Planning a trip to Thailand? Whether you’re visiting bustling Bangkok, exploring temple towns, or island-hopping in the south, what you pack can make or break your travel experience. This list covers the top 10 essential things to bring for a smooth, comfortable, and respectful visit to the Land of Smiles. From smart clothing choices to practical travel gear, here’s a Top 10 things to pack for Thailand.
10. Short Sleeve Shirt and Shorts
Why not? It’s going to be hot
The most obvious inclusion in this list. When coming to a tropical country, make sure to not bring clothes that aren’t suited for Thailand’s hot weather! When out and about in Bangkok during the day, don’t expect its many skyscrapers to shield you from the scorching sun. Pack some not so cumbersome clothes that are easy to move around in, and enjoy your time exploring the city!
You can always buy more when you get here, in one of the many malls! Top 10 Malls in Bangkok
9. Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants
A necessity in some areas of this conservative country
While Thailand may still have the reputation of a wild and carefree nation where travellers can revel with abandon, it’s easy to forget that generally locals live a very conservative lifestyle. This is much more the case when it comes to cultural and religious institutions. If you ever plan on visiting Thailand’s many beautiful temples, then longer sleeve clothes to cover skin is a must. Please make sure you respect the local culture and don’t make the mistake of wearing your holiday apparel into temple grounds.
8. Swimwear
Make sure to pack it even when entering an urban jungle
Unless you’re completely travelling on a budget, chances are that if you’re staying in a hotel then it’s going to have a pool. Make sure to take advantage of all your amenities by packing some swimwear so that you can take a nice dip away from the tyranny of Bangkok’s sweltering tropical heat!
7. Sunscreen
An absolute must for the fairer skinned
As mentioned before, if you’re going to be out and about during the day in the city, then don’t expect much of Bangkok’s skyline to shelter you from the sun. While there are plenty of spots for shade, Bangkok’s skyscrapers tend to be built completely vertically leaving large pockets of areas to be hit by sun. If you’re someone with fairer skin, then this is a must have for that much needed skin protection!
Do note: Sunscreen is very expensive in Thailand, it’s one of the few exceptions!
6. Deodorant
A more sensitive and frowned upon issue that locals will be too nice to warn you about
If there’s anything to remember when travelling around in urban areas of Asia, it’s the local sensibilities of odor and hygiene. A clean and presentable look is always appreciated by the local population, but even more so is not having overbearing body odor. This goes double for a place like Bangkok where it can feel like being in an oven.
Pack some of your favorite deodorant and travel the city freely so that the smiles aren’t being forced in the Land of Smiles.
5. eSim
Be connected the moment you land
Don’t risk getting bogged down by insane roaming charges when landing into another country. There are stories of people being asked by their telecommunication networks to pay six-figures because they ignored the cost of data roaming when being abroad.
Sign up and get an eSim package so that you’re immediately connected to Bangkok’s very capable telecommunications network the moment you set foot off the plane.
4. Overpacking
Minimalist packing will serve you well in a city where everything is available
This tip is one that many travel veterans would appreciate, and that’s to not overpack. This especially applies to Bangkok because everything you could possibly need is available somewhere around you at all times. Convenience stores are abundant, and if for whatever reason you can’t find what you need there then check our Top 10 list of Bangkok Malls.
There’s no need to overpack. Clothes are available for cheap. Toiletries can easily be found. You’ll also need space if you’d like to get your hands on any of the many possible souvenirs you could be taking back home.
3. Travel Adapter
Don’t take the risk and end up destroying your expensive electronics
Frequency and voltage in Thailand is at 220v 50hz. If you’re coming in from the US that’s almost double the voltage! Many unprepared travelers have been in shock when they discovered their precious electronics going up in smoke. Seeing your equipment burn up is one thing, realizing how much money you’ll have to burn through for replacements is another.
Be smart, be prepared, and be adaptable by bringing a power adapter to prevent setting your wallet on fire!
2. Traveler’s Insurance
Don’t take risks, you don’t want your dream holiday in the Land of Smiles to be a living nightmare
There are many a story of travelers who get into unfortunate accidents (typically on the road) and end up having to be hospitalized. While healthcare in Thailand is very affordable, being stuck in a private hospital can still set you back by quite a large amount depending on the severity.
Don’t let yourself get into this situation. It’s not ideal having to be hospitalized on your vacation, but it’s much worse having to cover excessive hospital bills during it. Bangkok is an extremely safe city, but you can never be too careful.
1. Important Documentation
Maybe not in the way you’re considering it
Having your travel documents when leaving your country is a no-brainer. However, when in Bangkok it isn’t necessary to always carry something like your physical passport with you at all times.
Instead of carrying it on your person where it has a chance of being lost, use it to get into the country, and use it to check into your hotel. After that, carrying photocopies of your front passport page should be sufficient for your other dealings. You can leave your passport in your hotel safe for safekeeping.
