Thailand Vegan Tour
12 Days Christmas Vegan Tour
Join Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages for an extraordinary journey to Thailand on this Christmas Vegan Tour. Experience sumptuous vegan cuisines, amazing sights, vibrant cultures, colorful customs, and fantastic feasts as we celebrate the holiday season in this enchanting Asian country.
What's included?
Vegan Meals
31 Vegan Meals
(11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners)
Accommodation
11 Nights Accommodations
(a combination of a boutique bed & breakfast, a historical heritage villa & traditional bungalows on the banks of the mighty Mae Klong River, traditional Thai style cottages near the beach, a boutique inn, and an overnight air-conditioned sleeper train)
Tour Transport
- Private Air Conditioned Minibus
- Boats
- Songthaew
- Air Conditioned Sleeper Train
- Local Train
- Domestic Flight from Phuket to Bangkok (on last day of tour)
Also Included
- Daily Local Cultural Lessons of Thailand and its People
- Daily Local Language Lessons
- Live Traditional Music and Folk Dances
- Vegan Cooking Class (full course meals)
- Vegan Cooking Class (Thai salads)
- Vegan Cooking Class (Thai desserts)
- Guests of an all-vegetarian Community
- Introduction to Thai Classical Music & Instruments
- Full-Day Program at Animal Rescue & Protection Project
- Vegan Meals with Local Families
- Fruit Tasting Sessions
- Meditation Lessons
- 2 Traditional Thai Massage Treatments
- Local Veggie and Spice Market Exploration
- Vegan Meet-up Dinner with Local Vegans (in Bangkok)
- All Local Guide Fees
- All Site Entry Fees
- Guests of Local Community Educational Program
- Off-the-beaten-track Bangkok Heritage Walk
- Donations to Local Community Welfare Programs
- Donations to Animal Rescue and Elephant Protection Program
- Donations to Youth Education Programs
- Complimentary Refill Water bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
- Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks, and Beers on “Dinner & Drinks” nights
- Vegan Welcome Package (filled with delicious local vegan snacks) and Tote Bag
Even More Included
- Special Festive Christmas Celebration Party & Dinner
- Beachside New Year’s Eve Celebration Party & Dinner with free beers & cocktails
- Island hopping and Snorkeling Trip in the Andaman Sea
- Visit Local Temples & Temple-Architecture Lessons
- Introduction to Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
- Introduction to Buddhist Monastic Life in Thailand
- Guests of Theravada Buddhist Monastery
- Special Seaside Vegan BBQ & Riverside Vegan BBQ
- Community Carbon Offsets to Offset 100% Group’s Carbon Emissions from Flight
- Airport Pick Up*
- …and all other activities, entertainment, and entry fees as per the itinerary
* Airport picks up is provided if you arrive two or one days before the tour date and staying at the group’s hotel. If you would be arriving at a much earlier time, please arrange to have your own transfer, and meet us on Day 1 at our group’s hotel.
What’s NOT included?
International airfare, personal travel insurance, visa fee to Thailand (if applicable), gratuities/tips, laundry, and other items of a personal nature.
Tour Dates & Pricing
Thailand – 12 Days Thailand Christmas Vegan Tour 2024-25
$3,795 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 18 PEOPLE
- Starts on December 23, 2024 (Monday)
- Begins at 8:00 am
- Finishes on January 3, 2025 (Friday)
- Ends at 4:00 pm
- Starts from BANGKOK
- Finishes in BANGKOK
Thailand – 12 Days Thailand Christmas Vegan Tour 2025-26
$3,795 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 18 PEOPLE
- Starts on December 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Begins at 8:00 am
- Finishes on January 3, 2026 (Saturday)
- Ends at 4:00 pm
- Starts from BANGKOK
- Finishes in BANGKOK
All Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Adventures runs on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will pair you up with another single traveler of the same gender. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, upon making a booking, please select “yes” for Single Supplement and the cost shown below will be added to your total adventure cost.
$995 for 12 days: Christmas Vegan Tour in Thailand Adventure
Thailand has been well on the traveler’s map ever since Sean Connery as James Bond was filmed on this country’s strikingly beautiful beaches in “Dr. No” – and there is a good reason for it! Siam (as Thailand was called before) has it all: friendly people, an ancient culture rooted in Buddhist traditions, amazing geography, and absolutely delicious food! Experience it all on our Christmas Vegan Tour in Thailand adventure where you’ll see the “highlights”, explore places well off-the-beaten-path, be guests of local families and communities, and get a real insight into the people, country, culture, and customs of this legendary Southeast Asian kingdom!
