The Por Tor Festival Phuket locals cherish most arrives in late August — and you’ll notice it in the air before you see it. Sandalwood incense drifting over market stalls, tables piled high with offerings, and bright red turtle-shaped cakes stacked everywhere you look. This is Por Tor, Phuket’s Hungry Ghost Festival, and it’s one of the island’s most meaningful Thai-Chinese traditions.
Rooted in the seventh lunar month, when Hokkien belief holds that the gates of the underworld open, Por Tor is a time for families to honor their ancestors — and to make offerings for wandering spirits with no descendants of their own. It’s solemn, colorful, and deeply local all at once.
When & Where in 2026
This year the festival runs 25 August – 10 September 2026, with ceremonies moving between shrines and markets across Phuket Town. A few highlights close to The Tint:
- 25 Aug — Opening ceremony at Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Krabi Road
- 27 Aug — Hok Nguan Kong Shrine, Surin Circle
- 28 Aug — Cho Ong Shrine, Krabi Road
- 1 Sept — Kian Tek Pho ceremony, again at Phuket Thai Hua Museum
Most events unfold in the evening, when the shrines glow with candlelight and the markets come alive.
What to Look For
The star of Por Tor is the Ang Ku — a red, turtle-shaped cake made of glutinous rice flour and sweet bean paste. The turtle symbolizes longevity and good fortune, and you’ll see them in every size, some almost too big to carry. Watch the merit-making rituals respectfully, sample the street food, and simply take in one of the oldest living traditions on the island.
Experience It From The Tint
The beauty of the Por Tor Festival Phuket celebrates is that it happens right on The Tint’s doorstep. Step out in the evening, follow the incense, and you’ll find yourself part of a centuries-old celebration — no tour bus required.
