The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 runs from 10 to 18 October at Chinese shrines across the island, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It begins the evening before, on 9 October, with the Go Teng pole-raising ceremony at the shrines.
If you are staying in Karon or elsewhere on the south-west coast this month, this guide covers the key dates, how to take part respectfully, what festival food is, and what October weather usually means on this side of Phuket.
Known locally as Jia Chai, the festival lasts nine days and nine nights. Devotees dress in white and follow a strict meat-free diet, and the shrines hold ceremonies throughout the week. The festival honours the Nine Emperor Gods, who are formally sent off on the final night.
Some of the best-known rituals are the Koi Han bridge-crossing and the Koi Hoi fire walk. In 2018 the festival was listed as intangible cultural heritage.
The street processions are the part most visitors remember. They are loud and intense, with drums and firecrackers. They also include mediums known as Ma Song who walk in a trance, some with their cheeks pierced. It is a religious event first and a spectacle second, which is worth keeping in mind when you watch.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri 9 Oct, evening | Go Teng pole-raising opens the festival at the shrines |
| Sat 10 Oct | First official day of the festival |
| Sun 11 Oct | Ham Si Iw Keng night procession, bringing together more than 40 shrines in Phuket City |
| 11–18 Oct | Street processions (Iw Keng) from different shrines |
| Sun 18 Oct | Farewell rituals: the Jade Emperor is traditionally sent back to heaven at around 22.30, followed by the farewell to the Nine Emperor Gods |
Each shrine sets its own procession route and start time. Check the schedule of the shrine you plan to visit the day before you go.
During the festival, devotees eat “jay” food. That means no meat, poultry, seafood or dairy, and no pungent vegetables such as garlic and onions. Stalls serving it are easy to spot: they are marked with red-and-yellow flags printed with Chinese characters.
You do not need to follow the diet to enjoy the food. Ordering a few dishes from a flagged stall is the simplest way to take part, and it lets you see the festival in a more relaxed setting than a procession.
Karon is on the west coast, while the night procession on 11 October takes place in Phuket City. A little planning makes the day easier:
The festival falls at the turn of Thailand’s seasons. The southwest monsoon usually covers the country from mid-May to mid-October and brings cloudy, rainy weather, especially on the coasts. The northeast monsoon follows from around mid-October, but the change-over varies from year to year, according to the Thai government’s public relations department.
In practice, plan around the weather rather than against it:
Ever Prime Residences by Anocha is planned on a gentle hillside in Karon, with sea, mountain and city views. Many of its planned facilities work in any weather.
Alongside double lap pools and an ocean-view rooftop pool, the plans include indoor options for wet days:
Completion is expected in December 2028.
For more, see how the three swimming areas fit into the plan in our guide to the pools at Ever Prime Residences. You can also read our Karon, Phuket area guide. If you are thinking about a longer stay this winter, start with our guide to Thailand’s 2026 entry rules for long stays in Phuket.
From 10 to 18 October 2026. The opening pole-raising takes place on the evening of 9 October.
White is customary for anyone joining a ceremony or walking with a procession.
The festival diet excludes meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and pungent vegetables such as garlic and onions.
The Ham Si Iw Keng night procession is on Sunday 11 October 2026 in Phuket City, with more than 40 shrines taking part.
Yes, with some care. Processions are loud, with drums and firecrackers. Bring ear protection, keep a safe distance and choose a spot where you can step back easily.
October sits at the change-over between the southwest and northeast monsoons, so some rain is likely. Plan beach time around the weather and keep a few indoor options ready.
If the festival has you thinking about spending more of the year in Phuket, take a look at Ever Prime Residences by Anocha in Karon. You can also contact the Ever Prime Residences team for the brochure and current layouts.
Festival dates and times are based on announcements from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Government Public Relations Department as of 6 October 2026. Shrines set their own schedules, so check before you go. Images are computer-generated. Facilities, specifications and distances are based on the developer’s brochure and are subject to change without notice. Last updated: October 2026.
