Checklist
Thailand Packing List
Everything you need for a trip to Thailand — from one week to a year. Tick off items as you pack, then print for reference at the airport.
Seasonal packing notes
Hot Season (Mar–May): Maximum breathable clothing — linen, cotton. Pack two swimwear sets. Sunscreen is essential. Light hat.
Rainy/Green Season (Jun–Oct): Packable rain poncho or small umbrella. Quick-dry fabrics. Dry bag for valuables on boats. Waterproof sandals.
Cool Season (Nov–Feb): North Thailand (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai) can reach 10–15°C at night. Add a light fleece. South coast beaches are still hot.
👕Clothing
Pack light — laundry is cheap (฿30–60/kg). Avoid overpacking. One week of clothes is usually enough even for a month-long trip.
- Lightweight T-shirts or linen shirts (5–7)
- Shorts or lightweight trousers (3–4 pairs)
- Light long-sleeved top for temples and air-conditioned places
- Swimwear (2 sets)
- Underwear and socks (7 pairs each)
- Light rain jacket or packable poncho
- Sandals or flip-flops (slip-on for temple visits)
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- Dress/smart-casual outfit for nicer restaurants
- Scarf or sarong (for temple modesty and beach)
- Cool-season addition: light fleece or hoodie (Chiang Mai Nov–Feb, air-con on buses/trains)
🧴Toiletries
Most items are available cheaply at 7-Eleven, Big C, and pharmacies. Only pack essentials for the flight; restock on arrival.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring from home — imported brands are expensive)
- Insect repellent (DEET-based for jungle/rainforest; buy locally)
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner (small travel size — buy locally thereafter)
- Razor and shaving gel
- Wet wipes / facial wipes
- Hand sanitiser (small bottle)
- Feminine hygiene products (available everywhere)
- Nail clippers
💻Electronics
Thailand uses Type A/B/C outlets at 220V. Bring a universal adapter or check your devices support 100–240V.
- Phone + charger
- Laptop + charger (if needed)
- Universal travel adapter
- Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Earphones or headphones
- Camera (optional — modern phones are excellent)
- E-reader (long journeys and beaches)
- Lightweight tablet (optional)
- USB charging cable (spare)
- Waterproof phone pouch (for beach and boat trips)
📄Documents
Keep originals in a hotel safe; carry certified photocopies. Store digital copies in cloud storage.
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates)
- Visa (if required — check your nationality)
- Flight tickets — printout or offline screenshot
- Hotel confirmations (first and key nights)
- Travel insurance policy + emergency contact number
- International driving permit (if renting motorbike or car)
- Vaccination record / Yellow Card (hepatitis A, typhoid recommended)
- ATM and credit cards (Wise/Revolut for low fees)
- Small amount of Thai Baht for arrival (฿2,000–5,000)
- Emergency contact list (printed)
💊Medicines & First Aid
Thai pharmacies are excellent — most medications available without prescription. Still worth packing a basic kit.
- Personal prescription medications (3-month supply + doctor's letter)
- Antihistamines (for food allergies, insect bites, hay fever)
- Imodium / anti-diarrhoeal tablets
- Rehydration sachets (ORS) — essential in hot weather
- Paracetamol / ibuprofen
- Antiseptic cream and plasters
- Blister plasters (for walking days)
- Motion sickness tablets (for boat and bus trips)
- Probiotics (to maintain gut health)
- Thermometer
🎒Extras & Nice to Haves
- Small day pack or foldable tote bag
- Reusable water bottle (refill at 7-Eleven water machines for ฿1)
- Padlock for hostel lockers
- Dry bag (10–20L) for water activities
- Mini sewing kit
- Cable ties and rubber bands
- Snacks for long journeys (Thai snacks are readily available en route)
- Phrasebook or downloaded Google Translate (Thai language pack)