Ranong Road, in the heart of Phuket Town. This shrine hosts many of the festival’s ceremonies, including the pole-raising ceremony and various processions.

Bang Neow Shrine: Bang Neow Shrine is another prominent shrine in Phuket Town that plays a significant role in the festival. It is located on Phuket Road and is known for its elaborate processions and rituals.

Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine: This shrine, located on Krabi Road, is known for its distinctive rituals during the Vegetarian Festival. It’s a place where devotees perform body-piercing and other acts of devotion.

Street Processions: TThroughout Phuket Town, you’ll find various streets and intersections where the colorful and dramatic street processions take place. These processions often pass by major Chinese shrines and temples, providing excellent opportunities to witness the festival up close.

Vegetarian Food Stalls: You can find vegetarian food stalls and restaurants throughout Phuket Town during the festival. The main streets, including Ranong Road and Phuket Road, are lined with vendors offering a wide range of vegetarian dishes.

Street Decorations: The entire Phuket Town area gets beautifully decorated during the festival, with colorful lanterns, banners, and other festive decorations adorning the streets. Simply walking around town and admiring the decorations is a part of the festival experience.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2024 Brochure

How to celebrate Phuket Vegetarian Festival

1. Attend the Opening Ceremony: Start your festival experience by attending the grand opening ceremony. This typically takes place at one of the major Chinese shrines in Phuket, such as Jui Tui Shrine or Bang Neow Shrine. The opening ceremony marks the official commencement of the festival with colorful rituals and performances.

2. Explore the Shrines and Temples: Visit the various Chinese shrines and temples scattered throughout Phuket. Each shrine has its own unique ceremonies and rituals during the festival. Don’t miss the chance to witness devotees participating in prayers, incense-burning rituals, and offerings to the Nine Emperor Gods.

3. Watch the Street Processions: One of the highlights of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is the street processions. Devotees dressed in white and often pierced with sharp objects, like swords and skewers, parade through the streets. These processions are both mesmerizing and intense. Be sure to find a good vantage point to watch them pass by.

4. Try Vegetarian Food: Sample the delicious vegetarian dishes that are widely available during the festival. Many restaurants and street vendors offer special vegetarian menus. Look for popular dishes like vegetable stir-fries, tofu-based dishes, and vegetarian spring rolls.

5. Witness Fire Walking: If you’re feeling adventurous, watch the fire walking ceremonies. Devotees walk barefoot across hot coals as a display of their faith and purity. It’s a daring and dramatic spectacle that’s not to be missed.

6. Visit the Go Teng Poles: Don’t forget to visit the Go Teng poles at various shrines. These tall bamboo poles are raised with great fanfare and are believed to invite the Nine Emperor Gods to the earthly realm. The pole-raising ceremony is accompanied by loud firecrackers and other festivities.

7. Respect Local Customs: While participating in the festival, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Be polite and ask for permission before taking photographs of participants or rituals.

8. Stay Safe: The festival can get crowded, especially during street processions. Be cautious and watch your belongings. Pay attention to safety instructions during firewalking and other intense rituals.

9. Engage with Locals: The festival is a great opportunity to interact with the local Thai-Chinese community. Strike up conversations with locals, learn about their traditions, and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of the festival’s significance.

10. Capture Memories: Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the vibrant and unique moments of the festival. The colorful costumes, elaborate decorations, and dramatic rituals provide excellent photo opportunities.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival offers a rich cultural experience filled with spirituality, tradition, and culinary delights. By immersing yourself in the festivities and respectfully participating in the various activities, you can make the most of your visit to this unique event in Phuket.

Vegetarian food to try during the festival

Vegetarian Tom Yum: Tom Yum is a popular Thai soup known for its spicy and tangy flavors. In the vegetarian version, you can enjoy the same flavors with tofu and a variety of vegetables.

Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce: This dish consists of crispy fried tofu served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce, often accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables.

Vegetarian Spring Rolls: These crispy spring rolls are stuffed with a mixture of vegetables and sometimes tofu. They’re typically served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Vegetarian Green Curry: A Thai green curry made with a flavorful green curry paste, coconut milk, and a mix of vegetables like bamboo shoots, eggplant, and bell peppers. Tofu or mock meats are common additions.

Stir-Fried Tofu with Basil (Pad Krapow Jay): A spicy and fragrant stir-fry made with tofu, Thai basil, chili, and garlic. It’s often served with jasmine rice and a fried egg (but you can ask for it without the egg for a vegan option).

Coconut Milk Sticky Rice with Mango (Khao Niew Mamuang): For dessert, enjoy sweet sticky rice drizzled with coconut milk and served with slices of ripe mango. It’s a popular and refreshing way to end a meal.

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When ordering vegetarian food in Phuket, be sure to specify that you want it “jay,” which means vegetarian, to ensure no animal products are included. Additionally, during the Vegetarian Festival, you’ll find even more vegetarian options available at street stalls and restaurants throughout Phuket.

The Best Place to Stay for Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Staying at the Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a great choice, as it’s a well-known hotel in Phuket Town and offers comfortable accommodations. Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra is located in the heart of Phuket Town means that many of the festival’s shrines, temples, and processions are within walking distance or a short drive away.

The hotel offers a range of modern and well-appointed rooms and suites, ensuring a comfortable stay. The rooms come with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi.

Enjoy a variety of culinary options, including both Thai and international dishes at the hotel restaurants and bars. During the Vegetarian Festival, you can expect special vegetarian menu items to cater to festival attendees.

Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra provides amenities such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, and spa services, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day of festival activities.

Staying at a hotel like the Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra can offer convenience, comfort, and easy access to festival activities in Phuket Town. Just remember to check the exact festival dates, make your reservations early, and enjoy the unique cultural experience of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.