Vegetarian Food · Chiang Rai, Thailand
Where to Eat Vegetarian in Chiang Rai, Thailand 🇹🇭
7 Places I Ate During My Trip to Northern Thailand
7 places in this guide
Chiang Rai was one of the most memorable stops on my Thailand adventure! Between exploring some of the most incredible temples I’ve ever seen, dressing up in traditional Thai clothing for a photoshoot, and wandering through lively night markets, I also discovered some delicious vegetarian food along the way.
As a vegetarian traveler, finding good food is always part of the adventure. Thailand has incredible cuisine, but eating vegetarian can sometimes require a little extra research because fish sauce, shrimp paste, and meat-based broths are common ingredients.
During my time in Chiang Rai, I visited a mix of local restaurants, beautiful cafés, night markets, and even a familiar international fast-food chain.
One of the meals I had in Chiang Rai ended up being one of my absolute favorites from my entire Thailand trip!
Here are the seven places I ate while exploring Chiang Rai.
© VeggieTravelGirlWhere I Ate in Chiang Rai
Indian Restaurant · Vegetarian-Friendly
India At Chiang Rai 🇮🇳
India At Chiang Rai was one of the restaurants I personally visited. Indian food can be a welcome option when I’m looking for familiar meat-free meals while traveling through Thailand.
Vegetarian Tip: Vegetable curries, lentil dishes, paneer, naan and rice make Indian restaurants a reliable vegetarian option.
Location: 528/12 Jed Yod Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai 57000
Hotel Breakfast · Accommodation
Le Patta Resort — Where I Stayed 🏨
During my visit to Chiang Rai, I stayed at Le Patta Resort, where breakfast was included with my stay! I loved having the convenience of breakfast at my accommodation before heading out for a full day of sightseeing. Between visiting Chiang Rai’s beautiful temples, exploring local markets, and discovering unique cafés, my days were packed with activities. Having breakfast included was one less thing to plan each morning!
Vegetarian Tip: Breakfast was included with my stay — check what your own booking includes.
Location: 610 Phahonyothin Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai 57000
Google Maps ↗ — Le Patta Resort — Where I Stayed 🏨 (opens in a new tab)
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through my links, at no additional cost to you.
Scenic Café · Unique Experience
Lalitta Café 🌿
Lalitta Café was one of the most visually memorable places I visited in Chiang Rai. Its greenery, waterfalls and lush surroundings felt like a fairytale! For me, this was more than a café stop — the setting and photography opportunities made it an experience in its own right.
Vegetarian Tip: The café is mostly visited for its setting, so ask about vegetarian ingredients before ordering.
Location: 392/6, Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai 57100
International Fast Food · Quick Meal
McDonald’s 🍟
Yes, I even visited McDonald’s during my time in Chiang Rai! Seeing how familiar fast-food chains differ between countries is part of the fun of traveling.
Vegetarian Tip: Menus and ingredients vary by country, so don’t assume fries or any other item is vegetarian in Thailand.
Night Market · Thai Street Food
Chiang Rai Night Market 🌙
Exploring night markets is one of my favorite ways to experience a destination! My Chiang Rai night-market visit was part of my food journey, with local vendors, lively street-food culture and plenty to explore.
Vegetarian Tip: Fresh fruit, mango sticky rice, grilled corn, smoothies, spring rolls, vegetable noodles and coconut desserts are easy finds. Ask about fish sauce, shrimp paste and meat-based broth.
♡ Miranda’s Favorite · Northern Thai Cuisine · Local Restaurant
Khao Soi Restaurant 🍜
⭐ Veggie Travel Girl Favorite: One of My Best Meals in Thailand!
Of all the meals I enjoyed during my travels through Thailand, my visit to Khao Soi Restaurant in Chiang Rai was one of my absolute favorites! Northern Thailand is famous for Khao Soi, and this was such a memorable part of my food experience. If you’re visiting Chiang Rai, this is one of the places I’d especially recommend looking into.
Vegetarian Tip: Khao Soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle dish, typically with coconut curry broth, soft egg noodles and crispy noodles on top. Traditional versions often contain meat, meat stock or nonvegetarian curry ingredients, so confirm the broth and curry paste before ordering.
Café · Coffee & Relaxation
Fika Café ☕
Fika Café was another stop during my Chiang Rai trip. Discovering cafés is part of what I enjoy about traveling — a chance to take a break between sightseeing and slow down for a little while.
Vegetarian Tip: Check the current drinks and café food menu and ask about vegetarian ingredients.
Location: 428/9 Thanon Baanpa Pragarn Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai 57000
Tips for Eating Vegetarian in Chiang Rai, Thailand 🌱
Vegetarian possibilities are plentiful, but ingredients aren’t always as straightforward as they look.
- Watch out for fish sauce, including in vegetable dishes.
- Ask about shrimp paste in curry pastes.
- Check noodle-soup and curry broth for meat-based stock.
- Tofu doesn’t automatically mean vegetarian: sauces and broth still matter.
- Explore Indian restaurants for meat-free meal possibilities.
- Visit local markets, but confirm ingredients before ordering.
- Save Thai phrases on your phone to communicate your dietary requirements.
Helpful Thai Phrases
- ฉันกินมังสวิรัติ
- I eat vegetarian.
- ไม่ใส่เนื้อสัตว์
- No meat.
- ไม่ใส่น้ำปลา
- No fish sauce.
- ไม่ใส่กะปิ
- No shrimp paste.
- ไม่ใส่น้ำซุปกระดูก
- No bone broth.
Vegetarian preferences differ regarding eggs and dairy. Communicate your own restrictions clearly, including sauces and stock.
Where I Stayed in Chiang Rai 🏨
Le Patta Resort — My Chiang Rai Accommodation
Le Patta Resort was my Chiang Rai base, and breakfast was included with my accommodation. Having breakfast available before sightseeing made busy temple days easier to plan.
My Hotel Breakfast Experience ↑This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through my links, at no additional cost to you.
Planning a Trip to Chiang Rai? Here’s What Else I Did!
My Chiang Rai adventures included the White Temple, Blue Temple, Clock Tower, Walking Street and more incredible temples. I hired a private driver, rented traditional Thai clothing from NATHA, had my hair styled and professional photos taken, and explored beautiful cafés and other attractions.
✨ Read My Complete Chiang Rai Travel Guide →My Chiang Rai Vegetarian Food Experience
Chiang Rai was such a memorable part of my Thailand adventure! Between the incredible temples, beautiful cafés, lively night markets, and one of my favorite Khao Soi meals from my entire trip, there was so much to enjoy.
Eating vegetarian while traveling through Thailand sometimes takes a little extra effort, but discovering delicious local food is always part of the experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Rai, I hope this guide helps you find some great places to eat while exploring this beautiful part of Northern Thailand!
Explore More Vegetarian Destination Guides → and follow @VeggieTravelGirl for vegetarian food discoveries, solo travel adventures, and travel inspiration.