Last Updated on 01/03/2025
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Thailand Travel Packing List
Planning a trip to Thailand? Knowing what to pack is so useful and when I travel I always search for expert packing lists beforehand. As someone who has lived in Thailand for years, I’ve perfected my packing list to include all the essentials while avoiding rookie mistakes – like the first time I visited and my backpack was so heavy and I had seriously overpacked! This Thailand packing guide covers everything you need to pack for Thailand, from clothing to accessories, toiletries, and travel documents.
What to Pack for Thailand – The Essentials
Backpack vs. Suitcase for Thailand
Should you bring a backpack for Thailand or a suitcase? While a suitcase might seem easier, a backpack is often the better choice in Thailand. Many sidewalks are uneven, blocked by street vendors, or non-existent, making rolling a suitcase difficult. Plus, if you’re island-hopping, a backpack is much more convenient than dragging a suitcase across sand or lifting it onto boats.
I personally use a 40L Dry Bag Backpack, which is perfect for keeping my items safe from Thailand’s tropical downpours and can survive boat spray!
For more Thailand FAQs read this article here
What to Pack for Thailand – Women’s Clothing
Thailand is hot and humid which means you’ll want light, breathable clothing. However, modest attire is required for temples and certain cultural sites.
- Dresses – Short beachy dresses for casual days, plus a maxi dress for temple visits.
- Denim Shorts – A beach staple
- Elephant Pants or Loose Trousers – if you want to go full Thailand tourist then get yourself a pair of elephant trousers- very light weight! Or go for a classier version with different patterns.
- Leggings & Hoodie – Essential for cold buses, flights, and overly air-conditioned malls
- Cover-Ups & Sarongs – A sarong is multi-purpose: beach towel, cover-up for temples, or a light blanket
- Maxi Skirts – Great for mixing and matching while keeping cool.
- Light Chinos – Ideal for jungle trekking (avoid shorts due to mosquitoes and leeches).
- Bikinis/Swimwear – I love sustainable swimwear made from recycled plastic!
- Playsuits & Rompers – Perfect for casual daywear and evenings out
- Underwear & socks
What to Pack for Thailand – Men’s Clothing
- T-Shirts & Tank Tops – Light, breathable cotton or linen options are best for the heat
- Shorts – Lightweight cotton shorts for daytime activities
- Loose Trousers or Joggers – Perfect for temple visits, travel days, or evenings
- Lightweight Button-Up Shirts – Great for evenings out or visiting rooftop bars
- Chinos or Linen Pants – Essential for smarter dress codes at rooftop bars or upscale restaurants
- Swim Shorts – You’ll need these for island hopping and beach time
- Light Hoodie or Sweater – Useful for air-conditioned transport and cooler northern regions.
- Underwear & Socks
What to Pack for Thailand – Footwear
- Flip-Flops – A must-have for beaches and casual wear (not appropriate for fancy rooftop bars or many nightclubs)
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Sneakers or breathable trainers for city walks and hikes.
- Sandals – Required for rooftop bars or restaurants with dress codes
- Water Shoes – Great for activities like waterfall hikes or boat trips
Accessories & Extras
- Dry Bag – Protects electronics from monsoon rains and boat rides
- Small Day Pack – Great if you are keen on hiking, elephant sanctuaries
- Microfiber Towel – can be useful when on and off boats and you prefer not to bring your hotel towel
- Reusable Water Bottle – it’s so important to reduce plastic waste in Thailand and decent hotels and shops will have refill areas
- Sunglasses & Hat – The Thai sun can be intense, especially if you are not used to the tropics so protect your skin and your eyes
- Light Rain Jacket or Poncho – This is optional as sometimes in Thailand monsoon season means you will get wet no matter what you wear!
- Packing Cubes – Keep your backpack or suitcase organized.
Toiletries to Pack for Thailand
- Sunscreen (Reef-Safe) – Thailand’s coral reefs need as much help as they can get, so choose reef friendly suncream – better for your skin with less chemicals too!
- Deodorant – Some options if you buy here contain whitening so read carefully before purchasing
- Insect Repellent- DEET is effective but extremely damaging for the environment so choose a natural alternative like citronella
- Baby Wipes – Optional but can be useful for freshening up in the heat
- Packet of Tissues – Not everywhere has toilet paper and until you are comfortable with a toilet hose/bum gun you may want to carry tissues with you when travelling
- Hand Sanitizer – Essential for travel days and public toilets
- Mini First-Aid Kit – Includes plasters, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and diarrhoea tablets. All are available here at pharmacies though.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste –Available at all pharmacies but you may have your preferences
- Hairbrush, Hair Ties & Clips – The humidity can make hair unmanageable as well as being in and out of the ocean
- Glasses and/or contact lenses – I recommend buying contact lense solution once you are out here – I’ve found it to be way cheaper here than in the UK.
Thailand Travel Packing List – Miscellaneous
- Earplugs – party areas can get noisy, Bangkok is a big noisy city, some people are sensitive to sound like on long tail boats or speedboats. These are BY FAR the best reusable earplugs I’ve ever used. I sleep with them in every night in Bangkok.
- Seasickness bands or travel sickness bands – when visiting Thailand you are likely to spend a lot of time on boats, or a fair amount of time on mountain roads. If you get travel sick then I definitely recommend these travel bands. They have always worked for me on mountain roads and many friends have agreed they work when they get seasick. Buy yours here.
- Universal Travel Adapter – Thailand electrical plugs are 2 pin, square & straight like in the photo below. I recommend purchasing a universal travel adapter to keep things simple and always get one with USB options too.
- Headphones
- Chargers and cables
Travel Documents & Money
- Passport & Visa Copies – Always keep a copy in case of loss.
- Travel Insurance Details – Essential for medical emergencies, share with your travel buddies. I recommend Safety Wing
- Phone & Camera – Don’t forget a power bank for long travel days.
- International Driver’s License – Required if you plan on renting a scooter
- Thai Baht – Cash is still very useful in Thailand (unless you live here and have a Thai bank account and access to a local QR code system). Thailand exchange rates are usually very good with Superrich so you can exchange currency once you arrive.
- Bank Card – You can use debit cards and credit cards once here in many big hotels, large shopping centres and bigger restaurants. Note that there is often a bank fee from your own bank, exchange rates are not so preferable and taking cash from ATM machines here costs a 220 baht/$6 usd/ £5 flat rate.
- Personal Medication you may require during your trip. If it is strong medication I recommend a doctor’s prescription if you may get questioned at immigration regarding this.
Final Packing Tips for Thailand
- Leave Space for Souvenirs – Thailand is full of beautiful markets and handmade crafts
- Buy Some Items Locally – you can buy many items locally particularly in big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Check the Weather – If traveling during monsoon season, pack accordingly. The best way to check the current weather is to look on places like Instagram and see who is sharing current videos. The climate in Thailand has been very unpredictable over the last few years.
By following this Thailand packing list, you should have everything that you need to pack for your Thailand packing list.
Have I missed anything out? Let me know in the comments below!
More Thailand Travel Resources: