Phuket Vegetarian festival 2013 - last night

Normally on a Phuket blog everyone writes about starting day and processions during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. So why don't say what happen last day and specially last night?.

After nine days on Earth is time for the spirits of the Emperor Gods to go back to heaven. This evening in Kathu people were waiting for the time to gather at Kathu Shrine and get blessed by those possessed. To receive blessing must have observed the  "Jay" tradition for at least last three days. Then wear a white shirt and get to in time to Shire.

Kathu Village - The Shrine entrance

A lot of people queued up soon after sunset, to get a place to pass between two wings of "Ma Song", those that have let the spirits enter their bodies. the Ma Song will stamp everyone one the shoulders, the red stamps will be then well visible. More you get more you will be protected.

Blessing at Kathu Shrine

Ma Song blessing people

After the whole nine days on Vegan diet I have got two stamps on my shirt no so bad and should be enough for the year.

got two stamps

Tonight fire crackers and fireworks will be fired specially well the moon will go down to be sure all spirits will leave.

Kathu Shrine

Tomorrow everyone back to normal food and actually most chats during evening where about food tomorrow. After the Vegan diet that has last nine days people will aim to their favorite dishes.

Thanks for coming to Emperor Gods.

Phuket vegetarian festival is probably the most important tradition for Phuket people and during this time the year you will see how serious all this is taken. Don't think is just for tourist but enjoy the nice and festive atmosphere around and if you are here on holidays you will see something really special.

Reviews - Chris from Australia

Gents,

Just a very brief note to express, once again, our gratitude for the tours and activities that you and Tee arranged for our recent trip to Phuket with the kids.

Both the Kerr’s and our family thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  The kids loved Tee (I think both Karen and Liz did as well), his friendly out going personality typifies what we expect each and every time we contact you for help.  Tee really made our ½ day island tour very special by taking the time to explain to us, amongst all of the activities we did that day, the significance, intricacies and lifestyle of the Monks at Wat Chalong, then topped off the experience by having us make an offering and to getting blessed by a Monk.  The kids are still talking about it.  He put up with a lot that day (and the previous day when we had to reschedule due to the kids getting ill), especially being able to find the Phong Phang Seafood restaurant from my poor description of how to get there!

The over night stay at the P.P. Erawan Palms Resort was the highlight of the trip for us.  The accommodation, ferry trip on the Royal Jet Cruiser, pick up and return to Katathani was brilliant.  Tee spent a lot of time arranging this trip (not sure whether he did this direct or via yourselves) and we will be eternally grateful for his efforts.

Our diving day to Racha Yai didn’t quite go to plan (no one can control the weather) however Riccardo and crew did a fantastic job of getting Karen and the kids comfortable, and getting Peter and myself in the water.  I’ll never want to dive Thailand again unless it’s on MV Sai Mai……what a great vessel.  Seriously, Riccardo really looked after the needs of those who were suffering from sea sickness whilst trying to get a couple of decent dives in.

Lastly our night at FantaSea was a great night.  The kids loved it.  The Mums loved it!  I’m afraid I’ve done it again, forgotten the name of the driver, but he was a delight, a very funny and entertaining man.

We will of course have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to any of our friends or colleagues travelling to Thailand.

Anyway, thanks again, all of you have helped us have a brilliant holiday.

Chris

 Return to Reviews and Comments

Phuket weather 9 and 10 October 2013

Last two days deserve a mention because weather was really good.

On the 9th we saw some more rain but definitely today was a great day with blue sky, no wind and a hot sun. Phuket is getting busy as the good season coming close and a lot of people enjoyed the beaches and sea today.

Patong Beach on 10 October 2013

specially good for those that arrived this week. remember that swimming is still dangerous off  West Coast. This will stay until wind changes direction blowing from North East and bringing dry and fresh air to Phuket. Normally between mid October and first week of November.

Sunset at Patong Beach on 10 October 2013

Phuket Weather 7 and 8 October 2013

Yesterday was better than previous days. During afternoon even a bit of Sun. But overall was a cloudy and rainy day. In Phuket Town show keep going and now the Phuket Vegetarian Festival really kicked in with parades and most important events all around the island.

Jui Tui Junction - Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2013

Yes this despite rain that today started falling down again. Strong wind and big waves left boats with no choices and they stayed ashore. Situation should improve from the 10th with more Sun and less wind.

Jet skies sty on sand - Patong Beach 8 October

Patong beach - 8 October 2013

However is nothing strange for October. Remember to check your pick up time for your Phuket airport transfers for departure flights. The Parades, events and floods create traffic jams and get to airport can be difficult, taking a very long time. We suggest to always plan your pick up at hotel at least three hours before flight departure time for Phuket airport transfers.

