essential thailand
packing list
– Passport (physical + digital copy)
– Visa (if required – check current requirements)
– ID/driver’s license
– Home keys
– Credit cards (2+, notify banks of travel)
– Debit card
– Cash ($200-5000 USD to exchange on arrival)
– Backpack*
– Hidden Belt Wallet
– Sunglasses with Camera
– Travel insurance documents (print + digital)
– Hotel booking confirmations (first night is crucial)
– Flight confirmations
– Vaccination records (if applicable)
– Emergency contact list
– Phone & charger
– Power bank (essential, must be in carry-on)
– Headphones
– Camera (optional, phone works great)
– E-reader/tablet (for flights)
– Laptop (if working)
– All charging cables
– UV light to check your Hotel bed
– T-shirts (3)
– Good shirts (3)
– Shorts with zippered pockets (3)
– Lightweight pants (1) for temples, rooftop bars
– Swimwear (1-2)
– Underwear (3)
– Socks (3 pairs)
– Light jacket/cardigan (for AC, planes)
– One “nice” outfit (rooftop bars, nice dinners)
Temple-Appropriate Clothes:
– Shirt that covers shoulders (1)
– Pants/skirt that covers knees (1) Note: Can buy cheap clothing there (฿100-200)
Shoes:
– Walking shoes/sneakers (1 pair, comfortable!)
– Optional: Nicer shoes for evenings
– Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
– Glasses (if applicable)
– Feminine hygiene (available in Thailand but they don’t use tampons, for example)
– Lip balm with SPF
⚠️ TIM’S TIP: Buy most toiletries in Thailand (cheaper, save luggage space)
Optional Toiletries:
– Shaving cream
– Makeup (bring essentials, buy if needed)
– Hair products
– Prescription medications (bring FULL supply + photo). Check online if your medicine is legal to bring.
⚠️ Note: You can buy most medicines at Thai pharmacies without a prescription.
– Sunscreen – ฿150 for big bottle (vs $15-20 at home)
– Insect repellent – ฿80-120
– Aloe vera gel – ฿50 (for sunburn)
– Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
– Beach clothes – Tank tops, shorts super cheap
– Flip-flops – ฿100-200 everywhere
– Rain poncho – ฿40 at 7-Eleven
– Snacks & drinks – 7-Eleven has everything
– Jeans – Too hot, take forever to dry
– Vape – 5 years in prison
– Heavy jackets – Won’t need (except airplane)
– More than 2 pairs of shoes – Waste of space
– Full-size toiletries – Buy at 7-Eleven
– Hair dryer – Hotels have them
– Beach towels – Hotels provide
– Valuables/expensive jewelry – Risk of loss
– Books – Heavy, use e-reader
– Too many clothes – You’ll re-wear them, and laundry is cheap (฿30-100/kg)
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