The Only Thailand Packing List You’ll Need In 2024

A Thailand packing list should definitely be on your mind right now if you plan on visiting this beautiful tropical country. 

Thailand has plenty of wonders to offer tourists. The stunning beaches of Maya Bay and Patong Beach, crystal-clear water and soft white sand, are perfect for relaxation and exciting water sports. Thailand’s landscape is adorned with lush forests and exotic wildlife of Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon national parks that trekking and hiking lovers cannot resist. 

And that’s not to mention the vibrant cultural heritage shown in the wide variety of seasonal festivals and events. A seasoned traveller also finds Thailand irresistible when planning a multi-destination trip from the country to its neighbours, like Vietnam and Cambodia.

The neverending charms of Thailand’s beauty can fill one’s travel itinerary with diverse activities. But because of that, it’s also easy to be under-packed or get overwhelmed with so many things you are left staring at your backpack in fear. 

That’s why you need a comprehensive Thailand packing list that can keep you stress-free and well-equipped. A good packing list can also help you avoid going over budget, which can always happen, even to the best of us!

 

How Should I Pack For A Trip To Thailand?

You hear about it all the time - pack the essentials. But what really are they? And how can you pick out what’s essential from all of your stuff? 

If you travelling to a snow-filled heaven, the cold-weather packing list you need is going to look very different from when you’re island hopping in the tropics.

Essentials vary depending on your destination. A packing list is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Also, would you bring a tent on a vacation where you’ll be swimming?

To begin assembling your Thailand packing list, take a look at these factors first:

The Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate. The wet season falls between May and October. It tends to be cooler and dry from November to February, and the remaining months (March to May) are hot and dry.

The weather in Thailand can be unbearably hot. It is warm for about eight months of the year, so you’ll sweat more than you expect. Therefore, travellers to Thailand should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a hat, and cool clothes (cooling powder like Snake Brand Prickly Heat at 7/11 helps, too).

On the other end of the spectrum, the AC can be chilly at the malls and airports. So it’s wise to bring a jacket, sweater, or layers to keep yourself warm.

Rain gear, such as umbrellas or rain jackets, is another must-have, especially when visiting during the rainy season (roughly May to October). Quick-drying shoes are also a good idea, especially during this time.

Cultural Considerations

Although Thailand is very welcoming to tourists, many attractions (Buddhist temples and royal buildings like the Grand Palace) require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees.

Consider bringing a wrap or long-sleeve clothes. A sarong and a scarf that covers around your waist are good choices. At other places, you don’t have to wear anything that covers your shoulders or past your knees.

However, most locals wear modest clothing (both men and women). Wearing a tank top and shorts may not be the best choice, even when strolling through the mall. Loose T-shirts and biker shorts are more fitting.

Before packing, be aware of the weather, culture, and other aspects. IG: @basspejs

Here are some more considerations when travelling to Thailand for the first time:

• Monks: Monks are highly respected. Avoid physical contact with them (especially if you are a woman) and always give them the right of way.
• Royal Family: Criticism or disrespect towards the monarchy is not only frowned upon but is also illegal with severe penalties.
• Public Displays of Affection: While not strictly forbidden, avoid overly affectionate behaviour in public spaces.
• Feet: Do not point your feet at people, religious objects, or images of the Buddha. Avoid stepping over food on the ground or putting your feet on the furniture.
• Vaping devices and E-cigarettes: Beware that vaping is illegal in Thailand. Being involved with any kind of drug during your trip is also a big no-no.
• Marijuana and other related substances: On the same note, recreational cannabis use is banned again after 18 months of legalisation.

Activities

With the fantastic list of activities Thailand has to offer, it’s important to pack appropriate essentials. You don’t want to bring beach shorts on a hiking trip, do you?

• City exploration, museum visits, and shopping in Bangkok and Chiang Mai call for lightweight clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and a daypack.
• Bringing a smart casual outfit and a crossbody bag is an excellent idea to enjoy the nightlife in Pattaya.
• Swimwear, flip-flops, and a water-resistant bag are necessary when visiting Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui for beach and island hopping.
• Again, bring modest attire, including a scarf or shawl and easy-to-remove footwear, along with a bum bag when visiting one of the 40,000 temples in Thailand.
• Pack hiking boots, insect repellent, a rain jacket, and a good bag to explore Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple or Bangkok Phra Pradaeng Loop via hiking or cycling.

