Spirits and Celebrations: Phuket’s Hungry Ghost Festival Comes to Life

Hungry Ghost Festival

Por Tor Festival: A Time to Honour the Departed

From 19 August to 6 September 2025, Phuket will be filled with colour, sound, and devotion as the island’s Hokkien Chinese community observes one of its most meaningful annual traditions—the Por Tor Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival. Deeply rooted in Chinese beliefs and blended with local Thai culture, this month-long celebration is a spiritual time to pay tribute to ancestors and wandering spirits through merit-making ceremonies and festive gatherings.

The streets, shrines, and markets of Phuket’s Old Town become vibrant with activity as locals come together to remember the past, share blessings, and strengthen community bonds.

Offerings, Rituals, and Red Turtles

At the heart of the Por Tor Festival are the rituals and offerings made to spirits believed to be released from the underworld during the seventh lunar month. Families present food, flowers, incense, and symbolic paper items at Chinese shrines and household altars. One of the most iconic offerings is the red turtle cake, known as “ang ku,” which symbolises longevity, good fortune, and protection.

Throughout the festival, ceremonies are held at key locations such as the Por Tor Kong Shrine and various Chinese temples across Phuket Town. Devotees offer prayers and light candles, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere that blends respect, reflection, and tradition.

A Cultural Showcase Beyond the Rituals

Beyond the religious observances, the Por Tor Festival also offers a vibrant cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese opera performances, dragon and lion dances, music, and parades that fill the streets with life and colour. Local markets and community halls host food fairs and exhibitions, giving a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Thai-Chinese population in Phuket.

This unique event allows travellers to witness a side of Phuket that goes far beyond its beaches—a cultural celebration that reveals the island’s layered identity and the deep-rooted values of its people.

An Invitation to Connect with the Spirit of Phuket

Hungry Ghost Festival

For those seeking a more meaningful travel experience, the Hungry Ghost Festival offers a rare opportunity to observe authentic traditions and connect with local culture. Whether you are lighting incense at a shrine or simply observing the rituals with reverence, the Por Tor Festival invites everyone to reflect on family, heritage, and the unseen threads that connect past and present.

Phuket, often known for its natural beauty and island life, shows its spiritual soul during this time—making late August to early September a uniquely rewarding period to visit.

To learn more about the Por Tor Festival and plan your cultural journey to Phuket, visit:
Tourism Authority of Thailand – Phuket Office: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Destinations/Provinces/Phuket/350

For more information about Mekong tourism and regional updates, visit:
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
Website: www.mekongtourism.org
Email: info@mekongtourism-mtco.org

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