1 Jan
Chinese New Year: 23rd January 2012
Old Phuket Festival: 29th January – 30th January 2012
Wat Chalong Fair: 23rd January – 29th January 2012
International Blues Festival: 24th February – 25th February 2012
Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn: March 2012
Phuket Bike Week: 6th – 8th April 2012
Songkran Festival – 13th April: 15th April 2012
Phuket Vegetarian Festival – September 2012
Loi Krathong Festival: 28th November 2012
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The History of The Vegetarian Festival
The Vegetarian Festival dates back around 150 years. At the time the Kathu area of Phuket, had a large Chinese community made up of tin mine workers and their families. The community was so large that Chinese opera singers were hired to come to Phuket to entertain them.
During the 9th Lunar month of the Chinese calendar, a malaria epidemic broke out in Phuket. The disease proved to be fatal and many people lost their lives. The Chinese Opera singers were also falling victim to the spreading illness.
The Chinese community believed that the performers had forgotten to pay homage to the “Nine Emperor Gods” (Kiu Ong Iah) during the first 9 days of the month. They believed that as a result of this oversight the epidemic had raged through Phuket.
To reverse this bad fortune, one of the performers was dispatched back to China. Their task was to invite Kiu Ong Iah to come and visit Phuket.
During the 9th Lunar month of the following year, the Chinese community followed a very strict Chinese tradition. They were forbidden from eating meat, drinking alcohol, sex, arguing, lying and killing. Thankfully, the malaria epidemic ceased.
The strict Chinese tradition was to become the blueprint for the, “Vegetarian Festival”. Every year since, the people of Phuket have continued to celebrate the festival during the late September – early October period.
The Modern Day Vegetarian Festival
The modern day, “Vegetarian Festival” takes place over 9 days in late September and into early October. It is believed that the festival brings good luck, good health and peace of mind.
Participants observe 9 commitments for the full 9 day period of the festival.
The Ceremonies
There are a number of exciting and colourful ceremonies, which take place throughout the 9 days. The ceremonies are performed to summon the Gods and bring them into existence.
Throughout the ceremonies, the participants will act as mediums for the Gods. The ceremonies take place across Phuket in the 6 different Chinese Temples.
They will perform tasks such as firewalking and piercing their bodies with various sharp objects. The latter has become more and more spectacular and gruesome as the years have progressed. Participants pierce their faces with knives, skewers and other sharp household items.
It is believed that the Gods will protect the participants from any harm and as a consequence there will be little blood and little scarring of their bodies.
The Raising of The Lantern Pole Ceremony
The first event of the, “Vegetarian Festivals”, is the “Raising of the Lantern Pole”. This signifies the tradition of notifying the 9 Gods that the festival has begun. The Lantern pole is at least 10 metres tall.
Once the pole is erected, it is believed that the Hindu God, Shiva, descends bringing spiritual powers to the festival.
The Vegetarian Festival Traditions
Over the next few days, the local community bring their household Gods to the Temple. It is believed that the household Gods will benefit from an injection of spiritual energy that can only be found in the Temple. People will also bring food and drink to offer to the Gods.
Visitors are welcome to attend this ceremony and to observe the lighting of joss ticks and candles that are places around the Gods.
Street Processions
There are then street processions, whereby the festival participants appear to be walking in a trance.
Events
There are many exciting events to watch – such as hundreds of local residents running across a bed of burning coals.<br class=”break” />
Participants can be seen climbing an 8 meter high ladder which are fitted with sharp blades. They ascend the ladder in a trance like state unable to feel the pain of the blades.
Cuisine
Visitors to the festival can enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes which are readily available on street stalls and markets. The outlets selling vegetarian cuisine will have yellow flags with Thai or Chinese lettering on them.
Visit The Vegetarian Festival With Phuket Tour Guides
If you are in Phuket in early October you may like to visit the, “Phuket Vegetarian Festival”. You will be amazed by the ceremonies taking place across Phuket. Many guests enjoy taking photographs of the events.
Phuket Tour Guides, can assign you to your own local guide. They will be with you throughout the events – explaining what is going on and the history behind the customs.
If you are interested in learning about Thai culture, this event will be perfect for you. You will not see anything so spectacular anywhere else.
Contact Phuket Tour Guides
mail@phukettourguides.com
Online Contact Form
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Are you planning your Phuket holiday but would like to plan some custom tours? If you have never visited Phuket before or have limited knowledge away from the usual tourist trails – we can help you.
All of our guides are local and live in Phuket all year round. Why not allow us to use our local knowledge to plan your custom tours?
Not only will this save you time researching online it will also open up a world of tours and activities only known to locals. Who better to ask for advice than someone who lives and works in Phuket?
Phuket Tour Guides, can cater for all group sizes, ages and requirements. Simply contact us and let us know how we can help you. We will be very happy to work with you to plan your dream holiday in Phuket.
Contact Phuket Tour Guides
Email: mail@phukettourguides.com
Complete our quick online contact form: Online Contact Form
Complete our more detailed tour planner form: Tour Planner Form
16 Jan
If you are currently in Phuket or are planning a holiday and are looking for a local tour guide contact Phuket Tour Guides today.
