Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is one of the island’s most spectacular events, drawing visitors from all over the world with its vibrant processions and celebrations. While on the island, explore fun activities, savor delicious local cuisine recommended by The MICHELIN Guide, and stay comfortably at MICHELIN Key hotels.
Here are six things to add to your tropical paradise bucket list.
Get to Know Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival
The Vegetarian Festival — also known as Jia Chai or the Gin Jay Festival — is a centuries-old tradition passed down from Chinese immigrants. Originally a Taoist celebration honoring the Nine Emperor Gods, the festival encourages participants to refrain from sinful acts as a form of spiritual cleansing. During the week-and-a-half celebration, alcohol and animal products are strictly avoided.It’s a fascinating time to immerse yourself in vibrant cultural rituals and indulge in both traditional and modern vegetarian dishes. Today, Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival has grown into a major celebration that attracts visitors from every corner of the world. Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss.
1. Pray, Parade, and Snack Your Way Through Phuket’s Most Thrilling Festival
Start with a dose of culture: pray to Chinese gods at temples and shrines across the island, then sample vegetarian delights from vibrant street stalls. Next, witness the festival’s most spectacular highlight — the street processions of holy statues, where spirit mediums perform adrenaline-pumping rituals. Cheeks are pierced with skewers or sharp objects without anesthesia, and mediums walk barefoot across sizzling coals during the fire-walking ceremony.Another dramatic ritual is the ceremonial bridge-crossing, believed to repel evil spirits. These powerful displays have made Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival famous around the world. But there’s more — each neighborhood shrine holds a Sao Go Teng raising ceremony daily throughout the festival. (Sao Go Teng is a bamboo pole with nine lamps, symbolizing the nine gods.)
Expect lively cultural performances, from Chinese opera to dragon dances. And while you’re at it, lend a hand by donating food to help vulnerable communities. Don’t miss Talang Road and Phuket Old Town for a taste of history amid all the festivities.
2. Get Lost in Phuket Old Town and Find Flavor at Bib Gourmand Restaurants
One of the must-do activities in Phuket is a leisurely stroll through Old Town, which stretches across Thalang, Dibuk, Phang Nga, Yaowarat and Krabi roads, as well as Soi Romanee. Once a bustling trading hub, the area now charms visitors with its colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses and lively atmosphere.Browse chic handicrafts for yourself or loved ones, snap photos against pastel-hued façades, and hop between stylish cafés. Most importantly, don’t miss the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants — including One Chun (Bib Gourmand), Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk (Bib Gourmand), O Cha Rot (Recommended), Chom Chan (Recommended), and Go Benz (Bib Gourmand).
You can explore the full list of Phuket restaurants here, many of which offer special vegetarian menus during the festival.
3. Sun, Sea, and Sips Await at MICHELIN Key Hotels
Phuket has countless breathtaking beaches to choose from, each with its own charm. If you’re after white sand, clear water and endless fun, head to Patong Beach, where water sports of every kind await. For peace and quiet, Karon Beach or Kata Beach is the place to be. Feeling adventurous? Explore the hidden gem of Freedom Beach. Traveling with family? Surin Beach and Kamala Beach have something for everyone.When the sun sets, unwind at the beachside bars of MICHELIN Key hotels. You don’t have to be a guest to sip refreshing cocktails and enjoy the private beaches. Here’s a list of MICHELIN Key hotels across Phuket.
4. Chase Views That Take Your Breath Away
Sure, Phuket is famous for its beaches — but there’s more to the island than sea and sand. Trade your flip-flops for hiking shoes and chase waterfalls at Bang Pae, or wander through the mangrove and beach forests of Sirinat National Park. For jaw-dropping views, trek up to Khao Ngon Nak and take in the sweeping panorama of the Andaman Sea. Feeling lazy? Promthep Cape Viewpoint serves up one of the world’s most stunning sunsets — no hiking required.
5. Savor a Local Soul — the MICHELIN Way
UNESCO recognizes Phuket as a Creative City of Gastronomy. The island isn’t just a destination for local and Peranakan cuisine — it also boasts fine-dining establishments that capture its soul. At Samut, a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant in The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025, the menu reflects Phuket’s diverse cultures while reinterpreting its beloved dim sum traditions. Each dish is crafted from the island’s local abundance.Phuket’s dining scene is as creative as it gets. At The Smokaccia Laboratory (Recommended), local ingredients take center stage in playful, inventive dishes. Over at the MICHELIN-recommended Jampa, local ingredients meet style with contemporary European menus made entirely from the restaurant’s own farm and nearby producers. Then there’s PRU (One MICHELIN Star), where the island’s best local produce shines in every beautifully crafted bite.
And if that’s not enough, check out our full list of MICHELIN-recommended spots across Phuket — many of them roll out vegetarian or special menus just for the Vegetarian Festival.
6. Rest Easy at MICHELIN Key Hotels
The world-renowned Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place from October 21–29, 2025. Don’t forget to book your flights and hotel early — you won’t want to miss all the fun. Check out the full list of MICHELIN Key hotels in Phuket here.Now that you know where to go and what to do, it’s time to experience Phuket’s spectacular Vegetarian Festival in person. Dive into the island’s rich culture and cuisine while staying comfortably at hotels handpicked by The MICHELIN Guide. For travel updates, call the TAT Contact Center at 1672 or follow the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Facebook page, 1672 Travel Buddy.
CONTINUE READING: Where to Stay in Phuket for Sun, Sand and MICHELIN-Key Luxury
Illustration image: © Shutterstock
Illustration image: © Shutterstock
This post is brought to you in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
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