Every year, on the eve of the ninth lunar month, Buddhists throughout Thailand embark on a ritual celebration of the end of Buddhist Lent. Known as the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand, or Tetsagan Gin Je (เทศกาลกินเจ), this annual event brings a noticeable change to the rabbit warren that is Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Yellow flags bearing the word je wave from the stalls of street vendors. Parades of dragon floats, acrobats, and percussionists rumble down Yaowarat. Sidewalks fill with white-clad Buddhists who, according to tradition, will abstain from eating meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products—even garlic—as a show of faith for nine days.
The Vegetarian Festival is a fascinating time to visit Chinatown. But don’t just take our word for it. Experience the excitement firsthand with Pickabooclub’s excellent gift experiences.
A Feast for the Eyes and the Stomach: Bangkok Historical Evening Walk
Gifts to Experience Thailand’s Vegetaraian Festival
One of the true treats of the Vegetarian Festival is the variety of Thai-Chinese cuisine to try. From sala pao and dim sum to je renditions of favorite foods—like grapao pla, or fish maw soup—vendors eschew meat and spice in an act of spiritual cleansing. It’s a perfect to time explore Chinatown by foot, sampling hard-to-find food at every stop.
Pickabooclub’s Bangkok Historical Evening Walk starts in the heart of it all: Yaowarat Road. Exploring the narrow alleys will expose you to a sensory feast. Religious landmarks tucked between fresh markets and textile shops fill your nose with the smell of joss sticks. Red, green, and white colors abound. Drums roll in the distance.
From Yaowarat, you wander Chinatown’s quaint backstreets by a medley of public transport, discovering temple rites and Chinese opera shows, nightly traditions during the Vegetarian Festival. Ending in Bangkok’s Old Town, you get a feel for the city as it once was.
A Ride for Two Through Chinatown
For a change of scenery, join Pickabooclub’s Bangkok Chinatown Ride for Couples. Departing in the morning provides a different angle from which to view the Vegetarian Festival.
As Chinatown scurries to life, you and a partner explore mystical temples, the beehive of activity in the fresh markets, and tranquil lesser known sites, including the Princess Mother Memorial Park across the Chao Phraya River.
With this gentle 15 kilometer bike ride, you witness Bangkok’s amazing contrasts: within blocks, the bustle of Chinatown blends into country back roads. Throughout it all you get a sense of the roots of the Vegetarian Festival, understanding it from the perspective of Chinese tradition.
Bygone Eras in the Venice of the East
If you’re after a romantic experience, try our Venice of the East Bike and Boat Tour. Combining the best of our Chinatown bike ride with a longtail tour of Bangkok’s canals, you experience different layers of culture and tradition. Bygone eras combine as you pass stilted wooden houses along the canals and return to Chinatown, where you can catch a classic afternoon parade.
Tour Culture and History with Pickabooclub
This year will be extra special, as the ninth lunar month will occur twice in the Chinese calendar, meaning the Vegetarian Festival will be celebrated twice, as well, between 24 September and 2 October and again between 24 October and 1 November. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the full flavors of the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand with Pickabooclub.