Sui Boon Tong Shrine is a Chinese Buddhist-Taoist place of worship in Phuket Town, set among narrow streets and residential buildings. Inside, an altar and incense bowl stand near the entrance, with colourful figures of deities, lions, tigers, Buddha and revered monks around the room. A spacious platform on the second floor gives you another view of the shrine. The community gathers here for the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, known locally as the Vegetarian Festival, held in October according to the lunar calendar.
Inside the shrine
Sui Boon Tong is a Chinese Buddhist-Taoist shrine among the narrow streets and homes of Phuket Town. It was built in 1934 and honours Lao La as its principal deity.
At the entrance, an altar and incense bowl mark the customary starting point for a visit. Around the room, look for figures of deities alongside lions, tigers, Buddha and revered monks. Upstairs, a broad platform offers a different view of the shrine, including a statue whose colours catch the sunlight.
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival
The shrine is an important gathering place during Phuket’s annual Nine Emperor Gods Festival, also called the Vegetarian Festival. It takes place in October, with dates set according to the lunar calendar. The celebrations draw people to the shrine for community worship and festival events.
Some festival activities take place at several shrines around Phuket, including fire walking at Sui Boon Tong. If you want to attend an event, check its timing locally and treat the ceremonies as religious observances. A conversation with people at the shrine can help you understand its traditions.
FAQ
When is the Vegetarian Festival at Sui Boon Tong Shrine?
It takes place in October, with dates determined by the lunar calendar.
What can you see inside Sui Boon Tong Shrine?
There is an altar and incense bowl near the entrance, figures of deities and religious figures around the room, and a spacious platform upstairs.
Where is Sui Boon Tong Shrine?
It is in Phuket Town, among narrow streets and residential buildings, a little way from the city centre.
Does fire walking take place at Sui Boon Tong Shrine?
Fire walking is among the events associated with the shrine during the Vegetarian Festival. Check local timing before you go.