And of course, Thailand is known for its outstandingly tasty food, which we will be enjoying plenty of throughout the journey. A zesty mix of fresh herbs, pungent spices, and mouthwatering sauces, Thai food is not only unique – but also absolutely delicious. Vegan noodles, curries, spicy salads, steamed jasmine rice, hot soups, sensational stir-fries, fresh and fried spring rolls, tropical fruits, and Asian-style vegan sweets just to name a few. Like other countries in Asia, it should not be called Thai cuisine, but rather Thai cuisines, as dishes vary significantly from region to region, community to community, village to village, and house to house as recipes are heavily dependent on local ingredients and cultural influences. On your Christmas Vegan Tour in Thailand adventure, we’ll be trying them all – all made especially vegan just for us! From enjoying meals at local eateries, specially set up markets, and local homes where we will be guests, we’ll dish out a bounty of Thai culinary vegan delicacies as we celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays in this captivating country whose culinary traditions are a true gastronomical gift to the world.
And it’s not just about the food – though we’ll eat plenty of it! It’s also about learning, exploring, and discovering. In Thai society, there is a concept known as “Sanuk”, or “enjoyment/fun” – but it actually means so much more than that, which we will share with you during this adventure. This is a concept we’ll take to heart during our journey together, whether it’s vegan cooking classes, participating in local ceremonies, Thai language, and cultural lessons, tai chi, island hopping, exploring vibrant bazaars or enjoying delicious home-cooked meals, music, and dance with local families – we’ll enjoy it all in the tradition of “Sanuk”. New cultures, religions, customs, traditions, cuisines, new friends, and having fun is what the Christmas Vegan Tour in Thailand adventure is all about!
Itinerary
Get day to day insight of the tour.
DAY 1 BANGKOK
Sawasdee! Welcome to Bangkok on the Vegan Travel Asia’s Christmas Vegan Tour!
Bangkok, or Krung Thep as the locals call it, is a shortened version of a much longer name that holds the record as the longest city name in the world (it’s so long it would take up too much space to include here!). Krung Thep roughly translates to “City of Angels.” If you’re familiar with the “City of Angels” in Los Angeles, California, you might notice some similarities as you arrive—both cities are bustling with skyscrapers, highways, concrete structures, and heavy traffic. However, once you venture beyond the modern sprawl, you’ll discover a city rich in history and culture.
Founded in the 1780s, Bangkok is a dynamic blend of ancient temples, serene canals, towering high-rises, and vibrant 24-hour street food culture. It’s a true cosmopolitan city, a mix of old and new, tradition and innovation. With a population of 9 million people from diverse backgrounds—Thai, Chinese, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Khmer, Japanese, Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Westerners—Bangkok is a melting pot of cultures.
Our Christmas Vegan Tour begins in the morning with an orientation meeting, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and discuss the exciting adventure ahead. Then, we’ll dive straight into exploring Krung Thep’s bustling markets, sacred temples, hidden side streets, back alleys, and tranquil canals. We’ll also take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River—the lifeblood of Bangkok, which has played a central role in the city’s history.
In the evening, after immersing ourselves in the city’s rich heritage, we’ll wind down with a Cultural Culinary Experience cooking class. Here, you’ll learn how to prepare a delicious vegan Thai feast, bringing the flavors of Bangkok to life in a whole new way!
Highlights of the Day:
- Christmas Vegan Tour detailed Orientation Meeting and Introduction to Thai culture, local customs, traditions, history, etiquette, greetings, language, and cultural do’s and don’t’s.
- Join our friend and longtime resident of the city, as we explore the back streets and back alleys of old Bangkok.
- Visit a veggie market and local neighborhoods important to the city’s vegetarian festival and the capital’s veggie story, which is a microcosm of the vegetarian scene in Thailand as a whole.
- Enjoy lunch at Bangkok’s best veggie food court and 100% vegetarian market where we’ll have lunch.
- Put together gift baskets at an all-vegetarian mini-market for a local community we’ll be guests of later in the journey.
