One of the most unique Chinese-Thai traditions is back in Phuket Old Town this August and September with the Phuket Por Tor Festival 2026. Por Tor is Phuket’s Hungry Ghost Festival which incorporates elements of ancestral worship, incense lit shrines, community worship and impressive red Ang Ku turtle cakes representing longevity and good fortune. The largest party crowds are concentrated around historic shrines, markets and streets in Phuket Town for the travellers who are interested in a cultural visit.
Phuket Por Tor Festival 2026 Schedule and Dates
The festival is celebrated in the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar and occurs on different dates each year. The community programme announced by the Phuket City Municipality starts on August 25 and ends on September 10, 2026, whereas the Tourism Authority of Thailand has indicated a wider period of Por Tor from August 19 to September 6, 2026. This change is due to the different days of ceremonies observed in different communities and shrines.
The dates of key Phuket Town festivals currently scheduled are August 25 at Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Krabi Road, August 27 at Hok Nguan Kong Shrine, near Surin Circle and August 28 at Cho Ong Shrine, Krabi Road.
The festivities will continue at Public Market 1 (Baan San Market) on the streets of Ranong Road on August 29-30. Seng Tek Beow Kuan Yin Tai Si Shrine, Bang Neow runs the longest one from August 31st to September 10th.
For official Thailand event updates, travellers can also check the Tourism Authority of Thailand events page.
Best Shrines to Experience the Phuket Hungry Ghost Festival
Seng Tek Beow Shrine, Bang Neow
If you’re looking to get the true cultural experience, then one of the most significant and important locations to stop is Seng Tek Beow Shrine, which is associated with the Por Tor Kong celebrations. Visitors will take their offerings of food, fruit, incense and fancy red turtle.
The Bang Neow area is more traditional, with shrine ceremonies after dusk making the overall experience more of a shrine experience than the more famous tourist attractions in Phuket. This is also designated as one of the best spots to observe Ang Ku cakes being made locally.
Hok Nguan Kong Shrine and Krabi Road
Another highlight is the Hok Nguan Kong Shrine in Surin Circle, on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month which is an important worship day in August 27, 2026. Krabi Road is also convenient as visitors may sit and enjoy the festivals without having to miss visiting Phuket Thai Hua Museum or the historical architecture in Old Phuket Town.
Where to See Parades and Street Celebrations
In contrast to a regular festival that is centered around a single parade, Por Tor Festival Phuket is marked by multiple neighbourhood festivals.
The most convenient areas to enjoy the more vibrant parts of the event are the Ranong Road and the market district. Throughout the festival there will be community ceremonies, food offering, cultural performances and procession style activities at the festival sites.
There is no one final, complete list of parades scheduled for the 2026 event, so it is best to check the local newspaper ahead of visiting the parade, rather than depending on an unverified list of parade times.
The Phuket News 2026 Por Tor schedule offers the most up-to-date published list of community venues and dates.
Best Ang Ku Cake Spots in Phuket Old Town
The most picture-worthy event of this festival is the Ang Ku cake, a bright red turtle-shaped cake that is associated with prosperity and long life.
They can be found in Bang Neow near the Seng Tek Beow Shrine, at the fresh market in Ranong Road, and at the festival stalls in front of the temples that participate in the festival. Hundreds can be given during important ceremonies.
Visitors should remember that some cakes are religious offerings rather than merchandise. Ask before touching or photographing anything positioned directly on an altar.
FAQs
When is Phuket Por Tor Festival 2026?
The main Phuket City community programme runs from August 25 to September 10, 2026, although TAT lists festival activities from August 19 to September 6.
What is Por Tor Festival?
Por Tor is Phuket’s Hungry Ghost Festival, rooted in the traditions of the island’s Hokkien Chinese community and centred on honouring ancestors and wandering spirits.
Where is the best place to see Ang Ku cakes?
Bang Neow’s Seng Tek Beow Shrine and the Ranong Road market area are among the best places to see traditional red turtle cakes during festival ceremonies.
Is Por Tor Festival free to visit?
Shrine and community celebrations are generally open for visitors to observe, but guests should dress respectfully and avoid interfering with prayers or offerings.
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