Thailand Packing List: What To Pack For Thailand In 2024

Bradley Williams
Written By:
Bradley Williams
Last Updated:
October 14, 2024
Here's my ultimate Thailand packing list! Perfect if you're travelling on your own, with friends, in summer, in monsoon season or any other time of year!
Our Thailand packing list

Between us, Cazzy and I have spent more than 3 months travelling in Thailand!

In fact, Cazzy’s first visit to Thailand was back in 2014 before Dream Big, Travel Far had even begun!

And though we’ve not been to every island (this would take you a very long time) we've covered the whole country from north to south.

Driving our mopeds around the cool mountains near Pai, to partying at the Full Moon Party in Ko Pha-ngan.

Thailand really is a diverse and exciting country to visit; and is the key part of any visit to Southeast Asia.

However, knowing what to pack for Thailand is never easy, and is dependent on so many things.

Such as when and where you actually plan on visiting.

Well, to help spread some light here’s our in-depth Thailand packing list that was used as part of our first ever 3 month backpacking trip around Southeast Asia!

First up ...

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Our #1 Thing to travel with!
Travel insurance tip
Psst!! ... Do you have travel insurance sorted?

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing.

Why?

Here's a few reasons ...

  • They Cover for Covid-19
  • You can pause and restart policies each month
  • They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review.

Ultimate Thailand packing checklist

Men's Packing List

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Women's Packing List

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Travel essentials

First aid

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Toiletries

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Documents

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Other

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Tech/gadgets

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Health & Safety

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Miscellaneous

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Other items to consider

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Skirts
Skirts
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shawl
Shawl
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Snorkel
Snorkel
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Choosing the right bag for Thailand

Before you even get started packing for your travels, you first need to know what bags you plan to take with you.

This is important if you are backpacking, not just Thailand, but also other countries through Southeast Asia.

Choosing a larger backpack

The most common issue we see is other backpackers taking bags that are far too big for them.

It’s no use taking a big 70 litre bag with you, because then you end up packing it full of a whole bunch of unnecessary things that will just weigh you down and cause you to pay more on luggage fees.

Below I’ll show you mine and Cazzy’s top recommendations when backpacking Thailand; but first up; here’s a few things to consider when deciding with rucksack is best for you ...

  • How long do you plan on travelling?
  • How many of you will be going to Thailand?
  • What do you actually plan on doing when in Thailand?

For example, our second trip to Thailand was a part of our 3 month backpacking adventure which also included Bali, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

We each took with us one larger rucksack (50-65 litres) as well as a smaller day bag each (more on that below).

For two people backpacking for this length of time, it was actually too much space!

And as you will soon see, it’s likely that we take a lot more travel gear abroad with us than you; largely because we work whilst travelling.

In terms of brands; from experience our number 1 recommendation has to be Osprey.

They are the go-to choice for the majority of backpackers, and it really is hard to see why.

They’re affordable, incredibly durable, comfortable and they offer a massive range of both men’s and women's rucksacks.

Here are our 2 top recommendations for backpacking in Thailand:

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS FARPOINT 70 (FOR MEN)

Cazzy's choice

OSPREY PACKS RENN 65 (FOR WOMEN)

Choosing the perfect day bag

A day bag is a key piece of travel gear for Thailand and it will get a lot of use.

When you’re out and about exploring towns, cities, beaches and forests; you will be leaving your big rucksack back at the hostel or hotel.

Your day bag (or camera backpack) should be big enough that it can hold everything you need for a day away; and also be comfy in the meantime.

Once again, the best day bag I can recommend through experience is Osprey.

They are designed with adventure in mind and are built to be lightweight yet durable for exploring for days at a time.

Between us, Cazzy and I take one Osprey day bag (that’s now lasted me for more than 4 years of travelling) as well as a slightly larger day bag that we use for carrying our travel laptops and other gadgets.

A good pick for this second bag would be a brand like Solgaard. They produce a range of backpacks, purpose built for digital nomads who need to carry a mix of travel tech, as well as plenty of clothes or other lifestyle gear. I recommend checking out my full Solgaard backpacks review post for more help.