- Cruise along the mighty Chao Phraya River in our boat. The Chao Phraya is commonly known as the “River of Kings”. At approximately 370 kilometers long and 150 meters wide at spots, the river, a lifeline and one of the most vital waterways for the people of central Thailand.
- Visit the bustling bazaar of Pak Khlong Talat – Bangkok’s biggest flower market, which also has a reputation as being the city’s best-smelling market.
- Vegan Cooking Class – where we’ll learn how to cook a mouth-watering full-course Thai vegan meal!
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
I've been on five trips with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages), and I'm trying to arrange a possible sixth one. I've been with them on two trips to India, and one each to Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos. They are top-notch! I started with them because they share my vegan values, but I continue to return because of the amazing service they provide. Very interesting tours, great vegan food, and an abundance of care for the travelers' safety and comfort. They personally get to know you and handle any questions or needs you may have. When I'm on their trips it feels like I'm traveling with friends, which I truly am!
DAY 2 BANGKOK
The closest term to “vegan” in Thailand is “kin jay”, which literally means “eat vegetarian.” In its strictest sense, “vegetarian food” in Thailand (nothing from animals or insects) is referred to as “ahaan jay” (“ahaan” means food). That said, most Thais love their meat, and surprisingly—despite the country’s strong Buddhist heritage—few are vegan or even vegetarian. In fact, Thailand’s famous vegetarian festival, celebrated for nine days each year, is mostly observed by Thais of Chinese descent.
This festival, known as the “Kin Jay” Festival, takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar and has Chinese origins. Traditionally, it is the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants. Over the centuries, the Thai Chinese community—and to some extent other Thais—have adopted and adapted this Chinese tradition into their own unique celebration. While it’s primarily observed by Thais with Chinese ancestry, many other Thais also join in, embracing the spirit of “sanuk” (a concept in Thai culture that encourages finding joy and satisfaction in everything one does). This sense of “sanuk” also extends to other “imported” holidays in Thailand, including Christmas!
As you’ll see during our time in Bangkok on this Christmas Vegan Tour, signs of Christmas are everywhere. From grand holiday displays in mega malls to simple Christmas trees in sidewalk cafés and coffee shops, as well as festive treats and Christmas-themed dishes popping up on restaurant menus, the holiday spirit is alive and well in this vibrant city.
In the spirit of it all, after our orientation meeting, we’ll head out to explore Bangkok’s markets, sacred temples, side streets, back alleys, and, of course, sample delicious seasonal vegan dishes. We’ll immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history while learning about all things vegan in colorful Krung Thep. In the evening, we’ll join fellow vegans in Bangkok to celebrate Christmas Eve with an exquisite traditional Isaan (northeastern Thailand) style feast, made vegan just for us!
Highlights of the Day:
- Special vegan traditional breakfast feast to start the day.
- Join our friend and longtime resident of Bangkok as we head out by foot, by canal boat, and then by vans through some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
- Visit the auspicious Wat Suthat and learn about traditional Thai Theravada Buddhist temple architecture and the temple’s history that dates back over 200 years.
- Special vegan lunch at one of Bangkok’s most famous vegan cafés for a special holiday season vegan lunch they have prepared for us.
- Visit a local fruit and veggies morning market seeing the different ingredients commonly used in Thailand.
- Special vegan Christmas Eve Dinner feast of some of Eastern Thailand’s Isaan classics.
- Meet up with local vegans and activists.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 3 MAE KLONG – Traditional Thai Home along the Mae Klong River
From the Chao Phraya River to the Gulf of Thailand, today’s journey will take us by road, train, boat, and foot as we head south to Mae Klong. Nestled along the banks of the river that shares its name and just a short distance from the Gulf, Mae Klong will be our home for the next three days. We’ll be staying in a charming historical villa and traditional Thai bungalows, set along the calm, flowing waters of the river.
During our stay, we’ll immerse ourselves in Thai culture and the local way of life—and, of course, indulge in plenty of delicious Thai food! Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll kick things off with a mouthwatering curry-tasting session for lunch. Afterward, you’ll have time to relax by the river, perhaps reading a book or simply taking a nap to the soothing sounds of the flowing water.
