What to Pack for Thailand (Packing List for First-Timers)
Thailand is one of my favourite countries in the world. It’s one of those countries that has a bit of everything: jungle, mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and the open ocean. So, how do you know what to pack for Thailand, when thereโs so much to think about? Well, before we get into the details, the first thing to know is to pack light.
Read next: What to pack in your carry-on
Thailand is warm almost all year round, and at the height of summer (May-October) it gets very hot and humid. That means packing light is a must, which includes the clothes you pack and the bag you carry. Everything should be light, easy to carry, and airy. Weโll get into that and more in this detailed Thailand packing list!
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What to pack for Thailand
When packing for Thailand, you need to think about the terrain and the weather. You can have your clothes washed in Thailand and it’s super cheap, so don’t pack too much. The less you have to carry around, the easier your trip will be.
Think airy fabrics like linen, cotton and viscose. And bring a rain jacket if you’re travelling during July to October. It needs to be light and cool but also waterproof โ a good quality windbreaker. When it comes to what to wear in Thailand, you have to consider both the scorching sun and the pouring rain!
Backpack or suitcase for traveling Thailand?
What to pack for Thailand actually starts which what to pack your things in, and how you pack. And speaking of – don’t underestimate packing cubes! They’ll help you so much with your organisation.
You can bring a backpack or a suitcase for your Thailand trip – it’s really up to what you prefer. Up until a few years ago, I always travelled with a backpack. But now, I’m a suitcase traveller. If you find it hard to decide, here are some pros and cons of both:
The pros to taking a suitcase are:
- Your belongings wont get squashed
- Clothes are easier to find
- You won’t have to carry it
The pros for taking a backpack are:
- More comfortable
- Easy to carry around
- More lightweight than suitcases
Osprey backpack 45l // Kenneth Cole hardshell 4-wheel spinner
Best daypack and carry on
The best carry-on bags and daypacks are ones that are sturdy and light. I recommend that you bring a carry-on bag and also pack a light daypack for sightseeing and day tours. If you’re going hiking or jungle trekking, padding is a must, because youโll be wearing it a lot. And mesh is breathable, which is imperative in the heat and humidity of Thailand.
- Crossbody Bag – this one is perfect for day trips.
- Herschel duffel bag – a great carry-on bag.
- Osprey light day pack – breathable, well-padded, and sturdy.
What to pack for Thailand: Women
Ladies, the goal for your Thailand packing list is to keep it as light as possible. Thin, comfortable tops; airy shorts that match as many tops as possible; sunglasses; and a waterproof jacket for when itโs raining. These are all the absolute essentials for tackling Thailand in any weather and any season. The goal is to be comfortable, have something to protect from the rain, and no denim.
- Shorts
- Maxi dress
- Short dress
- Strap top
- T-shirt
- Kafkan – a beachwear must
- Yoga leggings
- Sports bra
- Bikini
- Hat – You need one with a wide brim and preferably a straw hat
- Rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket
- Sarong – Buy one when you get there. It’s cheaper.
- Scarf – Buy one when you get there. It’s cheaper.
- Underwear and socks
What to pack for Thailand: Men
When you pack for Thailand, bring linen shorts, trousers and shirts, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket. Keep the jacket as light and strong as possible so that it folds away to nothing in your bag but also keeps you dry if the monsoon hits. Leave the denim at home.
- Shorts
- Linen trousers
- Linen shirt
- Polo shirt
- Tank top
- Cool Dri T-shirts – This is all Thomas wears when we’re in Southeast Asia.
- Sun glasses – You can’t go wrong with a pair of Carreras or Aviator sun glasses, but you need to find a pair that fits your face shape.
- Cap
- Rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket
- Skechers Go-walk sneakers
- Underwear and socks
Shoes
Your Thailand travel checklist isnโt complete without the right shoes. Because of its varied landscape, packing for Thailand means packing both comfy flip flops and walking shoes. If you know youโll be doing a lot of walking and exploring on foot, even just in the cities, itโs best to have a pair of breathable mesh sneakers.
- Trekking shoes – Only if you’re going hiking or jungle trekking – otherwise leave them at home!
- Sandals – When you need to look pretty (for a night out or for photos). Otherwise, just wear flip flops.
- Flip flops – A pair of Havaianas are still my go-to whenever I’m in Thailand. They’re perfect for the beach and for wandering the city.
- Sneakers – No matter where I go, I always bring my NIKE Flex 2017 rn. They’re the perfect travel shoe.
Toiletries
Your main toiletries are, of course, toothpaste, deodorant, and moisturiser. But also consider taking a roll of toilet paper in your bag for emergencies. Doing this can really help if youโre in an awkward position at an unexpected time. Also make sure to take waterproof sunscreen for that humid climate, meaning you can jump in the water whenever you feel like it and still be protected!
- Sunblock – bring a good one with you that is reef safe
- Mosquito repellent – (the good stuff!)
