Phuket-
Phuket is set to celebrate one of its most spiritually rich traditions—the Por Tor Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival—between September 4th and 21st, 2025. Rooted in Hokkien Chinese heritage, this annual event pays homage to ancestors and wandering spirits through elaborate rituals, colorful parades, and the symbolic offering of red turtle-shaped cakes.
The red turtle cake, a hallmark of the festival, represents longevity, prosperity, and spiritual merit. Families and communities across Phuket will present these offerings at local shrines and public spaces, inviting blessings and good fortune while expressing reverence for those who have passed.
This year’s festivities will unfold across multiple venues in Phuket Town, with each location hosting its own unique blend of ceremony and celebration:
- Thursday, September 4 at 5:00 PM
Thai Hua Museum, Krabi Road
Opening ceremony featuring traditional performances and cultural exhibitions. - Saturday, September 6 at 5:00 PM
Hok Nguan Kong Shrine, Surin Circle, Phuket Road
Community gathering and ritual offerings. - Sunday, September 7 at 5:00 PM
Cho Ong Shrine, Krabi Road
Evening prayers and red turtle cake presentations. - Monday, September 8 at 12:30 PM
Phuket Fresh Market 1, Ranong Road
A bustling merit-making event with food stalls and cultural displays.
Parade begins at 11:30 AM from Dragon Square, Thalang Road.
Festival continues through September 9. - Wednesday, September 10 at 5:00 PM
Por Tor Kong Shrine, Bang Neow, Takua Thung Road
A major spiritual hub of the festival.
Parade starts at 4:30 PM from Dragon Square, Thalang Road.
Celebrations run until September 21. - Thursday, September 11 at 5:00 PM
Thai Hua Museum, Krabi Road
Cultural showcase and community rituals. - Friday, September 12 at 1:00 PM
Ao Ke Community, Takua Pa Road
Local traditions and family offerings.
Throughout the festival, expect to see lion dances, traditional music, and community-led processions. Children dressed in red cheongsams will carry flowers and turtle cakes to shrines, embodying the spirit of filial piety and cultural pride.
The Por Tor Festival is a living testament to Phuket’s multicultural identity and its enduring respect for ancestral ties. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a rare opportunity to witness a heartfelt tradition that bridges generations and brings the community together in shared reverence.