As the day fades into the evening, we’ll gather for a festive Christmas celebration by the riverside. The scene will be set with sparkling holiday lights, refreshing drinks, tasty holiday snacks, a delicious vegan BBQ, a traditional Thai classical dance, and plenty of holiday cheer!
Highlights of the Day:
- Special vegan traditional breakfast feast to start the day.
- Journey by train down to the shores of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Fresh fruit tasting session of the tastiest local fruit in season – accompanied by refreshing local cold drinks.
- Vegan Curry Tasting Session along the shores of the mighty Mae Klong River where we’ll be tasting an eclectic variety of traditional Thai curries – all 100% veganized especially for us!
- Traditional Thai classical program by local classical Thai dance students.
- Festive Christmas Party celebration overlooking the changing colors over the Mae Klong River complete with holiday lights, refreshing drinks, lovely holiday snacks, a delicious vegan BBQ, traditional Thai classical dance, live holiday music, and lots of holiday cheer!
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 4 MAE KLONG – Traditional Thai Home along the Mae Klong River
Mae Klong, as the town is locally known, boasts a rich history that dates back centuries. The area is home to canals, important rivers, lush fruit and vegetable farms, salt pans, small villages, and historic temples. And, as we noticed on our train ride here yesterday, it’s also famous for its bustling markets! Today, as we explore the town, be sure to take note of the vibrant local bazaars, from the famous railway market to the lively riverside markets along the Mae Klong.
This morning, we’ll be welcomed by a local educational institution, where students and teachers have prepared a special program to share with us. In the festive spirit of this Christmas Vegan Tour, we’ll also be serving a vegan lunch to the students and staff.
In the late afternoon, we’ll have the unique opportunity to meet a prominent local monk, who will give us a fascinating introduction to monastic life in Thailand. After this, we’ll return to our riverside home along the Mae Klong, where you’ll have some free time to relax and freshen up before the evening’s festivities.
As the sun sets over the tranquil river, we’ll embark on a boat ride through the mighty Mae Klong and its scenic canals, passing by a popular floating market. Later, we’ll be invited to a local family’s riverside home, where we’ll enjoy a vibrant evening filled with music, drinks, and a delicious array of home-cooked vegan dishes for dinner.
Highlights of the Day:
- Guests of teachers and students at a local educational institute for kids from economically disadvantaged families.
- Guests of a senior Buddhist Monk at a sacred local Buddhist temple and monastery for an introduction to daily monastic life in Thailand.
- Vipassana Meditation session.
- Explore by the river and the region’s many canals by longtail boats.
- Guests of a local family at their riverside home and learn about Thai classical instruments.
- Enjoy a delicious home-cooked vegan Thai meal of local favorites with our hosts and friends.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
My wife and I traveled to Thailand with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages Vegan Adventures). We are both vegan and we wanted a vacation where we didn’t have to worry about where to eat and what to do. This certainly was the vacation to take. It was a trip of a lifetime! We had so much fun learning about Thai culture, eating Thai Vegan food, and getting to know the Thai people. The staff of VegVoyages made us feel welcome, secure, and not in need of anything. Zac and the rest of the team identified and mitigated concerns before we even had a chance to realize they were concerns! They coordinated different vans, trains, subways, boats, hotels, restaurants, guides, and sites of interest in a perfectly seamless and organized way that came together perfectly. There was never a single concern about where you were going to eat, sleep, where you were going, or what you were doing. It was truly amazing how they were able to pull together all of these tasks. We got to go on many ‘off the beaten track’ tours, which we would never have seen if we went to Thailand by ourselves. We visited historic sites, were instructed by very knowledgeable guides, and attended events that coincided with our visit there. Every day was something new, exciting, and well-planned, with amazing Vegan food to boot. We couldn’t ask for more. We can’t wait for our next trip with Veg Voyages. Thank you so much to Zac and Yusi for putting together this wonderful trip along with Aurelia from Veg News and our daily guide Tippie as well as the many guides, teachers, chefs, monks, and others that we met along the way. Together you all make a wonderful team. See you soon!
DAY 5 MAE KLONG – Traditional Thai Home along the Mae Klong River
Today, we’ll visit a wildlife rescue center where we’ll lend a hand with their daily activities. This important sanctuary serves as a shelter and rehabilitation center, offering a safe haven for animals that have been abused or exploited. The center provides medical care, refuge, and a home for a diverse range of animals, from gibbons and macaques to bears, langurs, civets, hornbills, and even elephants.
