A Vegetarian Journey to Chiang Mai with Bangkok Airways

Travel is not only about destinations — it’s also about the choices we make along the way. For my recent trip to Chiang Mai, I wanted to stay true to a vegetarian lifestyle, from the moment I stepped on the plane to the meals I enjoyed across the city. With Bangkok Airways, the journey became just as mindful and nourishing as the destination.

✈️ Vegetarian-Friendly Flights with Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways has long been known as the “Boutique Airline of Asia,” with a focus on thoughtful service and passenger comfort. On this trip, I pre-selected the VGML (Vegetarian Meal) option, which is available on request.

Both on the outbound and return flights, the meals were light, flavorful, and easy to digest — perfectly aligned with my trip’s wellness theme. For a traveler who values conscious eating, having the option to begin a journey with a meal that respects both health and the environment was a meaningful touch.

This also reflects Bangkok Airways’ broader sustainability initiatives, from eco-friendly operations to community-focused programs. It’s more than flying — it’s traveling with care.

🌿 Vegetarian & Vegan Dining in Chiang Mai

Once in Chiang Mai, I continued the journey through some of the city’s most exciting vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Chiang Mai is often described as one of Asia’s plant-based havens, and each stop confirmed why.

MAI Restaurant & Bar (Meliá Chiang Mai)

Perched on the 21st floor of Meliá Chiang Mai, MAI blends refined Northern Thai flavors with a sustainability-forward philosophy. Their “360° Cuisine” concept champions organic, local produce and cuts kitchen waste—great for guests who care about taste and the planet. Time your dinner to catch sunset, then wander upstairs to MAI The Sky Bar on the 22nd floor for city and Ping River views.
🕑 Hours: Afternoon tea 14:00–17:00 (last order 16:30); Dinner 18:00–23:00 (last order 22:00)
📍 Map: “MAI Restaurant & Bar – Meliá Chiang Mai” (Old City riverfront area)
Why go: elegant plating, local produce, sweeping skyline views. Tripadvisor+3Time Out Worldwide+3Melia+3
💸 Price range: ฿฿฿฿ (800–1,500 THB per person / $22–40 / €20–37)

Moreganic Vegan Cuisine (Away Chiang Mai Thapae – A Vegan Retreat)

Set inside Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, Moreganic is a serene, colonial-style dining room serving fully plant-based menus. Expect creative Thai and Asian plates—think yamabushitake (lion’s mane) green curry, golden tofu with tamarind, and even braised “vegan pork belly.” Service typically covers breakfast through dinner; check on the day for the current service windows (they also run a lovely afternoon tea).
🕑 Typical hours reported: Breakfast 07:00–10:30; À la carte 11:00–21:30; Afternoon tea often 11:00–17:00 (verify on arrival).
📍 Map: “Moreganic Restaurant – Away Chiang Mai Thapae” (near Thapae Gate)
Why go: fully vegan kitchen, elegant room, creative Northern Thai flavors. Tripadvisor+2HappyCow+2
💸 Price range: ฿฿฿ (400–800 THB per person / $11–22 / €10–20)

Goodsouls Kitchen (Old City – Singharat Rd)

A Chiang Mai vegan staple—bright, friendly, and packed from breakfast to dinner. The menu is huge: smoothie bowls and tofu scramble in the morning, then veggie burgers, curries, falafel pitas, fresh spring rolls, pasta, pancakes and a glass case of vegan cakes later on. It’s right inside the Old City, so it’s easy to pair with temple walks.
🕑 Hours: Daily 08:00–22:00
📍 Map: 52/3 Singharat Rd, Si Phum (Old City)
Why go: reliable all-day vegan, big menu, cake selection, central location. Goodsouls Kitchen+1
💸 Price range: ฿฿ (250–500 THB per person / $7–14 / €6–12)

Amore Italian food and Pizza by the Pool

A small, heartfelt Italian café known for house-made tiramisù and a growing selection of Italian bites; the team often hosts workshops/pop-ups and posts updates as they expand the food side. Now Vegan pizza and more desseert coming !!
🕑 Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Closed Wed)
📍 Map: 182/2 Chang Moi Rd (park by the temple when available)
Why go: classic tiramisù, Italian sweets, cozy local vibe. HappyCow+2Instagram+2
💸 Price range: ฿฿ (150–400 THB per person / $4–11 / €4–10)

Lanna Wild (In-house Dining)

Even if you’re staying for the nature, don’t skip meals: the resort’s kitchen serves Thai and Lanna-style dishes with vegetarian/vegan options available at breakfast and throughout the day (they’re used to special requests). The dining room opens to the forest—perfect for slow mornings and long, lantern-lit dinners.
🕑 Meal periods: breakfast, lunch, dinner (confirm times on check-in)
📍 Map: “Lanna Wild – Chiang Mai (Huai Kaeo area / Mae On hills)”
Why go: nature-framed dining, Lanna flavors, flexible veg options. Booking.com+1
💸 Price range: ฿฿฿ (500–900 THB per person / $14–25 / €13–23)

This Chiang Mai trip showed me how easy and rewarding it is to travel as a vegetarian. From the moment I boarded Bangkok Airways and enjoyed their thoughtful VGML meals, to exploring Chiang Mai’s vibrant plant-based scene, every step felt mindful and delicious.

• ✈️ Bangkok Airways: light, tasty vegetarian meals that set the tone for a wellness trip.

• 🍴 Restaurants: from the refined rooftop of MAI Restaurant & Bar, the full vegan creativity of Moreganic, the cozy Italian sweets at Amore, the bustling energy of Goodsouls Kitchen, to the nature-inspired dining at Lanna Wild — each offered its own unique take on vegetarian dining.

• 🌿 Chiang Mai itself: a city that embraces slow living, wellness, and creativity, making it the perfect destination for conscious travelers.

For anyone who thinks traveling vegetarian might be limiting, Chiang Mai proves the opposite: it’s a place where you can eat well, live mindfully, and still experience all the richness of northern Thai culture.

✨ Travel tip: Pre-order your VGML meal with Bangkok Airways when booking, and save these restaurants on Google Maps before your trip. That way, your own vegetarian journey to Chiang Mai will be as smooth and fulfilling as mine.