Updated September 19, 2023

Chiang Mai is a safe place to visit—as long as travelers are aware of a few safety considerations. Locals helped us put together this guide to safety in Chiang Mai. 

Safety in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to visit in Thailand. Here, you’ll find hundreds of Buddhist temples, mouthwatering street food, and plenty of adventure in the nearby mountains. Locals have a few tips to make sure your trip to Chiang Mai is safe and delightful:

• Do NOT insult Thai royalty: Under the lèse majesté law, this could get you in serious trouble.
• The air pollution can be bad: This is especially true in the springtime, around February-March. This is when Chiang Mai’s “burning season” takes place. Farmers nearby burn their fields, and smoke fills the air for days on end.
• Watch for pickpockets: Whenever you’re in a crowded area, like the Chiang Mai Night market, pay special attention to your belongings. Don’t leave your phone in your back pocket or sling your purse over one shoulder.

All in all, Thailand is a safe destination—and so is Chiang Mai!

Common scams in Chiang Mai

Thailand is safe, but there are some common scams that travelers should know about. In Chiang Mai locals say that these include:

• Tuk tuk scam: Tuk-tuks are a fun form of transportation in Thailand, but beware of a common scam—overcharging passengers. Be sure you agree on a price before getting in.
• Motorbike scam: This is a common scam throughout Thailand. If you rent a motorbike beware! The renter might find new “damages” on the bike once you return it, and insist you pay.
• Gem scams: You may come across some beautiful gems in Chiang Mai. The seller will insist that they’re valuable but that they’ll cut you a good price. Don’t fall for it. The “gems” are likely just pieces of glass.

In Chiang Mai, also be careful with your credit card. Travelers have reported having their information stolen via card scammers installed in ATMs. And beware of pickpockets whenever you’re navigating a crowded space.

Is Chiang Mai safe for solo travelers?

Solo travelers will find that Thailand is a safe destination—and so is Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai is an especially popular spot for solo travelers. To keep safe as someone traveling alone, locals recommend:

• Keep an eye on your drink: Just as you would at home! If someone offers to buy you a drink, be sure you see it made.
• Know how to get home at night: Don’t wander around alone at night. Stick to well-lit, well-populated areas.

Necessary vaccinations for travelers

The CDC recommends that all travelers get the COVID-19 vaccine and make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before visiting Thailand. In addition, they recommend that most people get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid.

Depending on where you’re going in Thailand, you may want to get additional vaccinations for diseases like cholera, malaria, and hepatitis B. Talk to your doctor before you go.

Helpful phrases to know

No matter where you stay in Thailand—whether it’s Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Bangkok—it’s good to know a few phrases. Local recommend learning these basics:

• Sawatdee (krub/kah)*—Hello
• Kawp khun (khrub / kah)—Thank you
• Chai—Yes
• Mai chai—No
• Pood Thai mai dai—I don’t speak Thai
• Nee Tao Rai?—How much?

*krub=for men, kah=for women

Emergency information

Although you likely won’t need it, here’s some emergency information to have on hand:

• 911—Thailand emergency number
• 1155—Thailand tourist police
• 02-205-4000—US Embassy in Bangkok
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