Below is the most essential Thailand packing list and what clothes to pack for your trip to Thailand. For more information, check out the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers and Thailand travel tips.
Thailand Packing List
Passport and photocopy of passport
Don’t forget to bring your passport and at least a few photocopies. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry only photocopies with you. From my experience, sometimes it isn’t easy to do it in the hotel lobby, so make photocopies at home.
International driving license
You need an international driving license to rent a car or motorbike in Thailand.
Travel insurance
Having travel insurance is very important for your trip to Thailand. The country has a high rate of traffic accidents, and hospital bills are high, even higher for foreigners.
Mosquito repellent
I suggest buying mosquito repellent in Thailand, as mosquitos often differ in many countries. On my first trip to Thailand, I purchased an inefficient mosquito repellent at home and had to buy a new one in Thailand. You can easily buy it in every pharmacy.
Sandfly protection
In some quiet beach areas, the sand flies are worse than mosquitoes and you need protection against them too. A mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET works great. Another option is to use coconut oil if you like the smell.
Insect bite relief
If it’s too late for insect protection, there are some handy products for insect bites.
Sunglasses
You can easily buy cheap fake sunglasses in Thailand, but they don’t offer good eye protection. You better bring a pair of high-quality sunglasses from home.
Travel adapters
Depending on your home country, you may need a plug adapter. Thailand uses 220 volts and the same plugs as in Europe, so if you come from the USA, UK or Australia, you’ll definitely need one.
Guidebooks
Buy a guidebook if you would like to know more about Thai culture.
Sunscreen protection
The sun is strong in Thailand and quickly causes sunburns all year long. Sunscreens are very expensive in Thailand, so buying them home is better.
Motion sickness medications
If you have ferry transfers or plan speed boat trips, you’ll need motion sickness pills. Some speed boat drivers drive like crazy!
Luggage locks
Some hotel safes are not big enough for valuables, so you can buy luggage locks.
Mobile phone
A good mobile phone is a must. I am a huge fan of the Google Pixel brand to capture my memories. You can take great photos and 4k videos; Google provides automatic backup storage for your precious moments.
Digital camera
The latest mobile phones take excellent pictures, but bring your professional camera if you have one.
Memory cards
You’ll need extra storage space if you like to shoot 4k videos.
Power banks
Many islands have electricity cuts, so having a power bank is necessary.
Earphones
They are handy for listening to your favorite songs or watching your favorite movies on a plane. The plane earphones are not hygienic and are very low quality.
Dry Bags
If you make boat trips, you’ll get wet, so better have protection, at least for your digital camera and phone.
Travel pillow
Spending many hours on a plane is very uncomfortable. Bring a travel pillow for good sleep.
Waterproof phone case
If you plan boat trips, you most certainly will get wet. Take care of your phone and bring a waterproof case.
Phone sim tray opener
When you buy a new SIM card at the airport, the staff will change it for you, but if you plan to change it again later, you’ll need a SIM tray opener.
Diarrhea kit
Thai food is spicy and can cause many stomach problems, so it’s good to be prepared.
Soap and shampoo
Most hotels offer terrible quality soap and shampoo, so bring your own.
Bandages and tape
Pills
If you know what to buy, many pills like paracetamol are cheaper in Thailand than in many other countries. However, buying Bayer aspirin in Thailand can be a headache, so buying it from home is better. I don’t know the reason, but many doctors and pharmacists insist on giving you paracetamol instead of aspirin, even for mild symptoms.
Earplugs
Many hotels have noisy locations or aircons, so earplugs are essential for a good night’s sleep.
Razor and shaving cream
Toothbrush and toothpaste
What clothes to wear in Thailand
T-shirts
Bring a lot of cotton T-shirts or buy them cheaply in Thailand. Laundry service is cheap in Thailand but can ruin your favorite t-shirts. It happened to me a few times.
Shorts
Bring shorts that cover your knees or cargo pants. They not only keep your body cool but also meet the cultural requirements when you visit temples.
Shoes to pack
I like shoes like the Salomon Techamphibia series as I don’t need to pack extra sandals, adventure shoes, or fancy shoes. They are open enough to keep your feet cool and also good enough to protect your feet on adventure trips. Moreover, you can easily pass the face control on a fancy night out. I visited many sky bars in Bangkok without any problems. I also pack only an extra pair of flip-flops for beach activities.
Caps and hats
Wearing head protection is a must. Don’t forget your hat to protect your head.
Swimshorts/swimsuits
Public nudity is illegal in Thailand, and you’ll be arrested and fined. Sunbathing topless is also prohibited.
Flip-flops
You’ll need them for the beach and hotel bathroom. I am not a fan of the hotel flip-flops.
Raincoat
A raincoat is a must if you go to Thailand in the rainy season.