Vietnam Vegan Guides

Vietnam is an incredible destination for vegan travelers, offering a fascinating blend of history, vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and a delicious culinary scene. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh herbs, aromatic broths, rice noodles, and colorful vegetables, making it relatively easy to find plant-based meals throughout the country. From steaming bowls of vegan pho and crispy bánh mì to fresh spring rolls and flavorful noodle dishes, there’s no shortage of delicious food to discover. Vietnam also has a long tradition of Buddhist vegetarian cooking, known as chay, which has helped make meat-free dining widely accessible. However, travelers should still watch out for hidden animal ingredients like fish sauce, shrimp paste, and meat-based broths, which can appear in seemingly vegan dishes.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An are some of the best destinations for vegan travelers in Vietnam, each offering its own unique culinary experiences. In Hanoi, you’ll find everything from traditional Vietnamese vegetarian restaurants to modern vegan cafes tucked along the city’s bustling streets. Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving plant-based dining scene, with an impressive mix of local vegan eateries, international cuisine, and creative takes on Vietnamese classics. Meanwhile, the charming ancient town of Hoi An is a favorite for food lovers, offering vegan-friendly versions of regional specialties like cao lầu and mì Quảng, along with plant-based cooking classes. Even smaller cities and rural destinations often have vegetarian restaurants, particularly near Buddhist temples.

Also be sure to check out details for our vegan tour to Vietnam.

Additional Trip Planning Guides