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Sawat-dee Thailand!
Hey there, I’m Tim Gillespie, one of Under30Experiences' Regional Managers. Other than managing our operations in Southeast Asia, I’ve actually called Thailand home for the past 15 years! During this time I’ve built up quite a travel resume exploring not only the region's famous attractions, but also the remote corners where tourists rarely visit. These experiences, as well as living my everyday life in the Thailand, have afforded me some amazing opportunities.
Traveling to Thailand with Under30Experiences will offer you an incredible opportunity to explore three distinct regions of Thailand: the capital city of Bangkok, the northern cultural capital Chiang Mai, and the beaches of Krabi. This ten-day trip is packed with adventure, culture, and some relaxation.
Thailand generally has a warm and humid tropical climate characterized by three distinct seasons: a hot and dry season (March to May), a wet season (May to October), and a cooler and drier season (November to February). It is common for temperatures to hover around, and occasionally well above, 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), especially in Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Packing smartly will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your trip.
If you are unsure of what to pack, no worries, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive packing list, which covers everything you need. Even if you leave something at home, Thailand has some of the best markets in the world to find just what you need!
As an expat who has lived in Thailand for over a decade, I’ve come to learn a thing or two about what is needed to be comfortable. Though travelers often pack all of their gear into a carry-on, it is more common for people to check their luggage due to the variety of items they travel with.
Some of these items are Thailand-specific, while others are essential for solo travelers on any adventure. Follow this guide, and you will be fully prepared for an incredible journey through the Land of Smiles.
In this Guide to Packing for Thailand, I’ll cover:
- Bag & Luggage
- Must-Bring Items
- Toiletries
- Stomach Essentials
- Optional Items
- Things to Leave Behind
Bags & Luggage
Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase
This is always the most common debate when traveling to Thailand. To be honest, it all comes down to your comfort and preference. I like the travel backpack for its easy maneuverability, especially on crowded streets and while carrying your belongings on public transportation. However, many travelers come on this trip with a rolling suitcase and are just as comfortable.
Under30Experiences’ Thailand itinerary includes a train ride, a domestic flight, boat ferries, and multiple hotel changes. We will have private transportation for most travel days, but you will be responsible for maneuvering your luggage through train stations, on unevenly paved roads, and along floating docks, so please pack light. A bag that you can comfortably carry up a flight of stairs will make your life much easier.
A Small Day Pack
A smaller, secure bag is necessary for your daily outings. Your day pack will need to carry your water bottle, cash, phone, hand sanitizer, and tissues. It should also have space for a change of clothes, a hand towel, or a scarf, so you can easily cover your shoulders if you randomly come upon a temple.
Must Bring Items for Thailand
Money & Payment Methods
- Cash (Thai Baht): Cash is king in Thailand, especially in all the markets. Everyone's spending habits differ, but you can expect to spend $300-400 USD throughout your trip. This money should cover tipping guides, all food and drinks not included in the itinerary, a massage (or two), plus optional activities such as a cooking class, a Muay Thai class, and kayaking/paddle boarding in Krabi.
- Credit & Debit Cards: Restaurants and other establishments accept credit cards but expect a charge of at least 3% to be added to the bill. There are several opportunities to visit an ATM or exchange additional money throughout the trip.
Electronics
- Adapters & Converters: Type C plugs are the most common, with two round pins, while Type A has two flat prongs. Thailand's standard voltage is 220-240V, so if your devices are single-voltage and not dual-voltage, a voltage converter might also be necessary.
- Phone/Camera: Look into downloading Airalo before your trip or you can purchase a tourist SIM at the airport upon arrival.
- Portable Charger: Days are packed, and you’ll want your phone fully charged for photos
Clothing
The most important thing to remember is that you will visit a few temples during the first few days of the trip. Temple attire must adhere to a proper dress code by being modest, with shoulders, chest, midriff, and knees covered—this applies to men and women. Opt for lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting clothes to keep cool while maintaining modesty. It is highly recommended to have at least three outfits for each separate temple day.