We have experienced private tour guides available everyday. Our tour guides work both weekdays and weekends. If you require a Phuket tour during the daytime or night time we can arrange this for you.
If you already have a plan of where you would like to visit in Phuket, we can follow your exact schedule. We will never make you visit anywhere you do not want to. We tailor all of our private tours around our guests exact requirements.
If you are unsure of what you would like to do, simply contact us. We will be able to make recommendations based on your interests and needs.
We can also provide private transport in Phuket. If you require a private driver we can provide this service for you. For more information on our private tour guide and private driver services, please contact us.
Contact Phuket Tour Guides:
7 Dec
Will you be visiting Phuket for the first time in the near future? Phuket Tour Guides, can make your first time in Phuket stress-free and memorable. Our Phuket tour guides can lead you on a special orientation tour.
You will be personally assigned a private tour guide for your day. Your Phuket tour guide, will be fluent in both English and Thai. All guides are Thai Nationals – who are local residents.
The aim of the Phuket Orientation Tour, is to familiarize yourself with your holiday island. Your tour guide, will introduce you to your new surroundings – at your own pace. You will also be taking in Phuket’s famous landmarks.
What Will I Learn On My Phuket Orientation Tour?
You will receive practical advice and information on where to eat, where to shop, local facilities, local orientation, what to do in the event of an emergency.
Fully Customized Phuket Tour
Phuket Tour Guides, will be very happy to customize your tour to fit your needs and your schedule. This introduction to Phuket tour, is perfect for people of all ages and nationalities. We can cater for individuals, couples, families and large groups.
We are able to provide a full orientation service, whereby we will meet you at Phuket Airport. We can then transfer you – in private transport – to your hotel and help you to get booked in.
Phuket Local Orientation Tour
Phuket Tour Guides, can help you to get familiarized with the area you will be staying in. For this tour, your private guide, will show you around the lcoal area to help you get your bearings. We aim to settle you into your new surroundings.
Phuket Tour Guides Contact Information
27 Nov
If you are going to be visiting Phuket in the future, you no doubt want to make the most of your time in Thailand. Phuket Tour Guides can take the stress out of planning your days and tours.
We understand that you have busy lives in your home country and you may not have the time to research and plan your days in Phuket. If you have never visited Phuket before, you will have the added stress of being unfamiliar with the area, the culture, the Thai customs and the experiences available.
Phuket Tour Guides, can assist you with planning your schedules and ensuring you have an amazing holiday. By using our Phuket experts you do not have to worry about anything.
If you are only staying in Phuket for a short time, we can ensure that you will pack in as much as possible.
Why Should I Hire A Phuket Tour Guide?
Your Phuket Tour Guide, is a resident of Phuket who better to guide you than someone who lives in Phuket.
Your tour guide is a Thai National, who knows Thai culture and customs. They will ensure that you do not unintentionally offend anyone as you are unfamiliar with Thai customs.
You will have a unique chance to view Phuket through the eyes of a local resident. This is a great opportunity to experience the real Phuket not just the tourist side of Phuket.
Your tour guide can manage your time perfectly. They will know which tours + travelling time you can fit into your time per day. This means you do not run out of time or miss anything you really wanted to see or do.
If you want to go off-the-beaten-track we can make it very easy for you. Your tour guide will have access to local places and communities that the average tourist would not. Your guide can also talk Thai and interpret for you throughout your day.
Have the chance to really learn about Phuket and have a completely different experience from the average holiday-maker.
Even if you have visited Phuket before, this service is invaluable. There are always places you have never visited or have never had access to in your previous visits. If you have done all of the tourists attractions before, take the time to explore and learn much more about the real Phuket.
If you have an idea about a Phuket tour – but have not seen it advertised anywhere – we will work with you to make it happen. Phuket Tour Guides, offer custom made tours to meet your needs and requirements.
What Is Included In Our Tours:
Transfers to and from your hotel (at the beginning and end of the tour)
Private Air-conditioned transport for the duration of your tour
Private Tour Guide (fluent in English & Thai)
An escorted private tour of Phuket
Phuket Tour Guides, treats our clients as our guests not just tourists.
Phuket Tour Guides Contact Information:
26 Nov
Phuket Tour Guides, is dedicated to offering our guests a unique experience. We want you to experience an authentic Phuket tour.
Our professional tour guides are all Thai Nationals who live in Phuket and have done so for many years. Who better to guide you than someone who knows Phuket inside out?
Our tour guides have access to local Phuket culture – which is not usually accessible to tourists. If you would like a private Phuket tour, taking in the real Phuket we can help you. Our guides know the secret locations and attractions that you will not find in tourists books.
Eat in excellent local restaurants which are popular with local Thai residents. Shop in the best local markets which are unknown to tourists. Visit beaches which are only visited by the local residents.
Take time to experience Thai culture first hand. Our Phuket tour guides can introduce you to the local Phuket culture. Do not miss out on the unique chance to experience Phuket through the eyes of Thai locals.
Visit Phuket’s best kept secrets and make your holiday truly memorable. For more information on our private Phuket tours, please contact us. We will be very happy to work with you to plan your perfect day.
Phuket Tour Guides Contact Details:
