A robust and metal catalyst-free method has been developed for the general and green synthesis of racemic (3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-2-yl)methanol derivatives. This simple, mild and practical method involves the reaction of 2-aminophenols with (±)-epichlorohydrin in the presence of NaOH in water at room temperature. The reaction features high regioselectivity and a good substrate scope to produce both N-substituted and N-unsubstituted products.