Or, for a more compact travel bag that can be stuffed away when not in use, check out the awesome anti-theft bags by Loctote.

Our day bag recommendations for Thailand:

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

Cazzy's choice

Tropicfeel Shell backpack
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

What about roll-on luggage for Thailand?

If you're heading to Thailand for more of a holiday, as opposed to a backpacking adventure, then good quality carry-on is also a good alternative for your luggage.

I definitely prefer traveling with roll-on luggage, as it's so much more convenient at the airport. And based on experience, I would say that Horizn Studios are a great option for most travelers.

They are more expensive than some brands, but if you read my Horizn Studios review, you'll see that they are definitely a product that is built to last.

They also come with some really cool features, such as in-built portable chargers in their M5 Smart and H5 Smart ranges. You can also customise your bag, so it's unique to you!

Beyond this, you can discover more luggage ideas, in my round-up of the best luxury carry-on luggage.

best carry-on

Final thoughts on picking bags for travel to Thailand

Nowadays, when we backpack for 2 or 3 months at a time, we only take one 70 litre rucksack between us.

This offers up so many benefits, such as:

  • We have less bags to worry about
  • It costs us less in luggage fees when flying
  • It forces us to only take what we need

This last point is important.

Far too many travellers to Thailand, and other backpacking countries, take a massive rucksack that's far too big; and then needlessly fill it with things they actually don’t need.

You needn’t be worried about taking everything with you and forgetting something as Thailand is a very modern country and you’ll be able to pick up anything you need when out there.

You might also like: Best Eco-Friendly Backpacks

What to pack for Thailand: Travel Essentials

Now you’ve got your bag sorted, it’s time to start filling it!

It makes sense to start with all the essential things you’ll need to pack for Thailand.

Afterwards, I’m going to delve a bit deeper into other things we took with us to Thailand: namely our photography gear and other cool items to help make your trip awesome!

First up ...

Skip to:

What to wear in Thailand for men

Here’s my rough guide to an ideal men's packing list for Thailand.

This is what I had with me on our overall 3 month trip and it suited me just fine!

  • 5 t-shirts - 4 short-sleeve and one long-sleeve
  • 2 tank tops - Cazzy hates these, but it’s my only excuse to wear them!
  • 1 evening shirt - When you want to appear a little less casual
  • 2 pairs of swim trunks
  • 1 pair of jorts - Slightly more stylish than my bright pink swim shorts
  • 1 lightweight rain jacket - Doesn’t have to be too warm, but enough to stop you getting soaked through during Thailand’s infamous monsoons
  • 1 pair of jeans - I probably only wore these twice in Thailand, but great for early mornings and late at night when it gets a bit cooler
  • 2 pairs of long socks
  • 5 pairs of trainer socks
  • 1 hoody - Again, this only got used once or twice, but is great for any early morning hikes when it is still chilly
  • 1 cap
  • 1 pair of sunglasses
  • 1 pair of trainers - These get used for absolutely everything when we are backpacking; right through from light hiking to dining out at night. I recommend checking out Tropicfeels range of travel shoes. These are all-in-one travel trainers great for tackling anything Thailand could throw at you! Including hiking, swimming, canoeing and snorkelling.
  • 1 pair of flip flops - I always recommend Reef flip flops as they are much more durable than standard pairs and are really comfortable for long distance walking. They also have a bottle opener in the sole which comes in handy from time to time! These were my first (and probably favourite) backpacking gift I received
what to wear in thailand for men

What to wear in Thailand for women (from Cazzy)

Hey guys! Here’s a quick look at my personal female Thailand packing list ...

  • 1 pair of water shoes - These are super useful for Thailand, especially if you do some island hopping in the south where you’ll be snorkelling and swimming in the sea! 
  • 1 shawl - You’ll need to cover your shoulders at temples so having one of these is perfect and they’re good as a light cover in the evenings when the sun goes down
  • 1 pair of sunglasses - Protect your eyes from the sun with quality sunglasses
  • 1 pair of flip flops - Perfect for the beaches, (which Thailand has A LOT of!)
  • 1 stylish hat - This will protect your head from the intense heat and keep you looking great! 
  • 4 t-shirts - Light and easy to pop on and off over a bikini 
  • 2 pairs of shorts - These are great for mix and matching outfits 
  • 2 swimming costumes/bikinis - Pack two and then you can easily buy more out there
  • 3 sun dresses - Perfect for dressing up both day and night 
  • 1 long skirt - These are great for photos and perfect for temples and religious sites 
  • 1 pair of light trousers - For those early morning sunrise challenges when it’s a little cooler 
  • 1 playsuit or jumpsuit - To style up for an evening of fun 
  • 1 light jacket - This is perfect for the early mornings, evenings and cold aircon on long bus journeys
  • 1 pair of trainers - 1 pair of trainers will keep you going and if you get a cool colour you can wear them in the evening too 
  • 5 pairs of trainer socks
what to wear in thailand for women

Washing clothes in Thailand

Just like all countries in Southeast Asia, it’s really easy and cheap to get someone else to wash your clothes.

You normally pay a fixed amount per kilo; perhaps 40-50 Baht, and you’ll have it washed, dried and back to you within a day.

Most hostels and hotels offer this service, and you’ll see signs in popular towns where locals can also help you out as well.

We also take a bar of soap with us and use this in emergencies if we need an extra pair of undies washed.

First aid kit

Though you will hopefully have little use for it, a first aid kit should form an essential part of your Thailand packing list.

We have a small travel first aid kit that comes with us everywhere; and we always need it for at least some minor task.

Here’s the sorts of things our kit always has in it as standard.

  • Diarrhoea kit - I’m sorry to say but it's not just India where there's a good chance of getting an upset stomach (aka, the dreaded "Delhi Belly"). If you plan on eating street food in Thailand, then there’s a good chance you will end up getting ill and needing this kit. Three of our friends joined us on our second trip to Thailand and all five of us got sick at least once within two weeks
  • Plasters
  • Paracetamol
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Scissors/nail clippers
  • Bandages & tape
  • Moleskin tape - For blisters, much better than Compeeds!
  • Needles and thread
  • Tweezers
  • Motion sickness tablets - Important for those choppy boats rides when island hopping in Thailand. God I hated those boat rides!!!

Ready-made travel first aid kit

If you don’t yet own a travel first aid kit, then here’s a good option to buy.

It contains the majority of what you need and you can then just add in any other items you want to take with you.

Plus, it’s small enough to tuck away in your backpack and not take up much space.

Toiletries

It’s possible to pick up any toiletries you need when in Thailand.

However, they do tend to be more expensive there than what they cost to buy in the UK; so we bought all of the following and took them with us.

  • Wash bag - Make sure your wash bag has a handle so that you can hang it up by the sink. Most bathrooms in Thailand’s hostels and hotels are small and cramped so this comes in very useful
  • 2 x toothbrush 
  • 2 toothbrush travel container
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo & conditioner 2 in 1
  • Dry shampoo
  • Men’s deodorant
  • Women’s deodorant
  • Small perfume
  • Small aftershave
  • Disposable razors
  • Shaving foam
  • Electric razor

Travel Banking

When we travelled to Thailand, we took with us 4 travel cards.

These are the same travel cards we now take away with us to any country, as they’ve never let us down; not once!

Out of these 4 cards ...

  • 2 live in my wallet
  • 1 lives in my big rucksack
  • 1 lives in Cazzy’s big rucksack or day bag

Why do we take 4 cards with us? And why do we place them in different bags?

Well, simply because if any of them get lost or stolen, then we always have back ups.

A few times over the years we have left our cards in ATMs, so have always been grateful that we’ve had spares.

What are the best banks in Thailand?

Before I take you through our chosen travel cards, here’s a quick note on withdrawing cash from banks in Thailand.

First up, it really f**ks me off that Thailand has ridiculous withdrawal fees absolutely everywhere.

They charge a fixed fee per withdrawal no matter how much you take out.

When we visited, this was around 200 Baht.

Also, the maximum you could take out at any one time was between 10,000 and 20,000 Baht.

Meaning that you basically have to suck it up and lose a lot of money on ATM fees regardless.

I’ve yet to find another country in the world that has the policy and it’s pretty annoying, especially as Thailand is typically quite a backpacker budget friendly destination.

Okay, that’s my little rant over!

So, with regards to ATMs, there are lots of different banks all over Thailand, and we had success with both Visa and Mastercard in almost all of them.

They all seem to charge roughly the same fees; but do be warned that these may well have gone up now.

In the year between Cazzy’s visits, the fees had gone up and there’s no reason to say they’re not even higher now.

So feel free to test a few banks when there before accepting their fees; but don’t be surprised if you find there’s no way to avoid them.

If you do come across any ATMs that are now cheaper, then let me know in the comments below and I will update this section.

Which travel cards do we use?

The two travel card providers that we now use are Monzo and Revolut.

These are UK-based countries and I’m not sure whether you can get one if you come from outside the UK; so you’ll need to check.

Though I imagine there must be similar companies cropping up in all countries now, as they are so much better than traditional banks.

Both Monzo and Revolut allow you to withdraw currency and use your card in normal transactions, just like your regular banking card.

The benefit is that they don’t charge you any currency conversion fees, but instead give you the best rate possible.

The only fees you need to pay are when you withdraw above a certain amount each month.

If you’re interested, just download the app and check it out.

From there, you then apply for a card and they send you it for free.

Read Also: Monzo vs Revolut: Which Is Best For Travel?

Important Documents

Here’s all of the important documents that we took with us to Thailand.

  • Passport
  • Wallet to hold important documents - Cazzy holds onto this and it helps us keep everything organised in one place for when we need it
  • Driving license and international driving license - If your travel plans include renting a moped or car in Thailand then you’ll need an International Driver’s License. If you’re from the UK, then you can pick one of these up from The Post Office.
  • Copy of your passport - We took a photocopy of these with us so that we could use them instead of always handing over our passports to hotels for example
  • Copy of your vaccinations - When entering Thailand, the border agents may need to see proof that you’ve had certain vaccinations. Many countries in Asia have this policy so it’s useful just to always have it with you
  • Cazzy’s medication letter from her doctor
  • Print out of your travel insurance - Always buy travel insurance, especially for Thailand! The country is mental and you never know what might happen. Having a printout of your insurance is useful in case of an emergency and you need to show the doctor
  • Travel insurance - If you’re coming from the US, then SafetyWing could be a great value backpackers travel insurance option. If you're from the UK or elsewhere, you may find it cheaper first beginning a search through a comparison tool like Compare The Market.

Cameras & other tech

If you want to make use of Thailand’s natural beauty, then you’re going to want some decent photography gear to take with you.

Here’s what we took with us when backpacking Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia.

DSLR

A DSLR (Digital Single Lense Reflex Camera) is a great bit of kit to buy if you’re serious about upping your photography game. When brought together with a wide variety of different lenses, you have the ability to capture epic shots that are otherwise not possible on other devices. Perhaps my favourite part about Thailand is it’s stunning natural vistas, and there is no better way to capture them than with a wide angle lens like this. We take ours with us now wherever we go and it forms a key part of our travel tech! We actually spoke to fellow travel bloggers and rounded up the best cameras bloggers use. These recommendations work just as well for non-bloggers, so be sure to check out the guide!

G7 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Check Price on Amazon

Handheld video camera

We use this camera almost everywhere we go when travelling. A lot of the time, when you are out and about on day trips in different parts of Thailand, you don’t want to be lugging a big DSLR camera around with you. Especially if you are on a moped. In that case, a handheld video camera like this is the best of both worlds as it allows you to capture some really high res photos, as well as great quality videos that can then be edited together.

