Local Festivals of Phang Nga

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The Ma Jor Poh Statue Procession is a yearly ceremony taking place around February and March organized by the descendants of Chinese immigrants in Phang Nga. The statue of Ma Jor Poh is carried on an ancient Chinese carriage around the town along with the weapons of various sacred spirits fro the Chinese temple with traditional music played on Chinese musical instruments.


Each of the spirits has hot particular characteristics and they are welcomed by local people who put a table covered with a red cloth with chopsticks, sweets and fruits in front of their house. It's a "spirit-carrying" person drops by and picks up a sweet and/or fruit from any house; the owner is very happy as it's believed to be a sign of good luck. In the temple, there are several ceremonies held throughout seven nights. There are also various shops and entertainment such as Taluch puppet shows, Manora dances, etc.

The Ma Jor Poh Statue Procession takes place along the inner road in Nam Pud cave near the large market.

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The Vegetarian Festival or Kin Jay is a time of penance and purification of both body and mind.
The Phang Nga Vegetarian Festival is similar to the well known Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Trang.
The Vegetarian Festival is held from the first through the ninth nights of the ninth Chinese lunar month; that is, in September or October. In 2013 these days are from September 25 until October 7. The Vegetarian Festival has its origins in China, but in Thailand it was performed for the first time in Talat Takua Pa, the Old Town of Takua Pa.

Not only in Old Takua Pa but also in the villages around the believers in Chinese Buddhism celebrate the Vegetarian Festival clad in white garments.
Highly interesting is the festival also in the Chinese temple of Khuk Khak where highly respected mediums make their appearance.

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"Opening of the Amazing Phang Nga" is scheduled for the first week of December every year. There is an opening and a special events ceremony from the 1st to 2nd December in Khao Lak Center.
The festival features entertainment, cultural shows, an exhibition of tourist attractions, water sports and local sport competitions, local products as well as inexpensive sea food. There are also special discounts for tours and accommodation to welcome the high season.

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The Free The Turtles Fair is annually held in March at Thai Mueang Beach. The celebration lasts for 7 days. During the festival baby turtles raised by the Fisheries Department are released into the sea at Thai Mueang Beach. Guests are asked to sponsor one or two turtles so that the cost for raising them is covered.

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