Packing Light Is The Way

Transportation and trip duration give you a good idea of how heavy you should pack. Consider packing light with only essentials, such as a travel capsule wardrobe.

Thailand's wet and dry seasons (the only two there are) mean you don’t have to bring along your heavy puff jackets. Plus, hopping islands and beaches will be easier with a light backpack.

Your Thailand packing list should have a week's worth of clothes at most, regardless of how long your trip is. If you do your laundry weekly, you can travel to Thailand or any place for an indefinite amount of time. Many guesthouses and hotels offer laundry services. All in all, you only need around 100 baths (~2.2 pounds) for every visit to the laundromat:

• Washing your clothes in a Thai laundromat or coin laundromat costs about 50 baths per kg; drying and ironing are about 40 baths each; or
• Buy some laundry detergent from 7/11 and wash them yourself at the bathroom sink; or
• Have the hotel do it for you, costs about 80-100 baths per piece (5-star hotels).

There are many laundromats in Thailand. Photo by taoty - stock.adobe.com

The 6 Essentials For Your Thailand Packing List

Regardless of whether you’re soaking up the warm sunlight in Phuket or feeling the vibrant beat of the iconic Bangkok, you must have these 6 essential categories packed nicely and tightly in your backpack.

1. Essentials

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Visa (see if you need one here)
• Travel Insurance 
• Flight tickets
• Booking documents (if required)
• Travel itinerary (if required)
• Valid personal IDs 
• Money: bring both cash and your cards. Cash is quick and easy to exchange at any currency exchange booth. Credit cards are convenient, but be aware that paying with cards may incur a foreign transaction fee.
• Physical and digital copies of all your documents (in case of emergency)
• Personal medication: follow the airline’s guidelines for packing medication if it’s in liquid form.  

Keep your personal and travel documents in a bag that you can quickly access and still keep close to yourself. This way, you can easily take things out when going through customs at the airport or going on public transport without rummaging through your other bigger belongings. Our recommendation is CabinZero’s bum bag line, which has a water-resistant coating and quick-access front pocket. 

2. Clothing

Thailand has a warm tropical climate, so light and breathable clothing is going to be your best friend. Also, keep in mind the modesty in Thai culture and don’t bring any piece that is too revealing. Here are some clothing suggestions for your Thailand packing list.

Tops

• Light and breathable T-shirts: a good tip is to bring a basic white shirt, so it goes well with a wide variety of bottoms. That way, you can bring fewer items but still be able to mix and match to create multiple outfits.
• Long-sleeve shirts: depending on which attractions you have on your itinerary, consider bringing one or two long-sleeve items.
• Lightweight jacket or cardigan to cover up when visiting temples and royal buildings.
• A simple dress: opt for a versatile and lightweight one so you can dress it up or down, depending on your itinerary.
• A hat for sun protection: baseball caps are good to be paired with many outfits, but you can also consider a soft, foldable bucket hat as an alternative.
• Outerwear to keep yourself toasty when traversing the malls and other air-conditioned spaces.

Bottoms

• Shorts: shorts are great for the warm weather of Thailand, but remember not to bring too short ones.
• Pants and jeans: If you’re travelling for less than one week, consider only bringing one pair of jeans. They are versatile pieces that don’t always need to be washed after every wear. 
• Sarong or big scarf: These versatile items can be used as a beach cover-up and a modesty wrap.

Undergarments and sleepwear

• Underwear
• Bras
• Socks
• Lightweight and breathable pyjamas.

Footwear

• Walking shoes: trainers or canvas shoes are comfortable and versatile.
• Sandals or flip-flops (depending on your travel plan)

Accessories

• A few jewellery items: remember not to bring anything too expensive
• Rain jacket (optional): opt for a thin and rollable type

Remember to tailor your clothing packing list to fit your Thailand travel itinerary. Aim for a compact but versatile travel wardrobe with all the essential pieces that won’t take up your backpack's space. 

Wear comfortable clothes for your Thailand travel trip. Photo by ID_Anuphon - stock.adobe.com

3. Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash (travel-sized)
• Female hygiene products
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen (anything with Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octinoxate, 4MBC, and Butylparabe is banned)
• Facial moisturiser and cleaner
• Makeup
• Insect repellent.

To avoid overpacking, consider leaving toiletries already provided by your accommodation home. Also, remember to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule when packing toiletries.

