THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR YOUR TRIP TO THAILAND
Before moving to Thailand permanently I used to come for holidays each year and became an expert on minimalist packing.
When packing for your holidays in Thailand you can follow these few rules:
Less is more
It doesn’t matter if you are planning a backpacking trip or a luxury holiday. Only bring essentials and items you will use. Do not overpack your suitcase or backpack with general toiletries and personal hygiene items such a shampoo and shower gel (you can buy everything in Thailand). Don’t pack too many clothes as you won’t need it.
Pack for your destination and type of holiday
Of course, your packing list will look differently if you are heading to the north, trekking through the jungle or if you are heading to the south Thailand and island hopping.
Make a checklist of the absolute essentials (everything else is replaceable)
- passport any additional documents such as visa you might need. Scan or take a photo of all your documentation including visa, passport, your insurance and reservations and keep that in your phone.
- international driving license
- insurance
- your vaccination record booklet
- any special prescription medication. Don’t forget you have to keep all medication in the original packaging and also bring the prescription. Basic medication such as paracetamol, motion sick tablets, Nurofen, electrolyte and even antibiotics can be purchased in any pharmacy without prescription anywhere in Thailand).
- mobile phone
- laptop (for travel nomads and people who will need it)
Take a SCREENSHOT of your packing list:
- passport & additional documents
- international driving license
- insurance
- vaccination record booklet
- prescription medication
- mobile phone (+laptop)
- Travel Backpack
- Smaller Carry on Backpack
- Headphones
- Travel Pillow
- Camera (+Memory Card)
- GoPro HERO8 (Or Any good Underwater Camera)
- Tripod
- Flip-flop
- Powerbank
- Kindle Paperwhite (Or A Book)
- Comfy Trainers
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Sunglasses & Hat
- Good Sunscreen
- Mask & Snorkel
- Quick-Dry Towel
- One long-sleeved top and long pants
- Eye mask & ear plugs
- Light rain jacket
- UNIVERSAL PLUG WITH USB SLOTS
20 ITEMS YOU WILL NEED ON YOUR TRIP
Thailand is not a destination for packing into a suitcase. Believe me, I’ve learned my lesson on my first visit to Thailand. You will likely be moving around and having a backpack will make that so much easier. Also, it does give you some sense of adventure and forces you to pack lightly. Teton’s backpacks are great for backpacking or camping. I have one which is 65L and been using it for about seven years.
While enjoying your holidays you will be going on trips, going to the beaches, temples and night markets. Having a small backpack to keep your waller, camera and bottle of water is essential and you will need one. Ideally, buy or use one you can use also as hand luggage while traveling on the plane. This cool travel backpack is a great price and also water-resistant.
Good headphones while traveling are must-have. Bose has some great options for outdoors in humid locations. These Bose’s wireless earbuds are great for traveling, outdoor sports and sweat proof.
The flight to Thailand is usually long unless you are based in Asia. So having a good travel pillow will make your journey much more bearable. I use the inflatable pillow which is more compact and easy to store in my hand luggage. This soft Purefly pillow is also washable so you can use it year after year.
Tip: I also use the pillow on the beach. So much much conformable then laying just on the sand while reading a book.
If you love taking photos than the camera is still must-have. Even so, you can take awesome pics on your phone it is not the real deal. You will visit some amazing places and stunning locations and for me, my camera is still a must-have.
I’ve been using the Olympus PEN E-PL-9 since last year and I’m extremely happy with it. My husband is using the same camera with underwater housing for his diving photography and it takes awesome photos. Check out my instagram @phiphiisland_diary, most of the photos on my feed are taken with my Olympus PEN.
If you are visiting the south and going to be island hopping then I recommend investing in a GoPro HERO. You can take some awesome videos and pictures while snorkeling or scuba diving. Don’t forget to buy some accessories such as the underwater case which you will need in Thailand.
I’ve been using a tripod since forever and it is a great tool to have if you want to take some awesome photos of scenery and yourself. You can use the self-timer or remote on your camera or a phone. Set the camera wherever you want and don’t need to worry about asking people to take photos for you. You can capture that was some amazing moments and sights. Mactrem does a light weight, budget tripods you can easily bring on your trip. I’ve been using this tripod for about 3 years and about 90% of my instagram pictures and taken thanks to tripod.
