Got a trip to Thailand coming up but don’t know where to start when it comes to packing?
I’m here to help! For a trip like this where bulky items are not needed and shorts/bathing suits will be worn almost 24/7, you’ve got a lot more flexibility (and free luggage room)!
This packing guide contains all my Thailand travel essentials, made to help you feel confident that you’ll have everything you’ll need for the trip. Regardless if you’re going to the high elevations of Northern Thailand or the beaches of Southern Thailand, I’m going to help you pack like a pro!
Many of the items in this packing list are considered essentials, which means they can be used on many other future trips, too. So, if you find yourself needing to buy a lot of things for your trip, I assure you that you’ll be setting yourself up for success on future trips.
Don’t forget to snag your free PDF download at the bottom of this packing guide!
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Still working on planning your trip to Thailand? Here are a few of our Thailand travel guides that can help:
- 25 Activities For Your Bangkok Bucket List That Aren’t Temples
- 5 Days In Bangkok: Street Eats, Night Markets, Temples, & More
- Discovering Bangkok’s Backstreets, One Bite At A Time
- 3 Days In Hua Hin: A Seaside Escape from Bangkok
- 14 Best Markets In Chiang Mai (Day and Night Markets)
- 8 Things To Do In Nimmanhaemin: Chiang Mai’s Trendy Neighborhood
Table of Contents
Fashion / Style: What To Expect In Thailand
When it comes to style in Thailand, it’s all about staying cool and comfy. You’ll see tourists in loose-fitting elephant pants, tanks, dresses, and shorts – basically, anything that keeps the heat off.
Local fashion is pretty lax too, with many Thais opting for t-shirts, long sleeves, and long pants despite the humidity. It’s funny because they make it look so easy to walk under the sun without sweating, like they’re somehow immune to the heat!
But don’t stress about fashion too much—comfort is key here. Just keep it simple and practical, especially if you’re planning to visit temples where modesty is a must.
Understand The Weather in Thailand Before Packing
Simply put, Thailand is hot and humid. Let’s just get that out of the way first.
With that said, Thailand’s weather can change depending on where in the country you are. If you’re headed to the northern areas like Chiang Mai, you’ll find it a bit cooler, especially in the evenings. It’s a nice break from the heat, but you still want to pack for warm days.
Meanwhile, places like Bangkok and the southern islands like Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket? Super humid year-round, so light, breathable fabrics are a must.
The rainier and more humid months usually hit from May to October, especially in the south, so if you’re heading to the beachy spots or Khao Sok National Park, be ready for some tropical downpours.
Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, and make sure you’re packing light layers if you’re heading north.
Another thing to keep in mind: there are mosquitoes here. Tropical weather always comes with mosquitoes!
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate getting bitten, so mosquitoes are the #1 factor that dictates what I wear from one destination to the next.
Think Through Your Thailand Activities Before Packing
What activities are you going to be doing in Thailand? Will you be spending a lot of time in temples? Doing adrenaline-pumping activities? Will you be getting onto a watercraft? Giving baths to elephants? Or perhaps you plan on staying by the pool and lounging on the beach for most of your trip.
Your planned activities will influence your final Thailand packing list.
If you’re going to be doing water activities or hiking activities, there’s a lot of extra stuff you need to bring, like waterproof phone pouches, snorkeling equipment, hiking shoes, etc.
If beach lounging and eating around town is what your main objective is, you won’t need much other than beachwear and light, casual clothing.
Packing Gear: How To Carry Your Stuff To Thailand
Before you pack anything, it’s important to start with the bones of packing. Having the right bags to put your belongings in is extremely important. The last thing you want is to toss everything for your trip into a bag with no method of organization.
Why? Because you’ll find yourself spending a lot of extra time later on packing and repacking once you’re actually on your trip. Trust me, your life will be so much easier when you actually apply a strategy to how you pack.
You’ve got two options here. Do you want to go with a wheeled case or a travel backpack?
Wheeled suitcases are awesome in that they are pretty much weightless on your body. You just roll and go. No need to break a sweat by carrying all of your belongings on your back.
They’re better for luxury trips where you just want to relax. They’re also good if you don’t plan on moving a lot on your trip (i.e. staying at 1-3 hotels total over the course of 2 weeks).
