Thailand Vegan Travel

Thailand is one of the world’s top destinations for vegan travel, blending food, culture and natural beauty. From Bangkok’s street food and sky bars, to Chiang Mai’s cooking classes and cafés, to Phuket’s beaches and beachfront dining, plant-based travellers are spoiled for choice.

From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the cultural treasures of Chiang Mai and the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket, vegan travellers in Thailand can enjoy an incredible mix of food, culture and natural beauty.

Thailand offers white-sand beaches, ancient temples and tropical jungles, plus a thriving vegan food scene. In Phuket, visitors can relax on Karon Beach during the day, then enjoy beachfront restaurants serving authentic Thai vegan dishes in the evening.

Chiang Mai is often called the cultural capital of Thailand, and is also one of Asia’s most vegan-friendly cities. Travellers can explore colourful night markets, join local cooking classes with plant-based twists, and enjoy a huge variety of vegan cafés and restaurants set against the backdrop of northern Thailand’s mountains and temples.

Bangkok remains the beating heart of vegan Thailand travel. The city is home to lively vegan street food markets, innovative plant-based fine dining, and sky bars offering unforgettable views over the skyline.

Whether it’s tasting vegan street food in Bangkok, joining a cooking class in Chiang Mai, or unwinding on Phuket’s Karon Beach, vegan tours in Thailand bring together the best of food, culture and nature for plant-based travellers.

From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the cultural treasures of Chiang Mai and the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket, vegan travellers in Thailand can enjoy an incredible mix of food, culture and natural beauty.

Thailand is one of the world’s top destinations for plant-based travel. From white-sand beaches to ancient temples and tropical jungles, plus a thriving vegan food scene, there’s something for every explorer. In Phuket, visitors can relax on Karon Beach during the day, then enjoy beachfront restaurants serving authentic Thai vegan dishes in the evening.

Chiang Mai is often called the cultural capital of Thailand and is also one of Asia’s most vegan-friendly cities. Travellers can explore colourful night markets, join local cooking classes with plant-based twists, and enjoy a huge variety of vegan cafés and restaurants set against the backdrop of northern Thailand’s mountains and temples.

Bangkok remains the beating heart of vegan Thailand travel. While the capital’s energy can feel overwhelming at first, visitors are quickly captivated by its mix of tradition and modern life. The city is home to lively vegan street food markets, innovative plant-based fine dining, and high-rise sky bars offering unforgettable views over the skyline.

Whether it’s tasting vegan street food in Bangkok, joining a cooking class in Chiang Mai, or unwinding on Phuket’s Karon Beach, vegan tours in Thailand bring together the best of food, culture and nature for plant-based travellers.

Vegan Thailand Tours


15–22 October 2025
Thailand
Bangkok • Chiang Mai • Phuket


15–22 October 2025
Thailand
Bangkok • Chiang Mai • Phuket


15–22 October 2025
Thailand
Bangkok • Chiang Mai • Phuket

Vegan Thailand Information

Quick Facts & Essentials

  • Capital: Bangkok
  • Major Cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani
  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
  • Languages: Thai
  • Time Zone: GMT+7
  • Phone Code: +66
  • Most popular time to visit: November – March
  • Electricity & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, Types A, B, C, F, O
  • Money Exchange & SIM Cards: Airports, licensed shops, convenience stores (7-eleven etc)
  • Visa Info: Many nationalities get 30–90 days visa-free (official Thai Embassy guide)
Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai

Vegan Travel in Thailand

  • Look for “เจ (Jay)” signs – indicates vegan/vegetarian food
  • Common pitfalls: fish sauce, oyster sauce, lard in soups or sauces
  • Practice of “กินเจ / Gin Jay” – traditional Thai vegan/vegetarian meals
  • Vegan-friendly restaurants, street food, and markets are abundant in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
  • Useful phrases:
  • “Pom gin jay” (male) / “Chan gin jay” (female) – I eat vegan
  • “Mai sai nam pla” – No fish sauce
  • “Mai sai nam man” – No lard / animal fat
  • Use our Vegan Travel Translation Tool or Google Translate for easy communication about vegan food
Vegan travel in Thailand

Bangkok

Bangkok Green Lung canal tour
Bangkok offers incredible street food and upscale vegan dining amidst bustling markets and stunning temples.
  • Broccoli Revolution Modern vegan cafe
  • May Veggie Home Popular vegetarian restaurant
  • Veganerie Concept Trendy plant-based spot
  • Chatuchak Market Vegan-friendly stalls
  • Khao San Road Street food options

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep Temple
The cultural capital of the north is a vegan paradise with cooking classes, night markets, and numerous plant-based cafes.
  • Goodsouls Kitchen International vegan cuisine
  • Free Bird Café Social enterprise vegan spot
  • Vegan Cooking Classes Learn local dishes
  • Night Bazaar Tofu and vegetable skewers
  • Sunday Walking Street Vegan street food

Phuket

Phuket beach with coconut
This tropical island paradise offers beachside vegan dining and fresh coconut-based curries with stunning ocean views.
  • Pure Vegan Heaven Beachfront vegan dining
  • Vegan Thai Kitchen Authentic local flavors
  • Coconut-based Curries Street food specialty
  • Fresh Fruit Smoothies Tropical refreshments
  • Beach Vendors Fresh fruit and snacks

Other Locations

  • Pai Small northern town with vegan-friendly cafes and bohemian vibe
  • Koh Samui & Koh Phangan Tropical islands with smoothie bars and beachside vegan options
  • Ayutthaya Temple city with vegetarian options near historical attractions
  • Hua Hin Beach town with local vegan eateries and weekend market food

Climate, Beaches & Nature

  • Hot season: March – May (very hot, 35+°C)
  • Rainy season: June – October (frequent rain, humid)
  • Cool season: November – February (ideal)
  • Beaches: Railay Beach (Krabi), Kata & Karon (Phuket), Chaweng (Koh Samui)
  • National Parks: Khao Sok, Doi Inthanon, Erawan Waterfalls

Don’t be put off by the term “rainy season”! While rainfall can be heavy, it typically comes in short, dramatic bursts that rarely last more than an hour or two. The rest of the day is often sunny and beautiful. Many travelers actually prefer this season – the landscapes are incredibly lush and green, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower. Getting caught in a tropical downpour can be a refreshing and memorable experience!

Thailand beaches and nature

Money, Safety & Festivals

  • Carry cash for street food and small shops, ATMs widely available
  • Keep a copy of your passport, travel insurance recommended
  • Use Grab app for taxis, learn basic Thai phrases for vegan requests
  • Festivals: Vegetarian Festival (October, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai), Songkran (April)
Money, safety and festivals in Thailand

Vegan Vietnam Information

Quick Facts & Essentials

  • Capital: Hanoi
  • Major Cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Languages: Vietnamese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Time Zone: GMT+7 (no daylight saving)
  • Phone Code: +84
  • Most popular time to visit: December – April
  • Electricity & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, Types A, C, D
  • Money Exchange & SIM Cards: Available at airports, licensed shops, and convenience stores (Circle K, VinMart)
  • Visa Info: While a select few nationalities can travel to Vietnam without a visa (visa exemption list), most others can apply for an e-visa online: Official Vietnamese e-visa portal
Vietnam quick facts

Vegan Travel in Vietnam

  • Look for “Chay” signs – indicates vegan/vegetarian food
  • Common pitfalls: fish sauce, shrimp paste, pork broth, oyster sauce in soups or sauces
  • Practice of ‘ăn chay’ – traditional Vietnamese vegetarian/vegan meals
  • Vegan-friendly restaurants, street food, and markets abundant in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue
  • Tip: Learn a few Vietnamese phrases for vegan requests:
    • “Tôi ăn chay” (toy an chay) – I eat vegetarian
    • “Không cá, không tôm” (khong kah, khong tom) – No fish, no shrimp
    For more phrases and translations, visit our free Vegan Travel Translation Tool.
Vegan travel in Vietnam