You will spend most of your days in flip-flops so invest in some better quality ones like Hawaianas. You can buy a cheap pair in Thailand but from my experience, they last about a week.
Always handy to have some extra juice in case your phone needs recharging while traveling.
The Belkin Power Bank is perfect for traveling (not only in Thailand). It charges your phone super fast and it’s durable. You don’t need to worry about throwing it around while you on the road.
Kindle is a great way to enjoy reading while you on the road. The Kindle Paperwhite is also waterproof which might come handy while traveling. Please, have a look at my list of 15 best books to read on your trip in Thailand.
Whatever part of Thailand you planning on visiting you need to pack a good pair of trainers. You will use them when you go exploring the viewpoints, hiking or going to the gym. Nike’s Running Shoes been always my favorite when it comes to comfort and they usually look the best also.
Reusable bottle is great for traveling, toxin and eco-friendly. You will find in the majority of tourist places around Thailand you will be able to refill your bottle. Looks good and it is also kind to the environment. Embrava Water Bottles are robust, reliable and it looks very cool. Every will be asking you where you bought it.
It’s important to protect yourself from the sun as soon as you get to Thailand. There is nothing worse then heatstroke on your first day in Thailand. You can not go wrong with classic Ray Bans and a cool baseball or bucket hat.
Best you buy your sunscreen at home. It will be cheaper and you will find better options which are also environmentally friendly. Good sunscreens are very expensive in Thailand.
My friend brought me last year the Two Peas Organic suncream and I love it. I have a sensitive light skin and this cream feels very natural and moisturizing.
Check out reviews and prices HERE
If you love marine life and planning on enjoying snorkeling I would recommend investing in your snorkeling equipment. Buy only mask and snorkel as you can rent fins in any diving or snorkeling shop. You can buy a cheap snorkeling set in Thailand but it’s not even worth spending any money as the quality is just terrible. The cheap masks are made of bad quality plastic, they fog and leak.
Another option is to rent mask and snorkel but for hygiene reasons, I prefer to have my own. Also, it lasts for years so the value will be worth it rather than buying one crappy set on each holiday. The Cressi masks are perfect for snorkeling or even diving. If you prefer full face mask, have a look at Divelux Snorkeling masks.
Apart from buying a nice beach sarong in Thailand, I love my quick-dry towel. Very practical and compact. Youphoria offers some beautiful colors and different sizes. I use it both on the beach and also in the gym or when I’m working out outside.
While visiting any temple or office building you will need to wear appropriate clothes. Don’t pack too much clothing with you to Thailand but make sure you have one “temple” outfit with you.
Earplugs and an eye mask will come handy in Thailand. Especially if you are backpacking, staying in hostels, traveling around and moving locations. Getting your beauty sleep is always very important so you can enjoy the best holidays possible. I love sleeping masks and been using mine at home most nights.
My mum recommended me Imak Compression mask which is great. You can pop in the freezer in your hotel for cooling effect if you are tired from the sunshine or have a migraine.
Even when you visiting Thailand during the dry season you might experience some showers. It is good to have a light, easy to pack, rain jacket while you traveling around. If you don’t have one at home, have a look at Hount’s waterproof jackets which folds in a tiny package.
Depending where you are traveling from you might need plug adapters for Thailand. I use a lot of electronics so find the most useful when they also have USB slots.
Things you DO NOT need to bring or buy ahead:
- Any generic toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste in travel sizes are cheap and can be bought anywhere in Thailand.
- Also ladies hygiene products, condoms and general medication.
- A good mosquito spray, wet wipes, hand sanitizes and plasters can be all easily purchased in any 7/11.
- Dry bag and the waterproof phone case can be bought on every island in southern Thailand as well as paddock.
Travel light and as don’t worry too much. As long as you have your essential and must-haves then you won’t need anything else to have the best time possible during your time in Thailand!
follow my Instagram @phiphiisland_diary
Visa Travel Phi Phi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
