Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 Expected to Generate Over 1.4 Billion Baht

Phuket is preparing for the 2026 Vegetarian Festival, which will take place from October 9 to 18 and is expected to attract more than 140,000 visitors and generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity across the province.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksmeesangchan said the annual celebration, locally known as Jia Chai, remains an important cultural tradition reflecting the religious beliefs and heritage of Phuket’s Thai-Chinese community and other participants.

The festival will officially begin with the Go Teng pole-raising ceremony at 5:09pm on October 9. This will be followed by nine days of vegetarian observance from October 10 to 18 at more than 40 Chinese shrines across Phuket.

Traditional shrine processions will take place throughout the city from October 11 to 18, including a special nighttime procession scheduled for October 11.

More than 140,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival, with domestic tourists making up the majority.

International visitors are also expected, particularly from China, Singapore and Malaysia.

Hotel demand has already increased in the main festival area. Bookings in Mueang Phuket district are around 10% higher than at the same time last year, while average hotel occupancy is projected to reach 80%.

At the same time, hotel bookings in Kathu and Thalang districts have remained broadly stable.

The government expects the festival to generate at least 1.4 billion baht in economic activity across Phuket.

The spending is expected to benefit tourism-related businesses while also supporting the preservation and promotion of the province’s distinctive cultural traditions.