Jui Tui Shrine

Overview

Jui Tui Shrine is Phuket's most important Chinese Taoist temple, located on Ranong Road in Old Town. It is the focal point of the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, one of Thailand's most spectacular (and extreme) religious celebrations.

Highlights

• Ornate Interior: Red and gold lacquerwork, intricate dragon carvings, and burning incense coils hanging from the ceiling.
• Vegetarian Festival: Every October (9th lunar month), spirit mediums called mah song perform extreme rituals, including walking on hot coals and facial piercings, in processions that start and end at the shrine.
• Street Atmosphere: The surrounding streets are filled with yellow-flagged food stalls selling jay (vegan) dishes during the festival.

History

The original shrine was established in the 19th century by Hokkien Chinese immigrants. The current building was rebuilt after a fire in 1910 and renovated most recently in the 2000s.

Visitor Tips

• Respectful dress: Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering.
• Festival dates: The Vegetarian Festival typically falls in late September or October — dates vary by lunar calendar.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.