What to Pack for Thailand

We’re ready for our trip to Thailand: the ticket is booked, the itinerary is set, and now it’s time to pack our suitcase. What should you bring to Thailand? Here’s a simple guide on what to pack for a trip to Thailand, useful for all seasons and applicable to most Asian countries.

Your luggage for Thailand should be as light and practical as possible—unless you plan to stay in just one place. In that case, a trolley suitcase is fine as it’s more durable and theft-resistant. For budget-friendly, on-the-go trips around Thailand, a backpack is the best choice. It’s easier to carry on your shoulders and great for frequent travelers. Backpacks with multiple compartments are ideal to keep your belongings organized and avoid frantic searches, especially late at night when all you want is to rest. Each compartment should have a lock, and it’s wise to carry your valuables in a smaller backpack that you never leave unattended.

A handy tip is to pack smaller items like underwear, toiletries, and snorkeling gear in labeled pouches—this helps you find everything quickly. We made cotton pouches embroidered with “Underwear” or “Laundry,” but you can easily make similar ones at home, like small pillowcases.

Try not to exceed the weight limit: many Asian budget airlines, like AirAsia, allow 15–20 kg for checked baggage. Staying within this limit avoids extra fees and lets you travel hassle-free.

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Recommended Clothing for Thailand

For clothing, wherever you go in Thailand, the weather can be unpredictable. It’s wise to bring a raincoat to stay dry during sudden showers. If you plan to visit cooler areas or go trekking in the mountains, a fleece sweater is ideal—it keeps you warm and packs easily.

Otherwise, choose comfortable, casual clothes suited to your destination and climate. For the beach, pack lightweight clothes and short-sleeved shirts. If your trip is more itinerant, convertible pants that zip off at the knee to become shorts are very practical, especially for unpredictable weather or nature walks where covering your legs is important.

When visiting temples in Thailand, shoulders and legs must be covered. So, bring a cotton shawl or scarf, which can also double as a light wrap on cooler evenings. Men can wear lightweight harem pants or sarong-style trousers, which are comfortable and easy to carry.

Since humidity is present almost year-round in Thailand and many Asian countries, clothing should be as comfortable as possible and made from natural fabrics that let your skin breathe.

Good trekking shoes are a must, especially if you plan long walks. For the beach, flip-flops or sandals are perfect. Ladies, one pair of elegant shoes is enough, as most beach resorts have sandy paths, so casual sandals work well for evening wear too. Don’t forget a hat for sun protection and a good pair of sunglasses.

Accessories to Bring to Thailand

The list of accessories can be long, but some are essential. A small flashlight and a multi-tool knife with a bottle opener can be really handy, especially in remote or dimly lit areas. At beach resorts, a flashlight helps when walking at night. If you plan to stay in hostels, a silk sleeping bag liner can protect you from bugs and less-than-perfect bedding.

For a beach towel, microfiber is best—it dries quickly, washes easily, and takes up very little space.

Electronics to Bring to Thailand

Your electronics depend on your personal needs and the type of trip. We’ve given up bulky cameras in favor of a good smartphone or a small compact camera, which are easier to carry and keep safe, even in hotel safes, especially if changing accommodations frequently.

If you bring your smartphone, consider buying a waterproof case—not just for snorkeling, but also to protect it from sudden rain so you can keep taking photos regardless of the weather. Waterproof covers for your backpack are also available.

For laptops, choose a lightweight model or a tablet with a keyboard, ideally under 2 kg. A universal travel adapter is essential and can be bought cheaply in your home country. To protect your electronics from humidity, store them with silica gel packs.

Medicines to Bring to Thailand

Medicines might not always be available abroad or could be expensive. It’s safer to carry a prescription in English that lists the active ingredients and dosage—this is useful at customs or to find equivalent medicine locally. Also, check the “Travel Safe” government websites for updates.

Bring insect repellent spray like Autan Tropical or Jungle; it’s essential and also sold locally. An aloe vera-based soothing cream is versatile—great as after-sun lotion, for insect bites, or as a moisturizer, and can be found easily in herbal shops.

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Happy travels in Asia!