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Thailand Packing List | What to wear in Thailand

Need a Thailand packing list to help you decide what to pack for Thailand? If you are planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, packing list for Thailand is essential to ensure you pack smart!

For anyone planning on Island hopping you will be getting on and off boats with your backpack. So you need to keep it as light as possible. Although clothes are very cheap in Thailand, and some things are more difficult to get hold of, especially if you are 5f8in like me!

In this guide, I’m going to share my top tips to help with your Thailand packing list

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What to pack for Thailand
What to pack for Thailand

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best Thailand Tours: Click here to check out the top Thailand tours
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Best Thailand Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Thailand

What to wear in Thailand

The Insider’s Guide to Travel in Thailand Like a Yogi

Mix and Match Your Clothes

This is rule number one when packing for Thailand and it’s an important one. You need to make sure that you don’t have any single wear items packed. Everything in your bag should be mix and match.

I  normally include only 1 patterned top and 1 patterned bottoms so that everything else will match. If you pack lots of patterned tops and bottoms you are going to be limited to what you can wear together.

Before packing lay everything out and do a practice mix and match just to make sure everything goes well together.

When deciding what to wear in Thailand, this mix and match approach ensures versatility in your outfits.

Always use Packing Cubes

Want to pack more but you don’t have space? Don’t worry just get yourself some packing cubes. Problem solved!  These are the ones I use and love, I wrote a post on using them which you can read here.  

Alternatively get a backpack with built in packing sections like this one. It hangs like a mini wardrobe too which can be helpful instead of using hotel storage.

When preparing what to pack for Thailand, these packing solutions can make a big difference in organizing your belongings.

Only bring easy wash and quick dry clothes

When choosing clothes I always try and choose things that wash easily (leave the dry clean only at home), don’t need ironing, are lightweight and will dry quickly. I also try not to bring anything heavy as it will also take up more space.

I prefer to pick thin light clothing so I can squeeze a few more things in rather than larger heavier material that takes up space. Laundry is pretty cheap in Thailand so pack less and wash more. This approach is especially useful when deciding what to bring and what to wear in Thailand.

Did You Get Insurance Yet?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything!

The Insurance companies I personally recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover.

Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here where I go into detail about the companies. 

Thailand Packing List

The Insider’s Guide to Travel in Thailand Like a Yogi

Sunglasses

Does anyone actually leave home without sunglasses? I personally always travel with 2 pairs. One for day to day use that I normally just throw in my bag. Then a second pair that are a bit nicer which I wear when I want to take some nice pics for the gram. I always get my sunglasses from Blenders, Glassesshop, or Knockaround as they are good quality, have UV protection, and are really reasonably priced.

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing listReusable Water Bottle

Having a good reusable water bottle is essential. If you are still a little worried then get a water bottle with a filter like this for peace of mind. For a bottle with extra tech this one is self-cleaning via UVC light, is USB rechargeable, and turns any water into drinkable freshwater. It is also vacuum-insulated to keep your water cold for up to 12 hours.

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Hand Sanitizer

Let’s face it, 2020 changed the way we travel, and there is no going back. Hand sanitizer is something you can no longer travel without and I’m obsessed with this hand sanitizer holder my friend designed. You can buy them in a pack of 2 and the bottles come with it so you can top them up. Not only are they super practical so they clip on your purse or luggage but you can also clip your mask on there too, save throwing it into your backpack! It’s vegan leather and you can choose the cute florals (which I have) or a brown and black combo.

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Bug Spray

I suggest getting an eco-friendly one for your body and then getting something a little more aggressive like this to spray on your clothing.

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing listWhat to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list
What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Vaccines

You may need to prove you have had any specific vaccines and for some places, you may need malaria pills. There are many vaccines that are strongly advised for travel depending on your location. So a few months before you travel to speak to a medical professional and make sure you were immunized with all of the suggested vaccines.

Please never take medical advice like this from a blogger! Go see a medical professional…

Download my packing list

Luggage for Thailand

It is really up to you what luggage to pack for Thailand but I would strongly recommend a good backpack… getting on and off all those boats and buses, is just so much easier with a backpack! You also need to consider what to wear in Thailand so you know what would fit in your luggage.

If you plan on covering a lot of ground then I would personally suggest a 60L backpack and a small daypack that can easily be packed when traveling. 

I’ve added images and links for the luggage I have tried and tested in Europe below. 

