A Complete Packing List for Thailand

What Should I Pack for Thailand?

For Thailand, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, temple-appropriate layers that cover your shoulders and knees, sun and mosquito protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medications, and stomach essentials. Pack light enough to handle trains, flights, ferries, and hotel changes comfortably without overpacking your bag.

Sawat-dee Thailand!

Hey there, I’m Tim Gillespie, one of Under30Experiences' Regional Managers. Other than managing our operations in Southeast Asia, I’ve actually called Thailand home for the past 15 years! During this time, I’ve built up quite a travel resume exploring not only the region's famous attractions, but also the remote corners where tourists rarely visit. These experiences, as well as living my everyday life in Thailand, have afforded me some amazing opportunities.

Traveling to Thailand with Under30Experiences will offer you an incredible opportunity to explore three distinct regions of Thailand: the capital city of Bangkok, the northern cultural capital Chiang Mai, and the beaches of Krabi. This ten-day trip is packed with adventure, culture, and some relaxation.

Thailand generally has a warm and humid tropical climate characterized by three distinct seasons: a hot and dry season from March to May, a wet season from May to October, and a cooler and drier season from November to February. It is common for temperatures to hover around, and occasionally well above, 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), especially in Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Packing smartly will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your trip.

If you are unsure of what to pack, no worries, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive packing list, which covers everything you need. Even if you leave something at home, Thailand has some of the best markets in the world to find just what you need!

As an expat who has lived in Thailand for over a decade, I’ve come to learn a thing or two about what is needed to be comfortable. Though travelers often pack all of their gear into a carry-on, it is more common for people to check their luggage due to the variety of items they travel with.

Some of these items are Thailand-specific, while others are essential for solo travelers on any adventure. Follow this guide, and you will be fully prepared for an incredible journey through the Land of Smiles.

In this Guide to Packing for Thailand, I’ll cover:

• Screenshot this Thailand packing checklist
• Bags & luggage
• Must-bring items
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Travel documents
• Additional items
• Toiletries
• What changes by season
• Stomach essentials
• Optional items
• Things not to bring
• Frequently asked questions

Screenshot This Thailand Packing Checklist

Before you leave for Thailand, screenshot this list and check off each item as you pack.

Essentials

• Travel backpack or rolling suitcase
• Small day pack
• Cash in Thai Baht
• Credit or debit card
• Passport
• Secondary identification
• Health insurance card
• Travel insurance
• Printed accommodation address
• Power adapter
• Phone or camera
• Portable charger
• Reusable water bottle

Clothing

• Lightweight pants or long skirts
• Maxi dresses
• Loose, lightweight T-shirts
• Lightweight jacket or sweatshirt
• Athletic outfit
• Bathing suit
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Socks and underwear
• Hat and sunglasses
• Scarf

Toiletries & Health

• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Tissues
• Personal medications
• Probiotics
• Mini first aid kit
• Travel-size toiletries
• Cosmetics
• Glasses and contacts
• Tampons

Stomach Essentials

• Something for an upset stomach
• Digestive support
• Electrolytes
• Emergency snacks

Optional

• Crossbody bag
• Portable fan
• Quick-dry towel

Leave Behind

• Denim
• Bulky hiking boots
• Beach towel
• Water bottle filter or purification tablets
• Expensive jewelry

Save this checklist to your phone so you can pull it up while packing or before you leave for the airport.

Bags & Luggage

Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase

This is always the most common debate when traveling to Thailand. To be honest, it all comes down to your comfort and preference. I like the travel backpack for its easy maneuverability, especially on crowded streets and while carrying your belongings on public transportation. However, many travelers come on this trip with a rolling suitcase and are just as comfortable.

Under30Experiences’ Thailand itinerary includes a train ride, a domestic flight, boat ferries, and multiple hotel changes. We will have private transportation for most travel days, but you will be responsible for maneuvering your luggage through train stations, on unevenly paved roads, and along floating docks, so please pack light. A bag that you can comfortably carry up a flight of stairs will make your life much easier.

A Small Day Pack

A smaller, secure bag is necessary for your daily outings. Your day pack will need to carry your water bottle, cash, phone, hand sanitizer, and tissues. It should also have space for a change of clothes, a hand towel, or a scarf, so you can easily cover your shoulders if you randomly come upon a temple.

Must-Bring Items for Thailand

Money & Payment Methods

Cash (Thai Baht): Cash is king in Thailand, especially at the markets. Everyone's spending habits differ, but you can expect to spend $300 to $400 USD throughout your trip. This money should cover tipping guides, all food and drinks not included in the itinerary, a massage or two, plus optional activities such as a cooking class, a Muay Thai class, and kayaking or paddle boarding in Krabi.

