Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival 2025: Dates, Parades, and Vegan Food Guide
Join the excitement of Hat Yai’s Vegetarian Festival from October 20-29, 2025. Discover events, processions at Supasarnrangsan Park, and top vegan spots in southern Thailand.
What is the Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival?
The Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is an annual Taoist celebration observed by the Chinese community in Hat Yai and throughout Southern Thailand. This vibrant event features colorful processions, spiritual rituals, and a widespread adoption of vegetarian diets as a form of purification.
During the festival, participants dress in white and observe strict vegetarian diets to cleanse their bodies and minds. The festival is renowned for its dramatic processions featuring devotees in trance states performing extraordinary acts of spiritual devotion.
Cultural Insight: The festival honors the Nine Emperor Gods, believed to oversee prosperity and health. The event coincides with the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival 2025 Dates
October 20 – 29, 2025 (9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar)
Festival Events and Parades
Main Processions at Supasarnrangsan Park
Supasarnrangsan Park serves as the central hub for the Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival. The park hosts daily ceremonies, cultural performances, and the grand opening and closing processions.
Supasarnrangsan Park
The main venue for Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival events, featuring stages for ceremonies, food stalls, and gathering areas for processions.
Key Festival Schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 20 | Opening Ceremony & Pole Raising | Supasarnrangsan Park |
| Oct 21-28 | Daily Street Processions | Various locations in Hat Yai |
| Oct 23 | Main City Procession | Hat Yai City Center |
| Oct 25 | Evening Lantern Procession | Starting from Chinese temples |
| Oct 29 | Closing Ceremony & Fireworks | Supasarnrangsan Park |
Major Shrines and Temples
These are the key religious sites participating in the Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival 2025:
Tiger God Shrine
Central Chinese shrine located on Nipat Uthit 2 Road, known for its vibrant festival participation.
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Guan Yu Shrine
Historic Guan Yu shrine in downtown Hat Yai, featuring traditional Chinese architecture.
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Sachiang Kun Shrine
City pillar shrine located in Thammanoonwithi area, an important spiritual site.
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Hakka Association
Hakka community shrine on Thammanoonwithi Road, active during festival celebrations.
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Tao Bo Geng Foundation
Large Chinese temple and foundation in Kho Hong area, hosting major festival events.
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Wat Chue Chang
Chinese-style temple in city center, known for its beautiful architecture and ceremonies.
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Wat Thavornwararam
Chinese Buddhist temple on Thammanoonwithi Road, featuring mixed architectural styles.
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Pun Thao Kong Shrine
Local Chinese shrine actively participating in Hat Yai’s festival celebrations.
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Hat Yai Municipal Vegetarian Foundation
Main festival venue at Supasarn Rangsan Park area, hosting the largest events.
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Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao
Major shrine in Songkhla city serving as festival anchor for the wider region.
View on MapBest Vegan Restaurants in Hat Yai
Top Vegetarian Restaurants
These restaurants are highly rated for their vegetarian and vegan offerings in Hat Yai:
Madame Cat Vegetarian
Popular vegetarian restaurant with authentic Thai vegan dishes. Known for its flavorful curries and stir-fries.
Price: ฿100-200
Location: 50 Chaiyakul Uthit Rd
The Second Hatyai
Modern restaurant offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options with creative fusion dishes.
Price: ฿200-400
Location: 200, 13 Nipatuthit 2 Rd
Num Heng Vegetarian Restaurant
Budget-friendly vegetarian spot with traditional Thai vegan dishes. Popular for breakfast and lunch.
Price: ฿50-100
Location: 2F4F+G7R, Hat Yai
Humble Farm Kitchen
Farm-to-table concept with fresh vegetarian and vegan options. Focus on healthy, organic ingredients.
Price: ฿200-300
Location: Klong Toei area
Chingzin Vegetarian Restaurant
Chinese-style vegetarian restaurant with extensive menu of mock meat dishes and traditional favorites.
Price: ฿80-150
Location: Sangsri Rd
Halal Vegetarian Food
Vegetarian restaurant catering to Muslim dietary requirements with halal-certified vegan dishes.
Price: ฿70-120
Location: 266/3 Sangchan Rd
Traditional Vegetarian Festival Foods
During the Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival, you’ll find special “Jae” or “Jeh” food that follows strict Buddhist vegetarian principles. These dishes avoid meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and strong-smelling vegetables like garlic and onions.
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Traditional stir-fried rice noodles with tofu and vegetables instead of meat or shrimp.
Jae Spring Rolls
Crispy rolls filled with vegetables, mushrooms, and glass noodles.
Vegetarian Green Curry
Flavorful curry made with coconut milk, eggplant, and vegetarian protein.
Food Tip: Look for yellow flags with red Chinese characters – these indicate restaurants and stalls serving vegetarian food during the festival.
Festival Etiquette and Tips
What to Wear
While not mandatory for spectators, wearing white clothing shows respect for the festival traditions. Devotees typically wear all white throughout the festival period.
Photography Guidelines
Always ask for permission before photographing participants, especially those in trance states or performing rituals. Avoid using flash during ceremonies.
Participation Guidelines
Visitors are welcome to observe all events. If you wish to participate more actively, consider:
- Adopting a vegetarian diet during the festival period
- Dressing in white clothing
- Maintaining respectful behavior during ceremonies
- Making offerings at temples (flowers, incense, fruits)
Health Note: The festival occurs during Thailand’s rainy season. Bring rain protection and stay hydrated while watching outdoor events.
Getting to Hat Yai for the Festival
Hat Yai is well-connected by various transportation options. Book early as accommodation fills quickly during the Vegetarian Festival.
Centara Hotel Hat Yai
4-star hotel in central location, convenient for festival events.
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Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel
Luxury accommodation with easy access to festival locations.
Check Availability
For detailed transport information, check our complete Hat Yai Transport Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival 2025 will take place from October 20 to October 29, 2025. These dates correspond to the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar.
While not mandatory for spectators, wearing white clothing is traditional and shows respect for the festival. Devotees typically wear all white throughout the festival period. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll likely be walking between events.
During the Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival, most food vendors in festival areas will serve vegetarian food following “Jae” principles (no meat, garlic, onions, or strong spices). Look for yellow flags with red Chinese characters, which indicate vegetarian stalls. Some regular restaurants will continue serving non-vegetarian options.
Tourists are welcome to observe all ceremonies and processions. For more active participation, visitors can adopt a vegetarian diet during the festival, make offerings at temples, and dress in white. However, some rituals involving spiritual practices are typically reserved for devotees.
The largest processions typically occur in the evenings, with the most elaborate ones happening on the opening day (October 20), mid-festival (around October 23-25), and closing day (October 29). Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, especially for the major processions at Supasarnrangsan Park.
