What To Pack For Thailand

Thailand is a huge country with many places to explore. From tropical beaches to ornate temples, you will never run out of places to visit. As the country has many different climates, it is on the wishlist of many backpackers. 

In case you are planning a trip to Thailand, here is a checklist with everything you will need. However, as a backpacker, it is always better to travel light, as a heavy backpack will only cause health complications and slow you down.

So, select only the essentials from the list below and buy the rest when in Thailand.

Before You Start Packing Stuff For Thailand

This section enlists all the small and important things you will need for your trip to Thailand. You may overlook these little things when you are planning your itinerary. Make sure they are in your bag before you leave for the airport.

House keys: You don’t want to get locked outside the house on your return. Keep them in a safe pocket, and don’t move them during the entire trip.

Documents: Place important documents like passports, flight tickets, IDs, and international driving licenses safely in an outer pocket as you will need them at the airport.

Vaccinations: Check all the vaccinations you need to take and get vaccinated at least eight weeks before the trip.

Prescription medicines: Don’t forget to carry all your prescribed medication. Bring enough supplies to last through the vacation.

Thai SIM card: Making international calls on roaming can be quite expensive. You can buy a Thai sim card online or at the Thai airport.

Credit and Debit cards: Only pack the cards that will work in international ATMs and be accessible in Thailand.

Print out the itinerary: Make at least two copies, so you have an extra copy in case you lose one.

Insurance: As there are many things to do, there are also many things that can go wrong. Be sure to be protected with travel insurance that will cover all your adventurous endeavors. 

Packing List For Thailand

Backpack

Your backpack is one of the most important and obvious things and tops our lists of essentials. If you’re traveling on a budget, you need a sturdy, portable backpack that can store all of your belongings. 

The bag must be tightly harnessed to your back and distribute the weight more on the hips than the shoulders.

Also, the backpack size will depend on the duration of your trip, the number of people  traveling, the destinations on your itinerary, and so on.

If you are traveling alone for a week, a large backpack with a 40L capacity is more than enough. If you are going to be traveling for three months, you can increase the size to up to 50L.

Avoid using a large backpack since it will just tempt you to overpack, which will weigh you down and cost you extra luggage charges. You can parade your local store to try on different backpacks before deciding on the one that is perfect for you.

Try getting a water-resistant backpack. If you are not able to get one, get a rain cover. It will safeguard all your belongings. Additionally, you can pack water-sensitive stuff like electronics into dry sacks.

A Day Bag

You won’t always be roaming with your backpack glued to your back. There will be one-day and short excursions when you simply bring the necessities for the day and leave your other items at your hotel.

You will find good use of your day bag when exploring cities, towns, forests, and beaches. It must be comfy, durable, lightweight, and big enough to hold stuff for a day out. It can also double as a carry-on.

You need to consider what you will be carrying for your day trip before deciding on the size of your day bag. If you are going to carry electronics and gadgets, you will probably need a larger backpack.

Flip Flops

In Thailand, flip-flops will be your best choice of footwear. Your feet will be taxed by your busy schedules and transportation between locations. Sometimes, all your feet will want is a vacation from wearing shoes.

Pro tip: Thailand is much cheaper, so prepare a list of essentials you can buy there.

Also, certain places like pharmacies, some restaurants, family-owned stores, and homes require you to remove your shoes before entering. You can remove flip-flops easily at these places, though.

A single pair of comfortable and durable flip-flops will last you through the trip.

Water Bottle Or Carrier

Thailand is a hot country, and you will need to be hydrated to avoid getting a heat stroke. Carrying a water bottle as an alternative to plastic bottles is not only good for your pocket but also easy on the environment. Also, refilling the bottle with filtered water is quite cheap.

You can opt for foldable water carriers that are easy to pack and take little space. Carriers also offer a hands-free option and are durable.

Torch Or Flashlight

Of course, your phone has a torch feature; however, you don’t want to use it every waking minute as you will then have to worry about charging it. Also, using your phone while maneuvering over rough terrains can be risky. Instead, carry a torch or an LED that you can attach to your backpack or belt loop. 

Waterproof Phone Pack

Your phone is likely to be one of the most expensive things you’ll bring on your trip.

It is also fragile, and you will need a case that will protect it from water when you visit the beach and in case of falls. A phone pack will also hold your other valuables like a passport, wallet, money, and other small important things safe around your neck.

A sturdy waterproof case would become a lifesaver if you were to visit Thailand during Songkran. However, leaving your phone back at the hotel is always better.

Electrolyte Packs

You tend to quickly lose fluids when traveling around a hot country, especially in the sweltering midday heat when the sun is directly overhead. It’s crucial to periodically replenish your electrolytes and hydrate yourself to prevent having your journey cut short.

You can either carry electrolyte powder or tablets and use them as needed. It is important as a drop in electrolytes in your body can lead to serious health complications. Add some multivitamins as well, as you will eat almost the same thing every day.

We have already covered some of the essentials you will need for your trip, so let’s look at other lists that will cover items like electronics, clothing, and toiletries.

What To Wear In Thailand

Several factors, like the time of year you are traveling, the length of your trip, and the places you intend to visit, will affect what you pack for Thailand.

Remember that you will be backpacking most of the time, so avoid packing too much. Only bring what is absolutely necessary and comfortable. You need not carry extra pairs as laundry services are available at almost every corner and are also quite reasonably priced.

Apart from November to January, the weather in Thailand is scorching and humid, so pack your summer clothes. However, there are many places like temples where you need to be dressed appropriately to gain entry. So,  throw in some modest clothes along with your summer attire when packing for Thailand.

Here is a list of the essential clothing you will need on your trip.

Men’s Clothing Essentials

• 4-5 t-shirts: Include at least 1 long-sleeved t-shirt.
• An evening shirt
• 2 tank tops
• A pair of regular shorts and 2 pairs of swimming shorts
• 1 pair of jeans or loose-fitting pants
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• 1 rain jacket (include it if you are traveling during the monsoon season)
• 1 hoody (comes in handy during early morning hikes when it is chilly)
• A pair of sunglasses
• A hat
• Hiking shoes or sneakers

Women’s Clothing Essentials

1 long-sleeved shirt (essential for your temple visit)

2 t-shirts

1 shawl (comes in handy for temple visits and during early mornings and late evenings when the air is chilly)

2-3 tank tops

4 pairs of underwear

2-3 bras (include at least one sports bra)

2 bathing suits

2 pairs of shorts

2 sun dresses

1 long skirt (for your temple visit)

1 pair of trousers, jeans, or pants

1 rain jacket

Hat

Sunglasses

Hiking shoes or trainers

2 pairs of socks, plus a pair of compression socks to keep you comfortable during a flight

Toiletries

There are many stores in Thailand where you can buy toiletries. However, pack some if you have specific brand requirements or what you may need for the first few days of your trip. 

Unisex and gender-specific toiletry essentials include:

Unisex

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Soap or body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Moisturizer and lip balm
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Deodorant
• Nail cutter
• Sexual hygiene and safety kit

Men

• Shaving cream
• Hair gel
• Razors
• Cologne

Women

• Makeup and hair products
• Pads or tampons
• Perfume
• Razors and shaving creams

First-aid Kit

Thailand’s drug stores and chemists are well-stocked, and many pharmacists speak English. But if you have a specific list of go-to supplies, carry them in a lightweight first aid kit bag. 

Here are some things to include in your kit when you https://www.amazon.com/Motivational-Bottles-Reusable-Carrier-Fitness/dp/B09NXJRPJ2/:

• Diarrhea kit: You must have a diarrhea kit on hand if you intend to indulge in street cuisine.
• Analgesics and antipyretics
• Antiseptic cream
• Motion sickness tablets
• Band-aids

Electronics To Bring To Thailand

Electronics are no more a luxury but a necessity. You will find their use in every aspect of life, including traveling. They will help you eternalize your trip and return to memory lane whenever you want to. 

Carry additional backups to save your photos or make sure you have access to the cloud. If you save all photos on your phone,  you risk losing them all if you lose your phone. Also, try to carry inexpensive items that will serve their purpose, so you will not be left heartbroken in case they are lost.

But if you have the choice to leave them at your hotel, do so and make sure to keep them secure, bringing along only the camera and smartphone.

Here is the list of electronics that you will need to prepare when you pack for Thailand:

• Laptop and charger

• Mobile phone and charger

• • Headphones: If you love music, headphones are a must for your inflight and on-road travels. You can also enjoy a nice audiobook with some noise-canceling headphones. 
  • Tablet: Download some Netflix movies and shows to enjoy some on-flight movie time.
  • Kindle: If you are a serial book reader, carrying this device is a must. The long delays at airports and other locations won’t be as unbearable when you have a book to read. You may learn more about Thailand by reading some excellent books, which will help you prepare for your trip there.
  • Waterproof camera and accessories: These are essential for capturing your underwater adventures.
  • Travel Adaptor: You must be able to configure your electronics to the power outlet in Thailand. It will also help you charge multiple devices at the same time and save them from catching fire due to fluctuating power supply. 
  • Power banks and portable batteries: When you are going to be away from your hotel for a long time, these will prove to be amazing alternatives to charging.
  • HDMI Cables: For nights when you decide on binge-watching your favorite shows.

• Memory cards

• Selfie Sticks

• Tripod

• Drone

Travel Apps

Here are some apps that will come in handy when traveling in Thailand:

Grab: It is the solution to all your travel problems, and you won’t be a victim to fraudulent drivers and faulty meters. It also provides package and food delivery.

Next station: This trip planning app comes in handy when navigating through Bangkok’s MRT.

Google Translate: The camera feature is a must for translating signs and menus. Come in handy at restaurants.

12Go: For booking intercity tickets for buses, trains, ferries.

Wrapping Up

Here, you have it. These are all the essentials you will need on your trip to Thailand. However, remember that Thailand is a big country, and you will have access to almost everything. So make an effort to pack light and avoid trying to be ready for every situation. Also, Thailand is much cheaper, so enjoy a little shopping time as well.