The other option is a travel backpack. Travel packs are so convenient when it comes to hands-free commuting. They’re my go-to when I know I’ll need to get around on foot a lot during the trip (i.e. going from bus stations/train stations to new hotels).
Depending on how frequently you’re moving around / flying to new cities / changing hotels in Thailand, one option might be better than the other.
1. Wheeled suitcase
I pair my Monos Carry-On Pro + a regular sized travel pack whenever I take trips to tropical destinations (where bulky clothes are not needed). This carry-on is roomy, sturdy as heck, and super cute. It even has a laptop sleeve in the front that can fit all your smaller gadgets, papers, and tech gear.
If you’re in the market for a new suitcase, I’d actually recommend the Carry-On Pro Plus instead. It’s one size up, meaning you’ll have slightly more room to pack stuff, but will still fit in airplane overhead bins with no problem.
I love the Monos brand and all the bags they offer!
If I can, I’ll always go with carry-on luggage before opting for a checked bag. Why? You can just get through the airport so much faster without a checked bag.
2. Travel backpack
For more adventurous trips (or trips where you’ll be on the move a lot), a travel backpack may be better than a wheeled suitcase. You’ll be able to get from point A to point B so much quicker without having the wheels slow you down!
Personally, I love my Osprey Aura AG 50 so much.
This bag is extremely comfortable because of its super intense hip belt (if you get it, you’ll see what I mean) and is perfect for those warm travel days due to the ventilation technology.
I actually went backpacking with this pack and can attest to its greatness. Totally worth the investment. If you’re looking for a new travel bag or backpacking bag, GET THIS BAG! You won’t regret it.
3. Packing cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to packing.
They are amazing at creating space in your luggage that you never thought you had. No matter how you organize your clothes— by day, by outfit, by type—these will be the most useful thing you have in your packing artillery.
Gone are the days where you need to dig through your entire suitcase for that one thing you’re looking for, because you’ll know exactly where it’s at.
These days, there are so many to choose from. But after testing out dozens of options for myself, the ones that I swear by now are the compressible packing cubes by Monos Travel.
The quality of these cubes is next level. Honestly, I don’t think I can ever go back to the cheap ones after discovering these.
If those fall out of your budget: it seems they’ve recently made a Monos compression packing cube dupe.
4. Everyday bag
A mini backpack or a sling bag that can fit a water bottle, phone, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen is a must.
And if you’re able to find a bag that folds flat so that you’re able to stow it in your carry-on, even better! I like the BAGGU Nylon Crescent Bag or my trusty Bellroy Sling Bag for something simple and compressible, so when I’m not using it, I can flatten it and store it in my luggage.
Papu is absolutely obsessed with his Bellroy Sling Bag too!
👉 MY FAVORITE THINGS FOR TRAVEL: Check out all of my favorite long-lasting travel essentials on my Amazon storefront.
Clothing: What To Wear In Thailand
5. Tops
For a lot of other tropical destinations, I’d normally tell you that you really don’t need that many shirts, especially if you choose versatile pieces you can dress multiple ways.
But Thailand is a different beast. The humidity there is next level (even during the winter months), so by the end of the day, expect your tops to be soaked in sweat/dampness.
In Thailand, we don’t skimp on the number of shirts we pack. You can aim to bring 1 shirt for every day you’re there with one caveat: if you have access to a washing machine or a laundromat.
If you plan to wash your clothes once, you can cut the number of tops you’ll need to pack by half. If you plan to wash your clothes twice, cut it down to a third.
You can go with a mix of sleeveless and sleeved shirts, with one caveat — depending on which part of the country you visit, mosquitos will be a problem! To save your arms from getting bitten by mosquitos, pack 1-2 loose and lightweight long sleeves.
I like to bring light button-ups that I can throw over a tank top (a very Jane Goodall look).
6. Pants
Bring at least 2 pairs of long pants for days where you plan to be out in jungly / less developed areas—they’ll protect you from bugs, scratches, and sun exposure. Plus, you’ll need to cover your knees when visiting temples, so these will come in handy on heavy sightseeing days.
Okay, back to the pesky bugs. In places like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the mosquitos stay out of sight until nightfall. In less developed areas, they can be out all day. Loose pants are great for protecting against mosquitos!
Go with loose and light materials like cotton or linen. Jeans are way too hot for Thailand travel, so just skip them altogether.
