Discover one of Phuket’s most fascinating cultural traditions during your stay at ibis Styles Phuket Bangtao
Every year, as the seventh lunar month arrives, Phuket’s Thai-Chinese community comes together for one of the island’s most atmospheric and meaningful celebrations: the Por Tor Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival. If you’re planning a trip to Phuket this August or September, timing your stay with this centuries-old tradition offers a rare glimpse into the island’s living heritage — far beyond the beaches.
When Is Por Tor Festival 2026?
This year, Por Tor Festival runs from 19 August to 6 September 2026, with the main ceremony day falling on 27 August.
Because the festival follows the Chinese lunar calendar, the exact dates shift slightly each year — but the spirit of the celebration never changes.
(Note: as festival scheduling is sometimes finalized closer to the date by local authorities, we recommend confirming exact shrine timings with the Phuket City Municipality or our front desk team as the festival approaches.)
What Is the Por Tor Festival?
Por Tor, or the Hungry Ghost Festival, is an important merit-making event for Phuket’s ethnic Chinese, particularly the island’s Hokkien community. According to tradition, the seventh lunar month is when the gates of the afterlife open, allowing the spirits of ancestors — and wandering souls with no living relatives to honor them — to return to the world of the living.
Families mark the occasion with offerings of food, flowers, incense, and candles at home altars and Chinese shrines across the island, honoring their ancestors while also making offerings to “feed” the hungry ghosts believed to be roaming freely during this time. It’s a festival rooted in filial piety, respect, and community — values that run deep in Phuket’s Thai-Chinese heritage.
One of the most charming symbols of the festival is the ang ku kueh, a soft rice-flour cake shaped like a turtle and dyed a vivid red. The turtle represents longevity, and the red color symbolizes good fortune — you’ll find these cakes offered at shrines and sold at stalls throughout the festival period.
Where to Experience It
The heart of the celebration is in Phuket Town, roughly a scenic drive from ibis Styles Phuket Bangtao. Two spots stand out:
- Seng Tek Bel Shrine (also known as Por Tor Kong Shrine), near Bang Niew, is considered the epicenter of the festival. Rites here run for seven days and seven nights, far longer than at most other shrines.
- Ranong Road and the surrounding fresh market come alive with traditional performances, opera, and lion or dragon dance displays, along with food stalls selling festival treats.
Admission to shrine visits is free — visitors are welcome to observe respectfully, though it’s worth bringing small cash for food stalls and souvenirs along the way.
Tips for Visitors
- Dress modestly and be respectful — this is a sacred occasion for many local families, not a tourist show.
- Go early or in the evening to avoid the midday heat and the busiest crowds, especially around the peak day on 27 August.
- Parking in Phuket Town gets tight during festival days — walking from the Old Town area or taking a short taxi or motorbike ride in is often easiest.
- Bring your camera — the shrines are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere (incense smoke, red lanterns, offerings) makes for striking photography.
Stay With Us During Por Tor Festival
Phuket comes alive with culture during the seventh lunar month, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a comfortable, convenient base at ibis Styles Phuket Bangtao.
Our team is always happy to help guests plan a visit to Phuket Town for the festival, arrange transport, or share more about local customs during your stay.
Book your stay this August and September, and experience a side of Phuket that goes far beyond its beaches.
