Our Thailand Packing List: Checklist for Your Dream Vacation
Updated: Nov 14
If you're currently planning your Thailand vacation but aren't sure what to pack, then you're in the right place!
We've created a detailed packing list for Thailand that will support you during your packing and allow you to board the plane with peace of mind, as it includes all the essential items for your trip.
Table of Contents
1. Climate in Thailand
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia and has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall. The climate in Thailand can be divided into three main seasons: the hot season, the rainy season, and the cool season.
Hot Season (March to May): During this time, temperatures often rise above 35°C. Humidity is high, and there is little rainfall. This is the hottest time of the year in Thailand.
Rainy Season (June to October): Thailand experiences heavy and frequent rainfall during the rainy season, which can lead to flooding. Temperatures decrease slightly but remain warm. Humidity is very high during this time.
Cool Season (November to February): This is the most popular time for travel to Thailand. Temperatures are milder, often ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Humidity is lower, and there is less rainfall. This is also the main tourist season in Thailand.
2. The Right Luggage for Your Vacation in Thailand
For your vacation in Thailand, you'll need a larger backpack or suitcase. Since we're always on the move, we prefer a backpack over a bulky suitcase - but of course, it's a matter of personal preference and depends on your plans for the vacation.
In general, we recommend taking along a large backpacker backpack as well as a smaller backpack for day trips. During the flight, you can use the smaller backpack as carry-on luggage, and during your trip, it's perfect for shorter outings.
You can store all your important items in the day backpack, such as your passport, money, and other valuables that you always want to have with you. Large backpacks often end up in the luggage compartment during bus transfers, but you can always keep your day backpack with you.
Secret tip: we have a rain cover for both our day backpack and our trekking backpack. This not only protects against sudden rain showers but also potentially against pickpockets.
3. Our Detailed Thailand Packing List for Your Backpacking Vacation
Thailand Checklist: Travel Documents and Money
You should definitely have the following documents with your travel materials in your day backpack when traveling to Thailand:
Passport (+ copy of important documents stored elsewhere, e.g., in the trekking backpack)
Flight tickets
Wallet
Credit card
Health insurance card / International travel insurance
Cash
International driver's license
Possibly vaccination certificate
Optional: student ID
Thailand Packing List: Clothing
The following clothing items are essential for your vacation in Thailand. Please note that you'll have opportunities to do laundry along the way, so don't pack too much and opt for clothing that can be easily mixed and matched.
Make sure to pack the following items:
Underwear (including sports bras)
Socks and hiking socks
Swimwear (bikini, swim trunks, etc.)
Pyjamas
3-4 T-shirts
Performance shirt
Thin long-sleeved shirt
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long pants
Sportswear
Dressier outfit (e.g., dress or shirt for cocktails at a rooftop bar in Bangkok)
Outfit that covers shoulders and knees (for visiting temples)
Cardigan
Thailand Packing List: Shoes
Shoes take up a lot of space in your luggage (and add extra weight), so it's essential to consider in advance which activities you plan to do and which shoes you'll need for them. Also, make sure your shoes are well broken-in if possible.
Sneakers
Flip-flops, Slides, etc.
Optional: Ballet flats
Optional: Hiking boots
Thailand Packing List: Hygiene Products
When it comes to our hygiene items, we always aim for compact, lightweight options with minimal packaging. Additionally, we transfer our favorite cosmetics like shampoo, shower gel, and heat protectant into travel-sized containers, as they often don't come in smaller sizes.
Here's everything we bring in our backpack for a trip to Thailand:
Shampoo, body wash, and conditioner
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Cotton swabs
Hairbrush
Hair ties
Makeup
Razor
Tweezers
Tampons, sanitary pads
Face cream and other skincare products
Body lotion
Small microfiber towel for on-the-go use
Thailand Packing List: Travel Pharmacy
For your trip to Thailand, you should definitely think about your travel pharmacy in advance. We have compiled a separate post (Travel Pharmacy Thailand) where we inform you about the medications that are essential to bring along with a first aid kit for your trip to Thailand.
Because it can sometimes be difficult to obtain the correct and original medications locally, always play it safe and bring your own small pharmacy for the road.
In addition to medications, you should, of course, also have appropriate sun protection.
Adequate mosquito protection is also essential. In addition to light-colored clothing (for men / women), mosquito sprays and a mosquito net are helpful.
Thailand Packing List: Technology
Here's a list of our technical equipment, which is also part of our luggage. Depending on whether or what content or holiday memories you want to create, you should also have the appropriate equipment with you.
Camera (including lenses, batteries, and filters)
Drone (including spare batteries)
Laptop
Charging cables (for phone, camera, drone, laptop)
Plug adapter
Headphones
Thailand Packing List: Miscellaneous
Finally, here are a few more items that are essential in our luggage:
Sunglasses
Cap for sun protection
Small combination lock for your hiking backpack
Waterproof sunscreen (the best waterproof sunscreen from our point of view, as it doesn't stick, absorbs quickly, and cools - worth its price 100%)
Optional: diving mask & snorkel
Cover for protecting your backpack during flights or bus rides etc.
Lightweight sleeping bag (in case you don't want to lie directly in bed in a hostel)
Tip: Try Audible for free for 30 days and listen to audiobooks on vacation or during the journey.
If you need more information for your trip, the following articles can help you with your planning:
If you want more insights into our travels, feel free to check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_mser! If you have any questions about the routes, you can always contact us through these channels.
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