Every autumn, Phuket turns to one of Thailand’s most extraordinary religious celebrations: the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. From October 10-18, Chinese shrines across the island mark the Nine Emperor Gods Festival with purification rituals, street processions, firecrackers and strict dietary observance, while many devotees dress in white and abstain from meat, alcohol and other indulgences.
The most arresting sights involve the ma song, spirit mediums who enter trance states and may pierce their cheeks with skewers and other objects. Firewalking and other ritual ordeals also feature at participating shrines. It can be confronting, but this is a living religious tradition rather than a spectacle staged for visitors, so watch respectfully and give processions room. For an easier introduction, follow the crowds around Phuket Town’s Chinese shrines and snack your way through the enormous spread of jay vegan food. Street processions gather pace later in the festival, with major routes including Jui Tui on October 16 and Kathu on October 17.
Oct 10-18. Free. Phuket Vegetarian Festival, shrines and locations across Phuket. Ceremony times vary by shrine.
