Packing for Thailand is mostly about staying cool, covering up for temples, and being ready for sudden tropical rain. Pack light, since laundry is cheap and easy to find, and leave space for market finds. This Thailand packing list covers your travel essentials, what to wear from temples to beaches, the electronics and toiletries worth bringing, seasonal extras, and what not to pack.
Travel Essentials
- Passport: Valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages. Keep digital and paper copies.
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): All foreign visitors must complete this online form before arriving. Do it in the few days before your flight.
- Travel insurance: Make sure it covers medical care and activities such as diving or riding a scooter, which usually requires a valid motorcycle license.
- A Thailand eSIM: An egoViet Thailand eSIM connects as soon as you land, so you can book a ride from the airport, use maps, and translate menus without roaming fees.
- A travel card: A card with no foreign transaction fees, plus some cash. ATMs charge a fee per withdrawal, so withdraw larger amounts less often.
- A day bag: A light backpack or crossbody bag for day trips.
- A reusable insulated water bottle: Many hotels have refill stations, and cold water is a lifesaver in the heat.
- A small padlock: For hostel lockers and bags on long journeys.
What to Wear in Thailand
- Temple clothes: Cover your shoulders and knees at temples and the Grand Palace. Light long trousers, a long skirt, or a sarong plus a T-shirt work well. A light scarf or sarong is useful to cover up quickly.
- Breathable clothes: Cotton and linen, loose and light-colored, for the heat and humidity.
- Swimwear: Wear it only on the beach or by the pool, and cover up in town.
- Flip-flops or sandals: Easy to slip off, as you will remove your shoes at temples and many homes and shops.
- Comfortable walking shoes: For cities, markets, and ruins, plus hiking shoes if you plan to trek in the north.
- A hat and sunglasses: The sun is strong all year.
- Shorts with zip pockets: Handy for keeping valuables safe in crowds.
- A light layer: For heavily air-conditioned malls, buses, and trains, and cool evenings in the northern mountains from December to February.
Electronics and Accessories
- A universal adapter: Thailand uses 220 V. Most sockets take type A and C plugs, but some accept other types, so a universal adapter is safest.
- A power bank: For long days of navigating and taking photos.
- A waterproof phone pouch: Essential for boat trips, waterfalls, and Songkran.
- Packing cubes: To keep your bag organized when moving between islands.
- A sleep mask and earplugs: For overnight trains, buses, and noisy streets.
- A neck pillow: For long flights and overnight journeys.
Toiletries and Medication
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Some marine parks ban chemical sunscreen, and good sunscreen can be expensive locally.
- Insect repellent and bite cream: Especially in the rainy season and in rural areas.
- Electrolyte sachets: To recover from heat and long days.
- A small first-aid kit: Plasters, antiseptic, pain relief, and medicine for an upset stomach.
- Prescription medication: In its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription.
Seasonal Extras
- Rainy season (June to October): A compact umbrella or light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and a dry bag.
- Hot season (March to May): A portable fan, a cooling towel, and extra sunscreen.
- Cool season in the north (December to February): A fleece or light jacket for mountain mornings and evenings.
What Not to Pack for Thailand
- Vapes and e-cigarettes: They are illegal in Thailand, and you can be fined heavily for bringing or using them.
- Certain medications: Some medicines that are legal at home, such as strong painkillers and some ADHD medicines, are controlled in Thailand and may need a permit. Check the rules before you travel.
- Drones without registration: Drones must be registered with the Thai authorities before you fly them.
- Too many clothes: Laundry services are cheap and fast almost everywhere.
- Expensive jewelry: Leave valuables at home.
Ready to Go?
Plan your trip with our Thailand travel guide, choose your dates with the best time to visit Thailand, and read up on common Thailand tourist scams before you fly.
FAQs: Thailand Packing List
What should I wear in Thailand?
Wear light, breathable clothes. Cover your shoulders and knees at temples and the Grand Palace, and keep swimwear for the beach and pool.
Do I need a plug adapter for Thailand?
Thailand uses 220 V, and most sockets accept type A and C plugs. A universal adapter is the safest option.
Can I bring a vape to Thailand?
No. Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand, and you can be fined for bringing or using them.
Can I wear shorts in Thailand?
Yes, in most places. But you must cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples and royal sites.