Packing List For Thailand

Packing List For Thailand
Karina
Karina 
Updated
| 4 min read
Pallavi Mandar Jadhav
Endorsed by a Bangkok Local Expert
|
Pallavi Mandar Jadhav

Thailand is one of Asia’s most precious gems, blending pristine tropical beaches, opulent palaces, and ancient temples. With such diverse attractions and so many things to do, it’s really important to pack the right things, when preparing for a trip to the lands of the famous Phi Phi Islands, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Check out this packing list for Thailand, to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and fun trip.

1. Bug spray and sunscreen

Sunscreen
Source: Needpix

Thailand is a tropical country, with high levels of humidity most of the year, but even so, the weather can depend on the month and part of the country you visit. Northern Thailand has three clearly defined seasons, while the southern part of Thailand has only two seasons, a wet and a dry one. Almost any month you visit, you will most likely need bug spray and sunscreen, so make sure you add them to your packing list, to avoid having to look for places to buy them upon arrival. Another option is to buy a mosquito-repellant bracelet.

Organic bug spray

Price: USD 8.95

Amazon

Suncreen (by Neutrogena)

Price: USD 7.29

Amazon

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2. Raincoat

Raincoat
Source: Pxfuel

When planning a trip to Thailand, it’s best to avoid the monsoon season, from July to October, as this is the period with the most rainfall and flooding in the country. Even outside of the rainy season, there’s always a chance of rain, especially in Bangkok, so make sure to bring a raincoat. The best ones are those with zip slits under the arms, offering some ventilation, and keeping you dry at the same time.

Raincoat for men

Price: USD 10.99

Amazon

Raincoat for women

Price: USD 10.99

Amazon

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3. Waterproof and slip-on shoes

Milf Shoes
Source: Photo by Flickr user darkday used under CC BY 2.0

One of the first and biggest mistakes people traveling to Thailand make is not packing the right shoes. Before choosing the shoes to bring with you to Thailand, you must keep in mind that the chances of rain are high, so waterproof shoes are essential. Another aspect to have in mind is that you’re likely to have to take your shoes off quite often – every time you enter a temple, but also a restaurant, a café, or a shop. So a pair of comfortable, breathable slip-on shoes might be ideal in this case. Stay away from shoes or sandals with lots of laces.

Waterproof slip-on shoes for men

Price: from USD 6.99

Amazon

Waterproof slip-on flats for women

Price: from USD 30.68

Amazon

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4. Travel daypack

Ortlieb Atrack, OutDoor 2018, Friedrichshafen (1X7A9931) (cropped)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Matti Blume used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Traveling with a backpack can be quite convenient, especially if you need to carry a bottle of water, a raincoat, or snacks with you. Some of the features a great backpack for traveling should have are a lightweight design and great storage capacity. If it’s one that folds easily and has several zipped pouches, even better! Another thing to consider if Thailand is your destination is a backpack that is waterproof, as the chances of rain there are pretty high, especially from May to October.

Waterproof daypack

Price: from USD 16.99

Amazon

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Bangkok Tour Guide

arnon aramnun

Arnon Aramnun

Hello My name is Arnon. I live in Bangkok I love to be guide Traveler and show you where's amazing of Thailand, you will know more about Thailand and get a great memory with new friends. I can guarantee you an outstanding experience with fun activities and knowledge on Thai history. I like to travel very much and i like to find some delicious food to taste, You'll have the chance to enjoy and have fun all day, guaranteed! If you already have any idea of your dream holiday in Thailand, send an enquiry and we will design your perfect tailor made holiday!

Tours by Arnon

Bangkok Tour Guide

Thitikarn Tantiananporn

Thitikarn Tantiananporn

5. Travel apps for Thailand

packing list for thailand | travel apps for thailand
Source: Pixabay.com

Make sure you download several travel apps before you leave for Thailand. They will come in handy once you arrive and head out to explore the city. Google Maps is also an alternative, but some locations are not accurate there. Make sure you check if the travel app has maps that are available offline too, or you need to download them beforehand. These travel apps can be of huge help in choosing where to eat or where to visit. Asian cuisine is very different compared to European or American food, so it might be useful to search for restaurants with great reviews or read a little bit about your options, before making a choice. Make sure to also include some apps that can help you translate what the locals are saying, as many of them don’t understand or speak English. Some of the best travel apps for Thailand are iTranslate, which helps you quickly translate menus, NextStation, which includes Bangkok’s navigation map, and GrabTaxi, a taxi app for Bangkok.

