Thailand Packing List (27 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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Packing for Thailand means preparing for many different scenarios. After all, you’ll likely be visiting a multitude of places in Thailand: beaches, temples, cities, and a few rural spots. Forgetting crucial items on such a big trip can be a headache, to say the least.

Admittedly, I made quite a few packing mistakes on my month-long trip to Thailand (my sunburn told the tale). To save you from the same fate, I’ve put this list together to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

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Travel Essentials for Thailand

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this packing list here

Waterproof Dry Bag

Some of the best things in Thailand are the beaches and boat rides. But who wants soggy stuff after a day out on the water? 

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is perfect for keeping your clothes and electronics safe from water. I bring a dry bag on literally every trip and never regret it.

Snorkel Set

Level-up your swim game in Thailand by bringing your own snorkel set. Sure, you can rent them there, but do you really want to put one in your mouth that has been used by hundreds (thousands?) of others?

This Travel Size Snorkeling Gear Set is the solution. It’s highly rated and packs down small to fit in your luggage.

Day Bag

Stylish, durable, and lightweight – oh my! Honestly though, the Osprey Daylite Daypack is an iconic daypack for a reason. It lasts forever and keeps you organized when you’re out and about.

Not quite sold on the backpack idea? Osprey has a whole Daylite collection that includes messenger bags, totes, duffels, and more.

Mosquito Repellent

Choosing between getting bitten by mosquitoes and slathering DEET on your skin often feels like a lose-lose scenario. And those natural options just never seem to work quite right.

Try Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm. It’s one of the few highly-rated natural options with thousands of good reviews. It works by masking your scent with lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, and peppermint.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

You’ve probably accounted for the fact that you need sunscreen in sunny Thailand. But many sunscreens have chemicals that can harm local aquatic ecosystems.

All Good Reef Safe Sunscreen is an SPF 30+ mineral sport sunscreen that is reef-safe and water resistant. Perfect for snorkeling in the ocean or just out and about on a sunny day.

Packable Sunhat

I admit I’m the first person to forget my hat at home. Still, there has never been a beach bum session where I didn’t wish I had one.

The FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw Hat is perfect for beachy travel. It’s packable and smushes up small into even hard-sided carry-on luggage.

Slash Proof Purse

Look, Thailand is a super safe country to visit. I mean, there’s a reason why it’s so popular with travelers. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared.

The Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag is my personal fave cross-body travel bag. It has RFID-blocking pouches, a small flashlight, and enough compartments for all your things. It even has a water bottle pouch on the outside. It’s not the most stylish thing on the planet, but for a travel bag, I think it’s the best.

First Aid Kit

Bug bites, small cuts, and scrapes. Not exactly stuff you want to deal with on the road. Still, when they happen, you’ll be happy you brought the Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit.

It has 80 pieces, including bandages, antibiotic ointment, and gauze.

Aloe Vera

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Thailand is a sunny place. I got a sunburn there (whoops), and even if you cover up, reapply sunscreen, and wear your trusty hat, there’s still a chance you’ll get a little rosy.

Aloe Vera Gel for Face are portioned packs of aloe vera designed specifically for your visage. It’s one of those items that you don’t think you need until you really, really do.

Water Purifier

First of all, it’s not safe to drink the tap water in Thailand. Second of all, I don’t recommend buying single-use bottled water when you travel. Especially when items like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle exist.

I have two GRAYLs and they come with me on every international trip. They’re super easy to use and eliminate all pathogens from your water. I used this exact water filter in Thailand and was perfectly healthy my whole trip.

Compression Packing Cubes

It’s not just luggage space and organization; packing cubes can literally save the day. That sounds dramatic, but packing cubes can take your luggage from a hot mess to easy-peasy lemon squeezy.

I’ve used the Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes for years now (I have the white ones!) Previous cubes I tried would fray, or the zippers would bust, but not these ones. They’re as good as new 3+ years later.

Underwater Camera

If you have a penchant for travel photography but want to level up from your phone, then I have to recommend the GoPro Hero 13 Black.

