Bangkok's Vegetarian Festival In 13 Mouthwatering Photos

Durian for sale off Yaowarat Road in Chinatown
Durian for sale off Yaowarat Road in Chinatown | © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson
Kelly Iverson

Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival is well underway, and we are thoroughly impressed with what we have seen so far. From streets lined with vendors selling vegan-friendly food to bustling crowds making merry at shrines, this is a week of festivities seemingly without end. That said, this year’s Vegetarian Festival will come to a close on Sunday, October 9th. Before it does, be sure to visit one of the best neighborhoods for festivities during this holiday, Chinatown in Bangkok. Here, 13 photos that will have you jumping in the nearest taxi, boat, or train to make your way to Yaowarat Road, one of the best places to experience this epic festival.
This bowl is filled with delicious Guay Jap Nam, a vegan-friendly noodle concoction with mushrooms and imitation meat. The name of the vendor is Nay Lek Uan, which literally translates to “Mister Lek is fat.”

Spot the yellow flags, and you will find the vegan food. These flags indicate which vendors and restaurants are serving up plenty of meatless options. You will see these everywhere off Yaowarat Road.

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There are even yellow flags on fruit stands.

A crowded Yaowarat Road filled with people, motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and cars.

Do not forget to pick up your cartoon-inspired balloon while chowing down on all the vegan-friendly options.

Be sure to check out one of the many shrines located off Yaowarat Road, which will be bright with yellow lanterns and a plethora of lit candles.

Meander down one of the many side sois (streets) off Yaowarat Road to find other great eats.

This man selling durian was delighted to have his stall photographed.

Little did he know, he was one of many selling this strong-smelling fruit.

The brighter the stall, the better the food.

During the Vegetarian Festival, the food stalls that line Yaowarat Road year-round will still be here, so you can continue to enjoy all of your usual favorites.

Not everyone abides by the rules of the Vegetarian Festival. There are still plenty of noteworthy seafood vendors along Yaowarat Road, should you be unable to abstain from eating meat for the duration of the festival.

You will not find vegan-friendly flags at all of the street vendors — for example, this vendor is selling larvae, crickets, and other creepy crawlers.

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