If security is a concern for you then I highly recommend getting in Pacsafe backpack for added security and peace of mind. I also wrote this blog post on the best digital nomad backpacks and this one about carry on luggage, just in case they are useful to you. The KnackPack is great for digital nomads with specific space for your tech and all your essentials.

If backpacks are not your thing, this suitcase with a 20″ laptop pocket will do wonders for you, and with this coupon LEVEL8Claire10 you get a 10% discount!

You are also going to need some packing cubes to help keep all of your things organized (and squeeze in a few extra items of clothing). Plus a good laundry bagtoiletry bag, and of course a shopping bag. Alternatively, get a backpack with built-in packing sections like this one. It hangs like a mini wardrobe too which can be helpful instead of using hotel storage. It’s what I’m personally traveling with these days.

Last but not least, this travel pillow with memory foam will be your best friend for long periods of traveling.

I suggest you to create a note of Thailand packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Other Useful Things to Pack for Thailand

Over the years backpacking the world I’ve got packing down to a fine art and I have some essential items in my backpack that you might not think of. So here are some things you’ll want to include in your packing list for Thailand!

Laundry Soap and a Nail Brush – Unless you want to be doing laundry every few days, it’s best to just wash out your underwater in the shower each night. To do this I always travel with a bar of laundry soap and a nail brush. It also comes in handy to clean off marks and stains from clothes you are washing.

A Travel Washing Line – I love mine, it’s so handy and takes up no room at all.

A Sewing Kit – When you are traveling sometimes you need to make-do-and-mend.

Mini First Aid Kit – Goes without saying really! I also add in some extras like activated charcoal and other useful pharmaceuticals. 

Carabiner clips –  So useful for attaching things to your backpack!

Head torch – Equally as useful for camping as it is for reading in bed, or trying to find your way home in the dark.

Ear Plugs – If you are planning on staying in hostels you are going to need these!

A Whistle – I know many people worry about safety and want to protect themselves. I like to carry a whistle just in case I need to pull attention. It might not be as effective as pepper spray, but as that is illegal to fly with too many countries, this is a good alternative.

A Door Stop – Worried about safety in your room at night? Use the doorstop to block the door from the inside and make it harder for someone to enter the room.

Silk Sleeping Bag Liner – Another thing that doesn’t take up so much room, but will give you a lot of peace of mind if you need it. Sometimes you might either find yourself chilly or just not wanting to sleep in the bedsheets. So hopping inside a sleeping bag liner helps you get a good night’s sleep, wherever you are…

Umbrella – If you are traveling somewhere tropical it’s likely to rain, but still be hot. Having an umbrella in your bag will keep you dry without making you feel like you will collapse from heat exhaustion!

A padlock – I recommend getting one of these locks so you don’t need to worry about keys. They are TSA approved so you can use them to lock your luggage when flying as well as using it to lock your locker at the hostel.

USD – I always keep an emergency $50 USD hidden somewhere, just in case. USD is the most widely accepted currency, but you will need to ensure the notes are clean and crisp. Many places won’t accept them if they are marked at all.

Quick-dry towel – I have 2, a large one and a small hand size one that I keep clipped to my backpack.

A sarong – I never travel anywhere without at lease 2 sarongs. I use them to replace my towel, hang over my bed in a hostel for privacy. Wrap around my hair when it’s wet, sunbathe on… I could go on and on. I even make a dress out of mine when I’m at the beach.

A scarf – Another multi-use item that doesn’t take up much room. Scarfs are great for covering shoulders from the sun, or when entering churches. It will also help keep you warm, and they look cute!

Yoga Mat – I never travel without my yoga mat. I wrote a whole post to help you choose the best travel yoga mat here.

Spice Bag – If you are planning to do some cooking then I recommend making a spice bag so you don’t end up wasting lots of money or herbs and spices, or eating bland food for the whole of your trip. I put my spices into ziplock bags and then keep them in one of these clear bags

Ziplock Bags – I know, I know, more plastic. But they do come in really handy when traveling and you can wash and reuse them so you aren’t throwing them away.

Coffee Flask – Great for keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. It also saves you having to use disposable cups when you buy a takeaway coffee.

Aeropress – I do love my coffee, so traveling without my Aeropress is not an option haha. This is also another great portable coffeemaker/ mug if you aren’t a fan of the Aeropress. 