My GoPro has been part of my travel photography arsenal for years now, and is my go-to when I don’t want to lug around my DSLR. It’s higher quality than a phone and small enough to fit in your pocket. Plus, it goes underwater! Win, win, win.

Waterproof Phone Case

These days, most new smartphones are some degree of waterproof. But that doesn’t mean you don’t want a little phone protection from accidents when you’re out on the water in Thailand.

The Pelican Marine Waterproof Pouch withstands 1 meter of water submersion for up to 30 minutes. Plus, it has a lanyard!

Leave-in Conditioner

If you’re the adventurous type, then chances are you’ll be swimming in the ocean and out in the sun for at least a few days of your Thailand trip. Great for memories, but not so much for your hair.

OUAI Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-In Conditioner protects from heat and helps detangle, leaving your locks happy.

Beach Towel

You’ll absolutely need a beach towel on your trip to Thailand, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with soggy materials and sand everywhere.

The Dock & Bay Beach Towel is lightweight, packs up small, wicks away water, doesn’t hold sand, and is stylish to boot. Plus, it doesn’t feel like a normal microfibre towel (they feel weird, or is it just me?) and is surprisingly soft.

Cooling Towel Set

For those of us who don’t handle heat well, a cooling towel can be a sweet relief. Simply wet the towel with water, shake it, and enjoy a cold towel draped over your shoulders.

The FROGG TOGGS Chilly Pad Instant Cooling Towel is a trusted favorite. It holds up to 8x its weight in water!

Portable Power Bank

From maps to photos, rideshare calls, money conversions, social media, and beyond, we use our phones a lot while on the road. Risking a dead phone just isn’t a good look.

This Portable Charger Power Bank works with many types of smartphones, is relatively small, and has tens of thousands of great ratings. Now all you have to do is remember to charge it.

Portable Door Lock

Again, Thailand is a super safe country. Still, sometimes peace of mind is worth a small price tag.

The Addalock – The Original Portable Door Lock keeps your room door locked whether you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb. Just attach it to your door and you can sleep soundly.

Travel Pillow

If you’re coming from Europe or the Americas, then you know it’s a long way to Thailand. A travel pillow is pretty much a travel essential.

The trtl Pillow is one of the best on the market. The unique design supports your neck and shoulders, and it packs down super small. Goodbye head bobbing, hello beauty sleep!

Travel Laundry Bag

Grossed out by having your clean clothes mingling with your dirty ones in your suitcase? There’s a solution for that. The Kikkerland Travel-Size Laundry Bag has a super cute travel design and is durable for many trips and washes.

Toiletry Bag

I’m going to level with you — not all toiletry bags are created equal. Some have no clear, detachable liquid compartments for when you’re going through airport security, some have no hook for hanging up in the bathroom, and some have no organization.

Well, I can’t say any of those things about this Toiletry Bag Kit Set. It has all of those things, plus it’s cute and lightweight.

Checklist of Other Thailand Essentials to Pack

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Toiletries
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask
• Razors
• Sunglasses
• Phone charger
• Small lock for hostels
• Laptop
• Device chargers
• Passport
• Hand sanitizer
• Kindle
• Ibuprofen
• Dramamine
• Vaccinations
• Contact Lens Solution
• Feminine hygiene products

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Thailand

Whether you’re up in the north or beach bumming in the south, Thailand is a hot country year-round. Overall, you’ll want to pack breathable clothing with natural fabrics.

Further, while Thailand has a fairly relaxed and liberal clothing culture when you’re on the beach, if you have temples on your itinerary, then cover up. To enter temples, your shoulders and knees need to be covered, and I highly recommend shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

But there’s more to it. Here are some of my clothing recommendations for Thailand:

Lightweight Scarf

Full stop, you’re going to want to travel with at least a couple of scarves while in Thailand. The primary reason is that women need to cover their shoulders while entering temples, and the other reason is that the sun can be really, really strong.

The zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf is a great travel scarf. It’s 100% cotton, is big enough to cover your shoulders, and can be worn in many different ways. I also recommend picking up another scarf in Thailand as a memento!

Water Shoes

Whether you’re traipsing in a cave or swimming in the ocean, water shoes are always a good idea to keep your feet safe from sharp objects.

These SEEKWAY Water Shoes have awesome tread, and are packable and lightweight.

Compression Socks

Anyone who’s ever been on a long flight knows that keeping your blood circulating in your legs is kind of a big deal. I mean, arriving in Thailand with puffy feet just isn’t fun.

These Physix Gear Compression Socks have tens of thousands of great reviews, noting their great support and comfort.

Walking Shoes

Fun fact: I once stress-fractured my foot on a 6-month-long trip to Europe by wearing bad shoes. So, I’m here to tell you, invest in quality footwear and you’ll thank yourself for the rest of your life.

These Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneaker are perfect walking shoes for Thailand. They’re breathable (meaning your feet won’t sweat in the hot weather), machine washable, and are podiatrist-certified.

Cover Up

It’s pretty simple: beach vacations require beach coverups. I mean, I know I’m a broken record warning you about the Thai sun, but when I tell you that you want to be proactive, I mean it.

Coverups come in endless styles, but the Blooming Jelly Women’s Swimsuit Coverup is a cute and lightweight option.

Linen Pants

Wide-leg linen pants are a cheat code item for Thailand. They’re breezy and flowy in sticky heat and humidity, but are also perfectly modest for entering temples (you have to have your knees covered).

The Women’s Linen Summer Palazzo Pants are a fantastic option. They’re sleek and go with a bunch of tops, they aren’t see-through, and they’re nice and breathable.

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Thailand

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Thailand? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Thailand: 

• 2-3 pairs of breezy linen pants
• 2-3 pairs of linen shorts
• 1 pair of active shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants
• 3-5 tops or T-shirts (that cover your shoulders)
• 3 long dresses (that cover your knees)
• 1 dressier outfit
• 1-2 bathing suits 
• 1 swim coverup
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 5-7 pairs of socks (1-2 pairs of hiking socks)
• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 bras 
• 1 sports bra
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of outdoor sandals
• 1 pair of slip on sneakers
• 1 Sweater (for planes & buses)
• Sunglasses
• Headphones

Thailand Packing Tips

Wear Breathable Clothing

I’m not going to mince words here… Thailand is a very hot and humid country. For your best bet at staying cool, you definitely want to wear breathable clothing.

Leave the thick fabrics and polyesters at home, and try to opt for natural fabrics or those that are more moisture-wicking.

Cover Up at Temples

Visiting temples is one of the best things to do in Thailand, but you need to dress appropriately. It’s required to have your knees and shoulders covered; you might be asked to leave or wear their one-size-fits-all clothing if not. 

You’ll also want to wear shoes with socks. You have to take your shoes off at the temple doors, and you don’t want to go barefoot.

Which brings me to…

Bring Shoes that Easily Slip Off

One of my best footwear tips for Thailand is to wear closed-toed shoes that you can easily slip on and off. I honestly wasn’t fully prepared for how often I’d have to remove my shoes while out in public in Thailand, and it got to be a bother to constantly have to tie my laces and do up straps.

Between the temples and removing your shoes for the many Thai massages you’re going to get, just bring easy-to-remove shoes.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

You’ve probably heard from a billion sources to pack a capsule wardrobe for travel, but it really is the easiest way to plan your outfits.

A capsule wardrobe means that all your tops and bottoms “go” together so you can mix and match. To create this wardrobe, pack no more than 2-3 colors and bring more basic pieces.

Remember, you can always purchase some Thai jewelry if you want to mix it up!

Plan to Do Laundry

No one really wants to do laundry when they’re on vacation, but cleaning your clothes halfway through your Thailand trip means you only have to pack half as much.

And it’s not fun to think about, but in a country as hot as Thailand, you’ll probably want those sweaty clothes out of your bag anyway.

Many hotels have laundry services, you can get an Airbnb with in-suite laundry, or just hit up a laundromat.

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🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this packing list here

Thanks for reading my guide to packing for Thailand! Up next, check out this list of Thailand travel tips that you should know before you go.