Thailand is easy to pack for, but hard to pack perfectly for. You might spend one week sweating through Bangkok temples, another swimming in Phuket, then a cool morning in Chiang Mai where a light jacket suddenly feels smart. The trick is packing light, breathable, respectful and practical.
Essential documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
- Approved Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) QR code.
- Visa or eVisa copy if your nationality requires one.
- Travel insurance certificate and emergency assistance number.
- Hotel booking for your first night and return/onward ticket.
- Digital and printed copies of passport, TDAC, visa and insurance.
Clothing for Thailand's climate
Pack lightweight fabrics: linen, cotton, bamboo, rayon and technical quick-dry shirts. Avoid heavy denim, thick hoodies and anything that stays wet for hours. A typical 10-day trip needs:
- 4-5 breathable tops.
- 2-3 shorts or skirts for casual days.
- 1-2 lightweight trousers or long skirts for temples.
- 1 modest shirt or scarf that covers shoulders.
- Swimwear and a light cover-up.
- One nicer outfit for rooftop bars or hotel restaurants.
- A thin rain jacket if travelling May to October.
Temple outfit rules
Temples are not beach clubs. At the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Doi Suthep and many smaller temples, shoulders and knees must be covered. Flip-flops are fine because shoes are removed inside, but avoid see-through fabrics, crop tops and very short shorts. A simple sarong or scarf solves most problems.
Footwear
Bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals, plus one pair of flip-flops for beaches and showers. Bangkok pavements can be uneven, and temple days involve far more walking than expected. If you plan jungle trekking, bring proper trainers with grip.
Health and comfort items
- SPF 50 sunscreen, ideally reef-safe for marine parks.
- Mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin.
- Electrolyte sachets for hot days.
- Basic medicines: paracetamol, antihistamine, motion sickness tablets, stomach relief.
- Hand sanitiser and small tissue pack for public bathrooms.
- Reusable water bottle if your hotel has refill stations.
Electronics
Thailand uses Type A, B, C, F and O sockets. Voltage is 220V. Most modern phone/laptop chargers are compatible, but bring a universal adapter. A power bank is very useful for long sightseeing days, and an eSIM or local SIM helps with Grab, maps and translation.
Beach and island extras
- Dry bag for boat trips.
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Rash vest or UPF shirt for snorkelling days.
- Microfiber towel if staying in hostels or budget guesthouses.
- Small padlock for hostel lockers or ferry luggage storage.
What not to pack
Do not overpack toiletries. Thailand has Boots, Watsons, 7-Eleven and pharmacies everywhere. Avoid bringing drones without checking registration rules, large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery, or any medicine containing restricted substances without a prescription.
Final pre-flight checklist
Before you leave for the airport, confirm your TDAC, passport validity, hotel address, insurance and return ticket. If your TDAC is not done yet, use our assisted service and get it reviewed before arrival.