Here are some tips for putting together outfits:
- Flowy or loose-fitting, lightweight pants (leave the jeans at home!)
- Long Skirts or Maxi Dresses: Natural fibers like linen or cotton work best in the heat
- Loose, Lightweight T-Shirts
- Lightweight Jacket/Sweatshirt: Especially from November through January, when mornings and evenings can get cooler
- Athletic outfit: you’ll want this for the optional Muay Thai class
- Bathing Suit
- Lightweight rain jacket: Especially from May through August, when it's the wet season in Thailand, a light rain jacket is essential
- Socks & Underwear
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Scarf: You’ll need to cover your shoulders to enter temples. A scarf can also help keep the sun off your shoulders.
- You’ll have access to laundry facilities throughout the trip.
Shoes
- Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes
- Sandals
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Secondary Identification: Driver’s License or State ID
- Health Insurance Card
- Printed Copy of Accommodation Address
- Travel Insurance
Additional Items
- Reusable water bottle: tap water is not safe to drink. However, there will be clean drinking water will be available at the hotels and from our activity vendors
- Cloth shopping bag: having your own shopping bag allows you to say no to all the plastic bags vendors will be giving you at the markets
- Masks: The air quality in Bangkok can be poor, and it is still common for locals to wear masks on public transportation
Toiletries
Though 7-Eleven convenience stores are everywhere, it’s still best practice to prepare appropriately for all situations.
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen: Waterproof SPF 30+. Please note that sunscreens containing Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben are banned from Thailand's National Marine Parks due to their harmful effects on the coral.
- Insect Repellent: try to be eco-friendly and avoid aerosol
- Tissues: Toilet paper is not available in most public bathrooms.
- Personal Medications: These must be in their original packaging with legible labels for customs. Specific health information for traveling to Thailand can be found on the CDC’s website.
- Probiotics: Helps your digestive system adjust to new foods and strengthens your immune system while traveling.
- Mini First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, fever reducers, throat lozenges, anti-itch cream, and antibiotic cream
- Travel-Size Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Cosmetics
- Glasses & Contacts
- Tampons: Western-style tampons with applicators are not available in Thailand. Plan accordingly.
Stomach Essentials for any Thailand Trip
If you are planning to travel to Thailand, I’m sure the food culture is at the top of your list of interests. Whether you’re ravaging the street food scene or dining at top-rate Michelin restaurants, your digestive system will be in shock with all the new spices and flavors. That’s not to say you will get extremely sick, but Thai Tummy is a regular occurrence for first-time travelers to Thailand, and even long-term expats like myself.
It’s best to prepare for the worst, and these items will help if your belly does get a little upset:
- Something for an Upset Stomach: Activated charcoal, ginger tablets, Imodium, Tums
- Something for Digestive Support: Fiber gummies, dandelion tea, Miralax for travelers' constipation.
- Electrolytes: Stay hydrated!
- Emergency Snack: Protein bars, nuts, rice crackers.
Optional Items
Everyone has those items they don’t like to travel without. These are a few that I can think of:
- Crossbody bag: This allows you to keep your money and phone within close proximity to you at all times, making it an ideal choice for a day bag
- Portable fan: The heat can get intense, especially at the Grand Palace in Bangkok
- A quick dry towel: again, due to the heat, you will sweat. Having a small towel on hand can be beneficial.
Things Not to Bring to Thailand
- Denim: trust us, it gets hot and you will sweat!
- Bulky hiking boots: There are no strenuous, challenging hikes on our itinerary
- Beach towel: The accommodation in Kabi provides these
- Water Bottle Filter/Purification Tablets: Bottled or filtered water is available at all times.
- Expensive Jewelry: Avoid unnecessary risk.
You’re ready to travel to Thailand!
Following this packing list will prepare you for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Thailand. Packing light with the proper clothing and essentials means you can focus on Thailand’s beautiful scenery and rich culture. Check out the Under30Experiences trip to Thailand, and a recap of another traveler's trip to Thailand for more helpful information to guide your packing. Happy travels!