7. Shorts or skirts
2-3 pairs will do. If you plan on wearing more dresses, you can definitely cut out some tops and bottoms and substitute them with dresses.
8. Bike shorts
I love multifunctional bike shorts like the ones by Beyond Yoga. They have become a staple in my hot weather arsenal too. They’re super-versatile because these guys are very opaque, meaning they can be worn alone or layered under clothes.
I find that I can wear them in all sorts of situations — under a light dress, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, working out, on airplanes, and even as pajama bottoms! Love ’em!
9. Leggings
Leggings are very useful if you plan on working out at your hotel, hiking, or want something comfortable to lounge in on the plane ride. I love traveling with leggings and can’t really go on any trip without at least 1 pair!
A pair of lightweight leggings is a great option if you’re looking for breathability while getting that protection from bugs and the sun’s UV rays. Get a pair with pockets!
10. Dresses
Plan to pack ~3 long dresses for your trip to Thailand. Long or flowy dresses/skirts are really great options if you want to save space in your luggage.
Aim for dresses that extend below the knee to meet temple dress codes and protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in the evenings.
Also, bring dresses that extend below the knee and don’t have high slits on the sides. Temples have strict modesty rules, and even small details like leg slits can make your outfit inappropriate.
I learned the hard way when I showed up at a temple and was forced to clip the slits on my long Lululemon dress before being allowed to enter.
Save yourself the hassle by choosing flowy maxi dresses or midi-length options without slits, or with slits that stop well below the knee. This goes for shoulders too! Nothing too revealing—temples require covered shoulders, so opt for dresses with sleeves or pack a lightweight shawl to drape over your shoulders when needed.
My rule of thumb: To save room for things I plan to buy on vacation, I’ll always bring ~2 outfits less than the number of days I plan on traveling. I know historically I tend to not wear everything I pack, so I’ve adjusted for this in the packing process. Plus, everything you bring is washable and re-wearable. You should evaluate your situation and adjust for it as well!
My Picks: Tropical Vacationwear
11. Underwear and socks
Bring 1 pair of underwear for as many days as you’re going to be traveling. Sometimes, I even bring extra for changing out of bathing suits after a visit to the beach.
I also tend to bring fewer socks than the number of days I’m visiting because I find that I wear sandals more than shoes in Thailand!
These items are light enough that overpacking ’em is not a problem.
12. Bras
Depending on your activity level, 3-4 will do. Because I’m pretty active and tend to do a lot of fast walking without even noticing it, I typically bring more sports bras than regular bras as I’m constantly sweating.
In order to save on luggage space, bring less and just throw them in the wash or handwash as needed.
👉 Pro Tip: Your swimming suit tops can function as bras too!
13. Comfortable Walking Shoes
You should at least bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes with good support and traction.
My all-time favorite travel shoes these days are the tried and true Ecco Soft 7 (they’re stylish, comfortable, and have been raved about for decades since they were first created)! The best part is that they have them for both men and women.
14. Sandals
When traveling to tropical destinations, sandals or flip-flops that can handle water are a must. For sandals, I alternate between my EVA Foam Birkenstocks and Oofos Recovery Slides— both allow you to walk miles and miles and use them at the beach.
15. A pair of cuter sandals
Something like the KEEN Elle Backstrap Sandal or the ECCO Flowt Wedge Cork Sandal are gonna be cute and functional.
16. Cardigan or lightweight jacket
For those temple coverup moments and nighttime mosquito protection, you’ll want a light and versatile cardigan with you.
17. Rain jacket / poncho
Despite the warm weather, Thailand tends to get quite a bit of rain depending on the season and which part of the country you’re in.
To be safe, pack along a travel-friendly umbrella and a packable light rain jacket or poncho if there’s any potential for rain in the forecast.
18. Shawl / pashmina shawl
One of my travel must-haves! No matter where I travel, I’ll always have a trusty pashmina shawl in my bag.
Not only can you use them for warmth or style, but you can also use them as a coverup at the temples/shrines, after beaching, as a towel, as a mat on grass/sand/dirt, as a quick rain shield, or as an emergency skirt if your bottoms get stained or soaked somehow.
And if you tend to run cold, a shawl will come in handy when you’re indoors (bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.).
