Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Jay): days & times

A nine-day Chinese-Thai festival of meat-free eating and shrine rituals, observed at Samui's Chinese shrines in Nathon and Maenam - 10-18 October 2026. Samui's Vegetarian Festival is a smaller version of Phuket's famous event, kept by the island's Chinese-Thai community. For nine days on the Chinese lunar calendar (usually late September-October; 10-18 October 2026 per local listings), participants eat 'jay' (strict vegan) food, wear white, and hold ceremonies at Chinese shrines around Nathon and Maenam. Some devotees perform intense rituals (firewalking, piercing) imported from Phuket's tradition, at a much smaller scale. For visitors the most visible effect is culinary: stalls and some restaurants near the shrines go meat-free, marked with yellow 'jay' flags - an excellent week for vegetarians. It has little effect on island-wide prices or crowds. When: Nine days on the Chinese lunar calendar, usually late Sep-Oct. 2026: 10-18 October (local listing; confirm locally). 2027: not yet published. • Great week for vegetarians - 'jay' food is strictly vegan (no meat, dairy, pungent herbs) • Ceremonies at shrines are authentic religious events: dress modestly, observe quietly • Some rituals involve piercing/firewalking - skip if squeamish