Upon my arrival in Bangkok, my initial stop in Asia, I learned about an upcoming festival in Phuket, known for its renowned vegetarian celebration. Although unfamiliar with the Nine Gods Festival in Phuket, I was intrigued by the enthusiasm surrounding this lettuce event.

Until I looked on Google and witnessed people being robbed in various ways, I was unaware of the prevalence of such incidents. Shortly after, I found myself in Phuket for the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, a Chinese religious celebration that has gained popularity in other Asian nations with significant Taoist populations.

Be ready to read, comprehend, and view the photos because an image is more valuable than a thousand words.

In this article, you will find:

• How is the Nine Gods Festival celebrated in Phuket?
• Tours and admission passes available in Phuket
• Accommodation options in Phuket
• More advice from Thailand can be found.

How does the Nine Gods Festival operate in Phuket?

During the nine-day festival, participants typically wear white clothing, consume only vegetarian food, abstain from alcohol and sexual activity, and engage in rituals to honor their ancestral deities. Some devotees may enter a trance and undergo body piercings with various objects.

What do the Masongs refer to?

During the procession, the Masongs bless the locals and the people as families in homes or establishments make offerings.

The Masongs do not always pierce or harm in any manner.

Masong often gives fruit as gifts to people around him.

Locals value those who approach things differently. Even during the parades, the events at the different city temples continue without interruption. We were warmly received at all the temples and even offered meals when we desired them.

Drinks are also provided on tables placed along the path.

Are children allowed to take part in the Nine Gods Festival in Phuket?

Children are also involved in the parades, but their role is usually limited to carrying flags, often adorned with symbols related to temples.

You don’t have to be old to experience a few wrinkles on your face.

Age is not a significant factor, regardless of the marks of devotion you choose to display on your face.

Doctors, nurses, and volunteers are there to help with whatever is needed. It can be quite challenging to drink water when you have 32 cotton balls in your mouth.

During the parades, devotees follow the Masongs while carrying chairs bearing images of the deities. Despite the fireworks raining down, the devotees do not flee during the entire procession.

Rodrigo Belasquem’s photographs.

If the intense heat and explosions weren’t already overwhelming, there is also a thick smoke that adds to the suffocating atmosphere. However, they remain focused and energetic.

Rodrigo Belasquem’s photographs.

The conclusion is a more peaceful section where dragons are controlled by individuals in costumes and children are given or exchange money for luck.

The streets are red due to the numerous fires that erupt throughout the city, and the day parade concludes with a cleanup.

The parades always conclude at the temple where the Masongs set free the spirits once more. This traditional event may appear odd to outsiders, but it is a widely inclusive celebration in Thailand, offering a wonderful activity for everyone.

Rodrigo Belasquem’s photographs.

All the individuals we encountered were extremely friendly and welcoming, without any exceptions. There was even a desire to join in the festivities, but enthusiasm can fade over time.

Tours and Admission Passes in Phuket

Have you arranged your travel plans in Phuket? Leave the house well-prepared to avoid waiting in ticket lines and enjoy the option to pay in installments up to 12 times without additional fees. Explore tour prices or browse through our curated list of top choices.

• Jungle Elephant Sanctuary Excursion
• James Bond Island Tour with Monkey Cave Visit
• Travel around the Phi Phi Islands by boat
• Phuket private tour

Explore additional fantastic tours for a complete Phuket getaway.

Accommodation options in Phuket

It’s time to discover the accommodation options available in Phuket for your stay during the Nine Gods Festival.

• Island Escape by Burasari offers SHA Extra Plus for daily rates starting at US$ 87, with a rating of 8.7.
• The Arbern Hotel x Bistro offers SHA Extra Plus certification and is available daily starting at $110. Note 9.
• Hotel Tide Phuket Beachfront is available daily starting at $50 and has a rating of 8.6.
• Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town offers daily rates starting at $90, with a rating of 8.9.

Find additional hotel directions in Phuket to include in your travel plans.

Explore additional recommendations from Thailand.

The tips continue! Below is a list of detailed posts to assist you in organizing your trip.

• Thailand
• Yes, Phuket
• Activities in Thailand
• Thailand Elephant Excursion
• Bangkok’s W Hotel
• Metropolitan Bangkok by COMO
• Pimalai Resort Spa
• Activities to experience in Singapore
• Singapore’s landmarks
• Mandarin Oriental Singapore
• Activities to experience in the Philippines
• Top beaches in the Philippines
• Myanmar
• Hotels in Tokyo
• Safe Travel Exchange