- Wet wipes – when you need to freshen up
- Lip balm
- Travel First Aid kit
- Moisturiser
- Deodorant
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Makeup
- Hand sanitizer – Buy one in Boots when you get there.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
What electronics to pack for Thailand
The most important electronics when it comes to what to pack for Thailand is your camera and phone. And with your phone, you should specifically have one with a strong and reliable GPS, in case you get yourself lost. If you prefer movies, consider an iPad or a lightweight laptop!
- Camera + charger
- Laptop + charger
- Kindle – perfect for those long flights and any bus or train journeys youโll probably take across Thailand
- Power bank
- Hard drive
- Universal adaptor – you can use this anywhere in the world
- Waterproof phone case (this is a must!)
- Headphones
- GoPro
- Selfie stick – Get it in Thailand. It’s probably cheaper.
What to do in Thailand
Go island hopping – There are so many beautiful islands in Thailand: Islands for partying and islands for relaxing. Base yourself on one of them and take day trips to the others.
Taste the amazing Thai food – This is, of course, one of the must things when considering what to do in Thailand. Thai food is AMAZING and you should try as much of it as possible. From Pad Thai to Thai green curry, the dishes are delish!
Visit a floating market – Some of the people who live and work at Thailandโs floating markets can spend their entire lives never setting foot on dry land. Aside from the things you can buy there, these markets are so unique to Southeast Asia that you must visit one.
Get a Thai massage (this is a must!) – Trust me when I say youโll never have a better massage. Even if youโre not into massage, get one in Thailand. You owe it to yourself.
Eat a scorpion – For real, this is a delicacy in some parts of Thailand and far less intimidating than youโd think! Be brave and try a scorpion!
Drink a bucket – In Thailand, a bucket is a popular drink during the Full Moon Party. It’s literally a beach bucket filled with soft drinks and a bottle of liquor. Strong stuff!
Visit the waterfalls at Kanchanaburi – This pretty mountain is layered with seven waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. Make your way up the mountain and experience the beauty of each waterfall for yourself. When you get to the top, thereโs a pool full of fish.
Movie night – At many of the restaurants in Koh Pha nang, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao thereโs movie night every night! Take advantage, meet some nice fellow travellers, and enjoy dinner and a movie!
Travel safety in Thailand
No matter where you travel to, you want to stay safe, obviously. Thailand is, overall, very safe, but there are scams to be aware of, especially in Bangkok, and pickpocketing and purse-snatching can be an issue. So be smart and always have your wits about you.
Read next: 27 essential travel safety tips everyone should know
Make sure to take out travel insurance as well. I use World Nomads Travel Insurance and they cover any accidents, illness, and loss that you can experience. What’s great about them is that they cover more adventure-focused activities, so if that’s your thing, definitely check them out.
Transport around Asia
Thailand has several ways of getting around. All of them are cheap, safe and fun – well, maybe except for some of the overnight busses. Tuk-tuks are a great alternative to taxis, and cost pennies. You can also rent motorbikes โ though be careful; driving in Thailand can seem reckless if youโre not used to it.
Buses and trains are also reliable, if a bit slow, and very cheap to use. The trains are also particularly fun as many of them are old war trains imported from Japan, which is pretty awesome and very vintage!
I always use 12go to see and book transport schedules ahead of time. I usually book transport a few days in advance but if I’m travelling during peak season, I book things ahead of time.
Are you headed to Thailand and got questions? Let me know in the comments!
More posts from Thailand you might like
- Surprise! We got married in Thailand
- An island getaway to Koh Chang
- Phi Phi island โ is it overrated?
- Koh Tao is my paradise in Thailand
- A Guide to West Coast Island Hopping in Thailand
- Koh Lanta is Thailandโs relaxing island
- Thailand Travel Guide
- Where to Stay in Bangkok | Best Hotels in the Coolest Neighborhoods
Hi Miriam,
Great blog! ๐
I going to Thailand for a month on my own in february. I am flying to Phuket and going onwards with my trip from Bangkok. How would you recommend that I travel from south to north in Thailand? I plan to start with island hopping and then some time in Chiang Mai and then going to Bangkok and having some days there. It is my first time traveling alone so I am a bit more concerned about when I have to go from a to b. Hope you can help ๐ Thanks in advance /Annika
Thanks, Annika!
Your upcoming trip sounds great! I’m sure you’ll have fun ๐
There are lots of ways to get from A to B. The least comfortable is by overnight bus. I’d avoid that if I were you. From Phuket, you can fly to Chiang Mai via Bangkok. Flights are really cheap. Then you can take the night train from Chiang Mai down to Bangkok. Just for a change of scenery. Night trains are much better than busses, and they have dinner (served at your seat or in the dining car). You’ll be in a seat until you want to sleep. Then you tell one of the stewards, and he converts the seat into a bed for you with freshly laundered white sheets, a pillow and blanket. Very easy and surprisingly comfortable.
For smaller trips, you can take mini busses.
I hope this helps. Have a great trip ๐
Really Great Blog
Hello Annika
My friends and I are also there for a month in Feb. We would love to meet up with you at some point. 3 girls ๐ Although we will be landing in Bangkok.
Thank you
Phindi
That’s really nice of you to offer, Phindi. Have a great trip ๐