19. Swimsuit
2-3 pairs will do, depending on how much you plan on swimming and beaching. It’s okay to pack extra, in case you need to hit the beach or pool and the ones you wore previously haven’t had a chance to fully dry yet.
My Tropical Vacay Swimwear Picks
20. Sleepwear / loungewear
Yoga pants and a t-shirt or workout clothes are all you need. You can really save luggage space here! These same items can be used as pajamas, loungewear, and comfy outfits on transit days.
Accessories To Pack For Thailand
21. Sunglasses
Because it can get really bright during summer afternoons.
If you’re in the market for a new pair, I personally really like the retro designs by I-SEA. They’ll go so well with your cute vacay outfits.
22. Hat / Baseball Cap
Hats are so necessary for sun protection, don’t forget it! You most definitely should have one if you’re going to be spending any prolonged time outdoors.
23. Hair accessories
Pack hair accessories like bobby pins, headbands, hair ties, and clips to keep your hair (and bangs) out of your face in Thailand’s humid weather.
Want to elevate your vacation look? Consider pairing your outfits with some accessories! Here are some of my tropical vacation accessory picks:
Toiletries To Pack For Thailand
24. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is absolutely necessary. Even if it’s overcast or cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors.
Whenever we head to tropical destinations with ample marine life, we always go with a coral reef-safe brand, as traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that harm our environment as well as the natural balance of marine ecosystems.
Honestly, it’s not enough to just buy any old bottle that has a “reef-friendly” label on it. It turns out many sunscreens claiming to be “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” actually aren’t!
Products containing the following ingredients are technically NOT reef safe: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or nanoparticles.
Here are a few travel-sized biodegradable sunscreens you can find on Amazon or at your local health food store:
- Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen – SPF 40 Kids Clear Sport
- Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
- Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- All Good Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion
On days when we are just out and about (i.e. not getting into the water)–we are absolutely obsessed with the magical Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen for the face. It goes on completely matte–no white-cast, no greasy film!
25. Mosquito repellent
Depending on the part of the country you choose and the season you go, there may be tons of mosquitoes or… slightly fewer mosquitoes. Typically the more undeveloped the area, the more prevalent mosquitos are.
Places like Bangkok’s city center or the breezy islands often have fewer mosquitoes, while jungly areas like Chiang Mai or Khao Sok National Park are where you’ll need to lather it on thick.
You can bring your own repellent from home, which is handy for the first few days, but don’t worry if you run out. We usually stock up at the local 7-Eleven or a nearby drugstore, where you can grab the little pink bottles of mosquito repellent that all the Thai locals swear by—it works like a charm and is super affordable (no more than $2 USD).
Aside from the local brand, our current favorite right now is PARA’KITO — ALL of their products are made in France using only natural essential oils, yet work so well to deter the bugs. We especially love the wristbands and the roll-on repellent!
As an alternative to using mosquito repellent directly on your skin, you can also get PARA’KITO’s mosquito repellent wristbands (we’ve tested these in Thailand, and they actually work SO well), their mosquito repellent clips, or wear long-sleeved tops and loose linen pants.
26. Bug bite relief products
No matter how hard we’ve tried in Thailand, we’ve always ended up with at least a couple here and there.
If you do get a mosquito bite, these two products can help soothe the irritation:
- Cutter Bug Bite Patches: These hydrocolloid patches work by absorbing fluids from the bite, helping to heal and prevent scratching. Good for both kids and adults.
- Bite Away – Electronic Bug Bite Treatment: This device uses heat to treat bites without chemicals. Instead, it calms itching and swelling.
27. TSA-approved travel bottles
GoToob travel bottles are my favorite thing ever. Made of high-quality silicone, they are extremely durable, have never leaked on me, and are super easy to squeeze.
For something even more elevated, check out these Cadence capsules. They cost a lot of money, but it’s been years and mine are still going strong!
28. Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes
Feeling a bit gross after a hike, swim, or just sweating from your walk through town? Don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out one of these body wipes for a quick refresher.
And for the ladies specifically, it’s always good to carry around feminine wipes, especially for those post-beach or post-swimming scenarios (to keep potential UTI’s away!). The ones I like are both very affordable and take up no space at all.
It’s always good to have a few handy in your travel backpack when you’re out on a day of excursions.
