City, Myanmar
Is Yangon safe?
Myanmar is in civil conflict since the 2021 coup; many governments advise against all or most travel.
Is Yangon 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. Yangon itself is calmer than the north, but bombings, arbitrary arrests, checkpoints and curfew-style restrictions occur.
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 Yangon at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Pickpocketing and bag snatching in downtown markets. Occasional bomb attacks and military checkpoints; the political situation is the main danger. |
| At night | Streets empty early and security checks are possible. Avoid walking at night and use hotel-arranged transport. |
| Solo women | Women are generally treated respectfully but conditions are tense; avoid walking alone after dark. |
| Other risks | Political violence and bomb attacks; Flooding in monsoon; Frequent long power cuts |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Money changers offering poor rates on the street
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares
- Fake travel-agent or transport offers
Take care
- Military sites and demonstrations: do not photograph
- Checkpoints and night curfews in some townships
- Streets with poor lighting after dark
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 Yangon compares in Myanmar
Quick answers
Is Yangon safe for solo female travelers?
Women are generally treated respectfully but conditions are tense; avoid walking alone after dark.
Is Yangon safe at night?
Streets empty early and security checks are possible. Avoid walking at night and use hotel-arranged transport.
What is the crime rate in Yangon?
Pickpocketing and bag snatching in downtown markets. Occasional bomb attacks and military checkpoints; the political situation is the main danger. Nationally, Myanmar records 2.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Yangon?
Police 199 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 191.
More about Yangon
Going to Yangon 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.