If you don’t have to stick to a specific kind of toiletry, consider buying alternatives in Thailand instead of packing everything. You can easily find what you need at 7/11, BigC, Watsons, or other stores across the country.

Some travellers think the deodorant sold here is weaker than what they like at home, so you can add that to your Thailand packing list (opt for the rollers instead of liquid type).

4. Electronics

• Smartphone
• Camera
• Chargers
• Adapter plugs (Thailand uses a 220V electrical system, so it’s best to pack a universal power adapter)
• Headphones/earphones
• Chargers, cords, and power banks
• Laptop and laptop charger (if needed)
• E-book (optional)
• Speakers (optional)
• Wi-fi hotspot (optional)
• Portable fan (optional) to beat the heat.

You can easily buy Tourist eSIMs at the airport. A 15-day DTAC Happy Tourist DTAC sim with unlimited 5G and calls costs 699 baths (~15 pounds). AIS e-sims are another excellent alternative, and you can purchase them directly here.

Must-known apps for travelling in Thailand include Grab (ride-hailing similar to Uber), Bolt (for taxis), Wise (transfer money from home), and ViaBus (arrivals of buses). Google Maps, Google Translate, and Agoda are other popular travel apps that can be installed on your phone.

5.  Emergency Items/Medications

• First aid kit
• Band-Aids
• Antiseptic cream
• Pain relievers
• Motion sickness pills
• Food poisoning medications.

Remember to pack a small health kit. While Thailand has plenty of pharmacies, having basics like pain relievers, motion sickness pills, and prescription medications is essential. Also, insect repellent and sunscreen can be more expensive there, so bring them along.

You can refer to CDC’s Healthy Travel Packing List for more ideas on your Thailand packing list. And while you are at it, remember to check FCDO and U.S. Department of State travel advice.

6. The Right Backpack

A good backpack is essential for traveling.

Packing doesn’t just mean gathering the right essentials. A part of the art is also about using the appropriate backpack to store your stuff. 

What kind of bag should I take to Thailand? When choosing backpacks for your Thailand trip, make sure to consider these factors:

• Size and capacity: Size matters…for backpacks, of course. Something too bulky and big, like8 a 60+L pack, might incur an extra fee at the airport. Choose somewhere between 28-40L.
• Comfort and fit: if you’re travelling mainly with a backpack, it’s important to find one with straps that aren’t too thin and dig into your shoulders. You should look for padded and wide straps.
• Organisational features: Make sure your backpack has functional compartments and pockets. Opt for ones that can fit multiple packing cubes. It can revolutionise the way you pack!
• Security features: Thailand is a bustling country that welcomes millions of visitors each year. So, it has its fair share of petty crimes targeting tourists, such as pickpocketing, just like any other crowded destination. 
• Style: Opt for ones with minimalistic and versatile design. Though it might not be a make-or-break factor, having a backpack that is good for travel, playing, and work can be a great idea to keep your trip within budget. 

CabinZero’s classic backpack lineups is one recommendation. With a clean, sleek design and a good layout, it can be your trusted travel bestie for all vacations - island hopping, hiking, and solo backpacking. 

CabinZero’s classic backpacks come in various sizes and are suitable for all travel needs. The 28L backpack fits perfectly under your plane seat and in the overhead compartment, making it the ultimate cabin backpack if you’re a fan of travelling with carry-ons.

Thailand Packing List For A Beach Getaway

Ready to conquer the beach of Thailand with a good packing list? Credit: Mai Thu

The amazing beaches of Thailand can leave many in awe. To fully enjoy the sunkissed shores and cool water, you need to be well-prepared with your packing. Here’s a suggestion for packing for a beach vacation in Thailand.

Clothing, personal items (such as IDs and travel documents), toiletries, electronics, and emergency items are the five essential categories you’ll always have to keep in mind when packing. For a beach vacation, make some changes and add a few items here and there to the 6 essentials, and you’re good to go. For instance:

Clothing

• Swimsuits
• Beach shorts/swim trunks: opt for ones that can be worn in and out of water.
• A wide-brimmed hat that can be folded
• Swimming cap to protect your hair
• Swimming glasses
• Snorkelling or diving gear

Toiletries

• Beach towels (optional): They can take up a lot of space in your backpack, so if you think you can buy them in Thailand, feel free to leave them at home.
• After-sun care, such as aloe vera gel and lip moisturiser: opt for travel-sized bottles
• Waterproof ziplock bags or packing cubes to keep wet clothes separate from clean, dry clothes. They’re also good for storing all toiletries while moving to avoid leaks and spills.

