Thailand ranked safest holiday destination in the world – Singapore leads in ASEAN

Crowd of people walking on the market in Chinatown – the Thai people have not stopped wearing masks. Photo: Brostock/Shutterstock

Thailand has been ranked the safest holiday destination in the world, according to a new analysis by UK-based long-haul travel specialists Travelbag. The ranking is based on safety perceptions and crime statistics sourced from Numbeo, the world’s largest user-contributed database on cities and countries.

Thailand claimed the top spot ahead of Seychelles, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, thanks to its combination of high safety scores and its well-known reputation for warm hospitality.

According to Travelbag, Thailand offers travellers not only stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, but also peace of mind. With a safety walking at night score of 61.53—the highest among the top five destinations—visitors feel comfortable exploring the country even after dark.

Rank Destination Safety (Daylight) Safety (Night) Crime Score
1 Thailand 81.43 61.53 36.58
2 Seychelles 82.41 56.73 37.04
3 Philippines 72.39 54.34 44.56
4 Sri Lanka 76.53 52.83 42.02
5 Vietnam 75.91 51.85 36.65

The report highlights that Thailand’s appeal goes beyond just scenery and street food. With its well-developed tourism infrastructure, modern amenities in major cities, and community-oriented culture, travellers can confidently wander through night markets, hop between islands, or trek through the jungle.

Chiang Mai leads ASEAN city safety rankings

In a broader look at safety across ASEAN, new 2025 data from Numbeo shows that Chiang Mai is the safest city in the region, with a safety index score of 78.2. Other Thai cities, including Bangkok and Pattaya, also made the regional top 10.

ASEAN Rank City Country Safety Index
1 Chiang Mai Thailand 78.2
2 Singapore Singapore 77.4
3 Davao Philippines 71.6
4 Penang Malaysia 69.7
5 Hanoi Vietnam 65.9
6 Makati Philippines 61.5
7 Bangkok Thailand 60.7
8 Iloilo Philippines 59.3
9 Pattaya Thailand 53.9
10 Johor Bahru Malaysia 51.3

Singapore stands out for safety in the region, particularly at the national level where it has been leading for several years. However, Thailand’s strong performance across multiple cities gives it a unique edge, especially for travellers planning to move between destinations.

With thousands of Nordic tourists and expats choosing Thailand each year, the latest rankings confirm what many already experience: that Thailand is not only exciting, but also safe.

Whether walking alone in Chiang Mai’s old town, commuting by train in Bangkok, or relaxing on a beach in Krabi, the combination of friendliness, community awareness, and reliable infrastructure continues to make Thailand a preferred destination for those who value both adventure and peace of mind.

 

About Gregers Møller

Editor-in-Chief • ScandAsia Publishing Co., Ltd. • Bangkok, Thailand

View all posts by Gregers Møller
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