Phuket is about to light up with one of Thailand's most extraordinary cultural celebrations! The Phuket Provincial Government is hosting the grand 2026 Vegetarian Festival (Jia Chai) from 9-18 October 2026, honoring centuries-old traditions and the deep faith of Thai-Chinese communities and believers across the island.

Major highlights:
9 October, 17:09 hr: Go Teng Pole Raising Ceremony. This sacred moment officially opens the festival, followed by nine days of vegetarian observance and rituals at more than 40 Chinese shrines (Aams) across the province.
11-18 October: Street processions. Shrine parades fill the streets with color, music, and devotion. New this year are night processions, adding a magical, atmospheric glow to the festivities.

The festival is expected to draw immense enthusiasm, welcoming over 140,000 tourists from Thailand, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Hotel booking rates in Mueang Phuket District are surging to 80%, driving local economic activity and generating an estimated THB1.4 billion (roughly US$38.5 million) in tourism revenue.

Join to make merit, purify the body and mind, and experience the incredible power of faith at this year's Phuket Vegetarian Festival!