City, Thailand
Chiang Mai for solo travelers
Is Chiang Mai good for solo travel?
Asia's classic nomad base: cheap rent, cafés, coworking, temples and mountains close by, in a calm, walkable old city. Burning-season smoke from February to April is the big drawback.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 5/5 · Excellent for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women; harassment is rare. Usual care with drinks and late rides from bars. |
How to meet people in Chiang Mai
Coworking events and nomad meetups in Nimman, social hostels in the Old City, cooking classes, Muay Thai gyms, trekking tours and Sunday Walking Street.
Good things to do alone
- Hike the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat
- Take a Thai cooking class with market tour
- Climb the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong)
- Browse Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road
- Day trip to Doi Inthanon
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nimman (Nimmanhaemin) | Nomads: cafés, coworking, malls and condos |
| Old City | First-timers: temples, guesthouses, walkable lanes |
| Santitham | Cheaper long stays near Nimman, local food |
| Riverside (Wat Ket) | Quieter boutique stays east of the center |
Solo travel across Thailand
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Chiang Mai | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Phuket | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Krabi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phangan | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Tao | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Chiang Rai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Railay | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Kanchanaburi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Chang | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Lak | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Sok | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sukhothai | 4/5 | Limited |
| Kata Beach | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Rawai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samui | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phi Phi | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pattaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Patong | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hua Hin | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Ayutthaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lanta | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samet | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lipe | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Yai | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hat Yai | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jomtien | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Udon Thani | 3/5 | Limited |
| Koh Kood | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Chiang Mai good for solo travelers?
Excellent for solo travel (5/5). Asia's classic nomad base: cheap rent, cafés, coworking, temples and mountains close by, in a calm, walkable old city.
How do you meet people in Chiang Mai?
Coworking events and nomad meetups in Nimman, social hostels in the Old City, cooking classes, Muay Thai gyms, trekking tours and Sunday Walking Street. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Chiang Mai?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Chiang Mai safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women; harassment is rare. Usual care with drinks and late rides from bars.
More about Chiang Mai
Going to Chiang Mai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Chiang Mai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Chiang Mai International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bolt Chiang Mai
- Punspace
- Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.