29. Shower supplies
These are usually provided by hotels, but if you have sensitive skin or you’re particular about using your own products and brands, then don’t forget to pack them.
If you’re staying at a hostel, you’ll likely need to bring your own towel.
30. Dental care supplies
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash. If you happen to forget to bring anything, you can simply ask the front desk or concierge for some.
But really, don’t forget the floss! If you haven’t heard of Cocofloss, now you have. This was the only kind of floss to get me to start flossing on a daily basis. YOU ARE WELCOME.
Because we hate the feeling of food in our teeth, we actually go one step further and bring along our travel-friendly quip Water Flosser. This thing gets tons of particles out of our teeth after every meal, it’s crazy!
31. Deodorant
You’re going to be super sweaty in Thailand as soon as you step outside of air-conditioned areas, so bring deodorant if you tend to sweat or omit body odor.
32. Makeup (Optional)
Makeup, optional?? Yes, you read that right.
Some women bring a huge collection of makeup wherever they go. I also love to wear makeup on vacations! But it’ll be hot, humid, and your face will be sweaty and oily from the sun exposure. Or, you’ll be beaching and adventuring SO much that you won’t need to wear makeup.
I find that when I do multi-country trips, as soon as I hit Southeast Asia, I don’t touch my makeup bag at all. There’s too much sweating! It’s just my skincare routine + some SPF for the day.
The only time you might want to wear makeup in Thailand is if you plan on going out to the fancier bars or clubs. Otherwise, no one is judging. Bring only what you need.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a lot of toiletries and plan to move around a lot, it may be best to keep everything in a hanging toiletry bag. These things are so darn convenient, and they’ll save you a ton of space–especially if you’re rooming with others or are dealing with a tight bathroom.
33. Dry shampoo
I try not to wash my hair every day, but at the same time, Thailand can get pretty hot and humid. To prevent greasiness and questionable head smells, use some dry shampoo and you’ll be good as new. I like this dry shampoo by amika.
👉 Pro Tip: Remember, no aerosols in your carry-on. This will have to go in your checked luggage.
34. DIY survival kit
Make a little bag of the following: ibuprofen, allergy pills, Immodium, ciprofloxacin (or whatever your doctor prescribes for traveler’s diarrhea), bandaids, floss, hand sanitizer, eye drops, lip balm, a Sharpie, pen, tape, and extra contact lenses (if applicable).
Think about the ailments you typically suffer from and have to deal with on a regular basis and adjust the contents of the bag as needed.
👉 Pro Tip: Pack some Immodium, Pepto-Bismol, and/or ciprofloxacin (from the doctor) just in case the local food doesn’t sit well in your stomach. While we’ve never personally gotten sick in Thailand, we’re not all the same. Other people’s stomachs might not be used to the differences in food and spice levels–especially if you’re going to be trying street food during your trip.
35. Extra plastic baggies
Because you never know, but they always come in handy.
36. Tissue / antibacterial wipes
Sometimes, your hands get dirty. Sometimes, there’s no toilet paper in the public bathrooms. A pack of tissues ALWAYS comes in handy!
37. Laundry soap
Bring a super-concentrated soap so you can do your own laundry if you’re going to be taking a long trip. We usually wash our swimwear and coverup clothing after hitting the pool or beach to prevent them from smelling funky. One bottle usually lasts us years since we only use it on trips.
By doing your own laundry, you can save on those insane dry cleaning fees that most high-end charge. What’s even worse–they usually charge per article of clothing!
We personally don’t bother bringing our own. Instead, we rely on the local laundromats offering wash-and-fold services. It’s super convenient—we’ll drop off our clothes in the morning and pick them up the same evening or, at worst, the next morning.
This saves time and effort, and as a bonus, we avoid the stiffness of air-dried clothes, which we’re just not fans of.
Electronics + Documents To Pack For Thailand
38. Waterproof Phone Pouch
While most new phones are waterproof to some extent these days, they aren’t meant to stay submerged for prolonged periods of time without protection. With an actual waterproof phone bag, you’ll rest much easier and be able to get some really cool underwater footage.
On my last 10-day stay in Chiang Mai, I forgot to pack my waterproof phone case on my elephant sanctuary excursion. Sadly, I had to keep my phone on land to prevent the sweet elephants from splashing water on it!
And if you plan on going to Southern Thailand for the beaches and the water activities, that’s an even better reason to pack a phone pouch with you.