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6. First aid kit and medicine

First-aid kit
Source: Pixabay

A first aid kit and some medicine are a must-have on any trip, no matter the destination, but there are a few things that you should definitely bring when going to Thailand. Since Asian cuisine is so different from American and European ones, make sure to pack activated charcoal, Imodium, and food poisoning medication. It might be useful to also have some hand sanitizer, bandages, motion sickness medication, mosquito bite relief, insect bite patches, and some electrolyte drink tablets for hydration.

First-aid kit with medical supplies

Price: USD 25.99

Amazon

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7. Power adapter

RDO Power adapter
Source: Photo by Flickr user Rich Bowen used under CC BY 2.0

Most of the outlets in Thailand are the same as those in Canada and the US, but they use a type C outlet, similar to the one found in Europe. It might be better to include a universal power adapter in your bag, just in case you run out of phone or camera battery, or you need to use any other electronics. Southeast Asian countries like Thailand also have frequent power surges, so better pack some extra fuses.

Power adapter (type C)

Price: USD 9.99

Amazon

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8. Swimwear, sarong, and quick-dry towels

Swimwear
Source: Needpix

With so many stunning beaches and swimming holes, you cannot go to Thailand without taking a swim or enjoying a relaxed day at the beach, so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. Also include a quick-dry towel, because it’s lightweight and small, and it won’t take too much space in your bags. A sarong is also useful as a cover-up, a pillow, or a towel.

Women's two-piece swimwear

Price: from USD 5.99

Amazon

Quick-dry towel

Price: from USD 6.99

Amazon

Sarong

Price: USD 12.39

Amazon

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Make sure carry at least one pair of long pants and a t-shirt that does not expose your shoulders for visits to religious sites and the Grand Palace. Some places will have clothes that can be borrowed, but in case they don't you will have missed you chance to explore an impressive attraction.

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9. Hiking shoes

Hiking shoes
Source: Needpix

Thailand has a spectacular landscape, which is perfect for outdoor lovers. The northern and central parts of the country have some of the most amazing hiking trails and lots of rock climbing opportunities. A pair of hiking boots are definitely too bulky and heavy to carry with you, but a pair of hiking sandals or shoes are worth taking to Thailand, especially if you’re into outdoor exploring.

Hiking shoes for men

Price: from USD 45.99

Amazon

Hiking shoes for women

Price: from USD 37.99

Amazon

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10. Warm-weather clothes

Summer clothes
Source: Needpix

No matter what time of the year you visit Thailand, get ready for warm weather, so keep this in mind while packing. The best clothes you can take on a trip to Thailand include t-shirts, loose pants, skirts, dresses, and a few pairs of shorts. However, it’s a good idea to stay away from very short shorts, spaghetti straps, and tight and short dresses or skirts, as there is a large Muslim population in Thailand and they are quite conservative. But don’t worry, no one’s going to arrest you if you do wear them!

Linen pants for men

Price: from USD 18.99

Amazon

Women's lightweight skirt

Price: USD 14.69

Amazon

Tip from Trip101 local expert

No. 1 tip when traveling to Thailand is to pack light. You will end up making a ton of purchases here, since there are countless affordable markets no matter where you go. Either that or carry an extra bag for all the shopping you are sure to end up doing. 

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Thailand - The land of pristine beaches, tropical jungles, and opulent temples

packing list for thailand | thailand - the land of pristine beaches, tropical jungles, and opulent temples
Source: unsplash.com

Thailand is one of the top destinations in Asia, with more and more travelers looking to explore its gorgeous beaches, impressive temples, and jungle hiking trails. However, Asian weather, cuisine, and culture are very different, compared to Europe or the US, so make sure you plan everything ahead and pack all the right things.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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This article has been endorsed by Bangkok local expert Pallavi Mandar Jadhav

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Karina, a content creator rooted in Bucharest, Romania, embodies the spirit of a globetrotter. Her fascination with the beloved series F.R.I.E.N.D.S and a fervent love for coffee add vibrant layers...Read more

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