Tomorrow will be time for Ta Ruea Shrine near Heroin Monument for their Parade and traffic will be slow and jammed in the morning.

Phuket weather 4 to 6 October 2013 - Phuket vegetarian festival

After three days of really heavy rain this evening seems more quiet so activities for most important event in Phuket can go ahead.


On 4th October the Phuket vegetarian festival as officially started and during the night at the Shrines "lantern Poles" where raised to show the way to Emperor Gods that have descended to Earth. Firecrackers and fireworks lighted the dark sky, despite the rain.

Ban Bang Niaw Shrine - Phuket Town

During next nine days there will be processions and activities all around the island. The tradition says that people should purify their bodies and minds during this time. Food will be vegan, also some flavors such as onions and garlic are forbidden.

Some couple will even sleep in different houses to rejoin only on 14 October. That night will mark the end of Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Until then no alcohol and no smoking for those that adhere to the festival.

Everyone will ask other around "will you eat Je?". "Je" (the e sound like in wet) means follow the Chinese tradition and for nine days eat only vegan food, no alcohol, no smoking. Purify your body and your mind.

Can also decide to just do it for just last even, five or three days of the festival that will see many of Phuket resident busy all day looking for the vegan food offered on the streets and in the restaurants.

Food stalls in Phuket Town 5th October 2013

Around Phuket predominant color will be Yellow and red, many houses from Chinese descendants will be open to people to pray and give offers to Gods. Will be a lot of people wearing white to gain a better state of purification.

Chinese Tradinotial altar in Phuket Town

Side of this also are famous the parades that everyday, starting from the 7th, ill go from the Shrines into Phuket Town. Those elected and been possessed by the many spirits that have come down will perform during the parades with sharp objects passing through their cheeks.

And those in trance will bless and give fortune to the thousand believer and standers.

Nobody will mind if rain or hot, dry or flooded streets will wait for them.

Chinese Gods

The festival doesn't have fix dates need to check the lunar calendar this year it starts with new Moon on 4th October.

For more information and the schedule of Phuket Vegetarian Festival 

Seaview Patong Hotel - Patong holiday packages

Seaview Patong - right on the beach front

The Seaview Patong hotel is  just a few metres from the beach in the quiet southern part of Patong Beach and all the rooms look out over the Andaman Sea.

Though the hotel is in the quiet part of Patong Beach it is still only a few minutes walk from the centre of Patong's nightlife, Soi Bangla.

This location of this hotel is ideal central location for all the tours around Phuket as well as to Phi Phi, Phang Nga, the Similan Islands and Khaosok

• A very family friendly resort right on Patong beach.
• Simply cross the road to get to the beach. 
• The  Swimming pool has a childrens section and there is also a kids club, fitness centre and Spa on site
• Wifi is available throughout the hotel

Swimming Pool

Superior Room

A quiet beach front resort very close to the heart of Patong.

Enjoy your holidays at The Seaview Patong Hotel starting from

3,750 Thai Baht per person
Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfer (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Superior Room with breakfast, tax and insurance

Valid from now till 31 October 2013

Single supplement 3,750 Thai Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team


How to get there - from Phuket airport you take the main highway south towards the centre of the highway, then following the signs for the beaches turn onto the bypass road. At the big Tesco Lotus intersection turn right following the sign "Patong Beach", then keep going straight for about 8 Km and over the hill to reach Patong. At the bottom of the hill turn right and then turn left into the first road past the Mosque (Rathuthit 200 Pi Road).  Continue all the way to the end of this road and then turn right on to Prachanukhro Rd heading towards the beach and then turn left on to Thaweewong road the hotel is about 300 metres along the road on the left side.

Seaview Patong Hotel

2 Taweewong Road, Patong Beach
Phuket 83150 Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

Patong Seaview

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment

Phuket Weather 1st to 3rd October 2013

This should be last month of rain and monsoon. Its is the traditional school holidays in Thailand because heavy rain is expected so better reduce activities and traffic.

That the good news here in Phuket at least it is easy go around, when roads are free from water.

So must say nothing special despite the amount of water falling from sky is sometime impressive. Showers can last for one or two hours with very heavy rain.

Nice blue sky and sunny weather change in few hours into dark clouds and heavy rain. As we have in first three days of October in Phuket.  On the 1ts was a good day with some rain in the morning, can see from Phuket fishing park picture down here. A nice and relaxing activities during holiday, definitely something different and fun.

Phuket Fishing Park on 1st October 2013

Then on second October was a beautiful day with a bit of wind some clouds but almost sun shining all day.

During the night heavy rain started and keep going all day, so the river we use a reference was clearly showing the amount of water was falling from sky.

Kathu Waterfall river - 2nd October 2013

Kathu Waterfall river - 2nd October 2013