Jui Tui Shrine (ศาลเจ้าจุ้ยตุ่ย) is one of the main Chinese temples in Phuket Town. It’s easy to find, just a short walk from the fresh market on Ranong Road. Over the years, it became one of the most respected spiritual places on the island, especially during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, when the shrine is packed with activity.
The shrine is dedicated to Tean Hu Huan Soy, a Chinese god whom people pray to for good health and protection. Inside, there are three large statues on the main altar, along with smaller guardian figures. The room is filled with the scent of incense, and visitors often stop to light a few sticks, make a wish, or shake a bamboo cylinder to get a fortune stick. The decoration is typical of Hokkien-style shrines, with red and gold colours and lots of small details to look at.
Locals say the shrine was first built near the market and later moved slightly after a fire, probably in the early 1900s. Since then, it has been renovated and extended several times, but it still keeps its strong connection to the community. There’s also a small stage for Chinese opera during festivals and a firecracker area nearby.
Jui Tui Shrine becomes the centre of attention each year in September or October, when the Vegetarian Festival starts. This is where the opening ceremony happens, including the raising of the Go Teng pole that invites the Nine Emperor Gods to come. From that moment, the area gets very lively. Devotees dressed in white come to pray, make merit, and join the street processions. Many ma song (spirit mediums) prepare here before walking in the parades, some performing rituals that are not easy to watch.
During the festival, it’s common to see firewalking, piercing, and other intense ceremonies. For many, it’s a time to purify body and mind by following a strict vegetarian diet and avoiding alcohol or bad thoughts.
Outside the festival period, Jui Tui Shrine is a peaceful place where people still come to pray, especially on Chinese holidays. It’s one of the most visited shrines in town and a good stop if you want to understand the deep cultural roots of Phuket’s Chinese community.
The shrine is a bit away from the old streets of Phuket Town, and trying to go on foot from the famous Thalang Road would be quite a long walk. The temple is relatively quiet on weekdays and a little busier on weekends, but you will have a huge surprise if you visit it during the Vegetarian Festival.
Not only is Jui Tui Shrine packed with devotees dressed in white, but you might also witness the devotees participating in the processions, entering a trance, and piercing their cheeks with all kinds of objects. It could be shocking, but not to worry, from the crowds, the firecrackers and the loud music, you would never accidentally witness the event.
What’s around Jui Tui Shrine?
The shrine is a little isolated at the end of Phuthorn Street, where one of the fresh municipal markets is. There is very little to do around, but you could enjoy lunch or dinner at the trendy ‘Tammachart’ nearby, better known as ‘Phuket Natural Restaurant’.
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Willy Thuan
Willy Thuan is the founder of Phuket 101. After travelling through 40+ countries and working with Club Med and Expedia, he settled in Phuket in 1994. He shares real travel insights and original photography from across Thailand.View Author posts