Credit & Debit Cards: Restaurants and other establishments accept credit cards, but expect a charge of at least 3% to be added to the bill. There are several opportunities to visit an ATM or exchange additional money throughout the trip.

Electronics

Adapters & Converters

Type C plugs are the most common, with two round pins, while Type A has two flat prongs. Thailand's standard voltage is 220 to 240V, so if your devices are single-voltage and not dual-voltage, a voltage converter might also be necessary.

Phone & Camera

Look into downloading Airalo before your trip, or you can purchase a tourist SIM at the airport upon arrival.

Portable Charger

Days are packed, and you’ll want your phone fully charged for photos.

Clothing

The most important thing to remember is that you will visit a few temples during the first few days of the trip. Temple attire must adhere to a proper dress code by being modest, with shoulders, chest, midriff, and knees covered. This applies to men and women.

Opt for lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting clothes to keep cool while maintaining modesty. It is highly recommended to have at least three outfits for each separate temple day.

Here are some tips for putting together outfits:

• Flowy or loose-fitting, lightweight pants: Leave the jeans at home!
• Long skirts or maxi dresses: Natural fibers like linen or cotton work best in the heat.
• Loose, lightweight T-shirts
• Lightweight jacket or sweatshirt: Especially from November through January, when mornings and evenings can get cooler.
• Athletic outfit: You’ll want this for the optional Muay Thai class.
• Bathing suit
• Lightweight rain jacket: Especially from May through August, when it's the wet season in Thailand, a light rain jacket is essential.
• Socks & underwear
• Hat & sunglasses
• Scarf: You’ll need to cover your shoulders to enter temples. A scarf can also help keep the sun off your shoulders.
• Laundry: You’ll have access to laundry facilities throughout the trip.

Shoes

You don't need to bring a closet full of shoes to Thailand. Keep it simple:

• Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes
• Sandals

You will be walking, using public transportation, moving through train stations, and getting on and off boats, so comfortable footwear will get plenty of use.

Travel Documents

Keep your important documents together and easy to access:

• Passport
• Secondary identification: Driver’s license or State ID
• Health insurance card
• Printed copy of accommodation address
• Travel insurance

Having these documents organized before you leave makes the rest of your trip much easier.

Additional Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Tap water is not safe to drink. However, clean drinking water will be available at the hotels and from our activity vendors.

Cloth Shopping Bag

Having your own shopping bag allows you to say no to all the plastic bags vendors will be giving you at the markets.

Masks

The air quality in Bangkok can be poor, and it is still common for locals to wear masks on public transportation.

For more practical advice before your trip, see our Thailand Safety Guide.

Toiletries

Though 7-Eleven convenience stores are everywhere, it’s still best practice to prepare appropriately for all situations.

• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunscreen: Waterproof SPF 30+. Please note that sunscreens containing Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben are banned from Thailand's National Marine Parks due to their harmful effects on coral.
• Insect Repellent: Try to be eco-friendly and avoid aerosol.
• Tissues: Toilet paper is not available in most public bathrooms.
• Personal Medications: These must be in their original packaging with legible labels for customs. Specific health information for traveling to Thailand can be found on the CDC’s Thailand travel page.
• Probiotics: Help your digestive system adjust to new foods and strengthen your immune system while traveling.
• Mini First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, fever reducers, throat lozenges, anti-itch cream, and antibiotic cream.
• Travel-Size Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste.
• Cosmetics
• Glasses & Contacts
• Tampons: Western-style tampons with applicators are not available in Thailand. Plan accordingly.

If you're looking for more practical advice before your trip, check out our Plus-Size Travel Tips for Adventurers!

What Changes on Your Thailand Packing List by Season?

Thailand's three seasons mean a few parts of your packing list become more important depending on when you visit. The basics stay the same, but your layers, sun protection, and rain gear should change with the weather and how much time you're spending outdoors.

Cool and Dry Season: November to February

Pack your usual lightweight clothing, but bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt for cooler mornings and evenings. November through January can have cooler periods, particularly when you're out early or later at night.

Hot and Dry Season: March to May

Prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Temperatures can reach or exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), especially in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, so staying protected from the sun is important.

Wet Season: May to October

This is when your lightweight rain jacket matters most. I recommend having one especially from May through August, when wet-season rain can become part of your daily plans.

Quick-drying clothing can also make things easier when you're moving between destinations and dealing with Thailand's heat and humidity.

