Out of all the towns I’ve frequented globally, there is only a handful where I seasoned “love at initial sight.” Chiang Mai, the peaceful mountain town in northern Thailand, was one particular!
Though technically a city, its small dimension, laid-back again ambiance, and amazing mountainous scenery really don’t make it feel like one particular.
Prepared To Travel? Really don’t Go Devoid of Vacation Coverage.
I advise SafetyWing Nomad Insurance plan, an cost-effective journey insurance policies giving automated regular payments that you can terminate at any time. I have been employing it considering the fact that 2019, and I can guarantee you it is the excellent answer for nomads like you and me. Master far more by studying our SafetyWing review.
For these explanations and a lot more, this northern Thai town is starting to be progressively preferred among the travellers and electronic nomads.
If you have read amazing matters about Chiang Mai and are thinking of a journey in this article, you might ponder, “Is Chiang Mai harmless?”
This post answers that problem and covers almost everything you will need to know to ensure a secure, fun, and stress-absolutely free time in Chiang Mai.
Crucial TAKEAWAYS
- Chiang Mai is a risk-free spot for woman and solo tourists.
- It is harmless to vacation to Chiang Mai correct now.
- Practice common feeling and recognition when touring in Chiang Mai.
Is Chiang Mai Safe For Travellers?
Chiang Mai is an really secure metropolis in which violent crimes are exceptional. In point, in January 2023, Chiang Mai was ranked as the most secure city in South East Asia by Numbeo.
Nevertheless, this does not imply that Chiang Mai is free from the popular petty crimes identified across Thailand and Asia.
Issues like pickpocketing and cons materialize in Chiang Mai but are not as widespread as in other metropolitan areas.
For case in point, Chiang Mai’s criminal offense index was rated as 24.5, though Bangkok‘s was 40.5.
Most vacationers sense secure going for walks all-around Chiang Mai and remark on the welcoming ambiance.
Is Chiang Mai Secure To Journey Now?
As of early 2023, there are no basic safety considerations for traveling to Chiang Mai, and all covid-related constraints have been eliminated.
So you will not be expected to present a vaccine certificate or do a Covid take a look at when arriving or touring in and all around the city.
Also, be aware that there is no longer a mask mandate. However, as Chiang Mai has quite higher air pollution stages, lots of locals and expats have on masks when riding a scooter or walking outdoors.
Why Is Chiang Mai “Dangerous”?
As described, there are really few potential risks in conditions of critical crimes inside Chiang Mai. But air pollution is one hazard in the city for the duration of selected elements of the 12 months.
This does not so much come from significant emissions but somewhat from what is identified as “burning season.”
Setting up your forthcoming adventures? Vacation by bus! (It truly is low-cost!)
Among February to April, farmers burn off their fields in the countryside encompassing the town and close by areas, resulting in thick smoke in excess of the whole of Chiang Mai.
This can lead to a variety of overall health problems, mostly respiratory difficulties, headaches, and itchy eyes.
In reality, the smoke can be so terrible that quite a few locals and expats quickly transfer to one more element of Thailand through these months.
Of course, if you steer clear of viewing Chiang Mai for the duration of the burning season, the air top quality will be a great deal higher, and this will not be a issue.
The Most secure Locations In Chiang Mai
There are no unsafe districts in Chiang Mai, so keeping in the town or on the outskirts is great. You can stroll all-around the streets without the need of concerns where ever you choose to remain.
That currently being stated, keeping in a resort with safety is safer than in an Airbnb or stand-alone property.
While not really typical, burglaries happen in Chiang Mai, and villas and good-seeking contemporary households are the most important targets.
Additionally, petty crimes like ripoffs and pickpocketing are most widespread in hectic touristy areas, this sort of as the going for walks streets, the Night time bazaar, marketplaces, and about the moat.
Below are the top a few regions to keep in Chiang Mai.
Old Town
The Old Town is one of the most popular places for travellers to remain in as it is in the middle of the motion and is entire of wonderful outdated structures and temples. This spot is also completely walkable, so you can go almost everywhere on foot if you keep right here.
Riverside
If you choose to continue to be in a magnificent resort or spa vacation resort, head to Riverside, a person of the city’s higher-stop areas.
In this article you’ll find a mix of modern lodges with sprawling town views and stylish boutique accommodations with a tranquil ambiance.
Nimmanhaemin
Nimmanhaemin, or Nimman for short, is the electronic nomad hotspot, entire of quirky coffee outlets, artwork galleries, and rooftop bars.
Quite a few reasonably priced condos are right here for those people searching to keep lengthier than a number of weeks.
Points To Stay away from In Chiang Mai
Although there is no need to have to feel on edge when going for walks all around Chiang Mai, there are a number of issues you should be knowledgeable of so that you know to stay clear of them.
Tuk Tuk Frauds
Tuk Tuks are 3-wheeled open taxis identified in Chiang Mai and lots of touristy areas of Thailand.
Although using in just one can be a enjoyable knowledge and a little something you want to look at off your bucket record, be mindful, as frauds are widespread.
Lots of Tuk Tuk drivers will appreciably overcharge you for a journey, and some will give to choose you on a sightseeing tour exactly where they will take you to a store or restaurant of an alliance.
They will then persuade you to make a invest in at that position, as they get a percentage of the income.
