Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort

PHOTO: Mangosteen Ayurveda and Wellness Resort | Nighttime at the resort.

On a quiet hilltop overlooking Chalong Bay in Rawai, Mangosteen is known for its Ayurvedic programs. The resort is a restorative, adults-only (12+ years old) vegan-friendly hotel in Thailand. It offers immersive wellness from yoga, to treatments. There’s even an Ayurvedic doctor on-property.

PHOTO: Mangosteen | The rooms are warm and earth toned.

Rooms: Thai-style villas designed to feel earthy, with terraces and outdoor showers; amenities include vegan-friendly toiletries.

PHOTO: Mangosteen | The vegan options here are focused on Ayurveda.

Food: Ayurveda-led, plant-forward dining with many vegan options tailored to wellness programs. Produce is organic and hydroponic when possible.

Amenities: Saltwater pool, Ayurvedic spa, curated detox and retreats, cooking classes, programing that includes daily yoga, sound healing, hikes, and more, plus free shuttle service to Nai Hern beach.

Sustainability: Local herbs and produce, eco-conscious operations, recycling of waste water, solar use.

Location: Rawai (south Phuket), with panoramic views and access to beaches and cultural sites.

Vegan Hotels in Thailand: FAQs

Is Thailand a good country for vegans?

Yes! Thailand is one of the best destinations in Asia for vegans, thanks to its abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and a growing vegan dining scene. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have hundreds of vegan restaurants, while islands and smaller towns are increasingly offering plant-based options too.

What traditional Thai dishes are naturally vegan?

Several Thai dishes are vegan or can easily be made vegan. Look for som tam (papaya salad — ask for no fish sauce, no shrimp), pad pak (stir-fried vegetables with garlic and soy sauce), tom yum hed (spicy mushroom soup without fish sauce), fresh spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and curries made with coconut milk and vegetables. Street food staples like grilled corn and fresh fruit are also safe bets.

Which Thai dishes should vegans be cautious about?

Many Thai dishes that seem vegan can include hidden animal products. Watch out for:

• Fish sauce (nam pla): used in almost all stir-fries, soups, and salads by default.
• Shrimp paste (kapi): often added to curry pastes and chili dips.
• Oyster sauce: common in stir-fried vegetable dishes.
• Egg: often added to fried rice, noodles, and stir-fries unless you request otherwise.
• Condensed milk: used in Thai iced tea and desserts.

How do I say “I am vegan” in Thai?

The most common way is to say “chan gin jay” (ฉันกินเจ) if you identify as a woman, or “phom gin jay” (ผมกินเจ) if you identify as a man. “Jay” (เจ) means vegan in the Buddhist sense — no meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or pungent alliums like garlic and onion. If you’re okay with garlic and onion, you can clarify by saying “gin mangsawirat, mai gin sat, mai gin kai, mai gin nam pla” — “I eat vegetarian, no meat, no egg, no fish sauce.”

What does “jay” food mean in Thailand?

“Jay” (เจ) refers to vegan Buddhist cuisine, which excludes all animal products and also garlic, onions, chives, and leeks. During the Thai Vegetarian Festival each year, “jay” food stalls pop up everywhere, clearly marked with yellow flags. Outside of the festival, many restaurants still offer “jay” dishes if requested. And, 7-11’s all carry “jay” products as well if you’re in a pinch and need some sustenance.

Are there vegan Thai desserts?

Yes! Popular vegan-friendly desserts include khao niew mamuang (mango sticky rice), coconut ice cream (check it’s dairy-free), warm coconut milk with various fruits or pumpkin in it, and fresh fruit plates. Just be cautious of condensed milk or dairy toppings often added by default.

Are soy products widely available in Thailand?

Absolutely. Thailand produces tofu, soy milk, and soy-based mock meats locally. Most markets and grocery stores carry a wide variety of tofu, and soy milk is available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. There are also vegetarian Chinese restaurants which are noted with the เจ on signage, and their meat products are typically soy.

What’s the easiest way to order vegan food in Thailand?

Start by finding restaurants that advertise vegan or vegetarian menus . They’re common in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and tourist hubs. At non-vegan restaurants, use the phrase “mai sai nam pla, mai sai hoi, mai sai kai” (don’t use fish sauce, don’t use oyster sauce, don’t use egg). Carrying a Thai vegan dining card (available online) can also help avoid confusion. Remember, even in vegetarian dishes, there can be fish sauce, so that’s an important phrase to recall.

Is it easy to find vegan hotels in Thailand?

Yes. While not every property is fully vegan, there are now several verified vegan hotels in Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Bangkok. Thailand also has dozens of vegan-friendly wellness resorts with plant-based menus.

What makes a hotel truly fully vegan?

It means all food, linens, toiletries, and amenities are free from animal products. For example, no down, no leather, no beeswax, no dairy or eggs in the kitchen.

What’s the difference between vegan-friendly and fully vegan hotels in Thailand?

Fully vegan hotels ensure all food, toiletries, linens, and amenities are free from animal products. Vegan-friendly hotels often focus on plant-based dining but may still use non-vegan materials like leather, wool, or down in rooms.

Are these hotels verified?

Yes. As of 2025, all properties listed as “vegan” in this guide are confirmed as fully vegan. Always check directly before booking, as policies can change.

Which Thai city has the most vegan hotels?

Chiang Mai leads, with multiple fully vegan hotels plus dozens of vegan cafés and restaurants.

Are vegan hotels more expensive in Thailand?

Not necessarily. Many vegan hotels in Thailand are boutique or retreat-style, so rates vary. Often meals and wellness activities are included in the room rate.

General Travel in Thailand: FAQ

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool, dry season from November to February, when the weather is comfortable and ideal for exploring cities, beaches, and jungles. March to May is the hottest season, while June to October brings the rainy season, which can still be a good time to travel if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.

While dry season is incredible weather-wise, it is also high season. As a result, be prepared for crowds and higher prices. During the hot season, farmers often burn their remaining crops to make way for the next season.

Burning season can be particularly bad, so if you or anyone with you has asthma or other breathing issues, this is not the time of year to go as the pollution is often the highest in the world at this time.

Rainy season is my favorite time to travel because of the drop in visitors and rates. Storms often pop up, but it doesn’t rain the entire day. 

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Many nationalities, including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and most Europeans, can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days if arriving by air, or 15 days if arriving by land. For longer stays, you can apply for a tourist visa (60 days) or an extended visa before traveling. Always check current regulations before booking.

What is the currency in Thailand?

Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, malls, and restaurants. Smaller shops, markets, and local eateries usually prefer cash. 

How do I get around Thailand?

Thailand has excellent transportation options:

• Domestic flights are affordable and quick between major cities. My favorite airline is Bangkok Air, which offers a lounge for all passengers. 

• Trains and buses connect most regions, with night trains being a popular budget-friendly choice. Trains can run late, so buffer in time if you have flights, etc.

• Songthaews, tuk tuks, and Grab (ride-hailing app) are common in cities. Songthaews are color-coded depending on where they go.For example, red ones in Chiang Mai go within the city. They operate like group taxis where people flag them, tell them where they are going, and then the driver decides if it is along the route of the other passengers. There are set prices and not negotiable typically. However, you can negotiate private songthaew rides. Next, tuk tuks are more expensive, but unlike songthaews, they are private rides. Cabs are also available, but typically people use them from airports versus hailing them. To hail a vehicle, you stick your arm out, hold your palm down and flap it up and down.

• Finally, for islands, you’ll rely on ferries, longtail boats, and speedboats. Many luxury resorts will offer complimentary speed boats to their properties on the beach.

Is Thailand safe for travelers?

Yes, Thailand is considered safe for travelers, including solo travelers. Petty theft (like pickpocketing) can occur in crowded areas, so stay alert. In addition, traffic can be chaotic, so exercise caution when crossing streets or riding scooters. Like most countries, you have to aware of scams, like “guides” who tell you the destination you are seeing is closed, or who require you to stop in a shop and purchase something as a part of a ride.

What should I pack for Thailand?

Light, breathable clothing is essential due to the tropical climate. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. If visiting temples, pack modest attire (shoulders and knees covered). Comfortable sandals and walking shoes are a must. In temples, spas and some shops, you are required to remove your shoes before entering, so easy on/off shoes are the best. I recommend Crocs because they have grip and can keep you from walking on slippery walks in rainy season.

Can I drink tap water in Thailand?

No, it’s not recommended to drink tap water in Thailand. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and restaurants provide safe drinking water. Refill stations for reusable bottles are increasingly available in eco-friendly areas.

What are some must-visit destinations in Thailand?

• Bangkok: Temples, night markets, street food.

• Chiang Mai: Old City, temples, night bazaars, elephant sanctuaries.

• Phuket & Krabi: Beaches, nightlife, island hopping.

• Koh Samui & Koh Phangan: Wellness retreats, yoga, tropical vibes.

• Ayutthaya: Ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is tipping expected in Thailand?

Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 10% is common. For services like massages or tours, a small tip (20–50 baht) is thoughtful.

What language is spoken in Thailand?

The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few Thai phrases, like sawasdee ka/krub (hello) or khob khun ka/krub (thank you), goes a long way.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Thailand?

No, but with any trip, I highly recommend it. A good travel insurance will cover theft/loss, as well as trip issues, medical emergencies and more. I suggest World Nomads.