Bangkok, 6 October 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026, taking place from 10–18 October, as one of the island’s distinctive cultural experiences. Known locally as Jia Chai, the nine-day festival brings visitors into Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese traditions through shrine ceremonies, street processions and community observances.
Observed annually from the first to the ninth night of the waxing moon according to the Chinese calendar, the festival reflects the beliefs and practices passed down through generations of Phuket’s Thai-Chinese Hokkien community. Its ceremonies remain closely woven into local life and the historic neighbourhoods of Phuket.
At the heart of the festival are the Iw Keng street processions, held from 11–18 October, when the Nine Emperor Gods are carried through Phuket City to bestow blessings. Residents prepare altars outside their homes as processions of flags, ceremonial signs and palanquins pass through the streets.
On Sunday, 11 October, the Ham Si Iw Keng night procession brings together more than 40 shrines in Phuket City. Following a prayer ceremony, the processions move through the municipal area, creating a distinctive night-time display of faith, ritual and community tradition.
Other key ceremonies include the Koi Han bridge-crossing ritual, associated with cleansing misfortune and marked by the seal of the Nine Emperor Gods, and the Koi Hoi fire-walking ritual, observed as an act of spiritual purification.
The festival culminates on Sunday, 18 October with farewell rituals for the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods. The Jade Emperor is traditionally sent back to heaven at around 22.30 Hrs., followed by the farewell to the Nine Emperor Gods towards Saphan Hin, with crowds gathering along key routes including Thalang Road, Phuket Road and Surin Circle.
On Friday, 16 October, from 06.00–12.00 Hrs., the TAT Phuket Office sets up a ceremonial reception table in front of its office to welcome the Iw Keng procession from Jui Tui Shrine, creating another point along the procession route where visitors can observe local participation in the festival.
The festival also offers visitors opportunities to explore Phuket’s historic shrines, including Pudjor Shrine, a century-old centre of faith dedicated to Guan Yin, or Guan Yin Pudjor, and other Chinese deities. Long connected with local family and community life, the shrine underwent its latest restoration from 2024 to 2026, drawing on historical and artistic references to preserve its traditional Hokkien architectural character.
Thailand’s Department of Cultural Promotion listed the Phuket Vegetarian Festival as intangible cultural heritage in 2018, and it received a Silver Grand Pinnacle Award at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards.
Phuket is one of Thailand’s major international gateways, combining beaches and marine experiences with culture, gastronomy and wellness. Recent accolades include Lonely Planet’s 25 Best Destinations for 2026, recognition in the 2026 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travellers’ Top Pick for Wellness, and 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City status.