GoPro Hero 8
GoPro HERO8 Black
Check Price on Amazon

Underwater camera / action camera

I absolutely love our GoPro! And in Thailand, it is a must have in your packing list! Why? Well, because the coast of Thailand offers some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving spots. And if you are already spending all that money to travel Thailand and explore it’s underwater beauty, it’s worth having a great GoPro with you that’s able to capture those memories in stunning HD. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new action camera, then check out this list of GoPro alternatives, which are usually cheaper and still offer much of the same quality.

Drone

Full disclosure - We haven’t yet taken our drone to Thailand. Why? Simply because we haven't been there since owning one! The first time we took our drone abroad with us was when packing for Sri Lanka a few months later and I instantly fell in love. A drone allows you to capture the most unbelievable photos and videos and we can’t wait to take ours on our next trip to Thailand. As always, whenever taking your drone travelling, be sure to do your research local laws and restrictions well ahead of time. Also be sure to check out our guide on the best alternatives to DJI drones, many of which are far cheaper than the famous brand.

Other Gadgets we travel with

unlocked phone
Unlocked Smartphone (with local sim)
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Health & Safety

There are a few key health and safety items to pack for Thailand; these are ...

  • Travel Padlock - We took a few of these with us to Thailand, just for peace of mind more than anything. They are especially useful for bus journeys where you need to store your big rucksack in the hold space of the bus and you can’t keep an eye on them.
  • Antimalarials - Mosquitos are located in different parts of Thailand at different parts of the year. As such, you may not actually need antimalarials during your trip. To be sure, it’s best to visit your local travel doctor ahead of your trip and they can prescribe you some if necessary
  • Mosquito repellant spray - A key part of any Thailand travel packing list! It’s not just mosquitos that this helps ward off, but all other kinds of gnats and little pesky bugs that just don't leave you alone!
  • Plug in mosquito deterrent - If your accommodation is filled with little bugs or you’re worried that the mosquito net isn’t doing enough, a plug-in deterrent like this is a great way to help keep bugs at bay while you sleep soundly and itch free.
  • Sunscreen - Temperatures in Thailand regularly exceed 30 and even 40 degrees during the hot summer months, so sunscreen is essential! If you’re heading out snorkelling over reefs, then be sure to pick up some reef-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t harm the corals.

Miscellaneous things to pack for Thailand

As well as everything discussed above, here’s a few extra items we took that you may also want to include in your own Thailand packing list.

  • Reuseable Coffee Mugs - Helps Cazzy to maintain her coffee addiction whilst also helping to cut back on our use of disposable coffee mugs. A fold down one is great as it saves space when not in use. However, what we have found is that they aren’t particularly good at maintaining heat over long periods.
  • Worldwide travel plug - An essential part of any packing list, not just for Thailand! We take 2 worldwide travel plugs with us absolutely everywhere as it means we are set no matter what the local plug sockets are. They can be a little more pricey than single-use plug adaptors, but are so much more useful and do save you money in the long run if you are visiting lots of countries other than Thailand.
  • Pin to open sim card hole on phone - Remember how I said earlier about always using a local sim and ensuring your smartphone is unlocked? Well, a small metal phone opener is a great little tool to keep tucked away in your wallet. It takes up no space and is always there for those moments when you need it.
  • Dry bag - A heavy duty dry bag is perfect for Thailand, if you plan on heading out on day trips onto the water. One that is 10-15 litre should be plenty big enough for all your basic stuff. We also have another thin dry bag that lives in my rucksack and mainly gets used for sorting dirty washing.
  • Quick drying towel - If you plan on staying in hotels across Thailand, then everywhere you go should provide you with towels. However, if you plan on staying in hostels then you’re going to need to take your own. A towel is also essential for day trips as you're likely to be in and out of the water a lot. We take 2 small, fast drying towels with us as, when you're done using them, they’re typically bone dry and ready to be packed away again within the hour.
  • Playing cards - Absolutely essential! Especially if you’ve been travelling together for as long as Cazzy and me have and you've run out of things to talk about … sorry Cazzy, only joking!
  • Earphones - Perfect for distracting yourself on those looooooooongggg bus drives through Thailand!
  • Hand sanitiser - We keep a small bottle of this in our day bags so we can quickly clean our hands before eating when out and about

What NOT to pack for Thailand!

