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Chiang Mai

Found in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its lush landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. This city, a captivating mix of the contemporary and the ancient, is famous for its beautiful Lanna-style temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Engraved in history yet thriving with modern life, Chiang Mai has a captivating charm that offers travelers a unique experience. It’s well-known for the annual Yi Peng Festival, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, creating a magical spectacle. Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar is also a highlight, offering a wealth of crafts, food, and clothing. Surrounded by mountains, the city also serves as a launching point for treks to hill tribes and outdoor adventures.

Chiang Mai is currently ranked #31 best place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.5 /5

Based on 10 experiences

4.3 /5

Based on our research

4.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Very safe

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.

Transport:Easy

Though Chiang Mai is quite easy to navigate through, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of Thai to communicate well with locals. The Old City is walkable and dotted with temples, restaurants, and shops. Biking is popular, but beware of traffic. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (red shared taxis) are inexpensive and scenic options, while hired scooters are a flexible choice despite some associated risks. You can also hire local drivers for day trips. Some remote areas may require a combination of transport modes to reach.

Things to do:Interesting

Chiang Mai in Thailand offers a myriad of activities that make it an exciting destination for solo female travelers. It offers unique experiences ranging from exploring ancient temples and historical sites to indulging in Thai cooking classes, visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, and relaxing at tranquil wellness retreats. The city is known for its friendly locals and generally safe environment which further contributes to its appeal. It can get crowded in tourist spots, but there are numerous quieter areas to explore as well. Also, a vibrant street food scene ensures there are plenty of culinary adventures to be had.

Food:Excellent

Chiang Mai offers a remarkable array of diverse food options catering to nearly all diets and preferences. The local cuisine is rich with flavorful, aromatic Thai dishes often incorporating various kinds of local products from succulent fruits to fresh seafood. Apart from the amazing street food stalls, the city also features high-end bistros featuring both traditional and fusion fare. Vegetarians and vegans will find a plethora of plant-based options too. Cooking classes are widely offered throughout the city for those interested in learning more about Thai cuisine. International food from Italian to Indian is readily available for those craving a taste of home.

Budget:Affordable

Chiang Mai is significantly budget-friendly with affordable accommodations, street food, transportation, and attractions. The cost of living is low compared to many other tourist destinations. However, certain activities like elephant sanctuaries or guided tours may be a bit pricey, but overall, it's highly manageable on a tight budget.

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 10 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.5/5

Group travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Alyssa

United States

Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Jemima-Joy

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I was there for 3 days and I would gladly return. The city itself has a fantastic atmosphere for me. It is local, not as crowded as Bangkok, with the Old Town kind of a square, lots of cool places with cheap good food. Apart from the square, it's a normal big city with Starbucks and McDonald’s. Prices for everything are significantly lower than in the south. The temperature is also lower. There are many beautiful temples without crowds of tourists. There are mountains, waterfalls, and villages nearby.

Posted: September 29, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Chiang Mai is an amazing old city, surrounded by walls with over 300 temples. I spent the whole day on a trip, trekking through the mountains, visiting an elephant reserve, practicing yoga every day. It is very inexpensive, great Airbnb, lots of solo travellers.

Posted: November 5, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Silje

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Hello 👋🏼 my name is Silje, and I am a solotravler. Want to meet new people

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Shania

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Hi I’m alone young traveler. And I looking for people who want to share a ride or maybe a place to sleep.

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Stay with local women in Chiang Mai who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Shania

Chiang Mai

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3 days

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Hi I’m alone young traveler. And I looking for people who want to share a ride or maybe a place to sleep.

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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.