Bang Neow Shrine: Phuket Town's Chinese temple and the Vegetarian Festival

Updated on October 19, 2026

Bang Neow Shrine (Am Bang Neow) is one of the oldest and most active Chinese shrines in Phuket Town. It is dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods and is one of the main venues of the October Vegetarian Festival. The rest of the year it is a quiet little temple with incense offerings and red and gold decoration; a visit takes 20 minutes and entry is free.

Highlights

The shrine

It stands in the Talat Yai neighbourhood on Phuket Road, south of the historic streets. A page from Prince of Songkla University dates it to 1904, originally a small wooden building with a thatched roof; this date comes from a single source.

During the Vegetarian Festival

Spirit-medium processions, ceremonies and vegetarian food fill the streets around the shrine for nine days. The photo shows the atmosphere of the festival in Phuket, not the shrine itself.

Another shrine to see

To compare, visit the Jui Tui Temple, another major festival shrine in Phuket Town.

Practical info

Tips

Enter quietly, dress properly (shoulders covered), and do not photograph worshippers at prayer without asking. During the festival, wear white if you want to join in the mood, and avoid meat, alcohol and animal products. The processions can be intense (piercings, firewalking): keep your distance, especially with young children. Details and dates in the Vegetarian Festival page. The information comes from travel guides and a local university page, not an official shrine website.

How to get there

The shrine is in Phuket Town on Phuket Road, near the junction with Kra Road. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Old Town, or a short tuk-tuk/Grab ride. See also the transport guide.