A Healthy Vegan Guide to Phuket
Sharing this slightly belated guide from my short visit to Phuket—everything I ate and did while I was there. I was in Thailand for a photography project and chose to stay a few extra days in Phuket. We stayed in the northern part of the island at Twin Palms Resort, a lovely, peaceful place to relax and disconnect. My room opened directly onto a pool, which made unwinding even easier.
When I travel I enjoy discovering vegan restaurants and visiting yoga studios. I don’t like staying still for long, so I explored different areas of the island. I used to spend Christmas in Phuket with family every year, staying around Patong Beach. Back then I wasn’t vegan or into yoga, and most of my time was spent at the beach. Exploring Phuket this time with a focus on vegan and healthy options revealed spots I’d never known existed and made the trip especially enjoyable.
Vegan food is generally easy to find in Thailand because many traditional dishes can be made plant-based. There’s also a long-standing cultural familiarity with plant-based eating through Jay (เจ) food—many Thai Buddhists choose to avoid meat as part of purification practices. If you tell a server “kin Jay” (I eat Jay food), they’ll understand you want meals without meat. Note that Jay food typically excludes garlic and onion, along with some spices. Thailand’s tropical fruits and abundant produce are fantastic, so if you prefer raw or fruit-focused meals, you’ll find them affordable and delicious.
Restaurants I liked:
Wilson’s Cafe
A mostly non-vegan cafe with some standout vegan options. They serve high-protein nice cream bowls from Nanabowls and raw vegan desserts from local makers like Crunchbox. They also stock products from Phuket artisans. I recommend the peanut butter Nanabowl for a filling, flavorful option.
Nanabowls
Nanabowls produce thick, protein-packed nice cream bowls—similar to how I make them at home. Their peanut butter bowl contains around 25g of protein and is very satisfying. Nanabowls appear at several locations on the island, but Wilson’s Cafe is their flagship spot.
Atsumi Raw Cafe
A raw food cafe offering everything from raw pizzas and sandwiches to raw burgers and many dessert options. I had a green juice and the raw burger, which I highly recommend. Their dessert selection looked tempting and worth a return visit.
Pure Vegan Heaven
I first discovered Pure Vegan Heaven on Koh Phangan and enjoyed it. They offer a variety of sweet breakfast bowls and savory meals—good choices for a fully vegan menu.
Santosa
Santosa is a higher-end vegan restaurant known for its beautiful atmosphere and sunset views. The dishes are thoughtfully prepared and there are raw desserts too. They often offer vegan buffets on certain days, which are popular and well-curated.
Natural Efe
A macrobiotic restaurant that also sells specialty groceries and snacks. They offer a Sunday buffet and focus on balanced, wholesome meals suitable for health-focused diners.
To Do:
Project Artisan Layan
Located in the north, Project Artisan combines a restaurant with creative workshops and a spa. The restaurant includes some vegan options, but the workshops are a fun hands-on activity if you want something different than the usual tourist outings.
Watch the sunset at Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape, on the southern tip of the island, is a spectacular place to watch the sunset on a clear evening. It can get crowded at sunset, but the view is worth it.
Belove Yoga Rooftop Studio
I tried Belove Yoga’s rooftop studio and enjoyed the class. Keep in mind that classes can feel hot and humid depending on the time of day, but the practice is rewarding and the setting is pleasant.
Get a massage at Let’s Relax
Thailand is famous for its massages, and Let’s Relax is a well-regarded spa chain with locations across the country. Facilities are clean and service is professional. For a genuine Thai experience, try a traditional Thai massage, which is dynamic and full-body.
Visit Phuket’s Old Town
Old Town is ideal for a relaxed stroll—full of vendors, markets, museums and temples. It’s a lovely neighborhood to soak up local atmosphere and discover small shops and cafes.
Note about animal activities:
Avoid tours that offer elephant rides. Riding elephants harms their bodies and the industry behind these rides often involves mistreatment. If you want to see elephants, research ethical sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare and do not allow riding. Stay mindful of animal welfare when booking tours and activities.
These are the highlights from my recent trip to Phuket. I hope these recommendations help you find some healthy, vegan and creative experiences on the island.
Love and coconuts,