Stomach Essentials for Any Thailand Trip

If you are planning to travel to Thailand, I’m sure the food culture is at the top of your list of interests. Whether you’re ravaging the street food scene or dining at top-rate Michelin restaurants, your digestive system will be in shock with all the new spices and flavors.

That’s not to say you will get extremely sick, but Thai Tummy is a regular occurrence for first-time travelers to Thailand, and even long-term expats like myself.

It’s best to prepare for the worst, and these items will help if your belly does get a little upset:

• Something for an Upset Stomach: Activated charcoal, ginger tablets, Imodium, Tums
• Something for Digestive Support: Fiber gummies, dandelion tea, Miralax for travelers' constipation
• Electrolytes: Stay hydrated!
• Emergency Snack: Protein bars, nuts, rice crackers

If food is one of your main reasons for visiting Thailand, our Bangkok Street Food Guide can help you know what to expect before you arrive.

Optional Items

Everyone has those items they don’t like to travel without. These are a few that I can think of:

• Crossbody bag: This allows you to keep your money and phone within close proximity to you at all times, making it an ideal choice for a day bag.
• Portable fan: The heat can get intense, especially at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
• Quick-dry towel: Again, due to the heat, you will sweat. Having a small towel on hand can be beneficial.

Things Not to Bring to Thailand

Some things are simply better left at home, especially when you're moving between cities, trains, boats, and hotels.

• Vapes and e-cigarettes: Vaping devices are illegal in Thailand. Do not bring them into the country. 
• Denim: Trust us, it gets hot and you will sweat!
• Bulky hiking boots: There are no strenuous, challenging hikes on our itinerary.
• Beach towel: Your accommodation in Krabi provides these.
• Water bottle filter or purification tablets: Bottled or filtered water is available at all times.
• Expensive jewelry: Avoid unnecessary risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Thailand

Can You Wear Shorts in Thailand?

Yes, shorts are fine for many casual situations, especially when you're at the beach or sightseeing. For temples, however, you should dress more modestly and cover your knees, shoulders, chest, and midriff.

What Do I Wear to Temples in Thailand?

Temple attire should be modest, with your shoulders, chest, midriff, and knees covered. Lightweight pants, long skirts, maxi dresses, and a scarf are practical options for staying comfortable in Thailand's heat while meeting temple dress expectations.

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Thailand?

I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle because tap water is not safe to drink. Clean drinking water will be available at the hotels and from activity vendors throughout the trip.

Do I Need Bug Spray in Thailand?

Yes. Insect repellent is one of the toiletries I recommend packing, particularly because mosquitoes can be part of the tropical travel experience. I recommend choosing an eco-friendly option and avoiding aerosol.

Is There Malaria in Thailand?

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Thailand, but the risk is low in major tourist destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Cases are more concentrated in rural, forested areas near the borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Check the CDC's Thailand travel information for current guidance based on your itinerary.

How Much Cash Should I Bring to Thailand?

I estimate that travelers can expect to spend around $300 to $400 USD throughout the trip. This covers tipping guides, food and drinks not included in the itinerary, massages, and optional activities such as a cooking class, Muay Thai class, and kayaking or paddle boarding in Krabi.

I also recommend bringing a credit or debit card because there are opportunities to visit an ATM or exchange additional money throughout the trip.

More Thailand Travel Guides

Packing is only one part of preparing for Thailand. Once you know what to bring, you can start planning what you actually want to do, eat, and see.

• Things to Do in Thailand: Build your itinerary around the experiences worth making time for.
• Bangkok Street Food Guide: Know what to expect before diving into Bangkok's food scene.
• Best Time to Visit Thailand: Plan your trip around Thailand's seasons and weather.
• Thailand Safety Guide: Get practical advice about staying safe while traveling around Thailand.

Final Thoughts

Packing for Thailand doesn't have to be complicated. Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, temple-appropriate layers, sun protection, insect repellent, and a few health essentials will cover most of what you need.

The biggest thing to remember is to pack light. With trains, domestic flights, boat ferries, and multiple hotel changes on the Under30Experiences itinerary, you'll appreciate having a bag you can comfortably carry.

And if you forget something, don't panic. Thailand has plenty of markets and convenience stores where you can pick up many everyday essentials along the way.

With the right packing list, you can spend less time worrying about your luggage and more time enjoying Thailand.

You're Ready to Travel to Thailand!

Following this packing list will prepare you for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Thailand. Packing light with the proper clothing and essentials means you can focus on Thailand’s beautiful scenery and rich culture.

If you're ready to experience Thailand with a group, check out the10-day Under30Experiences Thailand trip. You can also read this Thailand travel recap for more helpful information to guide your trip.

Happy travels!