Top Destinations & Vegan Hotspots

Hanoi

Hanoi vegan spots
Hanoi offers traditional vegan meals, cooking classes, and bustling street food in a cultural northern city.
  • Chay Garden Traditional vegan meals with authentic flavours
  • An Lac Chay Vegan buffet and desserts in a cosy setting
  • Maison Sen Modern plant-based Vietnamese cuisine
  • Old Quarter street food Tofu, rice rolls, and noodles
  • Hanoi Vegan Cooking Classes Learn local dishes hands-on
  • Quan Chay 1973 Popular traditional vegan restaurant

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City vegan spots
The southern metropolis blends modern vegan dining, markets, and cooking classes with traditional cuisine.
  • Prem Bistro Vegan fine dining with modern touches
  • The Organik House Raw vegan and healthy dishes
  • Ngoc Chay Traditional vegan Vietnamese meals
  • Ben Thanh Market Vegan-friendly street food
  • Vegan Cooking Classes Learn southern specialties hands-on
  • Vegan Zone Popular vegan restaurant with a variety of dishes
  • The Vegan Garden Saigon Plant-based Vietnamese and fusion cuisine

Hoi An

Hoi An vegan spots
Hoi An is a charming town with vegan-friendly street food, restaurants, and hands-on cooking classes.
  • Minh Hien Vegetarian Local vegan specialties
  • The Vegan Garden Plant-based Vietnamese dishes
  • Banh Mi Phuong Vegan-friendly sandwiches
  • Night Market Vegan street food options
  • Cooking Classes Learn Hoi An vegan dishes
  • Vegan Heritage Tours Guided vegan food tours and cooking experiences

Other Locations

  • Hue Imperial city with vegetarian temples and vegan-friendly restaurants
  • Phong Nha Caves and nature with nearby vegan cafes
  • Da Nang Coastal city with vegan restaurants and beachside cafes
  • Sapa Northern hill town with plant-based options and local markets
  • Ninh Binh Rural area with vegan-friendly eateries near scenic caves and rice fields
  • Mekong Delta Floating markets and local vegan food options

Climate, Beaches & Nature

  • Hot season: May – August (high humidity, 30–38°C)
  • Rainy season: June – October (tropical storms, heavy rain in south and central regions)
  • Cool season: November – April (best time to travel, dry and mild temperatures)
  • Beaches: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne
  • National Parks & Nature: Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Cat Ba Island, Ba Be Lake, Mekong Delta wetlands

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south. North: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay – cool season (Nov–Apr) is ideal; rainy season (Jun–Oct) can be misty and humid. Central: Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue – rainy season (Sep–Nov) may affect beaches and UNESCO sites; hot season (May–Aug) is sunny but humid. South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc – rainy season (May–Oct) brings short heavy showers; cool season (Nov–Apr) is dry and warm.

Coastal regions offer stunning beaches and islands, and the lush landscapes of national parks and highlands are spectacular for hiking and nature exploration.

Vietnam beaches and nature

Money, Safety & Festivals

  • Carry cash: For street food and local markets; ATMs are widely available in cities. Some small vegan stalls may not accept cards, so always have Vietnamese Dong handy.
  • Keep a copy of your passport and ID; travel insurance is recommended
  • Use Grab app: For taxis and motorbike rides; basic Vietnamese phrases help with vegan requests. Use our Vegan Travel Translation Tool or Google Translate for easy communication about vegan food.
  • Vegan Food Tips: Always ask if dishes contain fish sauce, shrimp paste, lard, or meat stock.
  • Festivals: Tet (Vietnamese New Year, late Jan–Feb), Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept–Oct), Vegetarian Buddhist Days (monthly) — these often feature vegan-friendly foods in markets and temples.
Money, safety and festivals in Vietnam

Vegan Japan Information

Quick Facts & Essentials

  • Capital: Tokyo
  • Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
  • Languages: Japanese
  • Time Zone: GMT+9
  • Phone Code: +81
  • Most popular time to visit: March–May (cherry blossom), Sep–Nov (autumn colours)
  • Electricity & Plugs: 100V, 50/60Hz, Type A
  • Money Exchange & SIM Cards: Airports, convenience stores, licensed shops
  • Visa Info: Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 15–90 days depending on country
Japan quick facts

Vegan Travel in Japan

  • Look for “Shojin Ryori” – traditional Buddhist vegan cuisine
  • Common pitfalls: dashi (fish stock), bonito flakes, mayonnaise in restaurants
  • Vegan-friendly restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
  • Tip: Learn basic Japanese phrases to ask for vegan options
  • Temple meals often strictly plant-based and a unique experience
Vegan travel in Japan

Top Destinations & Vegan Hotspots

Tokyo

Tokyo vegan spots
Tokyo is a vibrant hub for vegan dining, with international-style cafes, traditional shojin ryori, and innovative plant-based restaurants.
  • T’s TanTan Vegan ramen in Tokyo Station
  • Ain Soph. Journey Upscale vegan meals and desserts
  • Saido Creative Japanese plant-based cuisine
  • Komaki Shokudo Shojin ryori Buddhist-style vegan meals
  • Vegecate Casual vegan café and bakery

Kyoto

Kyoto vegan spots
Kyoto offers traditional shojin ryori, serene temple dining, and charming vegan cafés amid historic streets and temples.
  • Ain Soph. Ripple Casual vegan café with burgers and desserts
  • Shigetsu Temple-style shojin ryori
  • Vegans Café and Restaurant International plant-based dishes
  • Mamezen Soba Vegan soba noodles
  • Morino Café Japanese-style vegan desserts

Osaka

Osaka vegan spots
Osaka is famous for its street food culture, including vegan-friendly takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and plant-based cafés.
  • Paprika Shokudo Vegan Plant-based Japanese meals
  • T’s Restaurant Vegan ramen and curry
  • Green Earth Casual vegan dining with local flavors
  • Mame no Hatake Japanese-style vegan dishes
  • Umeda Vegan Café Coffee, cakes, and light meals

Other Locations

  • Nara Traditional temples with shojin ryori and vegan-friendly cafes
  • Kanazawa Kaiseki-style vegan meals and charming street food
  • Hiroshima Vegan okonomiyaki and plant-based restaurants
  • Sapporo Northern vegan-friendly cafés and markets
  • Fukuoka Southern city with local vegan dishes and yatai stalls

Climate, Beaches & Nature

  • Hot season: June – August (humid, 30–35°C)
  • Rainy season: Early June – mid-July (occasional heavy rain, typhoon risk in south)
  • Cool season: November – February (ideal, mild, crisp air in most regions)
  • Beaches: Okinawa islands, Shirahama (Wakayama), Kujukuri (Chiba)
  • Nature highlights: Mount Fuji, Japanese Alps, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, cherry blossom spots

Japan’s seasons offer diverse experiences: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful autumn foliage, and snow in the mountains during winter. Even the “rainy season” often passes in short showers, leaving plenty of sunshine.

Japan climate, beaches and nature

Money, Safety & Festivals

  • Carry cash: Many places (especially small shops, temples, and rural areas) do not accept cards; ATMs widely available in convenience stores and post offices
  • Travel safety: Japan is extremely safe; standard precautions recommended; keep a copy of passport and travel insurance
  • Transport: Use Japan Rail Pass or local IC cards (Suica/Pasmo); taxis available but expensive
  • Festivals: Cherry Blossom (Sakura) festivals in spring, Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, July), Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori, August), Obon (mid-August), Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
Money, safety and festivals in Japan

Disclaimer: Last updated on 10 September 2025. The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.

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