During our time at the center, we’ll help with various tasks and learn about the challenges faced by these animals—not just here at the sanctuary, but across Thailand. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect and rehabilitate these animals, many of whom have endured significant hardships.
As the sun sets over the Mae Klong River, we’ll return to our traditional bungalows, where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up. Then, we’ll gather by the riverside for tonight’s Cultural Culinary Experience. Together, we’ll learn how to prepare fresh spring rolls and spicy Thai salads, exploring the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine in a fun and hands-on way.
Highlights of the Day:
- Guests of an important sanctuary, shelter, and rehab program for abused and exploited animals. Learn about the important work the rescue center does and help out wherever we can.
- Learn how to make Thailand’s famous fresh vegan spring rolls and spicy salads!
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 6 NAKHON PATHOM
With stunning views of the Mae Klong River, we’ll enjoy our final breakfast by its tranquil banks before boarding our vans and heading toward the historic town of Nakhon Pathom. Our journey today will take us by both road and rail, traversing the scenic backroads of central Thailand, from Samut Songkhram to Nakhon Pathom, before we board an evening train to Surat Thani. From there, we’ll make our way to the beautiful beaches and sandy shores of the Andaman Sea!
Our first stop today will be a unique local community that adheres strictly to the original precepts of Buddhism. This village is proudly 100% vegetarian, creating a peaceful environment centered around Buddhist principles. Next, we’ll visit Wat Songdhammakalyani, an all-women Theravada Buddhist monastery run by women monastics who are passionate advocates of vegetarianism.
Wat Songdhammakalyani is also home to Thailand’s first female Theravada Buddhist monastic, or Bhikkhuni (a woman who has received higher ordination in Buddhism). At the monastery, we’ll meet the resident Bhikkhunis, who will share insights into their way of life, their journey to becoming Theravada Buddhist monastics, and the challenges women face within the Buddhist establishment. We’ll also learn about how Buddhism intersects with women’s issues, a topic often misunderstood in the West.
In contrast to the common misconception that Buddhist monks are vegetarians, in Theravada Buddhism, monks are generally not encouraged to follow a vegetarian diet. Although monks are forbidden from killing animals, they are still permitted to consume animal products. However, Wat Songdhammakalyani stands out as one of the few vegetarian monasteries in Thailand, where vegetarianism is not only followed but actively promoted.
From the monastery, we’ll head into the center of Nakhon Pathom to see the impressive Pra Pathom Chedi, one of the world’s largest stupas. With a history that dates back over 1,000 years, this majestic monument is a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
In the evening, you’ll have time to freshen up and relax for a couple of hours at a local hotel before we head out for a delicious vegan dinner. Afterward, we’ll board the overnight sleeper train to Southern Thailand, where our adventure continues.
Highlights of the Day:
- Guests of an all 100% vegetarian village as they live according to the original precepts of Buddhism.
- Guests of an all-women Buddhist monastery and residence of the first female Theravada Buddhist monastic in Thailand.
- Join the Bhikkhunis for a special vegan lunch in the monastery dining room.
- Visit the impressively massive Pra Pathom Chedi – one of the world’s largest stupas whose history dates back over 1,000 years.
- Special dinner of local Nakhon Pathom delicacies all veganized just for us, accompanied by refreshing local drinks.
- Hop aboard the overnight sleeper express train to the south of Thailand.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 7 BAAN NAM KHEM – Traditional Thai Villas near the Andaman Sea
Waking up aboard the train in Southern Thailand on our Christmas Vegan Tour, we’ll meet our vans and begin our scenic drive through stunning landscapes—towering limestone cliffs, lush rainforests, and vast rubber plantations—as we make our way to the serene, picturesque coast of the Andaman Sea.
For the next three days, we’ll stay just outside a charming village, in traditional Thai bungalows nestled around a peaceful garden, only a short walk from the beach. After six busy days exploring Bangkok, Mae Klong, and Nakhon Pathom, it’s time to unwind, recharge, and soak up the tropical atmosphere. What better way to do that than with a soothing traditional Thai massage? As the day winds down, we’ll watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, sipping refreshing drinks and savoring a beachside vegan BBQ—perfectly blending relaxation with the beauty of the tropics.
