What to pack for Thailand

Thailand offers a wide range of climates that make it a popular travel destination among backpackers worldwide. From Bangkok to the Thai islands and the northern jungles, this country is a backpackers paradise. Don’t worry, living out of a backpack isn’t as challenging as you might think! Follow these tips and follow this Thailand packing list, and you’ll have an experience you will always remember. The duration of the trip should be considered. It is common for visitors to Thailand to come as part of a trip lasting three weeks to three months, so the amount and variety of equipment also matters.

It is important to remember that Thailand has quite a few malls, markets, and shopping centers of different sizes to choose from. There is no need to pack a bag that is too heavy, full of different items, if you need anything, you will find it in one of the bigger cities. You may find it difficult to fill in the gaps if you plan to travel to remote areas, so stock up accordingly before you leave.

So, what should I pack before I go to Thailand?

By following these equipment packing guidelines, you can prepare for the trip and enjoy an amazing vacation!

Packing for Thailand by Anete Lūsiņa

15 Things to pack for Thailand:

First aid kit and medicines
Toiletries
Important Documents
Mosquito / Insect repellents
Comfortable walking shoes
Raincoat and umbrella
Flip flops and a swimsuit
A notebook and pen
A power adapter for Thailand
Tissue and wet wipes
Small souvenirs from you home country
Proper clothing for temples
Sun protection
A Water bottle
A good travel backpack and a daypack

1. First aid kit and medicines

You can never be too careful, on every trip you may be exposed to different diseases and health conditions, some of which may be dangerous. The purpose of this article is not to scare or warn, but it is vital to be adequately equipped, whether it be a group of young men, a family with children, or even a solo traveler. It is necessary to have a first aid kit and medications you usually take on a regular basis. When you go on short or long trips or even during the trip itself, you can carry a compact first aid kit in your bag.

2. Toiletries

There are many local stores where you can find them, but they are usually expensive compared to other products. As a result, it is best to stock up on toiletry products ahead of time, and purchase new ones at the same location where they are once they have been completely used. These products include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, bandages, tampons, pads, and paper towels.

3. Important documents

Making copies of various important documents with you on a trip is a good idea no matter where you are. A copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your plane ticket, a copy of the hotel and attraction confirmations you booked ahead of time, a copy of your passport, a copy of your driver’s license, and a copy of your vaccination record are just a few examples.

4. Mosquito / Insect repellents

Whenever you plan to travel to remote areas or to various nature sites, you should be sure to stock up on mosquito repellents in advance. Although most of these bites are not dangerous, they may cause discomfort, which can make it difficult for you to continue your trip.

Thailand’s rainy season, which runs from May through September, also carries the highest risk of dengue fever, a serious tropical disease. As the virus is transmitted from mosquito to human, it is important to take action to prevent being bitten by controlling and eradicating mosquitoes.

To prevent mosquito bites, wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. When visiting areas where dengue is prevalent, use a mosquito repellent containing DEET. Stay indoors in the morning until two hours after sunrise and at sunset to further reduce your risk of getting bites.

5. Comfortable walking shoes

Pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes even if you plan to spend most of your vacation at the resorts or on the beautiful beaches of the islands. There are quite a few things to see and a wide variety of itineraries in Thailand. If you want to go to one of them, you will need comfortable shoes that you can walk in anywhere and anytime.

Try the shoes before you go on the trip, and if these are new shoes – wear them several times to get used to them. There are some areas that can experience rain and extreme weather conditions, so packing waterproof shoes is an excellent idea.

6. Raincoat and umbrella

We have extensively discussed the weather and rainfall of Thailand during the relevant seasons. It is most likely that you will not encounter a lot of rain if you plan to visit Thailand between October and March, but you may encounter a few showers or, in rare cases, a nonstop downpour for several minutes if you visit even during this time. You should always carry a raincoat and a compact umbrella in your day bag to keep you protected from the rain and to be able to enjoy walking outside despite the drops.

7. Flip flops and a swimsuit

A trip to Thailand would not be complete without visiting its amazing islands, with white sand, crystal clear water, and excellent resorts as well as a host of attractions that make every vacation a memorable one. So make sure you pack your swimsuit and flip flops, especially if you plan to spend time sunbathing in hotels with swimming pools and spas.

8. A notebook and a pen

Today, we spend much of our time documenting our lives on social networks and with our phones, almost constantly. However, no matter how long you stay in Thailand, you will experience extraordinary things and make unforgettable memories. With a notebook and pen, you can record these experiences and your feelings during your trip. You can use it as a travel diary or as a place to write about certain moments that you would like to remember later in life.

Vacation in Thailand by Link Hoang

9. A Power adapter for Thailand

Be sure to bring a 220v power adapter to make sure your electronics are always charged.

10. Tissue and wet wipes

There are some unfortunate truths about Thai toilets: there isn’t always toilet paper and soap, and toilet seat cleaner is rare. While you’ll find tissue paper more often than not, getting both tissue and wet wipes will ensure you maintain good hygiene.

Bangkok footpaths can be risky. If you step on the wrong paving slab, it might wobble and splash water all over your feet and legs. Therefore, you should always keep wet tissues on hand, especially during the rainy season.

11. Small souvenirs from your home country

The chances of meeting locals are very high, so it’s recommended to bring small, beautiful souvenirs from your home country. You can give your new friends bracelets, postcards from popular sites, and other small items that you think will make them happy. It is the same with meeting other travelers from all over the world, who will be delighted to receive a souvenir from you as well.

12. Proper clothing for temples

We’re sure most of you put at least one temple on your Thailand itinerary, so make sure you dress appropriately. As the dress code for the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) goes, both men and women must wear sleeved clothes. Your shoulders, ankles, and midriff must be covered. Men are required to wear long trousers and women long trousers or long skirts. Tight pants and flip-flops aren’t allowed either. Other temples are less strict, but revealing clothes are always a no-no.

Major attractions have clothes rental booth, so visitors can cover themselves up properly. Still, dress appropriately from the start, so you don’t have to waste time queuing.

13. Sun protection

The sunlight is strong and the sunscreens are expensive. It will be smart to add sunglasses and sunscreen on your list of what to pack for Thailand.

14. A reusable water bottle

It’s very important to stay hydrated. While you can’t drink tap water in Thailand, your accommodations might provide free drinking water. Why risk getting overpriced bottles of water at major tourist attractions?

15. A good travel backpack and a daypack

I know it might seem obvious, but if you’re looking at backpacks for traveling Thailand, a 50L backpack is more than enough. If you plan to carry your everyday stuff around, choose a bag like this one that is small and durable. In addition, this is a carry-on that works really well.

If you ever wondered what NOT to pack for Thailand check this out. Let us know if you think we missed any important things you should pack for a visit in Thailand.

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