How to pack for Thailand

How to pack for Thailand.

I lived in Thailand for a short stint and have traveled back for over 6 years. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth! 

 If you go there, I am sure you will fall in love with the people, food, and land, just like I have. So book your ticket and pack your bag. 

If you are already traveling to Thailand and wondering what the heck you should pack, let me help you.

Slip-on shoes

One of the most important things you must pack for Thailand is slip-on shoes. 

This is a must and will save you endless hours of trying to get closed-toed shoes on your feet. 

Now, if you are like me and have a closed-toed travel foot fetish, trust me, you will lose it fast in Thailand. No joke, in a 10-minute time in Thailand, I have slipped on and off my shoes at least five times. 

My preference is flip-flops, but I am from Texas, so I was born with flip-flops on, but any slip-on shoe will do. 

Some flip-flops are slippery, and at certain times of the month, it rains a lot. It’s still my preference. 

Underwear

Most people would not need to list this item, but for the 1%, I want to make sure they know the importance of packing underwear in Thailand. 

There will likely be two camps about this controversial packing item: one camp that never goes without underwear and the other that hates wearing underwear. 

But let me give you a little advice, it’s illegal to go without underwear in Thailand. 

You might ask how I know this?

Did I spend jail time for going commando? Well let me put your mind to rest-Yuck! No, I did not. 

My mentor, who lives in Thailand, gave me the low-down (pun intended) about this law. 

Is this law enforced?

I have no idea, but I wouldn’t want to be the one to find out. So please pack your undies and wear them in public places, especially in temples and airports. You don’t want to end up on a Youtube channel “locked up abroad” for not wearing your panties. 

Here is a good article about laws in Thailand.

Next on my how to pack for Thailand,

Bathing Suit

Almost every nice hotel in Thailand has a pool that is incredible and beautiful. If you are staying at a hostel then you have beaches, waterfalls and pool resorts to visit. So always be prepared to swim. 

They dress conservative in Thailand.

So you should rethink if you are taking a thong bikini, and wear a full coverage swimsuit.

Cover up

Like I said they are pretty conservative in Thailand so make sure you have a cover up that it just that, it covers you. 

The weather can be quite damp in Thailand so something that is quick to dry is best. Cotton options are the better ones, since it dry’s fast and doesn’t get a funky damp smell that no one likes. 

Shorts

Go with the longer option of shorts and save your booty-shorts for Coachella. Shorts should hit the knee or just a little above the knee. Bermuda shorts work great for Thailand as well as linen pants.

If you are wearing your butt cheeks as an accessory, you might not be able to enter some locations. 

Did I mention they are conservative in Thailand! Next up on how to pack for Thailand an essential.

Bug-spray

I hate bug spray; I can literally taste it in my mouth as soon as I put it on, but with hundreds of mosquitos it’s an essential Thailand packing item.

Once I tried Skin-so-soft because in America it works to repel mosquitoes but in Thailand when I wore it, I became a mosquito buffet. 

During some seasons in Thailand, the mosquitos are everywhere. So I would definitely pack repellent, especially if you are going to the jungle or farming areas. 

I prefer a lotion or balm.

One thing to remember in Thailand is the risk of dengue fever, not fun. Since I hate repellent, I would keep it in my purse or backpack and only put it on when needed. 

Bonus information: if you take vitamin B complex, it’s known to repel bugs. The catch is you have to take it one month before you leave. This is definitely worth it. 

Raincoat or Umbrella

It rains a lot in Thailand. And this is generally how it happens: For anywhere from 10-30 minutes, rain will pour down in sheets, stop, the sun will shine, and possibly repeat. This happens for months at a time. 

So always bring a raincoat or umbrella.

Just be prepared, the rainy season is May-October in Thailand. 

These are my must-haves for how to pack for Thailand; for the rest, bring what you love. 

One more bonus tip for Thailand is to bring mostly cotton. 

It dries fast, and because of the humidity level, when I wear anything else, it can get really gross very fast. When you see photos of locals, they wear a lot of linen; there is a great reason. It’s breathable and dry’s fast.  

Fashion Tip for Thailand. It’s modest and not too clingy. So pack your bag and let me know what your must haves are for traveling to Thailand. 

Here is my personal packing list

1. Slip-on shoes 
2. Underwear 
3. Bug spray
4. Shorts that hit right at the knee or just above (100% cotton)
5. Linen pants
6. Cotton shirts
7. Breezy flowing dress (Mostly cotton)
8. Umbrella
9. Bathing suit
10. Cover up
11. Flowy Skirt (hits at knee)
12. Jammies (mostly cotton)
13. Facial wipes
14. Disposable electric toothbrush
15. Toothpaste
16. Moisturizer for face
17. Powder (this is a must for me; if it’s rainy season, it helps.)
18. Hiking shoes (just in case or if I plan to hike or going to be on a farm-lots of snakes)
19. Phone Charger
20. Laptop charger 
21. Probiotic (MUST HAVE): The food is incredible in Thailand. But it can cause some tummie trouble AKA travel tummie-so to avoid this trust me take a great probiotic with you. 
22. Passport (I don’t feel like I should mention this, but accidents do happen, and checklist are essential)Copies. Check out this post about things you need to do before you travel internationally.
23. Addresses where you will stay (You need this at the airport for border control)
24. Contacts and solution (don’t think you can get your brand there)
25. Glasses (Sun and regular)
26. Quick dry towel or sarong
27. Tissues prepacked 4 count (I take this instead of toilet paper for those moments of need)
28. Make-up
29. Hair-Brush (Hair tyes.)
30. Favorite Shower products (Shampoo bar and Conditioner, body wash)
31. Pillowcase (I have super sensitive skin, so if I haven’t been to the hostel or hotel before, I take a pillowcase. Then, at the end of the trip, I put my really dirty laundry in it.) 

Add on if you are staying in the jungle a cocoon sleeping bag and a scarf. I wrap it around my head, and it helps with mosquitos and creepy crawlers that might want to snuggle. And if your shoes are outside the tent make sure you check them. 

If this is your first trip out of country then check out this post of things you need to do before your trip.

If you have traveled to Thailand let us know your must haves in the comments below.