Do you have a trip to Thailand planned, but are feeling overwhelmed about what to wear in Thailand? Well, don’t stress. With thoughtful and strategic packing, you can make the most of your trip. From the right clothing to specific travel accessories, this packing list for Thailand will provide a comprehensive list of essential items to help you prepare for your journey. With the tips and advice you’ll receive in this blog post, you’ll be ready to go and enjoy the wonders of Thailand with confidence.
Tip: Pack Light!
I’ve been to Thailand twice. The first time I went with a medium-sized suitcase. I repeatedly struggled to take the luggage up to the 2-3rd floor at hostels and hotels.
So, our biggest tip would be to consider packing light for a Thailand trip, especially if:
- You’re travelling by AirAsia. The cheapest flights do not include check-in luggage.
- Staying at 3-4 or more hotels and taking public transport like buses and trains – you’ll have to move your luggage around yourself and space in Thailand’s buses can be non-existent.
- Staying in hostels, small hotels and Airbnbs: If you’re not a luxury traveller chances are that you will be staying in such places because inexpensive places in Thailand offer superb value. However, the downside is that such places don’t necessarily have elevators and you’ll probably not get any help in taking your luggage up a long flight of stairs. It is best to be self-reliant. Girls, please stop depending on your travel par
If this sounds like your trip then pack just a 40-50 litre backpack or cabin-sized suitcase. This will not only help you save money but you also won’t face not face any issues transferring your luggage from one place to another be it in your hotel or on public transport.
Related read: A Complete Thailand Travel Guide – Important things to know before you go
Pack list for Thailand
Clothing and Shoes
The main things to carry are mentioned below. In addition to these, also carry nightwear and underwear.
1. Light and airy clothes
Always carry loose-fitting clothing as it can be very hot and humid in Thailand. Cotton usually works best in such a climate as it is very breathable. Do not carry clothes with full sleeves!
Women can wear flowy dresses, skirts, shorts, palazzos, and tanks.
For men shorts, shirts, and t-shirts are best!
2. 1-2 sets of modest clothing
Thailand has a lot of beautiful temples that you definitely should visit. When visiting the temples and the grand palace in Bangkok, ensure you wear modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees.
Women can wear palazzos, a midi skirt or a long skirt with a t-shirt/shirt or a half-sleeve midi/maxi dress. Men should wear trousers or shorts that cover the knee.
This rule is enforced in some temples and not in others but either way, it is best to be respectful.
3. Partywear
If you heading to party streets like Khao San Road or Aonang Beach, you can dress casually. Men will usually not need to be wearing closed shoes.
But if you’re going to clubs, fancy bars, or rooftop bars in Bangkok then dress to impress. Men should not wear shorts, vests, flip-flops, or sandals.
4. Jacket or Sweater
It seems like Thailand could never be cold but that is so far from true. If you’re going to any place away from the shore e.g. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Kanchanaburi etc. then it is best to keep a jacket or sweater.
We carried only a light sweatshirt/jacket and it just wasn’t enough for mornings and nights in December. It was very cold!
5. Comfy Active Wear
This is necessary for two reasons:
1. Thailand has a lot of hiking opportunities
2. You’ll be moving from one city to another and will need comfy clothing for all the travel
I swear by BlissClub leggings, shorts, sports bras and everything else they have. Their clothes are super comfortable and definitely the best for both the above uses.
6. Comfy walking shoes/sports shoes
Thailand has a lot more to see and does than just beaches. If you’re going to be walking around the markets, sightseeing, or even going hiking in areas like Krabi or northern Thailand, you’ll need comfortable shoes to walk in.
7. Sandals/flipflops
A comfy pair of sandals or flip-flops are needed for all your fun beach days. I like to buy flip-flops by Crocs that also go well with dresses and nicer clothes in general. This helps reduce the amount of luggage I carry though it may not be super fashionable.
Accessories for the beach/water activities
You’ll be visiting plenty of beaches and other pools in Thailand. Your packing list for Thailand would be incomplete without these essential clothes and accessories for all your water-filled vacation days.
8. Swimwear
You’re going to have plenty of days you’ll need swimsuits. Thailand has beautiful beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, and natural pools. Also, let’s not forget the pool at the hotel. We recommend carrying at least two pairs. The best options are bright-coloured bikinis and swimsuits that contrast beautifully with turquoise-blue water.
9. Sarong
Sarongs are a multi-purpose garment you should have on you no matter the trip you’re on. They can be used to cover up, as a beach blanket, or towel, to provide warmth, a scarf, etc. You can also carry a cute beach cover-up.
I highly recommend carrying a scarf that doubles as a sarong for this trip as you may need the scarf for temple visits if wearing a strappy dress/top.
10. Microfibre/Beach Towel
Carry a towel to take for all water activities and trust me, there are going to be lots of them. Microfibre ones are light, compact and dry quickly. We always carry one no matter where we go!
