Nine Emperor Gods Festival
A nine-day celebration of purity, good health, and compassion, unique to Phuket’s Chinese-Thai community.
It begins on the first evening of the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar and is rooted in the Taoist worship of the Nine Emperor Gods.
The tradition dates back nearly 200 years, when a Chinese opera troupe in Phuket fell ill during an epidemic, adopted a vegetarian diet, prayed to the gods, and miraculously recovered, inspiring this enduring annual festival.
Did You Know?
- Participants dress in white to symbolise purity.
- Look for the yellow “เจ” symbol, it marks festival-approved vegetarian food.
- The festival is famous for its vibrant street processions, fire walking, and millions of firecrackers.
Our “เจ” Corner
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted without meat, seafood, garlic, onions, or any strong-flavoured ingredients, honouring the festival’s traditions of purity and mindfulness.
Explore Around – What to Do During the Festival
These are attractions, rituals, and local spots guests might enjoy during the festival period:
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Visit the Nine Temples:
| Walk a route visiting the nine Chinese shrines/temples in Phuket. Many hold special rituals & offerings. |
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Ceremony Timetable & Rituals:
| Consult the official schedule of ceremonies in each shrine. There are offerings, prayers, and processions. |
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Shrine Visits:
| Each shrine is beautifully decorated, especially during the festival, and open to visitors to observe rituals. |
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Photographic & Cultural Walks:
| The streets of old Phuket Town light up with decorations, banners, and festival energy, great for walking tours and photos |
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Street Food & Vegetarian Stalls:
| Even beyond your restaurant’s “เจ” corner, the streets burst with food stalls selling festival-compliant vegetarian dishes |
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Evening Processions & Parades:
| Watch processions with costumed participants, marching bands, and deity statues carried through the streets |
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Fire-walking & Mediums (Mah Song):
| Some shrines host fire-walking nights or display spirit medium rituals (with piercing, trance, etc.) |
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Fireworks & Firecrackers Finale:
| Big closing nights include huge firecracker displays, lighting up the streets and skies |
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Cultural Exhibitions & Performances:
| There may be cultural shows, traditional music, dance, and storytelling tied to festival themes |
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