Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins Oct. 9, with first major processions on Oct. 11
Phuket has now got the official 2026 Vegetarian Festival guide: the festival opens on the evening of Oct. 9, the first major street processions begin on Oct. 11, and the closing rites fall on Oct. 18. For residents and visitors, that means a week of heavy movement around shrines, Phuket Town and several communities across the island. ([](
When it starts
The opening ceremonies are set for Friday evening, Oct. 9, when participating Chinese shrines raise the Go Teng poles to invite the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods. The festival then runs for nine days. ([](
The first major processions are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11. Jchoor Su Gong Naka Shrine starts at 7:30am, while Guan Yu Shrine in Baan Nabon starts at 7:00am. ([](
Where traffic will be hit
The official guide warns that processions will affect traffic in most parts of the island, especially around Phuket Town and shrine communities. In practical terms, that means planning ahead and avoiding active procession zones when possible. ([](
Across the following days, processions and rituals will move through places including Bang Koo, Sapam, Chalong, Kathu, Cherng Talay and Baan Nabon. The finale on Oct. 18 includes bridge-crossing rites, processions and late-night firecracker farewell ceremonies. ([](
What it means for daily life
For locals, this is a festival week that changes street rhythms as much as it celebrates tradition. Morning commutes, school runs, deliveries and short city trips can take longer than usual. ([](
For visitors, it remains one of Phuket’s most distinctive autumn events, with processions, fire-walking, and the ritual raising and lowering of Go Teng poles. If you will be on the island then, leave extra time and check whether your route crosses an active procession. ([](
