Tucked within Thailand’s historic city of Chiang Mai, Away Chiang Mai Thapae was born from a simple mission—to create a serene, eco-conscious sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind, plant-powered, planet-friendly, culturally-conscious experience.
Where Luxury Meets Plant-Based Living
Launching Thailand’s first entirely vegan resort was as ambitious as it was revolutionary. In a hospitality scene where veganism was still a new concept, there was a significant amount of education required. The biggest hurdle was showcasing that a fully vegan experience could be as indulgent, stylish, and memorable as any other luxury getaway.
“We wanted to prove that travel can be luxurious, comfortable, and ethical—without compromising on flavor, wellness, or cultural connection,” said Katerawee Thepprachum, General Manager of Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort.
From working with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients, equipping chefs with the skills to hone in on the many culinary techniques that feature the abundance of animal-free cuisine, and training front-of-house staff to share the concept of the resort with confidence, building this mission-driven destination was a challenge worth the effort.
Thoughtful Design, Mindful Hospitality
The attention to detail transcends the kitchen. Every element of the resort has been thoughtfully curated to align with the brand’s founding values, rooted in respect for the species with whom we share this planet. From indulgent, cruelty-free spa treatments to sustainable in-room amenities, the team at Away Chiang Mai is a testament to vegan-friendly hospitality at its finest.
This intentional approach and passion to change minds and hearts with their rendition of diverse, plant-based cuisine has gained them recognition from hospitality leaders, including organizations such as VeggieHotels and Vegan Hospitality. Certifications from these entities help like-minded travelers who are actively seeking vegan-friendly accommodations find ease of mind throughout their stay at Away Chiang Mai.
A Plant-Based Experience for All
The resort’s charm extends far beyond a vegan audience. In fact, many of the resort’s guests are not vegan, but come curious about plant-based cuisine or seeking a healthier travel experience. Their reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, often surprised by the delicious satisfaction of the resort’s plant-powered dishes. This openness is mirrored in the local community, which is no stranger to plant-forward dining, especially during Buddhist festivals.
Beyond Dining: Wellness and Cultural Immersion
At Away Chiang Mai, the experience is as much about what happens outside the dining room as within it. Guests can join yoga and meditation classes, sound healing sessions, traditional Thai workshops, and hands-on plant-based cooking lessons. The courtyard and pool offer tranquil spaces to unwind as you enjoy the activities the resort has to offer, or after a long day of exploring the city’s cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and scenic surroundings.
Ethical Exploration in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage, growing wellness scene, and the vibrant plant-based community make the city the perfect destination for an ultimate vegan getaway in Thailand. The resort also partners with local businesses and supports guests with recommendations for local activities, be it suggesting the best plant-based eateries or collaborating with eco-friendly tour operators to ensure guests experience the city in a way that aligns with ethical values that formed the foundation of the concept for the resort.
Naturally, in a city known for its wildlife tourism, the team at Away Chiang Mai is mindful when guiding guests toward animal-friendly experiences. Ethical elephant sanctuaries, guided nature hikes, and cultural workshops replace attractions that exploit animals, ensuring entertainment remains compassionate without compromise.
Leading the Way for Sustainable Luxury
Looking ahead, Away Chiang Mai Thapae is committed to forging a path for ethical, plant-based, and sustainable luxury travel to be the norm rather than a niche.
“We hope to inspire more hotels to adopt vegan and eco-conscious practices and to encourage travelers to make choices that are kind to the planet, animals, and themselves,” the team shared. In doing so, Away Chiang Mai is proving that luxury and compassion can coexist—and that the journey can begin with a single, plant-powered step.
Visit Away Chiang Mai Thapae’s website to learn more and book your vegan getaway today.