11. Waterproof Wet Bag
Instead of plastic bags that harm the environment, carry a wet bag like this to keep your wet clothes and swimsuits separate. Don’t forget to take this with you for water excursions.
12. Water Shoes
We were so glad to have packed water shoes for its trip to Thailand. We didn’t really end up wearing them at the beaches (highly suggested to do so if you go to Railay beach in Krabi since I got a lot of cuts there last time) but we found them to be very helpful at waterfalls, hot springs and natural ponds. They give a grip on wet surfaces, help you walk comfortably and prevent cuts.
It is best to go to a Decathlon store to buy this.
13. Sunscreen
Avoid getting sunburnt. Apply SPF whether it is sunny or cloudy (yes, you can get sunburnt on cloudy rainy days too) and carry it in your bag to reapply every few hours. Most importantly, ensure that your sunscreen is:
1. Water-resistant: So, it stays on your skin and doesn’t bleed into the water.
2. Reef safe: Certain chemicals in sunscreen can harm or even kill the coral reef.
Read this article to know more but in short, get physical sunscreen with non-nano Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. Reef-safe sunscreen is tough to find in India but here is a great option. It has a silicon texture so it can feel slightly greasy but it hasn’t been a deal breaker despite my oily skin.
14. Board-brimmed hat
I dislike carrying hats on trips because of the space they take but I have also felt the importance of hats each time I’ve not had one. So I end up buying a new hat wherever I go. Haha.
Hats protect the head from heat; and the eyes, hair, and face from sun damage! Carry one and stay cool! 😉
Also, take sunglasses!
15. Snorkelling Gear
If you’re going to be going for group tours for snorkelling, you’ll be provided standard snorkel masks so it isn’t really necessary to carry one. However, if you’ve never been snorkelling before then you may find it tough to get used to the snorkel gear. Here’s why! While wearing the gear, you can only breathe from your mouth and if at all you breathe from your nose, your mask will fog up. Also, water may keep getting into the mouth and nose.
To avoid this, take your own snorkel mask (like the one shown) which allows you to breathe from your mouth or nose without a second thought.
If you do decide to buy this and have the time, head to Decathlon to buy one with a good fit.
16. Underwater Camera and Accessories
You’ll want a waterproof camera to capture memories whenever you’re around water. Here are 3 options to consider:
1. Low budget: Get a waterproof phone pouch so that you can use your phone near water without worry.
2. Mid-range: Get a Waterproof Phone Case/Housing for good-quality underwater photos/videos.
3. Best but most expensive: Get a GoPro and all related accessories. The head mount, chest mount and floaty will be very essential for water-based trips.
Don’t forget waterproof housing to protect your GoPro from the elements. A GoPro Dome Port helps get beautiful photos and videos which are half in water and half above. Here is an example.
Other essentials
17. International Adaptor
Thailand has four associated plug types. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin and plug type C has two round pins. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. It is best to have an international travel adaptor or two so you can charge all your gadgets with ease.
18. Power Bank
You don’t want your phone to run out of juice when you’re making memories. Days in Thailand can be really long – don’t forget to carry a power bank.
19. Toiletries
If you’re not staying at 5-star hotels then you’ll find that toiletries provided in smaller hotels can be quite shady looking. I highly recommend you carry your own travel-sized toiletries or fill such travel bottles with your own shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion for this trip.
20. Mosquito Repellent
You will need mosquito repellent when you’re deep in the jungle, hiking or staying amidst nature. If you travelling around the monsoon months then do not forget to carry this at any cost.
21. Medication
You should obviously carry all basic medicine you might need at any time like Crocin (fever), Disprin (headaches), Band-Aids (for minor cuts and scrapes) and Pudin Hara (all stomach issues). However, there is one I’d like to stress:
Nausea medicine: Ferry and boat rides are fairly common on a Thailand trip. It is best to carry something or nausea in such a case. I take Emeset 4mg a bit before the ride and it is so helpful.
That being said, do not worry! Thailand has superb pharmacies and you’ll find all that you need.
22. Kindle
If your idea of a relaxing holiday involves reading books by the pool or at the beach, then don’t forget to carry a book or your kindle. I often feel empty and weird if I leave without mine!
23. Mask
Yes, it is still compulsory to wear masks in certain places in Thailand. The few we came across were the busses, airports and the Grand Palace. So do carry one!
You now have a concise packing list for Thailand detailing what you need to pack to have the most successful and enjoyable trip. Remember that the most important item you can bring with you is an open mind, ready to embrace the culture and try out new things. So get ready, pack your bags, and go explore the wonders of Thailand.
Please note that some of the links in this blog post ‘Packing list for Thailand’ are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking through them. This will be at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we use ourselves and that might be beneficial for you.