Where to stay in Thailand if you’re vegan: Away Chiang Mai provides plant-based bliss

It may be pushing a decade since I’ve lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but some things haven’t changed. Namely, the affectionately named “Rose of the North” continues to be an oasis for people who are plant-based and still want to experience and enjoy the creamy coconut and pickled veggies in Khao Soi, or drunken noodles that pack heat but not meat.

Long known as one of the world’s most vegan-friendly destinations, Thailand is the perfect example I offer to people who tell me it’s too hard to travel and eat plant-based because here, no, it sure isn’t!

Tucked away from the energy of Chiang Mai’s bustling streets and just outside the gates of the ancient Old City, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort* is one of the city’s serene escapes. And, this hotel checks off everything I want in a holiday experience that is sustainable and ethical travel to Thailand:

• It’s nearby all the things, but not in the things.
• Comfortable beds.
• A pool.
• On-site spa
• On-site restaurant and bar
• And, as a forever foodie, plant-based food that taps into local cuisine and flavors and is damn good.

While it’s been a few years since I’ve stayed there, it remains on my list and is constantly recommend when people as me where to stay in Chiang Mai with vegan options. 

So, what do I love about Away Chiang Mai? Oh so much.

The Rooms

Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort features 39 designed rooms, offering a higher-end stay but not one that will drain your pockets. Unlike many budget accommodations in the area, this resort provides luxurious bedding with plush pillows and soft mattresses—a rarity in Thailand, where hard beds are the norm.

Guests can choose from deluxe rooms, spacious suites with bathtubs, and family rooms, all designed with tranquil aesthetic. White walls and blue artwork celebrating local landmarks contrast beautifully with dark wooden floors and the entire vibe is one of chill, mai pen rai.

Each room is has free high-speed WiFi, a 32-inch flat-screen, a mini-fridge, a personal safe, and plush robes and slippers. Some rooms include private balconies, with four offering direct access to the resort’s focal feature, its sparkling pool.

The Amenities

One of the resort’s biggest draws is its plant-based restaurant, Moreorganic. But, there’s more to the hotel than that. 

The sunlit pool area, surrounded by lounge chairs, is perfect for relaxing in between exploring Chiang Mai’s cultural sites with its hundreds of wats dotting the winding sois. Guests can order fresh juices, herbal teas, and non-alcoholic mocktails straight to their chairs, so you get your full on vacation feels.

Moreganic, the resort’s on-site vegan restaurant, is another highlight. Offering a fully vegan menu with organic ingredients whenever possible, Moreganic provides an excellent selection of Thai and international dishes. The breakfast spread includes fresh tropical fruit, homemade granola, tofu scrambles, and plant-based versions of traditional Thai favorites.

For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy dishes like Massaman curry with jackfruit, pad Thai with tofu, and hearty Buddha bowls loaded with locally sourced vegetables. 

Other amenities include an on-site concierge service that assists with travel planning, transportation arrangements, and local activity bookings. The resort also offers complimentary bicycles for guests who want to explore the city in an eco-friendly way. And, the coolest amenity, in my opinion, is the free phone calls. I know its 2025, and we have cell phones but being able to sit poolside and call my parents from a hotel phone in Thailand just tickles me. 

The Location

For travelers who want to be close to Chiang Mai’s main attractions while still enjoying a peaceful retreat, the resort’s location is ideal. Situated just across from the historic Old City, guests can easily walk to some of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples, including Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. The famous Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets, known for their incredible street food (including many vegan options) and artisan markets, are just a short stroll away. Pro tip: go early before the crowds descend onto the streets looking for deals.

For those looking to explore beyond the Old City, Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) is widely available, and the resort’s concierge can assist in booking private transportation. Songthaews, the city’s shared red truck taxis, remain a budget-friendly way to get around, with standard fares of 30 baht per person. There are tuk tuks, but they are going to cost you more than any of the other transit options. Consider yourself warned.

Sustainable & Ethical Attractions Nearby

Beyond the resort, Chiang Mai offers plenty of sustainable and ethical attractions for conscious travelers:

• Eat for a cause. Chiang Mai is home to numerous organizations and businesses who support refugees and hill tribes. One of the best spots to visit is Free Bird Cafe, a restaurant serving Burmese food and helps fund a learning center for refugees from Burma. They’ve got a little thrift store in there, too.
• Green Markets: Visit Jing Jai Farmers’ Market on the weekends for organic produce, handmade crafts, and sustainable fashion from local artisans. This is one of my favorite markets. It’s a little bit out of the city, but hop in a ride share or grab a songthaew easy peasy. 
• Thrift Shopping: The city has a growing secondhand fashion scene, and there are so many great shops. My favorite is Crazy Vintage. I’ve found quite a few gems in that shop.
• Drink coffee. Seriously. The city is home to what feels like a million of them. You can find them tucked down sois. Serving out of tiny windows. In carts. One of my favorites, which thankfully is still in existence, is Akha Ama Coffee. They source from hill tribes in the region providing income for the local communities. While we’re on the topic, tours which “visit” the Long Neck Karen hill tribe are unethical, so please steer clear.

Elephants in Thailand

I’d be remiss not to include elephants as a part of any experience in Chiang Mai. I worked directly in the elephant tourism industry from 2012 – 2015. Having worked for one of the most well-known sanctuaries in the world, under one of the most respected elephant conservationists in the world, I know more than most people. I’ve spoken about responsible animal tourism for a decade-plus, sharing what I’ve experienced and learned.

Like any destination, it’s important to keep an eye out for greenwashing. Many places call themselves sanctuaries, but they are not. Unethical experiences include using weapons on the animal to get them to listen and babies chained to moms. As well as any place that lets you get close to them including feeding, touching and bathing them. Essentially, an ethical elephant experience means you can sit and observe these amazing creatures from a distance. Any place that prioritizes your selfies and you above the animals means it’s not doing what’s best for the elephants.

All this to say, I support and recommend Burm and Bee’s Elephant Sanctuary — BEE’s  and ChangChill only. They operate the most ethical elephant experiences in Thailand.

The Bottom Line

There are thousands of accommodations to choose from in Chiang Mai, from guest houses to luxury and lavish hotels. If you want an authentic experience that caters to a plant-based diet in a perfect location this is it. Away Chiang Mai is an ideal place to rest your sweet head in this jungle city.

For a comfortable, conscious stay in Chiang Mai, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort should be on your list. 

Book your stay at Away today

*This post contains affiliate links. They do not impact your pricing at all. If you use them and book anything, I get a small commission which helps to fund this site.