The 2025 Vegetarian Festival will be held in Thailand from October 20 to 29, culminating in the spectacular processions in Phuket.
Between Taoist rituals, impressive masong and abundant vegetarian dishes, this event mixes spirituality, purification and Chinese traditions deeply rooted in Thai culture.
In Phuket, it is one of the most unique and lively events in Thailand.
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Vegetarian Festival Date 2025
The 2025 Vegetarian Festival will take place from October 20 to 29, with local variations: some cities, such as Phuket, will begin on October 21 (see detailed schedule below).
Description
The Vegetarian Festival is a special time of year, when Thais are encouraged to stop eating meat and sometimes very impressive ceremonies, like those in Phuket, are held in and around Chinese temples.
During this period, delicious and very inexpensive (sometimes free) vegetarian (and vegan) dishes
The festival is popular throughout Thailand , and particularly in areas with large populations of Chinese immigrants, such as Bangkok , Chiang Mai , and Phuket .
Self-mutilation: the Masongs
During these ceremonies, especially in Phuket, followers practice different forms of self-mutilation, walking on hot coals and piercing their bodies with various accessories.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
Masong ม้าทรง are the people who invite the spirits of the gods to possess their bodies.
Ma (ม้า) is the word for horse in Thai, and the name masong refers to how the spirits of the gods use the bodies of these people as a vehicle, much like riding a horse.
Only pure, unmarried men or women without family can become Masons.
At the temple, they undergo a series of rituals to protect them throughout the festival, including flagellation and self-mutilation.
The tradition of masong does not exist in China during this festival and is believed to have been adopted from the Indian festival of Thaipusam.
However, spirit possession in China is also linked to the term horse.
Participants claim it doesn't hurt, but others scream as their mutilation takes place, which is planned months in advance and monitored by doctors.
The practice of vegetarianism during the festival
Many Thai people follow this vegetarian festival , even if they do not eat Thai vegetarian food during the rest of the year.
Some Thais also practice vegetarianism every Buddha Day (full moon).
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
Origin of the Vegetarian Festival
Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which is practiced by Chinese communities in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
This festival is said to have become known in Thailand in Phuket by a traveling Chinese opera troupe whose actors fell ill with malaria while performing on the island.
They then decided to follow a strict vegetarian diet and pray to the nine emperor gods to ensure the purification of mind and body.
To everyone's amazement, the opera troupe made a full recovery.
As a result, the vegetarian festival became a popular event practiced throughout almost all of Thailand.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
Follow the yellow and red flag
Yellow and red flag indicating vegan food.
During the festival, all restaurants and food stalls that offer vegan dishes display a yellow and red flag with some kind of 17 written on it.
The 17 is actually the word Djé : เจ which indicates a vegan or vegan diet.
Veganism refers to an exclusively plant-based diet.
This diet, unlike the vegetarian diet, prohibits all consumption of milk and eggs as well as that of any other food of animal origin.
See: Vegetarianism in Thailand
Rules for participating in the vegetarian festival
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
You can simply observe the ceremonies, or take the opportunity to give up meat for a few days by enjoying the many delicious vegetarian dishes on offer.
But if you want to fully participate in this festival, here are the 10 rules to follow:
1. Avoid eating any kind of meat or harming animals.
2. Abstain from all dairy products, butter or oil of animal origin.
3. Abstain from strong and flavored food, very spicy food, very salty food, very sweet food, very sour food.
4. Abstain from five strong-smelling vegetables, which are garlic, elephant garlic, onions, chives, tobacco leaves, and strong spices.
5. Practice the following five precepts:
- Refrain from killing.
- Refrain from stealing.
- Refrain from sexual misconduct.
- Refrain from false speech.
- Abstain from intoxicants that cause recklessness.
6. Purify your mind.
7. Do merits (good deeds), wear white clothes.
8. Use different kitchen utensils than others, which are only used for the festival.
9. Avoid drinking alcohol.
10. Menstruating women should not attend the rituals.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Joseph Ferris III
Dates and Locations of Vegetarian Festivals 2025 in Thailand
Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok's Chinatown
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Locations: Odeon Circle at Chaloem Buri Intersection, Yaowarat Street in Bangkok.
Muang Thong Thani Vegetarian Festival
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Location: Outlet Square, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi.
Samut Sakhon Vegetarian Festival
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Location: Samut Sakhon Charitable Foundation (Head Office), Samut Sakhon City.
Nakhon Pathom Vegetarian Festival
From October 20 to 30, 2025.
Location: Thammapanyarambangmuang temple (Wat), Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom.
Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival "Go Green Vegetarian"
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Location: Supasarnrangsan public park, Hat Yai, Songkhla.
Trang Vegetarian Festival
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Location: Kew Ong Ear Sanctuary, Trang City.
Su-ngai Kolok Vegetarian Festival
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Location: Seng Mu Than Nam Chai Foundation, Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat.
Ranong Vegetarian Festival
From October 20 to 29, 2025.
Location: Ranong Charity Foundation, Ranong City.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
From October 21 to 29, 2025.
Locations: Various shrines across Phuket province (see map below).
Narathiwat Vegetarian Festival
From October 21 to 29, 2025.
Location: Kow Leng Jee Shrine, Phiphit Khiri Road, Narathiwat Town.
Phang Nga Vegetarian Festival
From October 21 to 29, 2025.
Locations: Various shrines across the province, Phang Nga.
Map of Chinese temples in Phuket
Map showing the location of the main Chinese temples on the island of Phuket.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival Video
Caution, sensitive souls should refrain!
See also:
Best Destinations to Visit in Thailand in October 2025
Festivals, festivals and public holidays in Thailand, important dates in 2025
Festivals and celebrations in Thailand: the calendar
Source: TAT News , learnthaiwithmod.com ; Wikipedia : Phuket Vegetarian Festival Photos: Joseph Ferris III
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