This simple waterproof phone pouch provides excellent housing for underwater photos and videos. You can wear it across your body, and they even float in case you accidentally drop it overboard.
39. Camera (DSLR, Osmo, or GoPro)
iPhones are typically good enough for the average vacationer, but some higher-quality pictures definitely wouldn’t hurt!
These days I’ll travel with my Sony a7 IV or my Osmo Pocket (which takes videos and photos)!
If you plan on doing a bunch of adventurous activities (ziplining, kayaking, paddling, boat rides), the waterproof adventure camera by GoPro is a no-brainer.
40. External battery
You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away and taking pictures… the last thing you want is to be on the go with no phone battery.
A portable power bank is a must-have! You probably have one lying around at home, but does it still even charge?
I’ve recently had an upgrade myself. I went from my big and clunky power bank to this ultra-light and portable MagGo power bank by Anker. These days, I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
41. Travel adapter
A must for many international travelers who don’t share the same outlet shape as Thailand (Type C or F plugs).
This powerful universal travel adapter is tried and true and can be used all across the globe for your future travels. It allows for a normal plug and has 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports.
42. Chargers
Bring multiple phone cords since they are light (and easy to misplace).
43. Travel belt / money belt
A travel belt is a smart traveler’s best friend. They are the best thief-proof tool for airplane travel, public transportation travel, walking around abroad, and just about everything else in between.
I always, always use a Flip Belt to carry around identification, important documents, and money that I want to keep safe and right by my side.
Another benefit of this product? It’s actually supposed to be a running belt. I swear, this thing doesn’t budge or jiggle at all when I run, plus it’s super comfortable!
If you’re looking for a true travel belt that is large enough to house your important documents like your passports too, we like the Venture travel money belt.
44. Cash Money (Thai baht)
Cash is still commonly used in Thailand, especially for small purchases at markets, street food stalls, or local shops.
It’s also useful for tips or in places that don’t accept cards, like some taxis or rural areas. While cards are widely accepted in larger cities, cash is still king for many everyday transactions.
Pick up some Thai baht from an ATM when you arrive in town or at the airport. The exchange rates at the ATMs are almost always better than at the foreign exchange counters!
45. Tickets and travel documents
Passport, student ID, medical card, proof of travel insurance, printed documents of your flight/hotel bookings, visas if you need them.
Don’t forget your foreign exchange fee-free credit cards, debit cards, airport lounge access cards, and visas.
46. AirTag
An AirTag is a must-have for your Thailand trip, especially if you have connecting flights. Toss one into your checked luggage so you can track its location in real-time, even if the airline loses track of it.
I was not a believer in AirTags myself… until my own checked luggage went missing. This was on a separate trip from San Francisco to Lisbon, but still — once you lose your luggage, you learn your lesson!
These days, they’re a must when I check a bag. It’s a huge stress-saver!
Other Travel Essentials For Thailand
47. Eye mask / Earplugs
You could pack whatever eye mask you have sitting at home, but I feel like I’d be doing you a disservice without sharing my favorite eye mask in the world.
There are crappy eye masks that push into your eyeballs (not good), and then REALLY good eye masks. I’m on the really good eye mask train. The 100% blackout + no eye pressure eye mask by Ostrichpillow is amazing. Plus, it has velcro on the back for an adjustable fit, meaning it’ll fit around everyone’s head! I’ll never go back to a lame eye mask ever again.
In terms of earplugs, these super soft earplugs by Mack’s are my absolute favorite.
48. Travel pillow
The turtl Pillow is the only one you need to consider for easy airplane sleeping! It comes highly rated because it has so much support, almost like a neck brace (there’s a chunk of flexible plastic in there to prop your head up). It’s warm and super packable too.
And if you’re looking to level up, the trtl Pillow Plus is even more high-tech than the original.
49. Water bottle
The tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink. But if you’re staying at a decent hotel, chances are your hotel will provide you with all the water you need.
Having said that, you’ll still want a reusable water bottle for when you’re out day-tripping or heading to the airport. For travel, a collapsible water bottle is a much more convenient option than a rigid one.
The HydraPak Stow Collapsible Water Bottle is likely not your typical choice, but we like it because it packs away into nearly nothing when it’s not in use.
