A Packing List for a Thailand Trip — What to Bring and What Not To

Clothing

Light, breathable clothes, a swimsuit, and at least one modest clothing item (sleeves/long pants) for visiting temples — there's usually a dress requirement there.

Items Easy to Forget

Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, personal medication in sufficient quantity (with a prescription if relevant), and a portable charger (power bank) for a full day outdoors.

Documents

A passport with sufficient validity, a scanned copy of important documents, and travel insurance — worth also keeping a digital copy in the cloud, not just on your phone.

Clothing and Gear by Trip Type

For a beach trip, swimwear, a few light shirts, flip-flops and comfortable walking shoes are enough. For a city trip, add comfortable closed shoes, since you'll walk a lot. For the north in winter, bring a warm layer for the evening, and for the rainy season a light rain jacket. You can get the exact list for your travel dates from the packing list generator on the site.

Sunscreen: in some marine parks there are restrictions on certain sunscreens, so it's worth choosing a reef-friendly one. As for electricity, Thailand uses 220 volts with a variety of socket types, so a universal adapter is light and useful.

Medication, Health and Protection

Bring your regular medication in sufficient quantity, in its original packaging and with a prescription, because some medications are restricted or different in another country. A small first-aid kit, a remedy for stomach upset, a bite ointment and something for sunburn are very useful. It's also worth reading the health guide before the trip.

Insect repellent is especially important in the evening and in jungle areas. Thin long-sleeved clothing helps against both sun and mosquitoes.

What You Can Leave at Home and What to Buy There

It's easy to buy toiletries, sunscreen and some clothing in Thailand at good prices, so there's no need to overload. Anyone who comes back with a heavy suitcase from shopping will be surprised, so it's better to leave some space free. Details about shopping prices in price comparison: Thailand vs Israel and shopping in Bangkok.

And don't forget: a power bank stays in your carry-on and not in the big bag, per airline rules. Also, dress modestly when visiting temples — more in Thai etiquette. And arrange a SIM or eSIM in advance, as detailed in SIM and internet.

What's Forbidden or Problematic to Bring

E-cigarettes are prohibited in Thailand, and strict rules apply to importing and using them, with fines. Drones require registration and permits under the law, so check the current regulations in advance if you plan to film from the air. Certain medications, such as strong painkillers and sleep treatments, are also regulated, so bring a prescription and check with an official source.

In general, it's worth confirming entry and customs rules before any trip, because rules change. And for the rest of the list, don't take a lot: clothes are easy and cheap to launder, and some gear can be bought locally.

Keep reading

Thai souvenirs: what is worth buying and what not to take home.

Plugs and chargers in Thailand: what you actually need to pack.

Heat and sun protection in Thailand: simple habits for a comfortable trip even in the humidity.