Is Chiang Mai Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Chiang Mai is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Thai people are usually amicable and courteous, making it a comfortable destination. Night markets are bustling with people, ensuring you're rarely alone. However, as with any travel, caution must be observed, especially during late-night adventures and exploring less crowded places. Also, be wary of scams and trust your instincts when dealing with strangers or unfamiliar situations. Always share your itinerary with someone you trust.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 4 experiences

4.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Chiang Mai is generally considered quite safe for solo female travelers, even at night. Most areas of the city are well-lit and populated, even in the later hours, making it safer to walk alone. However, like any city in the world, it has its less secure areas. As long as you stay in populated areas, use common sense, and are aware of your surroundings, you should feel quite safe. Note that it's always better to use reputable transportation services if you are venturing further or to unfamiliar locations at night.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Chiang Mai is generally reliable and safe. Options include songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks, and Grab taxi app. Local bus services are less common but also safe. Keep in mind that communication in English can sometimes be challenging and fares might vary due to lack of metered vehicles. It's important to agree on the fare before the ride. In general, solo female travelers can navigate the city safely, but as always, remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Street harassment: Low

Chiang Mai, is generally a safe and respectful city for solo female travelers. Thai people value non-confrontational interactions, and street harassment is not common. While occasional looks or comments might occur, especially in crowded areas like night markets, they are usually non-threatening and can be handled by maintaining awareness and showing confidence. However, like any other place, it's crucial to be cautious, respect local culture, and take basic safety measures.

Petty crimes:Low

Chiang Mai is considered a safe destination for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching occasionally occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas and night markets. However, by taking normal safety precautions like keeping a vigilant eye on personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night, the risk of becoming a victim of such crimes can be significantly minimized.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water in Chiang Mai is not recommended to be consumed directly from the faucet as it may contain some pathogens or heavy metals. Although it may be chlorinated and some locals might drink it, for travelers, especially those from countries where tap water is safe to drink, it may cause stomach upsets or other health issues. To be safe, always opt for bottled water, or consider using water purification tablets or a water purifier bottle.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Jemima-Joy

Jemima-Joy

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Solo travel experience

Probably the most chill and organised city Iโ€™ve ever travelled too. Not to mention super cheap! People are friendly and accommodating and Iโ€™m already dying to go back! Thereโ€™s tons of things to do. Totally canโ€™t miss the night markets/bazaar where your shopping options are endless!

Posted: November 18, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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mode_comment 1

Solo travel experience

Chiang Mai is a great city - not too small, not too big, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants and shops. Plus, the nature nearby is fantastic. It's a superb starting point for various treks, excursions, river trips, and so on. I liked it so much that I'll definitely make a stop in Chiang Mai when I return to Thailand. Also, I highly recommend the train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - it's a total adventure and a really cool experience.

Posted: October 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I was there for 3 days, and I'd gladly go again. The city itself has a great atmosphere for me. It's local, not as crowded as Bangkok, with the Old Town in a kind of square, lots of cool places with cheap good food. Outside the square, it's a normal big city with Starbucks and McDonald's. Prices for everything are much lower than in the south. The temperature is lower too. There are many beautiful temples without the tourist crowds. In the area, there are also mountains, waterfalls, and villages.

Posted: September 29, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Chiang Mai is great, old walled city with over 300 temples. I did an all day excursion hiking in the mountains, elephant sanctuary, did yoga everyday, super cheap, great Airbnb, tons of solo travelers.

Posted: November 5, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Chiang Mai

Silje

Silje

About Me

Hello ๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿผ my name is Silje, and I am a solotravler. Want to meet new people

mode_comment 0
Claire

Claire

About Me

Hiiii, Iโ€™m here in Chiang Mai for the next three weeks, just looking to meet some other ladies as the nights are a bit off putting traveling outside alone! Looking for silly minded people ^.^

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Upcoming visitors to Chiang Mai

Tia

Tia

Speaking

About Me

Hey, My name is Tia and I will be solo traveling on a fellowship next year! Looking for friends and connections in ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ

Countries Iโ€™ve Visited

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium, ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France, ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany, ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy, ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland, ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฆ Vatican City, ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States, ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom

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Safety in Thailand