Highlights of the Day:
- A scenic drive from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea taking in stunning views of limestone karst, rolling hills, and jagged mountains.
- Unwind with a traditional Thai massage – an ancient practice rooted in healing therapies that date back over 2,500 years.
- Sunset drinks and tasty local snacks as we catch the sunset over the Andaman Sea.
- Seaside Traditional Thai BBQ with delectable delicacies and dishes prepared Southern Thai style – all made especially vegan just for us!
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
We just finished our soo-wonderful tour of Southern Thailand with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages). This tour was much more than we had hoped for. Because of VegVoyages remarkable thought and planning my wife and I have gained so much understanding of Thailand and its culture. Should we have taken a ‘standard’ Thai tour I’m certain we would have seen and experienced much less. During these dozen days, we had cooking classes, language instruction, riverboat cruises, a comfortable overnight train trip, visited a grade school where we taught them English and they taught us Thai (lots of laughs), a few monk visits, an animal sanctuary, a resort on the Andaman Sea (such warm water, sandy sea bed floor, and fabulous sunsets), and a beautiful cruise off Phuket where the snorkeling was great as was jumping off the top of the boat. I could go on much longer with lots of details. Oh, and food, and food, and food. Learn how to say “Please no more! I am full.” It was quite apparent that VegVoyages had invested a great deal of thought into making this tour as exceptional as it was. I was often impressed by their abilities to expose us to the culture through our various day trips in addition to the locally owned small hotels and local restaurants. Daily details appeared, behind the scenes, from the always smiling Aurelia (though she is not Thai she shares her wonderful smile with this culture of smiles). “Tippie” was our Thai-born guide whom we came to love. With humor and smiles she taught us some Thai - so much more. Lastly is the great Zac. He is a co-creator of VegVoyages. It is easy to have considerable respect for Zac as he is one of those remarkable people one seldom meets. Zac was so careful in so many details. We all felt so cared for. It was obvious he wanted to do best by us, and best by the animals for which we share this world. He has a remarkable breadth of knowledge and wisdom, integrity, and a moral compass. Rather amazing.
DAY 8 BAAN NAM KHEM – Traditional Thai Villas near the Andaman Sea
We’ll begin the morning with a peaceful meditation session, where we’ll be introduced to one of the world’s oldest meditation techniques: Vipassana. The roots of Vipassana stretch back thousands of years. While it is often said that Gautama Buddha discovered Vipassana, it’s more accurate to say that he “rediscovered” it, reviving this ancient practice as a central part of his 45 years of teaching, which focused on alleviating suffering.
Vipassana practice flourished for over five centuries under the Buddha’s teachings, but by the 10th and 11th centuries, it had nearly disappeared from mainstream Buddhist practices. Only a small group of dedicated practitioners believed to be an unbroken chain of teachers, kept the practice alive through generations. Thankfully, in the late 18th century, Vipassana Meditation was rediscovered in Burma. It quickly grew in popularity throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, spreading to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, and eventually around the world.
Today, we’ll have our first of three morning meditation sessions. Afterward, we’ll head into the historic town of Takuapa to explore its rich—and often turbulent—history, far off the beaten path in Southern Thailand. In the evening, we’ll unwind with sunset drinks by the seaside, followed by a delicious vegan feast for dinner.
Highlights of the Day:
- Guided Vipassana Meditation Session.
- A special vegan feast for breakfast – bring your appetite!
- Heritage walk in old town Takuapa with a longtime local resident.
- A cultural program organized by kids from the local community.
- Sunset drinks and local vegan snacks while we catch a sunset over the Andaman Sea.
- Special vegan feast by the seaside.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 9 BAAN NAM KHEM – Traditional Thai Villas near the Andaman Sea
Another day in our beautiful tropical paradise by the beach, and not just any day—it’s the last day of the year! After a peaceful morning meditation session, we’ll indulge in a delicious breakfast spread of vegan fusion delicacies, followed by our “Everything You Wanted to Know About Thai Culture but Were Afraid to Ask” Cultural Q&A session with Khun Tippie.
Since today is our final day on the beach, we want you to take it all in at your own pace. You have plenty of options: take a trip to the nearby town for shopping, explore the countryside by bicycle, sunbathe, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or simply unwind by the pool. Our team will be available to assist you, and we’ll provide a shuttle to and from town, so you can explore without a worry.
