2BWellTravelled Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Hi - wondering if you well travelled folks may be able to assist. I'm travelling in November to Chiang Mai with my adult daughter. We will be staying 5 nights. Is there any districts we should not be staying in? I gather from most posts that common sense (lol) is the best precaution but just wanted to know if there is anywhere we should stay away from. Also any info on what we definitely should see would be welcome. Thanks so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Since this is specifically related to Chiang Mai, I think you'll get better responses if we move this topic over to the CM sub forum. Lots of active members there who I'm sure will provide some great info. Topic Moved. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMSteve Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Chiang mai is generally a very safe place, especially for tourist. but as you said, common sense. Walking down a Loy Kroh soi at 4am, completely drunk is not a good place to be (physically or metaphysically). Other than times of complete lack of common sense, you and your daughter should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johpa Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Chiang mai is generally a very safe place, especially for tourist. but as you said, common sense. Walking down a Loy Kroh soi at 4am, completely drunk is not a good place to be (physically or metaphysically). Other than times of complete lack of common sense, you and your daughter should be fine. At least there is no moat along Loi Kroh. Use to be that all the bars catering to ex-pats were along the eastern moat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymous1713 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Chiang mai is generally a very safe place, especially for tourist. but as you said, common sense. Walking down a Loy Kroh soi at 4am, completely drunk is not a good place to be (physically or metaphysically). Other than times of complete lack of common sense, you and your daughter should be fine. At least there is no moat along Loi Kroh. Use to be that all the bars catering to ex-pats were along the eastern moat. I don't know why people defend Loy Kroh, it's full of prostitutes, dangerous lady boys and degenerates in general and that's long before 4:00 am 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bung Posted October 2, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2012 (edited) There is nothing wrong with walking down Loy Kroh at any time, I have seen families walking by all the time on the few occasions I have been there. Lighten up. You could always get your sandwich board out and march up and down Loy Kroh decrying all the "degenirates" as you called them. Why are the ladyboys dangerous? Have you ever heard of a crime commited against a Farang in that street by a Ladyboy? Prostitutes? So what? You sound very evangelical. In fact, I am stumped thinking where anyone would feel cause to feel they should not be somewhere in CM at any time. Edited October 2, 2012 by Bung 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymous1713 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 (edited) There is nothing wrong with walking down Loy Kroh at any time, I have seen families walking by all the time on the few occasions I have been there. Lighten up. You could always get your sandwich board out and march up and down Loy Kroh decrying all the "degenirates" as you called them. Why are the ladyboys dangerous? Have you ever heard of a crime commited against a Farang in that street by a Ladyboy? Prostitutes? So what? You sound very evangelical. In fact, I am stumped thinking where anyone would feel cause to feel they should not be somewhere in CM at any time. I have yes, many times and I'm not even remotely religious in fact I am anti-religious and pro science but to each his own. Not only have I heard of crimes committed against foreigners I have heard of crimes committed by foreigners I also know of a man that was gang raped by lady boys and robbed. So, as I said I don't know why people defend it. The OP asked a simple question CMSteve mentioned Loy Kroh is undesirable I expanded on it and agreed so if you have a different opinion don't be an ass and call me names just say so. Edited October 2, 2012 by Anonymous1713 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linuxuser010101 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I think Loy Kroh is undesirable as well not to mention the smell, I know a lot of people that live here that will not go to Loy Kroh Road. But other than that yeah, Chiang Mai is generally a very safe place as mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bung Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 There is nothing wrong with walking down Loy Kroh at any time, I have seen families walking by all the time on the few occasions I have been there. Lighten up. You could always get your sandwich board out and march up and down Loy Kroh decrying all the "degenirates" as you called them. Why are the ladyboys dangerous? Have you ever heard of a crime commited against a Farang in that street by a Ladyboy? Prostitutes? So what? You sound very evangelical. In fact, I am stumped thinking where anyone would feel cause to feel they should not be somewhere in CM at any time. I have yes, many times and I'm not even remotely religious in fact I am anti-religious and pro science but to each his own. Not only have I heard