Emergency items

• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Medications for sea sickness and food poisoning.

How Much Money Should I Bring To Thailand For 1-2 Weeks?

1,000-1,500 Baht per day is ideal if you travel reasonably. Photo by twinsterphoto - stock.adobe.com

Thailand is known to be very affordable for foreign tourists. As of Mar 2024, one British pound equals nearly 46 bath Thai - a multi-year high. The amount of money varies depending on your budget and your travel plan, but here are a general guideline and categories to consider: 

(1 Baht = 0.02 GBP)

• Accommodation:  you can find accommodations for as low as 500 to 1,000 Baht per night. If you’re splitting the bills with others, consider going with more expensive options. It’s all about balancing it out.
• Food: food is cheap in Thailand. You can find delicious local meals for around 50 to 100 Baht.
• Transportation: tuk-tuks (local traditional taxis) are quite affordable for getting around the town. Consider getting a public transport pass (Rabbit Card, Thai Smart Card) for around 100 Baht/card. The top-up amount varies depending on your journey. The minimum requirement is 20 Baht.
• Activities: some are cheap; some are not. For theme parks or big tourist attractions, buying tickets or bundles online is often cheaper and more rewarding than buying at the gate.

To estimate roughly, you might need to spend around 1,000-1,500 Baht daily in Thailand. You can always bring more or adjust your travel plan here and there to reduce costs, depending on your budget. So, for a 7-day Thailand packing trip, you should bring around 7,000-10,500 Baht. 

CabinZero tip: Avoid the ATMs if possible as there is a 200-300 baths fee (mostly the ones at the airport). Some good options include Superrich, exchange counters, banks, Wise (require local accounts), and credit cards without foreign transaction fees. If you do exchange money at the ATMs, choose the "no conversion" option to let your banks at home handle the conversion for more competitive rates.

What Not To Do When Packing For Thailand?

You’ve gathered all you need to bring down to the last item on your Thailand packing list. What’s left is to take notes of these two things to avoid stressing yourself out when packing:

1. Don’t Just Stack Your Clothes Up

One of the most common mistakes in packing for a vacation is piling clothes one on another. Sure, it’s quick and easy, but once you put them inside your backpack, you’ll realise that they take up the majority of your space. And worse, when you unpack, your clothes are all shuffled around and wrinkled.

What to do:

• Roll, don’t fold: Rolling reduces wrinkles, and you can pack your clothes more flexibly by placing them vertically or horizontally and squeezing them into small gaps.
• Utilise the pockets: The pockets of your jeans are perfect to store undergarments and socks.
• Packing cubes save the day: No more stressing over keeping your clean clothes away from dirty ones, or your shoes from rubbing against your toiletries bag in your backpack.

2. Don’t just put the first thing you see

This may surprise you. But when you arrange your belongings in order of need, it can save you from the trouble of having to reach far down the bottom of your backpack to find your passport, which is supposed to be the first thing you need when you get to the airport. 

What to do:

• Cross-check your Thailand packing list with your itinerary. If you plan on going to Pattaya on the first day in Thailand, then consider placing your swimwear and beach essentials on top of your other stuff.

3. Know What Not To Bring To Thailand

According to Article 27 of the Customs Act of 1926 and subsequent amendments, various items are forbidden from carrying into the country:

• Illegal substances: This includes any narcotics like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs without a doctor's note. Thailand has very strict laws regarding drugs, and penalties can be severe.
• Obscene materials: Pornographic magazines, movies, and other explicit materials are prohibited.
• Disrespectful items: Items with improper depictions of the Thai flag or that disrespect the Royal family are not allowed.
• Counterfeit goods: This includes fake designer clothing, handbags, electronics, and copyrighted materials like DVDs.
• Fake currency: Bringing in counterfeit bills or coins is illegal.
• Endangered wildlife: Any animal or plant product protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is banned. This includes things like elephant ivory, coral, and certain reptile skins.

Travel Stress-free With The Ultimate Thailand Packing List

Now that you’ve got a good Thailand packing list to make prepping for your dream vacation a breeze, don’t forget to learn how to pack efficiently to avoid last-minute surprises. If you find this article useful, feel free to reach out to us via social media and share your globetrotting stories with us!

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh