For me there isn’t a single place in the world that is more vegan friendly than Chiang Mai. Just the thought of visiting Chiang Mai vegan heaven makes me drool with anticipation. All the spices and flavors of Northern Thailand just exploding in our mouths makes even Rob vegan during our stay! And don’t get me started on Chiang Mai vegan pizza – it is some of the best in the world.
In this post we share our carefully curated Chiang Mai vegan guide which includes months of research of gobbling up heavenly vegan dishes and visiting fabulous plant based hotels to provide you all the details. Some new places have popped up in the last little while and some old favorites still remain taunting us with decadent vegan Khao Soi soup and other delicacies.
We will also share our favorite Chiang Mai vegan hotel recommendations at each level of budget: Luxury, Mid-Range and for those on a tight budget. Coming back to Chiang Mai is like coming home. There is a plant based meal and hotel waiting for you and us on every corner of the old city and the tastes, scents and feeling of well being are off the charts here.
Chiang Mai Vegan Guide Map
Rob and I are pretty visual, so we always include an interactive map. Below is our Chiang Mai vegan guide map to show you were everything is located.
Best Chiang Mai Vegan Restaurants
There are so many options for absolutely delectable plant based foods in Chiang Mai! To pick the best is so difficult, however after months of taste tasting, here are our top favorite Chiang Mai vegan restaurants:
Goodsouls Kitchen
Located at: 52 Sinharat Rd Lane 3, Tambon Si Phum
Hands down, Goodsouls Kitchen is and has always been our favorite go to for Chiang Mai vegan food. It is a favorite for both vegans and non vegans due to the amazing flavors, pleasant ambiance and the reasonable prices. The indoor and outdoor seating of this restaurant is always filled with folks gobbling down exquisitely prepared and presented delicacies.
Our favorites here are the Mushroom Steaks (even the potato wedges that come with them are incredible)! If you want to try the famous Khao Soi soup vegan style, it is a blend of rich coconut milk, chillies and other spices. The fragrance is incredible and Goodsouls Kitchen makes my favorite version.
Don’t forget to try the deserts. My favorite is the creamy Carrot Cake (there is so much icing on it, yum), while our friends really like the Tiramisu with the scoop of ice cream that comes with it.
Pure Vegan Heaven Chiangmai Old Town
Location: 103 Rachadamnoen Soi 8, Tambon Si Phum
Wow, this restaurant is Chiang Mai vegan heaven alright! The vibe in the restaurant is pure Zen and you can choose to sit at a regular table or at one of the lounger platform tables along the walls (which are very comfortable). As you relax waiting for your dish to arrive, you can play one of the board games that are provided.
Many of our friends like to come here for breakfast. However the famous sweet potato waffles are available throughout the day, so come early or come in the afternoon (as we tend to) and have one of the many delicious bowls of the Tom Yum soup which comes with purple rice and is spectacular. All dishes are a delight to look at as they are so vibrant. The food is clean and full of flavor.
RAD RABBIT VEGAN PIZZERIA
Location: 27, 2 Moon Muang Rd Soi 9, Tambon Si Phum
Chiang Mai vegan pizza is absolutely best at Rad Rabbit Vegan Pizzeria. A small eatery in the North Eastern pocket of old Chiang Mai vegan heaven that is owned by women. This place really knows good pizza and provides an excellent vegan twist on western food! There are also breakfast options and a few Thai and Burmese dishes.
Our favorites are the Pesto BLT Foccacia, the Hawaiian Pizza and the BBQ Cauliflower Wings are some of the best that we have had. A new item on the menu, the Meatball Panouzzo is just fantastic as well. If you are coming for breakfast, then consider having some vegan Eggs Benedict with “bacon” – amazing!
In addition to the great food, Rad Rabbit also has a strong ethos. They have partnered with different farms and factories to grow and produce non GMO organic ingredients.
For instance they have partnered with a local farm that produces Japanese locally grown tomatoes and purchases the high end gems that are not pretty enough for the upscale markets that they are sold in. This reduces waste and provides high quality produce and lower costs for Rad Rabbit’s customers. Win win all around.
Reform Kafé
Location: 1 4 Sri Poom Rd, Tambon Si Phum
This cool cafe is located in a garden and has a modern bohemian vibe. It is actually part of one of our Chiang Mai vegan hotel recommendations (see more below). The first thing that is different about this eatery is that they offer a large list of Thai craft beers, wine and cocktails. There is also kambucha, smoothies, coffees and the like.
Reform Kafé is known for their breakfast bowls and a variety of pancake options (which are all delicious, although I am partial to the banana ones). My favorite here is the Tom Yum Spicy Soup and the Khao Soi Burger.
Do not leave without having some cake as it is awesome! A favorite is the Chocolate Crepe Cake.
Downtown Garden
Location: 282, 284 Chang Moi Rd, Si Phum
Downtown Garden is a new Chiang Mai vegan restaurant owned and operated by the same people as Goodsouls Kitchen. This restaurant has an inner courtyard which is a beautiful garden. The menu is very similar to the Goodsouls one, yet there are a few differences.
We can highly recommend the Mushroom Burger here along with the Massaman Bowl and Papaya Salad. For desserts, I still prefer Goodsouls as the selection at Downtown Garden is more limited.
Unlike other Chiang Mai vegan restaurants, Downtown Garden is open at 9 am for breakfast and closes at midnight. There is even a live band playing here some of the evenings.
V Secret Vegan
Location: 28/3-4 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi
V Secret Vegan is another Chiang Mai vegan staple for the budget conscious. It is located in an outdoor food stall at Ploen Ruedee Night Market. P’Wawa and N’Meang are the hardworking owners of this place creating delicious homemade, simple and very inexpensive dishes.
Some of our favorites are the Fried Banana Flower, the Spicy Curry Sausage Soup and the Coconut Soup with Rice.
The stall is open Monday to Saturday from 17:30 to 23:00
Pure Vegan Heaven
Location: 175 ซอย วัดอุโมงค์ Tambon Su Thep
This women owned Chiang Mai vegan eatery is a favorite for many tourists and locals alike. Please note that this restaurant is located between the airport and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Therefore it is a great choice on your way to or from the airport or the big hike up to the Wat.
There is seating both inside as well as in a small garden. The vibe is really great here – pure Chiang Mai vegan heaven – appropriate for their name. You will not find any fake meat in the dishes – just healthy, clean fresh and delicious ingredients.
They serve fabulous breakfasts with vegan pancakes and waffles. In addition, there are other great options for lunch and an early dinner (this place closes at 18:00), including the Sweet Potato Gnocchi N’Pesto and the BBQ Jackfruit Bowl.
Free Bird Cafe
Location: 14 ถนนศิริมังมังคลาจารย์ Mueang Chiang Mai District
Free Bird Cafe is a Chiang Mai vegan community initiative, which includes the vegan eatery, a thrift store, local arts and crafts for sale, and an indoor and outdoor space where like minded people hang out to share ideas.
Located just west of Old Chiang Mai proper, Free Bird Cafe shares their profits to help Burmese refugees. So while enjoying a delicious Jackfruit Burger, you can also be helping a group of people in need.
Of course one needs to try the Burmese Green Leaf Tea Salad (it is a staple here). The Rainbow Pad Thai is also terrific. Make sure not to leave without sampling one of their amazing vegan Snickers Bars.
Vegan Heaven
Location: 44, 6 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan
Yet another great Chiang Mai Vegan Heaven! Operating since 2004 this Chiang Mai vegan staple serves large portions for a reasonable price with ingredients that are organic and healthy.
The Banana Blossom Salad is divine as is the “Chicken” Burger and the Pineapple Fried Rice. The menu is quite diverse and large, so one can find something amazing here.
ASA Vegan Kitchen & Studio
Location: 217 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Moi
ASA is a product of love as 2 friends (Ploy and Rosy) got together to create this space where one can eat delicious vegan food, collaborate and learn new skills through the workshops that are provided here. There are 2 areas to plop yourself down in; either street level or upstairs in a covered patio that is quite cozy.
The Burmese Tea Leaf Salad is fantastic as is the rich Khao Soi with deep layered chili flavor. If you like the taste of meat, Rob recommends the vegan Mushroom BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. The breakfast is also delicious – so many flavors to choose from!
Green Food
This new food stall located in Kalare Night Bazaar is some of the best Chiang Mai vegan food on a budget there is! Flavorful, clean and colorful.
