Every year during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese community comes together to honor ancestors and make offerings to spirits during the Por Tor Festival.
In 2026, the Por Tor Festival will take place from August 19th until September 6th, with the main ceremony day falling on August 27th.
History of the Por Tor Festival
Source: OZO Phuket Facebook Page
Por Tor has long held particular significance for Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese community. The tradition was brought to the island by Hokkien Chinese immigrants who arrived during Phuket’s tin-mining era in the 19th century. Also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, Por Tor is rooted in the belief that the gates of the underworld open during the seventh lunar month, allowing spirits to return to the world of the living.
At the very heart of the festival is the act of remembering deceased family members through offerings. This is not simply one important element among many, but the central practice that gives Por Tor its meaning. The tradition also extends beyond one’s own ancestors, with offerings prepared for spirits believed to have no descendants to provide for them.
Today, families continue to make offerings at home and at Chinese shrines across Phuket, keeping alive a tradition that has become closely associated with the island’s Hokkien heritage.
Red Turtle Cakes
Source: OZO Phuket Facebook Page
One of the most recognizable sights during the Por Tor Festival is the “ang ku,” a red turtle-shaped cake prepared as an offering.
The turtle carries special symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, representing longevity, while the color red is associated with good fortune. Together, these symbols make the red turtle an auspicious offering to ancestors.
Experiencing Por Tor in Phuket
Source: OZO Phuket Facebook Page
Visitors are welcome to observe the traditions surrounding Por Tor, but should remember that the festival remains an important religious and cultural occasion for local families. Those visiting shrines are encouraged to observe respectfully, particularly around altars and ongoing ceremonies.
About Phuket
Phuket is a province in southern Thailand comprising Phuket Island and 32 smaller islands off its coast. Despite being the country’s second-smallest province, it has grown into one of Thailand’s leading tourism destinations, earning the nickname “Pearl of the Andaman.” Known for its beautiful beaches, Phuket continues to attract visitors from around the world.