  • Sleeping bag - Our friend actually packed one of these for a 3 month journey around all of Southeast Asia and he’s absolutely gutted he did as it didn’t get used once. It’s just a shame he was too proud and stubborn to bin it along the way.
  • A ridiculously big rucksack - If you take a bag that’s far too big, then chances are you will fill it. So I don’t recommend taking a bag bigger than 60-70 litres unless you really need the space for something. The great thing about Thailand is that you can buy almost everything you need when out there!
  • Mosquito net - As long as you’re staying in half-decent decent hotels and hostels, then a mosquito net shouldn’t be necessary. 
  • Lots of jewellery - Though we never had anything stolen in Thailand, I think this is down to us following some pretty common sense principles. So in general, don’t take flashy or expensive jewellery with you. Cazzy wears a few rings she takes everywhere, and one is actually a cheap engagement-ring-look-alike just to help with any unwanted attention. If you do have to walk around with lots of valuables, pick up an anti-theft travel bag to help better secure your belongings.

Other items to add to your Thailand packing list

Here’s a few final items that we didn’t take to Thailand, but that you might want to consider for yourself ...

  • Packing cubes - Number one on the list of things we wish we had taken with us, but still haven’t got around to buying. Many backpackers swear by these as the best way to keep your gear all organised when on the road backpacking.
  • Multivitamins - Again, I wish I had taken these with us to Thailand. We soon found that we were eating a lot of the same sorts of food, and were also sick a few times from the local street food. So these would have been a good way to help look after ourselves a little better.
  • Money belt
  • Selfie stick
  • Underwater dome for GoPro - We wish we’d had one in Thailand! They help you to capture some really cool shots when in the water.
  • Kindle - Instead of taking bulky books with you everywhere, then you may want to consider a Kindle. Personally, I don’t read that often but when I do I’m happy to do so through the Kindle app on my phone.
  • Physical books/travel guides - Again, you could get all of these on your phone to save space. Alternatively, you will find tonnes of books and Thailand travel guides in almost all hotels and hostels which you can take and swap with something in exchange.
  • Snorkel - If you do plan on doing a lot of snorkelling, then having your own decent set could be a good idea.
  • Travel pillow - Useful for those long uncomfortable bus journeys that I came to despise when in Asia.
  • Hiking boots - Only necessary if you plan on actually doing a lot of hiking in Thailand. Personally, these were never needed.
  • Buff
  • Ear plugs - Perfect if you’re a light sleeper and plan on staying in a lot of hostels.
  • Waterproof phone case - Personally, if ever we go in the water then I’d rather take my GoPro in with me.
  • Bluetooth speaker

Top tips when packing for Thailand

A few final travel tips to help you with your packing ...

Remember, you can buy almost everything out there!

If you look on the labels of a lot of your clothes, then you’ll probably find that they were made in Thailand anyway! 

It’s easy to pick up cheap clothes in Thailand, and most of them are very good quality.

Don’t panic and overpack, as you can always pick up any forgotten items along the way.

Think carefully about where you’ll actually be visiting

You may want to revisit the top of this post where I gave a quick overview of the geography of Thailand.

Depending on which times of the year you visit and also where you visit, you could need some very different stuff!

Try to be respectful

All across Thailand, it is important to cover up in public, especially at religious sites; so take some light, long clothes with you.

Well, I hope that you found this guide useful and have a better idea of what to pack for Thailand!

Of course, everyone’s tastes will be different so think carefully about anything else you might wish to take with you.

Either way, Thailand is an incredibly beautiful country that is well worth visiting for any passionate backpacker.

For more help planning your trip to Thailand, then here’s some other posts we’ve written that you might find useful:

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