Phuket is poised to become the epicenter of Peranakan culture as it prepares to host the Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025 from June 20 to 22. The highly anticipated event is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and generate at least 400 million baht in revenue, highlighting its importance in both Thailand’s cultural preservation efforts and economic development strategy.

The festival will showcase over 20 elaborate parade processions, featuring more than 2,000 performers from Peranakan communities across Thailand and the wider Malay Peninsula. This year’s parade route has been updated to start from the island’s historic Old Town, passing through the iconic Clock Tower before concluding at Saphan Hin Pier. The route was specifically chosen to spotlight the architectural and cultural heritage of Phuket’s Peranakan past, while also linking to the contemporary art initiatives of the upcoming Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025.

Culinary Showcase, Tourism Growth, and Cultural Vision Fuel Festival Momentum

One of the most anticipated highlights of the festival will be an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Hokkien noodles — a signature dish of Phuket’s Peranakan cuisine. The record-setting initiative is a collaboration involving more than 200 chef associations, local restaurants, and community groups, underscoring the cooperative spirit and culinary pride of the island.

Related article: Best Luxury Restaurants in Phuket and their Cuisine Specialty

The festival comes at a time of strong growth for Phuket’s tourism sector. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, the island recorded 149 billion baht in tourism revenue in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Also from Bangkok Post, this robust performance is a positive sign for local businesses, with the Peranakan Festival expected to provide an additional boost during the mid-year season.

Looking ahead, infrastructure developments are also underway to support the island’s growing appeal. Plans for a second international airport — the Andaman International Airport — are in motion, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and completion slated for 2032. Once operational, the new airport will accommodate up to 22.5 million passengers annually, helping to ease congestion at Phuket International Airport, which is currently nearing its capacity of 12.5 million passengers.

Related article: Thailand’s Treasures of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Beyond boosting tourism revenue, the Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025 aims to strengthen the island’s cultural identity and promote cross-cultural understanding. Through traditional music, dance, costumes, and cuisine, the event offers both locals and international visitors an immersive experience into the rich heritage of the Peranakan people — descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia centuries ago and developed a distinctive blend of traditions.

As the festival date approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a landmark celebration. With its fusion of tradition and innovation, the Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025 is set to establish the island not only as a cultural destination but also as a future global hub for Peranakan heritage and festivities.

Please visit our News & Update page for more interesting articles.

–

Featured Image: Phuket Peranakan Festival – Facebook