Your Packing List for Thailand

Looking for the perfect packing list for Thailand? Whether you’re island hopping in the south, temple hopping in the north, or squeezing in a little bit of everything, the right gear will make your trip so much easier—and lighter.

I spent a month traveling through Southeast Asia with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, and honestly, I still packed more than I needed. Thailand is an easy country to pack for, thanks to its hot weather, casual vibe, and access to affordable laundry nearly everywhere.

This post will walk you through the ultimate Thailand packing list, including luggage tips, must-have essentials, and some things to skip entirely. Whether you’re headed to Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or the islands, this list has you covered.

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Bags & Luggage: Choosing the Right Setup for Thailand

Before we get to the full packing list for Thailand, let’s talk bags.

Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase

• Rolling Carry-On Suitcase: This is what I used and recommend. As long as it’s carry-on size, you’ll have no problem storing it on buses, tossing it in the back of songthaews (Thai taxis), or lifting it onto ferries. Anything larger will weigh you down—literally. Beis is my go-to carry-on suitcase!
• Travel Backpack: A solid choice if you prefer being hands-free. It will also make traveling around a lot easier on the roads. If I went back, I would probably bring a backpack over a rolling suitcase!

Why smaller is better:
Many Thai islands don’t have piers or docks, meaning boats might drop you off in shallow water. Lightweight luggage is essential—trust me. I was lucky and always landed on docks, but others weren’t. A smaller bag is just easier to lift, carry, and repack.

Resorts may offer luggage service, but if you’re more of a backpacker, budget traveler, or local-experience-seeker like me (and probably like you), traveling light is the way to go.

The Ultimate Packing List for Thailand

Here’s your essential Thailand packing checklist, with all the must-have items you’ll be glad you brought—and nothing more.

1. Bathing Suits – At least two so you always have a dry one. Honey Swim is my favorite!
2. Tank Tops – Breathable, lightweight, and easy to rewear.
3. Linen or Flowy Pants – Great for temples and hot days.
4. Flowy Shorts – Comfortable, great for the hot weather.
5. Lightweight Dresses – Just don’t even bother packing jeans. Flowy is the move. Dresses that cover your knees are great for temples, then you can toss a sarong or scarf over your shoulders.
6. Sunscreen – It’s expensive in Thailand and often contains whitening agents, so bring your own reef-friendly sunscreen. This is my favorite mineral sunscreen for face.
7. Sunglasses – It’s Thailand. Enough said.
8. Power Adapter – Honestly, I think this is just a must for any international travel trip.
9. Debit/Credit Cards – Credit cards are wildly accepted in Thailand. I always pack debit cards so that you can pull out cash from ATMs throughout your trip and you never have to carry too much cash at one time.
10. Portable Charger – For long travel days and overnight buses.
11. Drone (Optional) – Great if you’re into capturing epic footage. Thailand is kind of a drone haven, there is so much beautiful landscape. If you’re into photography, I highly recommend bringing one! This is the drone that I have!
12. Comfortable Sneakers – Especially for Chiang Mai hikes or jungle treks. I don’t think you need hiking boots, but I would recommend some form of sneakers.
13. Rain Jacket – Lightweight and packable, especially in rainy season (May–October).
14. Scarf or Sarong – Helpful to cover shoulders in Buddhist temples. And the sarong seconds as a great beach cover up. You can also buy this in Thailand as a useful souvenir.
15. Athletic Outfit – Perfect for Muay Thai classes, yoga, or hiking. These are my favorite tops and my some of the bottoms I packed with me! Paragon athletic clothes are also my favorite!
16. Travel Insurance – Don’t skip this. Seriously.
17. Bug Spray – Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially near water.
18. Waterproof Phone Case – Essential for boat trips and island days.
19. Waterproof Pouch – Carry all your things for snorkeling or days on the boat.
20. Reusable Water Bottle – Many hostels offer filtered water refills.
21. Day Pack – A small backpack for day trips and excursions. This backpack is my favorite because it folds up which makes it really packable.
22. Tampons or menstrual cup – Not always easy to find lady materials in smaller towns.
23. Upset Stomach Kit:
    • Activated Charcoal
    • Ginger Tablets
    • Imodium
24. General Medicine:
    • First Aid Kit
    • Dramamine – There are some windy mountain roads
25. Electrolytes – Hydration is key in the heat and humidity.
26. Crossbody Bag – Safer than a backpack in markets or busy areas.
27. Portable Fan – For those humid afternoons when even the shade feels too hot.
28. Quick-Dry Travel Towel – Lightweight and super useful for beach days or budget stays.

Pro Packing Tips for Thailand

• Do laundry along the way: It’s cheap (usually $1–2 USD per kilo) and widely available, so you don’t need a full outfit for every day of your trip.
• Less is more: The weather is hot, and you’ll be on the move. Pack items you can mix, match, and rewear.
• Respect local culture: When visiting temples, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

Final Thoughts: Your Packing List for Thailand Should Be Light, Functional, and Flexible

Traveling around Thailand is an adventure—don’t let heavy luggage slow you down. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls in Pai, snorkeling off the coast of Koh Tao, or exploring ancient temples in Ayutthaya, this packing list for Thailand will keep you prepared and comfortable the whole way through.

If you. need help planning your Thailand itinerary, check out my 2 weeks in Thailand post!