50. Foldable tote bag
Great for doing groceries, packing your gear up for the beach, or carrying your souvenirs home when your luggage is overflowing with stuff.
👉 Pro Tip: Not all totes are built equally. I received a BYBBA Balos Tote as a Christmas present one year and it’s been my #1 travel sidekick ever since. I NEVER travel without it! The drawstring closure at the top is the best thing ever. Things can’t fall out ever, which is great because totes love to topple over to their sides!
51. Laundry bag
Keep your worn clothes separate from your clean ones, especially when traveling to high-humidity climates.
When it’s humid, you’ll definitely be sticky by the end of the day. All that stickiness will transfer to your clothes. And even if you don’t get sticky/sweaty, you will inevitably have dirty socks and undies to toss in here.
I have this laundry bag set, and it’s great because it includes many size options.
52. Emergen-C packets
Emergen-C packets and Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets are a must for travel.
We like Emergen-C for immunity and Liquid IV for replenishing all the electrolytes we sweat out. These items are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!
53. Sand-free beach mat
Did you know that these days there are high-tech beach mats for sale? Oh yeah, they definitely beat your average beach towel, that’s for sure!
There are actually beach mats that are quick-drying, waterproof, and sand-proof, making setting up on the beach super, super easy. This amazing beach mat is all those things, plus it has sand anchor pockets and 6 ground stakes so that your beach mat is wind-resistant even when you’re not laying on it!
54. Seasickness wristbands
If you’re prone to motion sickness or seasickness and plan on doing boat excursions or sailing trips during your time in Thailand, you’re going to want to pack a few seasickness wristbands for your trip. These babies work by applying acupressure to just the right spots on your wrist.
As Sea-Bands are totally natural, they’re a great alternative when you don’t want to take oral medications.
Alternatively, you can pack a couple of ginger chews for a similar effect.
55. Portable Neck Fan
For travelers who, like me, do VERY poorly in high-humidity destinations, this one is for you. If you can’t stand the feeling of stifling, breezeless air (aka the Bangkok region), do NOT forget to pack a portable neck fan!
A constant breeze makes all the difference and will allow you to stay comfortable being outside in the heat for hours on end. Papu and I personally own this bladeless neck fan and love it; we each have our own!
GAME-CHANGING GADGETS FOR SMARTER AIRPORT TRAVEL
These are some of my favorite airport/airplane travel products that free my hands up and make traveling so much more convenient. Say goodbye to the days of fumbling around or not having enough hands for things.
- Clipa2 – The Instant Bag Hanger Collection | Hang your bag or purse literally anywhere (on your luggage, on restaurant tables, hotel rooms, etc).
- Flight Flap Phone & Tablet Holder | Attaches to airline seat backs so you can watch movies hands-free. Also great for standing your phone up on tables too!
- Add-a-Bag Hook and Hanger Strap | Have a purse, briefcase, tote bag, or bag of souvenirs that’s causing you inconvenience by needing to be carried? Get this bag hook and attach it to your luggage so you only need one hand to tow everything with you.
- riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder | This foldable drink caddy holds 2 cups, perfect for your pre-flight coffees and fountain drinks. There’s also room to hold books, iPads, phones, tickets and documents.
- Traveling Hat Clip | Have you ever brought a wide-brimmed hat on vacation and found it to be the most annoying thing to travel with? A hat clip for your bag or backpack completely removes the struggle of needing to carry your hat in hand!
What To Pack For Thailand: Packing Checklist
At this point, I think you’re ready for your Thailand vacation!
If you get nothing else out of this post, at least take this with you: pack light, pack with versatility in mind, be prepared for humidity and rain (if it’s in the forecast), and try to save room for souvenirs and local snacks to bring home.
Alright, you’ve got a lot to look forward to and a lot of trip to pack for!
Looking for more Thailand trip planning travel resources? Read next:
- 25 Activities For Your Bangkok Bucket List That Aren’t Temples
- 5 Days In Bangkok: Street Eats, Night Markets, Temples, & More
- Discovering Bangkok’s Backstreets, One Bite At A Time
- 3 Days In Hua Hin: A Seaside Escape from Bangkok
- 14 Best Markets In Chiang Mai (Day and Night Markets)
- 8 Things To Do In Nimmanhaemin: Chiang Mai’s Trendy Neighborhood