Yes, Chiang Mai is a safe place to visit with all key crime categories being seen as ‘very low’. As with any place you still need to be wary and careful. When in local / built up areas you should still keep your money wallet safe and be alert to any so called opportunist thieves.
Chiang Mai is located in Northern Thailand and is about a 2 hour flight from Bangkok. You can also go overland by bus which takes about 11 hours. This place is one of the most popular places to go for tourists and is home to 100’s of Buddhist temples. One thing you may expect and not get is beaches, Chiang Mai doesn’t have any but makes up for this in some many other ways.
To guarantee the safest time in this city and depending how long you are staying, you could get private tours that are all paid for in advance which means you don’t need to take your wallet and maybe just some pocket money. There are many options for tours and you can check them out here.
Any unsafe areas to avoid in Chiang Mai?
As said you are pretty much fine anywhere but just some tips on places that you should maybe take extra caution or be wary of:
Night Bazaar Area
The Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai is a popular attraction with plenty of shopping and dining options, it can get crowded, and some areas may attract pickpockets. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Thapae Gate Area
This area, which is close to the Old City and hosts many bars and nightlife venues, can become rowdy at night. Exercise caution, especially if you plan to stay out late.
Red Light Districts
Chiang Mai has a few small red-light districts, such as the Loi Kroh Road area. These areas can be associated with illegal activities and may not be safe, particularly for solo travellers.
Remote or Isolated Areas
If you are exploring the countryside or engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, be cautious in remote and isolated areas, especially if you’re alone. Inform someone of your plans and whereabouts.
Dark Alleys
Avoid walking down dark and isolated alleys or streets, particularly late at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas. Better to be safe than sorry.
Public Transportation
Make sure you always agree on a price in advance for your travel, especially with Tuk-Tuks as they can try and take advantage of you if you aren’t clear about the fare.
Certain Markets
Some markets, especially those in less touristy areas, might not be as safe for tourists in terms of overcharging or the quality of products. Stick to well-known and reputable markets.
Bordered Areas
Some areas near the borders of Thailand, particularly in the north, may be subject to political instability or military conflicts. It’s important to stay updated on any advisories or warnings regarding border areas.
General tips to stay safe in Chiang Mai
Flooding: During monsoon season where it can rain a lot in a short space of time, flooding can be a concern. I would say you should stay indoors when rain hits and avoid transport either public or your own i.e. car / moped.
Never insult the Thai royalty: This is the same across Thailand, the Thai royal family are held in very high regard and speaking bad of them is a punishable offence that can carry a prison term. Best thing is to avoid the subject completely, don’t want to offend with ‘lost in translation’.
Don’t drink in public: Best to stick to bars etc. Some places even have fines for drinking in public.
Mosquitoes: Certainly you don’t want to be itching scratches for your trip in Chiang Mai so remember to pack your repellent spray or make sure you purchase as soon as you get here.
Should I travel to Chaing Mai on my own?
Absolutely you should. As mentioned this place is a tourist hotspot and has seen millions of solo travellers pass through down the years. As with all areas of Thailand the locals are super friendly. In regard to accommodation you could stay at a hostel to save money and need to make sure to lock your valuables away if sharing in a dorm.
You will probably meet lot’s of other travellers and if you decide to stay at a hotel then maybe research ‘backpacker’ area’s hostel bars as you certainly want to meet like minded travellers.
When is the best time to travel to Chaing Mai?
Cool and Dry Season (November to February): This is considered the best time to visit Chiang Mai. The weather is cool and dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures, clear skies, and low humidity. It’s ideal for outdoor activities, exploring the city, and enjoying cultural festivals. However, this is the peak tourist season, so accommodation and flights may be more expensive, and popular attractions can be crowded.
Hot Season (March to May): During these months, Chiang Mai experiences hot and dry weather. Daytime temperatures can soar, especially in April, which is the hottest month. This can be a good time for budget travellers as accommodation prices may be lower than during the cool season. However, it can be uncomfortably hot, and the air quality can deteriorate due to burning of agricultural fields.
Rainy Season (June to October): Chiang Mai experiences its rainy season during these months, with regular afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The landscape is lush and green, and the crowds thin out. It’s a more budget-friendly time to visit, but you’ll need to be prepared for rain and humidity. While it’s less crowded, some outdoor activities may be affected by the weather.
Burning Season (Late February to April): This is a period when some farmers engage in crop burning, leading to poor air quality and haze in the region. It’s best to avoid Chiang Mai during this time if you have respiratory issues, as the air quality can be hazardous.
There are many great places to visit in the North of Thailand and can all be accessed either by flights or luxury buses. I personally would avoid trains as they are not that reliable and not something the locals would really use, so why would you.