While sunning yourself on an overseas beach can often be just the ticket, discerning travellers increasingly want to get away from the tourist trail and sample some real culture.

Phuket is famed for its azure seas and white sands, and the Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival offers holidaymakers the chance to experience a slice of something completely different.

Also known as the “turtle festival,” Por Tor happens in the seventh lunar month of each year and draws on the island’s Chinese Hokkien history

The turtle is a symbol of long life in Chinese culture, and during the festivities families prepare artfully arranged flower designs, candles, foods and fruits to offer at the altar to the ancestors.

This festival takes place from August 21 to September 6 this year and virtually all of the island’s Oriental shrines will participate in the celebrations.

Intrepid travellers can flight out from Heathrow or Gatwick airport and should make their first port of call the market on Ranong Road.

There they’ll get a chance to see lion dances, magic shows, live concerts, cabaret entertainment and learn to expect the unexpected.

Since Ranong Road is close to the market, visitors can try and wide variety of culinary treats prepared for the Por Tor.

Copyright © Press Association 2012

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