Chiang Mai tops ASEAN safety index with score 78.0
Chiang Mai has been ranked the safest city in ASEAN, scoring 78.0 in NUMBEO’s mid‑2026 safety index. The ranking was released in November 2026 and applies to anyone assessing travel safety in the region, including tourists, business visitors and long‑term residents.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Chiang Mai now leads ASEAN safety rankings with a 78.0 score
- Timing
- Data released November 2026 covering mid‑2026
- Who is affected
- Travelers and investors evaluating city safety in Southeast Asia
The details
- Announced by
- NUMBEO
- Takes effect
- mid‑2026
- New rule
- Chiang Mai is ranked first among ASEAN cities and 18th globally in the NUMBEO safety index, with a score of 78.0.
Source and methodology
The Serbian data‑research platform NUMBEO published its mid‑2026 safety index in November 2026. The index aggregates crime statistics, personal safety surveys and other public‑safety indicators to produce a composite score for each city worldwide.
- Data cover the period January to June 2026
- Scores range from 0 (least safe) to 100 (most safe)
- Methodology is consistent across all cities in the database
Chiang Mai’s ranking
Chiang Mai, Thailand, achieved a safety index of 78.0, placing it first among the ten ASEAN cities listed. It also ranks 10th in Asia and 18th globally. The city’s score is slightly higher than Singapore’s 77.7, which falls to second place in the regional list.
- Bangkok ranks seventh in ASEAN with a score of 61.6
- Other top ASEAN cities include Davao (71.2) and Penang (71.1)
Implications for travellers
The ranking reflects relative safety levels but does not alter visa policies, entry requirements or travel advisories issued by governments. Visitors can consider the score when choosing destinations, but standard precautions remain advisable.
- Safety ranking is informational only
- Local conditions can change, so stay updated
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings to Chiang Mai are unaffected by the ranking release
- Travelers may use the safety score when comparing alternative ASEAN destinations
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation are required because of the safety ranking
- Insurance premiums remain unchanged unless providers adjust rates independently
What you need to do
- Monitor local news for any sudden safety developments before departure
- Consider the safety score as one factor in overall trip planning
Who this affects
-
Leisure tourists
Tourists often look at city safety rankings when choosing where to travel
-
Business travellers
Companies assess safety data when approving employee travel to ASEAN cities
-
Long‑term expats
Expatriates evaluate city safety for relocation decisions
Frequently asked questions
Which city is the safest in ASEAN according to NUMBEO?
Chiang Mai is the safest ASEAN city, scoring 78.0 in NUMBEO’s mid‑2026 safety index, just ahead of Singapore.
When was the NUMBEO safety index for 2026 released?
The mid‑2026 safety index was released in November 2026, covering data from the first half of the year.
How does Chiang Mai’s safety score compare to Bangkok’s?
Chiang Mai scores 78.0, while Bangkok ranks seventh in ASEAN with a score of 61.6, indicating a significant safety gap.
Does the safety ranking affect visa requirements for Thailand?
No, the safety ranking does not change visa rules or entry requirements for Thailand; it is purely an informational metric.
Should I change my travel plans because of the new safety ranking?
The ranking provides additional context but does not mandate any travel changes; travellers can decide based on personal risk tolerance.
