Ultimate Thailand Packing List: What to Bring on Your Trip
Packing for a Thailand trip can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time traveling to Southeast Asia. Between Thailand’s climate, temple dress codes, long travel days, and the mix of cities like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and tropical islands, knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) makes all the difference.
After spending time traveling through Thailand during both the dry season and rainy season, this is my comprehensive packing list — built around practical items, breathable clothing, and the little things that truly matter. Whether you’re planning a two-week getaway or a month-long trip, this guide will help you pack light, respect local culture, and set yourself up for a smooth, successful trip.
Understanding Thailand’s Climate (Before You Pack)
Thailand has distinct seasons, and your packing list should change slightly depending on when you’re going.
🌞 Dry Season (November–February)
Cooler months with clearer skies
Less humidity, especially in Northern Thailand
A great time for temple visits, long days exploring, and city hopping
Winter in Thailand is a popular time to visit, as the weather is gorgeous.
🌧️ Wet / Monsoon Season (May–October)
Daily rain showers (often short but heavy)
Hot, humid climate
A light rain jacket, rain cover, and quick-dry fabrics are essential
No matter the season, Thailand is tropical — breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothes are always the best choice.
The Most Important Thing: Travel Documents & Essentials
Before thinking about outfits or travel gear, make sure you have these essential items ready:
📄 Travel Documents
Passport (with 6+ months validity)
Copies of important documents (physical + digital)
Visa information (check Thai government visa requirements for foreign nationals)
Travel insurance (non-negotiable — especially for motorbikes and long flights)
🇹🇭 Important update: Thailand has introduced a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Make sure you complete this before arriving in Thailand at tdac.immigration.go.th.
💡 Best practice: keep copies saved on your mobile phone and in your email.
Clothing: What Actually Works in Thailand
👕 Breathable Clothing (You’ll Wear This the Most)
Linen or cotton breathable clothing — (Thailand is a great place to shop for these kinds of items as well)
Quick-dry fabrics and quick-drying clothes
Loose-fitting clothes for heat and humidity
Light Long sleeves (for temples, sun protection, and mosquitoes)
If you want a full breakdown of how I pack light and still feel prepared, I recommend starting with my Carry-On Packing Guide, which I use as the base for all trips — including Southeast Asia.
👗 Temple-Appropriate Clothing
When entering temples or places like the Grand Palace, there is a strict dress code (especially for women):
Long skirts or loose pants — (I find myself wearing a lot of loose-fitting breathable trousers)
Covered shoulders - even something like a scarf you can put in your bag will work
Avoid sheer or tight clothing or overly revealing clothes
For most temples, the widespread rule is simple: shoulders and knees must be covered. If you meet those requirements, you’ll be fine in most places.
👉 Long skirts are one of the best things you can pack — versatile, respectful, and comfortable.
No matter how hot it is, Thais dress conservatively and respectfully. Keeping local culture in mind when packing goes a long way.
Shoes: Comfort Over Everything
You’ll walk a lot — often on uneven sidewalks and through local markets.
Comfortable walking shoes
Slip-on shoes (perfect for temple visits)
Sandals for warmer days
One nicer option if you’re doing group tours or dinners
It’s a normal part of Thai culture to remove your shoes when entering homes, massage shops, medical offices like the dentist or med spa, and some retail stores. I usually alternate between walking sneakers and sandals depending on the city and how often I’m popping in and out of places.
Bags: Day-to-Day Travel Essentials
🎒 Bags I Recommend
Lightweight travel backpack
Small day pack for excursions
Crossbody bag or fanny pack (great on tuk tuks)
Dry bag / dry sacks (especially for islands, boats, and waterfalls)
If you’re traveling to rural areas or hopping on a domestic flight, having flexible bags is a good idea. Many domestic airlines in Thailand have strict baggage limits — sometimes as low as 7 kg total, including carry-on.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Some things are easy to find in Thailand — others you’ll wish you packed.
🧴 Toiletry Bag Must-Haves
Reef-safe sunscreen (to protect coral reefs and crystal-clear waters)
Insect repellent / mosquito repellent
Wet wipes
Toilet paper or tissues (not always provided in Thai bathrooms)
Small laundry detergent packets (though laundry services are cheap and everywhere)
🚿 In many bathrooms, you’ll see handheld hoses instead of toilet paper. Most places will ask you not to put anything in the toilet, including toilet paper — this is completely normal.
💡 Thailand has filtered water refill stations — pack a reusable water bottle.
If you’re unsure what toiletries are TSA-approved, I break this down in my post on what’s allowed in your carry-on, like can I pack my eyelash curler?
Travel Gear That Makes Life Easier
These are the little things that make long days and travel days much easier:
Power bank (Google Maps drains fast)
Google Maps offline downloads
Quick-dry beach towel
Light rain jacket or rain cover
Warmer layer for buses, planes, and cooler nights in Chiang Mai
Small umbrella during the wet season
Tech & Money Tips
Credit cards are accepted in cities, but cash is still king, especially in rural areas and local markets
Apple Pay is not widely used
You’ll often see QR codes at registers — these are for Thai bank payments call SCAN
📱 Download Grab (Thailand’s rideshare app)
📶 Consider a SIM card, eSIM, or international plan. I personally use Verizon, which allows me to select one country per month for unlimited international service — incredibly helpful while traveling.
What NOT to Overpack
If there’s one top tip: pack light.
Thailand has:
Affordable shopping
Excellent tailoring
Easy laundry services
Skip:
Heavy makeup
Multiple jackets
Too many shoes
You’ll be glad you left space for everything you’ll want to bring home.
Need help packing light? Check out my how to pack just a carry-on guide
Final Thoughts: Packing for a Trip to Thailand
Packing for Thailand doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on essential things, breathable fabrics, respectful clothing for Thai culture, and practical travel gear that works for long flights, travel days, and spontaneous adventures.
Whether you’re wandering temples in Pai, sipping coffee in Chiang Mai, or hopping islands in southern Thailand, this ultimate Thailand packing list is designed to help you feel prepared — not weighed down.
For more ideas on what to pack, check out my Amazon Thailand Packing List.