The only activities that require a little disruption to your relaxation are lunch (we’ve arranged a selection of delicious vegan meals for you) and a rejuvenating traditional Thai massage—both of which are fully taken care of.
In the late afternoon, we’ll come together for a fun and interactive Thai dessert-making class before heading to our fantastic Beachside New Year’s Eve Bash. Get ready for a celebration on the sandy shores of the Andaman Sea, featuring a vegan fusion BBQ feast with noodles, flavorful curries, tropical fruits, and a selection of beers and cocktails. It’s sure to be a party of a lifetime to ring in the New Year!
Highlights of the Day:
- Guided Vipassana Meditation Session.
- A special vegan feast for breakfast – bring your appetite!
- Cultural Q&A Session – Everything You Wanted to Know About Thai Culture but Were Afraid to Ask Q&A with Khun Tippie.
- Unwind with a traditional Thai massage – an ancient practice rooted in healing therapies that date back over 2,500 years.
- Cultural Culinary Experience – a delectably, delicious Thai dessert-making class!
- Beachside New Year’s Eve Bash complete with a vegan fusion feast BBQ, noodles, delicious curries, assortments of tropical fruits, and beers and cocktails. Get ready for a party of a lifetime on the sandy shores of the Andaman Sea!
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 10 PHUKET
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll journey to the island of Phuket, where we’ll explore the historic lanes and back alleys of the old town, delving into the rich cultural heritage of the local communities. Phuket is renowned for its unique cuisine, a delicious fusion of Thai, Malay, and Chinese flavors, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience just how tasty this fusion can be!
Phuket has long been a vital port of call for ships seeking safe harbor during long sea voyages. Over time, these ships returned not only for refuge but also to trade the island’s valuable resources. One of Phuket’s most prized resources was tin, which played a major role in the island’s development in the 19th century. The tin mines attracted thousands of Chinese immigrants, who settled here and worked in the mines. They brought with them their traditions and beliefs, including the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, which eventually evolved into what is now known as the Vegetarian Festival.
In the late afternoon, after checking in to our hotel, you’ll have the evening free to explore. You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the hotel’s spa (highly recommended!), or take a relaxing stroll through the charming streets of old Phuket at your own pace.
Highlights of the Day:
- Guided Vipassana Meditation Session.
- A special vegan feast for breakfast – bring your appetite!
- Tastes of Phuket vegan lunch.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11 PHUKET
Today, it’s time to explore the stunning waters, islands, coves, and bays of the Andaman Sea! So, slip into your bathing suit, apply some sunscreen, and get ready for a day of adventure both above and below the water. Don’t forget to bring your camera, binoculars, sarong (perfect for the boat), and towel (we’ll provide you with one in the morning at the lobby). We’ll be out until the late afternoon, so be prepared for a full day of exploration.
The dress code for the boat trip today is casual and comfortable: a bathing suit, flip-flops, a t-shirt, and a sarong as we soak in the natural beauty along the western coast of Thailand.
After returning to shore, we’ll head back to the hotel, where you’ll have time to freshen up and relax. In the evening, we’ll gather for our final cultural culinary experience: a Phuket Peranakan Farewell Party. We’ll enjoy some of the best vegan classics from the old town, along with a selection of unique and refreshing local drinks to cap off our time together.
Highlights of the Day:
- A full day of island hopping and snorkeling as we head out on our boat and into the warm beautifully blue waters of the Andaman Sea!
- Delicious vegan lunch on board our boat with spectacular views of the Andaman Sea and the coast of Phuket.
- Festive farewell dinner party complete with live music and a variety of Phuket Peranakan vegan fusion dishes.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
DAY 12 BACK TO BANGKOK
After 11 unforgettable days of traveling together—from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the peaceful banks of the Mae Klong River, from an all-veggie village and an all-women Buddhist monastery to the chedi of Nakhon Pathom, and the serene shores of the Andaman Sea near Takuapa to the centuries-old back alleys of old Phuket—today marks our final morning together before we all head home.
After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes to Phuket and make our way to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok. Thank you once again for spending the holidays with us—it’s been an incredible journey! Wishing you a safe trip home and a Happy New Year!
Highlights of the Day:
- Flight from Phuket to Bangkok.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast