Every October, Phuket shakes off its laid-back beach vibe and transforms into a daring whirlwind of devotion, drama, and delicious plant-based cuisine. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, returns from October 21 to 29, 2025. This is one authentic Thai celebration not to be missed!
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival dates back nearly 200 years to the early 19th century, making it one of the island’s most unique cultural traditions. It’s thought that the festival began when a visiting Chinese opera troupe, believed to be from the Fujian province, fell gravely ill while performing for tin miners in the Kathu district of Phuket. After traditional remedies failed, the group turned to the spiritual: they adopted a strict vegetarian diet and conducted sacred rituals honouring the Nine Emperor Gods to purify themselves and seek divine intervention. Miraculously, the illness subsided, and the troupe and local community recovered.
Grateful for their healing, the troupe and local Chinese-Thai community made these practices an annual tradition, blending Taoist rituals with local culture. Over the years, the festival has grown into a spectacular event that honours the Nine Emperor Gods, with devotees observing a vegetarian diet, performing acts of devotion, and participating in dramatic processions and spiritual rites.
What Makes This Festival Unforgettable?
Rooted in Chinese Taoist tradition but unique to Phuket, the Vegetarian Festival is nine days of spiritual cleansing, deep community bonds, and colourful (sometimes extreme) rituals. During this time, locals and visitors alike abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, alcohol, and pungent foods, all in the pursuit of purity. Shrines across the island, particularly Jui Tui, Bang Neow, and Kathu, become centres of energy and tradition.
The Spectacular Rituals
Among the most extraordinary aspects of the festival are the ceremonies that you’ll scarcely believe, even as you witness them:
Fire-walking: Devotees cross beds of burning coals barefoot, symbolically burning away evil and inviting good fortune.
Self-mortification and Piercing: Spirit mediums (Mah Song) enter trances, piercing their cheeks or bodies with swords, spears, and other household objects—a display of faith and the belief that the gods protect them.
Street Processions: Starting at dawn, processions thunder through Phuket Town, filled with firecrackers, percussion, and yellow-clad participants. Ceremonial rituals—like raising the lantern pole or parading the deities—add a magical sense of occasion.
Feast on the Flavours of Faith
But there’s a lighter side, too: Phuket’s streets are lined with stalls flying yellow flags, offering a tantalising range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, from spicy noodle soups to sticky rice treats and vegan versions of Thai favourites. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love the festival—bring your appetite and curiosity.
Tips for Festival-Goers:
Dress the Part: Wear white if you’d like to respectfully join the rituals—it symbolises purity.
Arrive Early: Parades and processions start at dawn.
Stay Central: Book accommodation in or around Phuket Town for easy access to the action.
Be Respectful: Some rituals are intense and deeply spiritual; always be considerate when photographing or participating.
Why Visit in 2025?
With record tourism rebounding and the festival’s timetable set for 21–29 October 2025, there’s never been a better time to witness this one-of-a-kind event. Whether you’re seeking cultural insight, culinary adventure, or a powerful spiritual experience, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival offers all this—and far, far more!