Try the Tea Leaf Salad, Pomelo Salad and the Fresh Spring Rolls combination that is currently 160 Baht, which is approximately $4.60 USD.
The Vegano Bistro
Location: 69, 69/1 Moo 12, Nong Khwai Amphoe Hang Dong
The Vegano Bistro is a small cafe with friendly and helpful staff. It is located slightly out of town and is a good stop if you are headed to the airport or the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
They only serve fruits and vegetables that are organic and washed in ozone for utmost cleanliness. Only filtered water is used for cooking.
The Spaghetti Alfredo Mushroom & Spinach is creamy and yummy. If you enjoy the taste of meat (I don’t), then Rob highly recommends the vegan Crispy Pork with Garlic and Chili – just the right balance of spices and high on flavor.
There are many options for deserts. We really enjoyed splitting the Chocolate Fudge Cake which was moist and delicious, but there are other options in the display.
My favorite options here are the Mango Banana Pancakes, the Mushroom Burger and the Massaman Curry. There are also Thai craft beers to try along with all the other drink staples like smoothies, coffees and the like.
Secret Garden Vegan Restaurant
This small restaurant set in a simple garden connected to a home is just around the corner from Rad Rabbit. Sarah, the owner/chef has been creating mouth watering vegan dishes for the budget conscious Chiang Mai vegan for years. And Secret Garden has become a staple Chiang Mai vegan cafe in the community.
Unfortunately the restaurant is currently being sold. However, Sarah has assured us that the menu and vibe of this eatery will remain as is in the new owners hands.
Some of our favorites here are the Eggplant Pumpkin Tofu in Curry Paste and the Khao Soi Soup. If you are daring and enjoy very spicy dishes, there is a Ghost Pepper Pasta dish that a guy next to us was really enjoying – we were not that brave so had to take his word for it. In addition, the cold pressed juices and smoothies are wonderful as well.
Chiang Mai Vegan Hotel Recommendations
We have a few Chiang Mai Vegan hotel recommendations that are true standouts. Some of them are associated with fabulous Chiang Mai vegan restaurants that we have already recommended.
Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort A Vegan Retreat
Location: 9 Thapae Soi 5, Thapae Road, Chang Moi Sub-district
This boutique luxury vegan property features 39 rooms, surrounded by ponds and gardens. The architecture of this hotel is classic colonial from the 1900s. Each room is air-conditioned and features plush linens, a private balcony and bathroom. There is a skinny pool that runs across the back of the hotel.
The onsite restaurant is the vegan Moreganic Restaurant – Vegan Cuisine that serves mostly Northern Thai dishes, vegan style. Prices are on the pricier side to suit this elegant resort. The breakfast is a large buffet and is either included in your room price or an additional $14 USD per person if you so choose.
Prices start at $140 USD per night without breakfast. Please note that the hotel adheres to Buddhist rules and does not serve alcohol, although there are plenty of cafes and bars close by that do.
Green Tiger House – Plant Based Hotel
Location: 1/4 Soi 7, Sri Poom Road
This 3 star eco-friendly Chiang Mai vegan hotel is situated in the northern part of Old Chiang Mai. Hot water for the shower is provided through solar panels and all the lighting is eco-friendly as well. The free breakfast is served through the Reform Kafe which is located on the property (one of our Chiang Mai vegan guide recommendations)!
A small double room with breakfast starts at $42 USD, although prices do go up based on your desired dates and room size needs.
Wrap Up: Chiang Mai Vegan Guide
Our love of Chiang Mai vegan heaven – how we see the city – knows no bounds. Every time we leave this gorgeous city we want to come back as soon as possible to visit the new eateries and artisan shops that pop up. The only other quiet and intimate place that comes close to being as vegan friendly is the island of Koh Phangan. If you have not been, we highly recommend it.
This time, the city had the Chiang Mai Design Week going on during the time that we were there, and we so enjoyed all the artistry, imagination, innovation and beauty of the event. If you happen to be in the city in December, make sure to check that out next year. It is a free event that invigorates the whole city and brings to light all the local artists and designs.
We hope that you found our Chiang Mai vegan guide useful. Have you ever stayed in a Chiang Mai vegan hotel? Was it one of the ones that we recommended, or another one that you can suggest? Please do share your favorite Chiang Mai vegan restaurants and hotels in the comments. We would love to hear from you!
