City, Myanmar
Is Mandalay safe?
Myanmar is in civil conflict since the 2021 coup; many governments advise against all or most travel.
Is Mandalay safe?
Myanmar is in civil conflict since the 2021 coup; many governments advise against all or most travel. Check your government's advice and local news before booking. Mandalay was hit by the March 2025 earthquake and has seen air strikes in the region; security forces control the city.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 2/5, high risk.
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-05-07.
- Homicide rate in Myanmar: 2.6 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Myanmar: 20.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 199 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 191.
Safety in Mandalay at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Bag snatching and petty theft. Security checks, curfews and occasional armed incidents in the wider region. |
| At night | Streets are quiet after dark and curfews can apply. Use hotel-arranged transport. |
| Solo women | Relatively respectful, but avoid walking alone after dark and check current conditions. |
| Other risks | Aftershocks and damaged buildings; Intense heat in April–May; Political violence and checkpoints |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares from the station or airport
- Fake guides at the palace and pagodas
- Money changers offering poor rates
Take care
- Sagaing and surrounding areas: fighting and unstable security
- Damaged buildings after earthquake: unsafe to enter
- Military zones and checkpoints
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Never photograph police, soldiers, checkpoints or protests.
- Visible Buddha tattoos or disrespectful religious images can lead to prosecution.
- Drones need permits in advance; unpermitted use can mean prison.
How Mandalay compares in Myanmar
Quick answers
Is Mandalay safe for solo female travelers?
Relatively respectful, but avoid walking alone after dark and check current conditions.
Is Mandalay safe at night?
Streets are quiet after dark and curfews can apply. Use hotel-arranged transport.
What is the crime rate in Mandalay?
Bag snatching and petty theft. Security checks, curfews and occasional armed incidents in the wider region. Nationally, Myanmar records 2.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Mandalay?
Police 199 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 191.
More about Mandalay
Going to Mandalay solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Myanmar Tourism information (Ministry of Hotels and Tourism)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.