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

The Friendly Swede Sleeping Bag Liner Ultralight, Travel Sheets for Hotel, Camping Sheets, Adult Sleep Sack, Travel Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Bag Liners - Pocket-Size - Silky Smooth Cool - Grey (Velcro)

Fidus Mini Compact Travel Umbrella

Search Alert TSA Approved Travel Combination Luggage Cable Locks for Suitcase, Gym Locker,Toolbox,Backpack 1,2,4,6 &10 pk

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag and 350 Additional Filters - Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee without Bitterness - 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Clothing to Pack for Thailand

You can see my full Thailand packing list here on Amazon, and you can also download my free Thailand packing list here. So I’m going to try and keep this section brief.

1 Pair Of Black Leggings

Love them or hate them, they are comfortable and perfect for traveling or going for a run. I can’t get enough of Girlfriend Collective Leggings, they are so comfortable! They are also lined but breathable so perfect for summer and winter. They have a super high waistband and a hidden pocket at the back where I like to keep some money and my bank card.

Oh, and as they are made from recycled water bottles they are also good for the environment. So, when considering what to pack for Thailand, these are a must-have!

1 Or 2 Pairs Of Light Weight Trousers

I took two pairs and I wore them a lot! If you are planning on visiting any temples you won’t be able to go in wearing shorts. I did also buy 3 pairs of elephant style pants out there, so don’t worry about packing these and get them out there.

Shorts – 1 Denim And 3 Lightweight Pairs

I can’t travel without my denim shorts, I don’t care that they take up space and are heavy. If it’s hot they are perfect for every occasion. I can dress them up with a nice top and some nice jewelry and sandals. Or during the day I can wear with a plain top and sneakers. As well as a pair of denim shorts you should pack 3 pairs of lightweight shorts. Or don’t and buy them there. You will see elephant shorts everywhere so maybe just pack one pair.

1 Skirt

I like to pack 1 lightweight mid-length skirt suitable for wearing during the day but can be dressed up in case I go anywhere. Again this is something you can easily by very cheaply in Thailand.

5 Or 6 Lightweight Tops

I always have 6: 4 plane T-Shirts and 2 more dressy/ stylish tops. This gives me plenty of options. Although I always have 2 nicer tops I make sure they match with most if not all of my bottoms. Make sure you buy tops that will wash well and are good quality. You will be wearing and washing them a lot. I often wore more than one top a day because of the heat.

2 Shirts Or A Cardigan

It doesn’t get cold often but there were a few times in the evening or when we were traveling on the AC busses I needed them! Make sure whatever you have is lightweight and will go with (almost) everything you have. I travel with a denim shirt and a checked shirt which I live in when it’s chilly.

1 Or 2 Dresses

I like to make sure both dresses are lightweight and can be worn in the day and the evening. I personally have 2 short dresses just because longer dresses take up too much room. But if you can find a lightweight maxi dress grab it! Dresses you will easily pick up in Thailand very cheaply.

Bras

If you wear them you will want 1 or 2 bras and a sports bra. I personally don’t bother anymore. I prefer something a little boob friendlier than having metal jabbed into my ribcage

8 Pairs Panties/ Knickers

I know a lot of people say 5 but I like to just do laundry once a week so I always have enough for a week and a spare pair. They don’t take up much room and it saves me washing my panties in the sink each night!

Swimwear

I like to have 4 tops and 2 pairs of black bottoms plus a swimsuit. If you want to save space ditch the bras and just pack a few extra bikinis. I wore mine every day anyway because of the heat even if I wasn;t at the beach.

Sleepwear

I sleep in old clothes most of the time to save space. But if you prefer to bring sleepwear you are going to need something lightweight.

Coats/ Outerwear

If you will be there during the rainy season make sure you have a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean it will be cold so often an umbrella is the best option.

A favorite for me is the Gamma – Graphene Heated Jacket that works in both warm and cold weather. Use the code CLAIRE10 to get a 10% discount!

Shoes

The most important thing about footwear is that it is, comfortable! If you are backpacking you are going likely to be doing some walking. For Thailand I took three pairs of shoes:

Hiking Sandals, a good pair of sandals suitable for walking and Flip-flops.

The hiking sandals were perfect for traveling around and getting on and off boats, The sandles I wore for exploring away from the water, and the flip-flops I wore for everything else.

A Hat

Depending on how stylish you are feeling pack something more in fashion or a simple baseball cap to keep the sun out of your eyes and your face. I have no room for a fancy hat so I just have a simple black baseball cap.

