Attraction
Phuket Big Buddha
A 45-metre marble-clad Buddha on Nakkerd Hill above Chalong, with free entry and wide views over Kata, Chalong Bay and the south of the island.
Jui Tui Shrine
A red-and-gold Hokkien shrine in Phuket Town that serves as the starting point of the island's Vegetarian Festival processions every autumn.
At a glance
- Type
- Chinese Taoist shrine
- Area
- Phuket Old Town, Phuket, Thailand
Good to know
- Free entry
- Centre of the Vegetarian Festival
Why we recommend it
Jui Tui Shrine, also known as Kew Ong, is a Chinese Taoist shrine at the end of Soi Phutorn on the edge of Old Phuket Town. It is the most important shrine in town during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, held each autumn, when the festival begins here and street processions set out from its forecourt. Outside festival time it is a working shrine where local people come to pray for health and protection.
Its history is tied to a fire in 1907, when sacred objects were rescued from a shrine on Soi Romanee and moved to the neighbouring Put Jaw Shrine; Jui Tui was later built on the adjoining land and has been renovated several times since. Inside, three large statues stand on the main altar, flanked by smaller guardian figures, and the building is decorated in red and gold in the Hokkien style. Worshippers light incense and shake bamboo cylinders to draw fortune sticks, and there is a small stage used for Chinese opera during festivals.
During the Vegetarian Festival the shrine is the focus of everything. A tall Go Teng pole is raised to invite the Nine Emperor Gods, devotees dress in white, and spirit mediums known as ma song prepare here before walking in the processions, some with skewers through their cheeks. Firecrackers go off almost constantly. It is an extraordinary sight but not for everyone: the noise and smoke are intense, and anyone sensitive to blood or loud bangs may prefer to watch from a distance. Ear protection is sensible, and following the festival's custom of wearing white is respectful.
At other times of year the shrine is calm and free to enter. Behave as you would in any place of worship: speak quietly, do not climb on anything and ask before photographing people at prayer. A visit takes only a short time, so it works best as part of a walk through the old town.
Put Jaw Shrine, described as the oldest Chinese shrine in Phuket Town, is next door, a minute's walk away. The municipal fresh market is at the end of Soi Phutorn and the Ranong Road market is a short walk away, so a morning visit can easily take in the markets, the shrines and breakfast in one of the old town's cafés.
Jui Tui Shrine FAQs
Is Jui Tui Shrine free to visit?
Yes, entry is free.
What is its role in the Vegetarian Festival?
The festival begins at Jui Tui, and the street processions set out from the shrine.
When is the Vegetarian Festival?
It follows the Chinese lunar calendar each autumn; in 2026 it ran from 10 to 18 October.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but modest clothing is respectful; during the festival devotees wear white.
What is next door?
Put Jaw Shrine, described as the oldest Chinese shrine in Phuket Town.
Is the festival suitable for children?
It is very loud and smoky and includes piercing rituals, so it may not suit young or sensitive children.
How long should I allow?
A short visit is enough outside the festival; combine it with Put Jaw and the nearby markets.
Where exactly is it?
At 283 Soi Phutorn, Talat Nuea, at the edge of Old Phuket Town near the fresh market.