Ah, the pre-trip excitement! You’ve booked your ticket, you’re dreaming of coconut-filled beaches and golden temples… and now you’re staring at an empty suitcase with a sense of dread.
What do you actually need to pack for a country with steamy jungles, cool mountains, sacred temples, and non-stop city life?
Packing for Thailand can be tricky. Overpack, and you’ll be cursing as you drag a 25kg suitcase onto a rickety long-tail boat. Underpack, and you’ll be frantically searching for a pharmacy that sells your specific brand of moisturizer.
Don’t worry. I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to.
This is my ultimate, no-fluff packing list for Thailand. It’s the one I’ve perfected over countless trips, balancing comfort, practicality, and respect for the local culture.
Plus, I’ve included a crucial section on what NOT to bring—the things that seem like a good idea but will just weigh you down.
Let’s get you packed.
🧳 Luggage: Backpack vs. Suitcase?
This is the first big question. Here’s the simple answer:
-
Backpack (My Top Choice): A 40-50L travel backpack is the king of Thailand travel. You’ll be navigating uneven sidewalks, hopping on and off ferries, and walking into hostels or guesthouses. A backpack (like an Osprey Farpoint) is simply more agile.
-
Suitcase: If you are only staying in luxury resorts and taking private transfers, a suitcase is fine. For anyone else, it will be a constant source of annoyance.
Pro-Tip: Bring a small, foldable daypack. It’s perfect for day trips, beach visits, and hikes, and it packs down to nothing.
👕 Clothing: Light, Loose & Respectful
The mantra for Thailand is lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable. Cotton, linen, and rayon are your best friends. The humidity is no joke.
General Wear (The Core Kit)
-
4-5 T-shirts or Tank Tops: Choose breathable fabrics.
-
2-3 Pairs of Shorts: (e.g., 1 casual, 1 active/walking).
-
1 Pair of Lightweight Trousers: Essential. Think linen pants, elephant pants (which you can buy there!), or loose-fitting joggers. You’ll use these for temple visits, evening mosquito protection, and air-conditioned buses.
-
1 Sundress or Maxi Dress: Great for looking nice at dinner or at a beach bar.
-
1 Light Rain Jacket: A must, especially from April to October. Get one that packs down tiny. A cheap poncho works in a pinch.
-
1 Light Layer: A hoodie, light cardigan, or long-sleeve shirt. You will freeze on buses, in cinemas, and in 7-Eleven. Trust me.
-
5-7 Pairs of Underwear: You can always get laundry done (it’s cheap and fast).
-
2-3 Pairs of Socks: You’ll be in sandals most of the time, but you’ll want them for any hiking or for your travel days.
Beach Wear
-
2 Swimsuits: One can dry while you wear the other.
-
1 Sarong or Kaftan: The single most versatile item. It’s a beach cover-up, a towel, a privacy screen on a bus, and (most importantly) a shoulder/leg cover for entering temples.
-
1 Pair of Flip-Flops (or ‘Thongs’)
-
1 Pair of Strappy Sandals or Active Sandals: Something you can walk in, like Tevas or Birkenstocks, that’s a step up from a flip-flop.
-
1 Wide-Brimmed Hat & Sunglasses
Temple & “Nice” Wear
-
You don’t need a separate wardrobe, just a plan. Your linen trousers and a T-shirt (not a tank top) are perfect.
-
The sarong is your secret weapon for covering shoulders or knees at a moment’s notice.
-
Rule: Shoulders and knees must be covered in all major temples.
Shoes
-
Flip-Flops: For the beach and showers.
-
Walking Shoes: A comfortable pair of sandals (as above) OR one pair of comfortable trainers/sneakers (like Allbirds or Skechers). You don’t need both.
-
(Optional) Hiking Shoes: Only bring these if you are planning a serious, multi-day jungle trek. Your trainers are fine for 99% of day hikes.
🧴 Toiletries & First-Aid Kit
You can buy everything in Thailand at a 7-Eleven or a pharmacy, so don’t bring the whole bathroom cabinet.
The Essentials
-
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (High SPF): This is one thing that can be expensive and hard to find (the reef-safe part). Bring it from home.
-
DEET-Based Insect Repellent: Especially for the islands and jungle. This is non-negotiable.
-
Your Prescription Medications: Plus a copy of your prescription.
-
Solid Toiletries: A shampoo bar and solid soap bar save space, weight, and can’t explode in your bag.
Your Mini First-Aid Kit
-
Plasters (Band-Aids) for “new sandal” blisters
-
Antiseptic wipes
-
Painkillers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
-
Anti-diarrhea tablets (Just in case!)
-
Rehydration salts (A lifesaver after a long travel day or a bit too much Chang)
🔌 Electronics
-
Phone & Charger
-
Portable Power Bank: This will be your best friend on long bus rides.
-
Universal Travel Adapter: Thailand uses a mix of plugs, but a universal adapter has you covered.
-
Headphones: For music, podcasts, and blocking out snorers in a hostel dorm.
-
Kindle/E-reader: Better than heavy books.
-
(Optional) Camera: Your phone is probably fine, but if you’re a photographer, you know what to do.
📄 Documents & Money
-
Passport: (Duh)
-
Visa: (Check if you need one beforehand!)
-
Digital Copies: Take photos of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Email them to yourself and save them offline on your phone.
-
Travel Insurance Details: Print a copy and have it saved digitally.
-
2-3 Debit/Credit Cards: Keep them in separate places (e.g., one in your wallet, one in your main bag).
-
Some Cash: Have ~$100 USD in cash as an emergency backup.
✨ The “Good to Have” List
-
Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel: Most hostels/hotels provide them, but this is great for the beach or for budget hostels that charge a rental fee.
-
Packing Cubes: A total game-changer. They’ll keep your backpack organized and make finding that one clean T-shirt so much easier.
-
Waterproof Phone Case/Dry Bag: Essential if you plan on boat trips, kayaking, or being at Songkran festival.
-
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
-
A Pen: For filling out arrival/departure cards.
🚫 What NOT to Bring to Thailand
This is just as important. Save yourself the back pain and leave these at home.
-
Too Many Clothes: You won’t wear them. Laundry service is fast and costs about $1-2 per kilo.
-
Heavy Jeans: They are too hot, take forever to dry, and are useless in the humidity. Your lightweight trousers are a much better substitute.
-
Expensive Jewelry: It makes you a target for petty theft and you risk losing it on the beach.
-
A Full-Sized Towel: Too bulky. Use a quick-dry towel or the one provided by your hotel.
-
A Full Makeup Bag: It will melt right off your face. All you need is waterproof mascara and some SPF-tinted moisturizer.
-
High Heels: You will not wear them. The sidewalks are not built for it. A pair of nice flat sandals is all you need for a fancy bar.
-
Your Entire Library: One physical book for the plane, and a Kindle for the rest.
-
A Hair Dryer: Most hotels have them, and the voltage might be different anyway. Embrace the humid-air-dry!
Final Check!
You’re packed! You’ve got a bag with lightweight, practical items, and you’ve left space for all the amazing “elephant” pants and silk scarves you’ll inevitably buy.
This list is your foundation. Now, go and have the adventure of a lifetime!
Before you go, check out my “What’s in My Bag for Thailand” video over on YouTube for a visual guide!
Got a question? What’s the one item you never travel without? Let me know in the comments below!
(Internal Blog Link at the bottom)
NEXT UP: Now that you’re packed, let’s figure out the single most important part of your planning: When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand? (A Monthly Weather & Festival Guide)