Sunglasses

Always check the UV protection even if you get a cheap pair. I travel with a nice (expensive) pair for walking around the city and a cheap pair for the beach.

HUHOT Women's Summer Sundress Sleeveless Halter Neck Spring Boho Floral with Pocket Elastic Waist Ruffle Mini Dresses 2024

Ekouaer Womens Swimsuit Cover Up Swiss Dots Chiffon Bikini Beachwear Flowy Pom Pom Coverups

ANRABESS Women's Summer Casual Criss Cross Sundress Sleeveless Split Maxi Long Beach Dress with Pockets

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Dokotoo Casual V Neck Button Down Shirts for Women Solid Short Sleeve Blouse Tops

ZESICA Women's Short Sleeve Crewneck T Shirt 2024 Summer Ribbed Knit Slim Fit Basic Solid Color Tee Tops

Toiletries to Pack for Thailand

You can very all of the travel toiletries I recommend here on this Amazon list, which is particularly useful for your Thailand packing list.

Many things you can actually buy in Thailand easily, so I wouldn’t stress too much about buying a lot of toiletries to travel with. But there are some things that are harder to get hold of and expensive in Thailand, so I always try and travel with my own.

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 3 oz

Blossom Menstrual Cup! Say No to Tampons | Get Blossom Cups for Menstrual Days | Feminine Care Period Cup | Reusable Menstrual Cup | Silicone Cup (Double, Blue, Purple)

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Alba Botanica More Moisture Shampoo, Coconut Milk, 12 Oz

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Technology to take to Thailand

If you are stressing about taking your smartphone to Thailand, don’t. You will need to be careful about flashing your expensive digital gear around Thailand though. Take a read of these posts to help you prepare if you are worried.

Here are some digital things I’d recommend packing for Thailand.

Smart Phone – If you don’t want to take your fancy iPhone traveling, then this is a great phone with a very good camera for under $300. It’s what I used to use before I invested in the iphone 13 pro max.

Kindle – Save space by investing in a kindle and kindle unlimited. You will find most of the lonely planet travel guides are available to read for free with the plan. 

Lightweight laptop and external hard drive – I have a MacAir which is perfect for traveling. After losing all of my photos a few years ago I also always travel with a heavy-duty external harddrive.

Camera and Tripod – I travel with this DSLR but I also have this mirrorless camera which I often take if I want to use something more discreet. My camera geer has grown with my blog and my essential travel cameras now include this DJI Osmo and this mini drone. If you need a tripod, I love this one as I can use it with all of my cameras (even my phone), plus it’s small and light enough to fit in my daypack.

Backup charger – I have these two and always keep one in my bag.

Travel adaptor – Get a worldwide one like this so you can use it wherever you travel to.

Portable WiFi – I never travel without my TEP wireless device. If you can’t live without WiFi I recommend buying or renting one. Or another of my favorites is the GlocalMe G4 because of its versatility.

Those are the comprehensive Tech packing list for Thailand, ensuring you have everything you need for a seamless trip!

myCharge Portable Charger for iPhone – Hub 10050 mAh Internal Battery Built in Cable (Lightning, Micro USB) Power Bank Fast Charging Wall Plug USB Battery Pack External Cell Phone Backup, 55 Hrs
What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

2 Pack European Travel Plug Adapter, International Power Plug Adapter with 4 AC Outlets 3 USB Ports(1 USB C), Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most Europe EU Iceland France Germany Spain Italy

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh Huge Capacity External Battery Pack,Dual Output High Speed Charging Power bank with 4 LED Indicator Compatible With iPhone 15/14/13/12/8,Samsung Android Phone etc

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Transcend 2TB USB 3.1 Gen 1 StoreJet 25M3S SJ25M3S Rugged External Hard Drive TS2TSJ25M3S,Grey

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

Thailand Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Thailand?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Thailand which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Thailand on Amazon here.

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go to flight searching platforms.

🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?

I strongly recommend using 12Go or Bookaway. There are many transport options available such as train, bus, and ferry.

I would strongly advice against driving a car in Thailand but you can easily rent a scooter locally.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Thailand?

First and foremost check out all of the amazing Thailand tours Where Sidewalks End has. They are a small local company and they have some really special experiences.

For everything else I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.comHotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals. However, Agoda is highly recommended in Thailand and it has the most selection.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

Check out My travel books

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing listWhat to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

The Solo Girls Guide to Traveling Without Fear

What to pack for Thailand,thailand packing list

The solo girls guide to becoming a digital nomad