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

4.7 /5

Based on 12 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Chiang Mai is currently ranked #30 safest place for solo female travelers. Check the full ranking.

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Chiang Mai?

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.

Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 12 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.3/5

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

favorite_border 3

mode_comment 1

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 2

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 9

mode_comment 1

Solo travel

Chiang Mai is a wonderful city - not too small, not too big, and it's full of excellent restaurants and shops. In addition, the surrounding nature is fantastic. It's the perfect place to start various hikes, trips, river travels, and so on. I liked it so much there that I will definitely stay in Chiang Mai when I return to Thailand. Additionally, I highly recommend a train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - it's a real adventure and a really cool experience.

Posted: October 1, 2023

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Is Chiang Mai safe for women?

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Meet locals in Chiang Mai

May

About Me

I am a programmer specializing in web3, lately I have been living as a digital nomad

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Maria

About Me

Hi 👋 my name is Maria and im a creative person. I write stories and make films. I'm now travelling in Asia and I plan to come to Australia at the end of June or July ... I would love to make friends there as I probably gonna stay for a while there so it would be cool any advice,hosting or hang out you could invite me. I'm happy to cook you a tasty meal and I'm clean and tidy. Not sure if I can post my links here but my insta is @mariamillanart www.mariamillan.com

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Chiang Mai

Natnitcha

Chiang Mai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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

mode_comment 0

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.

mode_comment 0

Check all hosts

Upcoming visitors to Chiang Mai

iola

About Me

Hi! I’m a bubbly and thoughtful women, I love enjoying parks and beaches… outdoor spaces, but also love a good gallery and cafe! Nights out for me are new and exciting.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Eunice

About Me

I’m Eunice, always wanting to travel to new places whenever it is possible in terms of money and availability of time and friends. Now i have the flexibility to wfh for the whole year 2024 but im lacking of travel buddies whom can enjoy good local foods and willing to travel most of time because i like to walk.