Jui Tui Shrine

Why go

To see the Chinese side of Phuket's faith, and the place where the island's best-known festival starts. Outside the festival, it is a free stop at the end of an Old Town walk.

Not for you during the festival processions if you dislike noise and crowds: the firecrackers are deafening.

What you will find

The shrine is dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods. The Vegetarian Festival opens here with the raising of the Go Teng pole on its eve. It stands near the Ranong Road market, next to the Put Jaw Shrine, which is dedicated to Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy.

Put Jaw is described by one guide as the oldest Chinese shrine in Phuket Town. Restoration work began there in 2024, with completion announced for 2026; we could not confirm that it is finished.

The story

The Vegetarian Festival (the Nine Emperor Gods Festival) is held over the first nine days of the ninth Chinese lunar month. In 2026 it ran from 10 to 18 October, with processions from 11 to 18 October, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The dates for 2027 had not been announced when we checked.

Getting there

In Phuket Town, on Ranong Road, at the end of an Old Town walk back along Phang Nga Road. By road from the west-coast beaches.

Before you go

Entry is free. Dress as you would for any place of worship.

During the festival, two guides advise wearing white and bringing earplugs. Step back when firecrackers are lit, do not stand in front of the palanquins to take photographs, and do not touch the mediums or the ritual objects.