Solo trip to Phuket...to attend the Vegetarian Festival

Once in a lifetime... I wish I could see this event. Even if I have to come alone, I will come.

The journey began on October 6, 2016, with a ride on the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Fast and convenient, only half an hour away for only 45 baht.

The journey began...soaked all the way.

By the time I opened my eyes, we were almost in Phuket.

The sun was blazing in Phuket.

Upon exiting the airport, consider the taxi fare. If traveling with multiple people, splitting the cost could be cost-effective.

Taking the Airport Bus is a good option if you are traveling alone and not in a hurry.

The Airport Bus will depart on time as scheduled.

Upon arrival, the train had just departed. The next train will arrive in approximately one hour.

A van driver approached me and asked if I wanted to take the van, which was leaving immediately. He said the fare to Phuket Town was the same as the Airport Bus.

Riding in a van into the city, I witnessed a procession of monks, a captivating sight for my first encounter.

A truly grand event, with flags adorning the entire route.

The van driver informed me that he would not be driving into the city center and would only drop me off in front of Central Festival. He advised me to wait for a pink songthaew to take me into the city center, which would cost 15 baht.

I waited in front of Central Festival for a short while before a pink songthaew pulled up.

The pink songthaew is a unique vehicle in Phuket. It looks like this:

Inside the car, there will be three rows. I wonder why they call it a "two-row car." Haha.

The car stopped at the fountain roundabout. From here, it's just a short walk to the accommodation.

We opted for a stay at Ai Phuket Hostel, where the cost per bed was only 250 baht. We decided to stay for three nights, which amounted to 750 baht.

The accommodation features a cozy lounge area with comfortable seating and a TV, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind.

The dorm room will be equipped with lockers for storing belongings. The room will have bunk beds, with a total of six beds.

This quiet reading nook is a true gem. Downstairs, you'll find laundry facilities with a coin-operated washing machine for 30 baht.

We rented a motorbike and accommodation for 250 baht per day. We rented for two days, for a total of 500 baht.

For my first meal in Phuket, I decided to try this restaurant near the fountain roundabout, not far from my accommodation.

The restaurant is packed with people, which suggests that the food must be delicious.

Rode a motorcycle, got lost, and went around in circles several times.

Due to the one-way traffic in front of the accommodation,

Lost...wandering and finally arrived at Aam Bang Niao.

Aam Bang Niao is located near Saphan Hin.

Tonight, we will be going up to Khao Rang to enjoy the view.

The atmosphere is very good, beautiful as seen.

With such dark clouds gathering, it's almost certain that rain is on its way.

The water vendor upstairs said that the rain will stop soon because there is a fire-walking ceremony at the Hin Stone Bridge tonight.

Admiring the Clock Tower at Night

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Before witnessing the fire-walking ceremony tonight, pay respects at the Kiu Thian Shrine at the tip of Saphan Hin.

Inside the Shrine

Thousands of people… attended the fire-walking ceremony.

The seats were full, so we had to climb onto the fence wall to get a better view.

Thank you to the person next to me who shared their seat, even though we are strangers.

After the fire-walking ceremony, we felt the heat just by walking in to take a picture of the bonfire.

Watch the lion dance with fire.

Watching the fireworks up close, with a full view.

"If you come here during the Vegetarian Festival, you'll definitely get to see the procession of the Buddha statues along the route."

On the second morning, we witnessed the royal procession passing by our accommodation and participated in a prayer ceremony with the hosts.

During the ceremony, firecrackers were sometimes thrown at the feet of the possessed individual.

The medium will stand still and not be afraid, but we are very afraid to be near the medium.

Numerous firecrackers were thrown, filling the streets with smoke and the sound of explosions. It is advisable to have earplugs and a face mask readily available.

During the procession, some mediums pierce their mouths with sharp metal objects, believing this act of self-inflicted pain to be a form of expiation for those observing the vegetarian festival.

On the second day, I rode a motorbike to pay respects to the shrine at Aam Ga Tuu, which is almost ten kilometers from the city center. I think Google Maps will help me avoid getting lost.

This paragraph marks the beginning of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival tradition.

I met a friend who lives in Kathu District.

My friend is a local, so they took me to a delicious restaurant in Kathu.

This restaurant is located near the Kathu Shrine. During the Vegetarian Festival, the restaurant serves only vegetarian dishes.

Fresh spring rolls with a crispy, crunchy filling that is truly delicious.

Deep-fried tofu with a unique batter, a first for me in Phuket.

When visiting Phuket, be sure to try "Mee Hoon," a dish similar to rice vermicelli.

At the shrine tonight, there is a ceremony to worship the seven stars.

Jui Tui Shrine is a large shrine located in the heart of Phuket Town.

Located next to the Pudjao Shrine.

Access to the inner sanctum was restricted today due to ritual purity concerns. Local friends in Phuket advised that women experiencing menstruation should refrain from entering.

Stopped by Yao Yen Ta Fo noodle shop for lunch.

Dry vegetarian noodles

Followed by dessert.

May I take a picture with the medium at Yao Yen Tafo restaurant?

Brother Riu also came to this event.

Thank you to my friends in Phuket for taking me on a tour.

The atmosphere of the walking street during the vegetarian festival.

The night market street is very quiet.

Quiet enough to lie down, relax, and take pictures.

The soybean milk shop at Sam Kong was closed by the time I arrived, so I ordered ginger tea with tau huay instead. Having something warm to drink tonight will help me sleep soundly.

Navigating anywhere is easy with Google Maps by your side.

This morning, I watched the sunrise at Saphan Hin.

The Giu Thien Pagoda at Dawn on the Stone Bridge

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The lion in the procession of the Aokatu Shrine is on its way to Saphan Hin.

Visiting a friend at the Grand Supichaya Hotel.

The accommodation here is stunning, featuring a Sino-Portuguese architectural style. Some rooms even offer direct access to the swimming pool.

It is incredible that a hotel like this exists in the heart of Phuket City. This hotel has only recently opened.

Help locals drive around Phuket Island.

Locals recommend this restaurant as delicious...you must try it.

After a satisfying meal, we visited the beach at Hat Nai Yang in Sirinat National Park to admire the airplanes.

The plane vanished swiftly into the clouds.

I Believe I Can Fly

Drive from the north of the island to the south to enjoy the view.

Three Bay Viewpoint, Phuket Town. This angle offers a panoramic view of all three beaches.

I would like to watch the sunset at Laem Phromthep.

However, it seems unlikely that we will see the sun setting over the sea.

Can you provide the map coordinates for the restaurant? This place is delicious.

The name of the restaurant is "Tong Ah Leow," which was recommended by the locals in Phuket.

The restaurant was bustling with patrons.

Last night in Phuket

A fountain roundabout at night.

A photo with my new roommate, Roman, an American, with whom I shared a room for three nights.

We shared travel information with each other. She also came to travel alone.

Go shopping for souvenirs before returning.

Every time we travel, we enjoy sending ourselves postcards with stories and collecting the commemorative stamps as souvenirs.

On the morning of October 9, 2016, we prepared to return by the first Airport Bus at six in the morning.

I arrived early, so I decided to relax at the Bangkok Airways Lounge. The sticky rice with banana filling here is delicious. You won't believe it until you try it yourself.

It's time to fly back to Bangkok.

Phuket, I will miss you.

I closed my eyes and when I woke up, I was already in Bangkok.

I took the Airport Rail Link back as usual... the only difference was that the color of the coin was different from when I arrived, but the price was the same.

Greetings, Bangkok!