If you want to consider a Tuk Tuk, usually barter for a sensible cost and only get in the moment you have agreed on a cost you are delighted with.
Furthermore, do not take any driver up on the offer of a tour merely question to go from A to B.
Other Scams
There are a few other widespread cons in Chiang Mai. For illustration, if you make your mind up to hire a motorbike in Thailand, choose films and pics of the bicycle just before driving it absent and note any scratches or dents by now there.
Some use outlets will attempt to charge you for present harm when you return it. If you have no video evidence to show it was currently there, you will probable have to spend a significant chunk of cash.
Tour corporations can also check out to rip-off you by overcharging. Be certain to analysis prices on the internet for the excursions you want to just take beforehand so you know the common charge.
You can also question your hotel reception they can tell you what you need to be paying out, and they could also have some dependable contacts.
Viewing Throughout Burning Time
And finally, as mentioned previously, stay clear of visiting Chiang Mai in between February and April.
During these months, the fog does not just lead to overall health issues, but it can truly kill the encounter of traveling to attractions and accomplishing functions.
It is much superior to hold out right up until soon after May possibly, when the skies are crystal clear yet again, so you can get pleasure from the stunning mountain sights.
Driving In Chiang Mai
I do not advise vacationers experience a scooter or motorcycle everywhere in Thailand, but particularly in Chiang Mai.
As a smaller and fairly quiet city, you might suppose it is a great deal safer to generate in this article than in Bangkok. Unfortunately, having said that, Chiang Mai has the highest highway incident charge than any where else in the state.
This is mostly because of to the mountainous roadways outside the house of the town. Tourists want to investigate the popular sights exterior the town heart, so they lease a scooter and generate there.
However, a lot of roads are steep, winding, slender, and badly preserved.
Auto incidents are also typical in and close to Chiang Mai. So I counsel you take community transportation or book excursions to visit the attractions exterior of the metropolis.
Public transport is very low-priced within just Chiang Mai. There are songthaews, which are low-cost open taxis (red in colour) that push established routes.
You can hop on and off anytime you like, making them a effortless way to get all over.
You can also acquire Seize bikes (if you are by itself) or a Grab taxi, which is fairly reasonably priced in Chiang Mai.
In addition, as the Outdated Metropolis is modest and walkable, it is achievable to get from one conclude to the other on foot.
Chiang Mai For Solo Vacationers
I frequented Chiang Mai on my very own and loved it! This Thai town is trendy among the solo travelers, so if you arrive on your own, you will not continue to be on your own for long. I identified it simple to fulfill persons in this article, and the locals were being really welcoming and pleasant.
I experienced zero basic safety fears going for walks all-around on your own, together with immediately after dim. But of training course, if you walk house at night, be cautious of your surroundings.
If you have experienced a several beverages too lots of, order a Seize taxi alternatively, just to be safe and sound.
Chiang Mai has some great hostels, together with some social party kinds.
If you want to love Chiang Mai’s nightlife, continue to be in a hostel like “Slumber party” or “Stamps,” wherever you can type a group with other solo vacationers to go out jointly.
Chiang Mai For Female Travelers
Chiang Mai is a friendly, risk-free, and pleasant metropolis for ladies. I achieved lots of other women of all ages in city by itself, from backpackers to electronic nomads, to expats.
Chiang Mai also has considerably less of a “seedy sex-tourist vibe” than other Thai cities like Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket. So, in my feeling, Chiang Mai is one particular of the finest places in Thailand for woman tourists.
Nonetheless, like any place in the planet, you must be cautious of your surroundings and belongings when out and be wary of the folks you meet up with.
Don’t go away your consume unattended, really do not accept drinks from strangers, and make absolutely sure you know your route house.
For further safety, make confident you purchase a Thailand SIM card so you are constantly on line and can very easily speak to men and women.
If you use Seize for transportation, you can use the selection for women.
Chiang Mai For Digital Nomads And Expats
As talked about, Chiang Mai has a Massive digital nomad and expat community, so if you are looking for your upcoming remote work place, I hugely suggest Chiang Mai.
The city is set up flawlessly for nomads. There are so many western-fashion cafes and hip espresso retailers, so you can quickly opt for a handful and alternate among them.
There are also some brilliant co-doing the job spaces in the town, and standard expat/nomad activities come about.
If you are thinking about functioning as a digital nomad in Chiang Mai, read our article about living in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Journey Insurance policies
Even though Chiang Mai is a very safe city, journey insurance policies is continue to very important when visiting right here or wherever else in Thailand.
Travel insurance plan offers you peace of intellect that you’ll be protected should you get unwell and require health care remedy, get rid of your baggage, or have flight cancellations.
I propose employing SafetyWing as they supply thorough coverage, and the application procedure is quick and straightforward.
SafetyWing is also great for electronic nomads as you can start out your policy where ever you are in the environment and tailor it to your exceptional needs.
Last Thoughts On Safety In Chiang Mai
So, is Chiang Mai safe? Absolutely! This lovely northern Thai city is 1 of the most secure places in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
As a consequence, it is a best spot for ladies and solo travelers and gives a little something for every person.
So no matter whether you expend a week temple hopping, love the lush mountain sights as you perform remotely for a couple of months, or shift there lengthy phrase, Chiang Mai is superb!
Visiting Thailand before long? Read one of the following guides:
