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

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How safe is Chiang Mai?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 13 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.3/5

Solo travel

- Safety : Chiang Mai is pretty safe, as thailand is in general compared to many other countries. - Things to do : So many things ! Definitely the night market in the old town every weekend. A day tour of the old town the same day would be perfect. And then, book a tour either with your hotel or while walking on the street on a travel agency (best way for me) to see the elephants, the mountains and the jungle ! - Food : Khao Soi. Aroi mak ! (Delicious haha) - Budget : Pretty Cheap destination. You have to pay a fee to go to the national parks and to visit some temples but honestly, it's very very affordable ! Only big expenses will be for the market and the food because you will eat too much ! - Accommodation : Hostels are a great deal to find some new friends. Very cheap and very clean. (I stayed right at the entrance of the old town). But if you like more "jungle" experience, there is some very nice inn with amazing view at the limit of Chiang mai - Transport : for me it's the hardest thing in thailand in general as I can't drive a bike. If you have international driving license, renting a bike is the easiest way to moove around but It can be very dangerous is the city. So maybe keep it for when you wanna go outside of the city to some remote places with less traffic. In the city, you can take the songtae (some cars open at the back where you can sit). It's the local way to moove around. A bit like bus and taxis. Otherwise, to go out of Chiang mai, either mini van or local bus (better to book before on 12go Asia for example). I went straight to the local bus station and took a bus to Chiang Dao (some place up north) and the bus dropped me 2km before my stop (I was the only foreigner). Seems to happen quite a lot to foreigners for some random reason so book before haha Anyway, Chiang Mai is really amazing, worth the visit ! (1 day to visit the old city center and weekend night market, 1 day tour to see elephants, 1 day tour to visit Chiang Rai, 1 day to visit temples and around, and 1 last day to enjoy the city and it's weekend market ! Stay around 5 days minimum)

Posted: November 20, 2024
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Tris

Tris

Vietnam

Solo travel

Great experience in Chiangmai last July. After went to Bangkok with group, I solo to Chiangmai. It’s not modern as Bangkok but more like rural. I think it’s safe for women to solo travel there. Many foreigners and activities there, recommend Thai massage and night market.

Posted: October 7, 2024
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Solo travel

Felt very safe as a woman alone, plenty of great things to do, even if it's just walking around the city , great food, good, cheap, accommodation. Locals are very friendly and getting around is easy just waking!

Posted: July 31, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Group travel

I recommend temple hopping in Chiang Mai - it's a very affordable activity, with free to minimal fees. Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary is also a very fulfilling experience. For food, I highly recommend khao soi - it's very cheap if you buy it from night markets or small eateries, but you can also enjoy it in restaurants.

Posted: March 30, 2024Experienced: October, 2022
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Solo travel

It is definitely safe, and the vibe is really relaxed and comfortable. The food is good, loved the night markets and the local food there, and definitely loved the jazz bar in the evening its where people can come and sing and play musical instruments and it was lovely. I also did the vipassana course in Chiang mai, which was beautiful!

Posted: February 23, 2024
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Alyssa

Alyssa

United States

Solo travel

Chiang Mai is such a cool city. Between temples, yummy (& vegetarian friendly! food, elephant sanctuary tours, & nature hikes nearby, it’s the ideal city to visit! I felt very safe there and stayed at Stamps Backpackers - one of the best hostels that I’ve been to. Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary was truly special, as was a trip to the Sticky waterfalls. I only planned 3 nights here but ended up staying 6! It’s a great, affordable city that I highly recommend.

Posted: February 16, 2024
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Solo travel

I loved Chiang Mai. I participated in a cooking class and visited an elephant camp. It was absolutely safe, I was walking around the city center every day for coffee and exploration and I felt 100% safe.

Posted: February 8, 2024
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Solo travel

Chiang Mai is full of lonely travelers. It is very, very safe and a wonderful city to explore. Fantastic shopping and many markets with food and products.

Posted: December 24, 2023
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Solo travel

Safe, with the possibility of moving around on foot, beautiful temples, many one-day trips to the national park and surrounding areas. English is widely used, and trains and buses are easy to understand. There are historical areas to visit like Ayutthai and Sukhothai, south of which you can reach by train or bus.

Posted: December 18, 2023
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Jemima-Joy

Jemima-Joy

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Solo travel

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

Posted: November 18, 2023
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Is Chiang Mai safe for women?

Sandra

Sandra

A beautiful and relax city. You have a lot of activities and market to visit here. I’ve been here for at least 2 weeks and I felt safe walking on the street and the food is cheap and delicious. I totally recommend to come to Chiang Mai

Posted: June 14, 2024
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Meet locals in Chiang Mai

Theresa

Theresa

About Me

Hi, i am currently solo backpacking in Asia and up for everything!

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Vanessa

Vanessa

About Me

I can be a social butterfly at times, but most of the time my introverted ass ist stuck at home :)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Chiang Mai

Natnitcha

Natnitcha

Chiang Mai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

https://www.facebook.com/naauikham?mibextid=ZbWKwL Natural Therapy

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Alia

Alia

Chiang Mai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I love to travel and learn about new cultures. I’m into yoga and hiking.

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Upcoming visitors to Chiang Mai

Chiara

Chiara

About Me

Hello! I’m 20 years old and I live in Milan. If I have to described me with few words I surely say cheerful, funny and straightforward. I’m a really determined person and I can adapt to everything! The people who know me best could define me as a non-sporty girl but they wouldn't say I'm a lazy one either. In fact, I'm sportive when I really like the activity I'm doing, otherwise, I can't truly appreciate it. Sometimes I must stay alone but, at the same time, I need to stay with my friends hanging out and laugh with them. I'm generally friendly and curios, for this reason in this my experience I would like to meet new different people and new places. I love talking with people and try to help them, if this happens my sweetness, one of my best qualities, comes out and you can be sure I will always be next to you for every problem and difficulties. I'm always been impressed by art. Every type of it. I'm sure this thing came from my mother and her artistic bent. Unfortunately, I haven't brought from her the skill to can draw and paint, but certainly, I've learned the freedom to be whatever I want. I love travelling and take pictures, I always bring with me my camera. I enjoy adventures and the simplicity. Low cost travel, rich in emotions :)

Speaking

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Safety in Thailand