of crimes committed against foreigners I have heard of crimes committed by foreigners I also know of a man that was gang raped by lady boys and robbed. So, as I said I don't know why people defend it. The OP asked a simple question CMSteve mentioned Loy Kroh is undesirable I expanded on it and agreed so if you have a different opinion don't be an ass and call me names just say so. Why would they gang rape somebody when really, at worst, they just want his phone and wallet? Hard to imagine but hey, you hear of stuff happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elektrified Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 There is nothing wrong with walking down Loy Kroh at any time, I have seen families walking by all the time on the few occasions I have been there. Why are the ladyboys dangerous? Have you ever heard of a crime commited against a Farang in that street by a Ladyboy? Many of them are jacked up on yaabaa and will cut you and rob you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bung Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I think Loy Kroh is undesirable as well not to mention the smell, I know a lot of people that live here that will not go to Loy Kroh Road. But other than that yeah, Chiang Mai is generally a very safe place as mentioned. What does it smell of? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hellodolly Posted October 2, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2012 Ignore the Loi Kroh warnings. The chances of you and your daughter being on it late at night are pretty slim. I am presuming you are not interested in bar hopping. And as the one doom and gloom poster who just joined Thai Vista said he has heard stories. But only knows one guy who had a problem. My money says the guy was drunk and brought it on himself. Lot's to see we have a zoo with a Aquarium in it. They have a tunnel so you can walk all the way through it and see many different fish and what not. They also have Panda Bears. It is at the foot of a hill which goes up to a temple on the mountain overlooking all of Chiang Mai. Not sure of where or how to get to them but there are a couple of water falls. That is on a clear day. The old city is worth just walking around in. Lots of temples my favorite is Wat Chedi Leong (spelling) it has a little area off to the right where you can drop in and chat with the monks about any thing. They are trying to improve their English and if you don't bring it up not a word about Buddhism. They will tell you about their life or talk to you about yours. We have a Night Bazaar worth a look at night but if you buy bargain hard. On the weekends their are several streets around town that are closed down for part of the day and they are turned into sellers streets kind of like swap meets. We have two major shopping malls both with Movie Theaters. the Air Port one is my favorite the theaters are nicer and I would estimate that a little over half the movies are in English with Thai Sub titles. Have seen two in Thai with English sub titles. One was the funniest movie I had ever seen and the other the worst movie I had ever seen. You can take one day tours elephant riding river rafting and native villages just check with any tourist agency there will probably be one in your hotel. For one week you will not be able to see all we have to offer. Enjoy 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wellred Posted October 2, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2012 Must just be me but I loved strolling down Loi Kroh at any time of day and I never once felt in danger. Girls of the night work there so obviously you will get a few cat calls but that's as far as it went. I enjoyed my time there and will be returning soon, and will be again staying on Loi Kroh Road. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heybruce Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Must just be me but I loved strolling down Loi Kroh at any time of day and I never once felt in danger. Girls of the night work there so obviously you will get a few cat calls but that's as far as it went. I enjoyed my time there and will be returning soon, and will be again staying on Loi Kroh Road. You're definitely not the only one who loves it. I wouldn't say I love it but I don't object to it. Loi Kroh is what it its; if you like what is there it's easy to find, if you don't like it then it's easy to avoid. If the OP and his daughter object to the sight of bars and prostitutes they should avoid Loi Kroh late at night, if they want to get a watered down look at Thailand as a sex tourist destination without going for the more overwhelming sections of Bangkok and Pataya, they can take a look. The most dangerous places in Chiang Mai, and Thailand in general, are the roads, especially late at night when the normally bad drivers are drunk as well. But by using a little common sense most people manage to visit or live in Chiang Mai with very little trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moe666 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 There have been a few second hand stories of people being accosted in areas of the old town late at night. The stories say that several Thais including a woman. confront a lone man or woman and rob them, or try a scam of the woman approaching the man and accusing him of taking her money. As I said only third hand to me never talked to the alleged victims. Chiang Mai as far as I am concerned is very safe never a problem for me or that i am aware You and your daughter come to Chiang Mai and have a good time, North of town in the mai sai valley is a Elephant Camp that put on eleaphant shows, as well as a Tiger show where you can hug the tigers. Plenty of day treks around shopping lots of wats to see especially around the old town. Have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjhbigv Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 "I also know of a man that was gang raped by lady boys and robbed" And this was just a 'normal' bloke, minding his own business and not involved in a bit of 'ladyboy' action?? Sorry, don't buy it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LawrenceChee Posted October 2, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2012 Chiang Mai is very safe. You have to look for trouble to get into trouble. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiang mai Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Chiang Mai is not really any different from anywhere else, the risk of crime increases with the lateness of the day, the proximity to entertainment areas and the appearance and preparedness of the individual. The later the hour the higher the risk, Loi Kroh is probably higher risk than Chan Klan, a drunk or a vunerable person is higher risk than a strapping thirty year old oil rig worker from Dundee - cut your cloth accordingly. But generally speaking there are no truly off limits areas in CM that tourists should avoid, just a few streets where the risk increases in accordance with the above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Ashoka Posted October 2, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2012 I am Thai and I do not go there and neither does anyone I know and most Thai people do not like the kind of people there. If you want to find trouble go there if you want to know the truth about this street ask any Thai person this is the red light district. The people that defend it has the business there or the friend with the business. The place is dirty and the food is unsafe you can see the rats run in the street and the roaches. If you do not see the government safe food sign do not eat. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post daoyai Posted October 3, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 3, 2012 I am Thai and I do not go there and neither does anyone I know and most Thai people do not like the kind of people there. If you want to find trouble go there if you want to know the truth about this street ask any Thai person this is the red light district. The people that defend it has the business there or the friend with the business. The place is dirty and the food is unsafe you can see the rats run in the street and the roaches. If you do not see the government safe food sign do not eat. This is a wonderful post, made me smile. Yes, the people that know the most about the place are those that never go there ! They know the food is dirty because the the resto owner hasn't bought the "clean food good taste" sign. I will think about that next time I am eating that dangerously tender pork medallion at Chez Marco. I am lucky to have survived that last streetside foot massage, the jokes told by the ladies there almost killed me. The groups of young toursits walking down the road really didn't know the danger they were in, what evil lurks behind all those friendly smiles? 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linuxuser010101 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 One does not need to go to East St. Louis to know it is the most dangerous city in the US, your argument is flawed and the other posters are correct you seem to have some interest to protect the red light district, I sure wouldn't take my daughters there. This is a nice thread for potential tourists to see how poorly the expats in Thailand behave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommoPhysicist Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I have had my hols in CM for about 5 years, up to two trips a month. I have many friends who live there. When my wife and I go shopping there, in our pickup, we leave the shopping sitting in the back, never had anything taken. Once, one of our friends had a m/c helmet stolen off their bike while parked outside Airport Plaza. Probably the safest city in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beb Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) While everybody is arguing about Loi Kroh (pretty sure you won't enjoy walking down there at night with your daughter), I'll try to make a broad suggestion. If you stay within the city walls you are pretty much good as far as location for heading out on foot or on any tours. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in the range from hostels to boutique hotels. Moving outside the walls, I'd suggest consider places to the east of the walled city since you are still in areas that are of interest for walking. Prices vary but you can get a nice room with a/c and frig for $15 or less a night. There are great places further out and to the east is the night bazaar road Chang Klan, which you can reach ironically with Loi Kroh from the walled city. I don't tend to spend much time there myself but a lot of people seem to like it. To the west is a street called Niemenheiman (sp?) that has some nice places around it but you are not walking distance from the city if you want to hang out there. I'd really suggest being close to the walled area your first time just for convenience sake. Depending on your budget and what you are looking for, you can find a wide range of places further out but then you get into the question of what you want to experience. There are wonderful resorts way out but you'll pay a whole lot more and probably be a bit stranded. Edited October 3, 2012 by beb 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daoyai Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 The point being that CM is safer than many cities, as is true for most Thai cities, the busy brightly lit areas full of vendors, foot massage, bars, travel agencies are safe ! The fact that some are "in the trade" is of no concern to those not involved. I like those areas because they represent freedom, a concept that is hard for some to accept. I have no financial interest in any "red light" opperation but I do have an interest in personal freedoms. I like street theatre, to me, Loi Krogh, has some fun people watching, much more interesting than the Nimman area. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paagai Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My advice to the OP would be to ignore all the bickering on this thread about Loy Kroh Road. Why go there? Chiang Mai has plenty of nice areas to stay. Head for the Nimmanheminda Road Area (Kantary Hills Hotel is very nice), plenty of chic modern restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in all the sois around there. Few western tourists, no trouble, no touts/scammers, no whores and above all, no whingeing ex-pats You can take a Sunday evening tuk-tuk trip to walking street market, wander round Thapae gate, and down to the night bazaar, enjoy some food and get home before the demons arrive on the streets . Add a day time trip to the old city temples and lunch by the river - then you'll have pretty much covered what's left seeing in the touristy part of town anyway. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daoyai Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 No whores on Nimman? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Chiang Mai is very safe. You have to look for trouble to get into trouble. Or simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time...........and this could be anywhere. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eek Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I am a female expat in Chiang Mai OP, so regarding your daughter, i think you (and she) has little to be concerned about. For months at a time i am living on my own (partner works away), and do a lot of things on my own and have never felt threatened or concerned. I dont do the night thing much, but when i do, i just use common sense and caution. I dont go to bars alone, or walk around unfamiliar dark sois ..that kind of thing. Personally i think Nimmenheimen/kad suan kaew way is a good place to be, both for staying in, and general living. Has nice accomodations, nice people, and nice places to have coffee/eat/drink etc. Can get your barings and explore a bit more after that. Hope the squabbling hasnt dissuaded you from staying a member here! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chiang mai Posted October 3, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) Some truly odd comments in this thread, I wonder if the Puritans or Quakers have opened a local branch recently! I recall many years ago in Bangkok a tuk tuk wanted more than what I thought was a sensible price for a short trip so I decided to walk, as I walked away he warned me to be careful because on the street where I was walking there were, "bad men walking". I didn't know Bangkok very well at the time and it made me quite nervous, I later realised that I was in the centre of the CBD during the middle of the day and the tuk tuk driver was simply trying to scare me to get my business, there's shades of that same syndrome in this thread. Edited October 3, 2012 by chiang mai 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetlejuice Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Chiang mai is generally a very safe place, especially for tourist. but as you said, common sense. Walking down a Loy Kroh soi at 4am, completely drunk is not a good place to be (physically or metaphysically). Other than times of complete lack of common sense, you and your daughter should be fine. At least there is no moat along Loi Kroh. Use to be that all the bars catering to ex-pats were along the eastern moat. I don't know why people defend Loy Kroh, it's full of prostitutes, dangerous lady boys and degenerates in general and that's long before 4:00 am Chiang Mai is one of the safest tourist destinations in Thailand. I certainly would not worry about the Loi Kroh road, as most of what used to be the adult entertainment sector has been closed down or is imposed to close early. Most of the nightlife scene of Chiang Mai has been shut down and walking around the town during the late hours is similar to being in a sleepy English village on a Sunday night and is perfectly safe. Outside the main town there is virtually nothing to see and able to stroll around in complete safety, so what districts you choose to stay in is all much of the same. As for what to see, I can’t think of anything to recommend. You may find that a 5-day stay is too long and boring. I would suggest booking your hotel for one night at a time rather than committing yourself to staying for a whole 5 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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