What does vegan travel in Asia look like when it’s deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings?
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, I speak with Andrea Diaz from Dharma Voices for Animals about how Buddhist values and plant-based living intersect across Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
We explore temple stays, mindful alms rounds, vegan cooking classes, and how traditional Buddhist teachings on non-harm are influencing modern food choices.
If you are curious about vegan travel in Asia, this episode will open your eyes to how spiritual traditions, compassionate eating, and meaningful travel experiences connect.
🌏 Vegan Travel in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka makes plant-based eating surprisingly easy. Many traditional dishes already use coconut milk, lentils, rice, and fresh vegetables.
Andrea visited:
- Marino Beach Hotel (Colombo) – A beautiful oceanfront hotel with clearly labeled vegan buffet options and plant milk alternatives.
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Kandy) – A sacred site where shoes must be removed before entering.
- Galle – A charming coastal town known for shopping, flavored cashew stands, and incredible coconut-based vegan ice cream.
Dharma Voices for Animals also hosts:
- Vegan cooking classes at temples
- Vegan food festivals in villages
- A Sri Lankan vegan cookbook project
The goal? Reconnecting communities with indigenous, plant-based traditions that existed long before colonial influence.
🇹🇭 Vegan Travel in Thailand
Thailand offers incredible vegan options — from temple initiatives to unforgettable restaurants.
Andrea recommends:
- Mango Restaurant (Bangkok) – Named after the friendly cat who roams the space. The vegan Golden Curry is under $4 USD and unforgettable.
- Sunrise Tacos – Authentic Mexican food with clearly marked vegan options. Multiple locations and delivery available.
Dharma Voices for Animals also runs:
Mindful Meals Program
Temples sign annual agreements to serve plant-based food at least one day per week — with participation growing each year.
- Wat Wachira Thammavat – A participating temple working toward becoming fully vegan.
DVA Cooking Classes
Join Thailand Director Coach Bank and the DVA team as they teach monks and communities how to cook delicious plant-based meals. Follow DVA’s Facebook for event updates.
In Thailand, monks rely on food offered during daily alms rounds. Because they cannot request specific foods, educating the public about plant-based offerings is essential.
🇻🇳 Vegan Travel in Vietnam
Vietnam may be one of the most vegan-friendly Buddhist countries in Asia.
Andrea highlights:
- Chay An Lac – A vegetarian buffet with strong vegan options. Famous for fig and nut mooncakes. The owner often gives pro-animal talks during busy periods.
- Pháp Vân Temple (Hanoi) – Serves 98% vegan meals and hosts DVA cooking classes. Visitors can arrange temple stays or attend retreats.
- Ngoạ Vân Pagoda – Birthplace of Vietnam’s Zen Buddhism. Visitors take a cable car over a serene forest and climb to the mountaintop pagoda. Entry and cable car cost under $7 USD.
Vietnam’s Mahayana Buddhist tradition includes vows not to consume animals, making temple dining largely plant-based.
🌿 About Andrea Diaz
Andrea Diaz is an animal rights advocate raised on a farm in South Phoenix, Arizona.
She holds:
- A Master of Global Animal Law from the Autonomous University of Barcelona
- A Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Arizona State University
She became vegan in 2016 after watching slaughterhouse footage and later worked as an undercover investigator inside factory farms and slaughterhouses in several countries.
After experiencing anxiety from exposure to animal suffering, she discovered meditation and began a Buddhist practice. She now works at the intersection of Buddhism and animal advocacy.
🔗 Links & Resources
Places Mentioned
Sri Lanka
- Marino Beach Hotel
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth
- City of Galle Shopping, vegan ice cream options, coastal town. Don’t skip the flavored cashew stands!
Vietnam
Why Vegan Travel in Asia Is Growing
Vegan travel in Asia is evolving as travelers seek more meaningful experiences. Temple stays, meditation retreats, mindful alms rounds, and plant-based festivals offer powerful ways to connect with culture, compassion, and spirituality.
By honoring traditional teachings on non-harm, travelers can explore Asia in a way that is deeply aligned with vegan values.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- The connection between Buddhism and plant-based living
- How alms rounds work and why plant-based offerings matter
- Temple stays and meditation retreats in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam
- Vegan restaurants and hidden plant-based gems across Asia
- Dharma Voices for Animals’ Mindful Meals Program and community initiatives
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Solo Travel | Seeking Peace Across 11 Countries
- England Travel: Discover Haye Cornwall’s Vegan Retreat & Animal Rescue
- Soi Dog Foundation: Compassionate Travel in Phuket, Thailand
- Living Compassionately: Insights from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
- Wings of Survival: Saving Nature with Sport | Timm & Leanna
- Rescuing Elephants: Hidden Forest’s Inspiring Mission
