When people visit Thailand, they often bring too many of their belongings. They forget that many items can be bought locally (and often at a lower cost). Focusing on the essentials can help you meet baggage thresholds and reduce stress when entering and exiting the country. In this article, we will cover what to pack for Thailand (as a minimalist), but we won’t include items that can be bought locally with ease, such as mosquito repellant, sunscreen, and soaps. At the end, we will also let you know what not to pack.
What are the Essential Items to Pack for Thailand?
1. Travel Plug/Adapter
One of the biggest shocks of coming to Thailand for the first time was discovering that I couldn’t plug in my laptop. This is something many travelers overlook, so it’s important to have a universal travel adapter with you.
2. Passport and Travel Documents
This was originally going to be number one, but it’s too much of a no-brainer. Obviously, your passport is your most important travel document, and you won’t be getting in anywhere without it.
(Don’t forget to check that it has enough room for more stamps and at least six months’ validity from your date of entry.)
3. Cash and Cards
While credit and debit cards are accepted in many places, it’s still wise to carry some cash. Bring your local currency with you and exchange it at the airport. Even though fees are higher in airports, it’s much better to enter a country with plenty of their local currency in case things don’t go as planned.
Sometimes people have issues with their banks, and it can make their cards useless for a few days. (Remember to let your bank know ahead of time that you will be traveling so that your card doesn’t get declined.)
4. Clothing
Pack summer clothing. Thailand is a tropical country, so light fabrics like linen and cotton are best to wear. Swimwear is also important. For shoes, you could get by with only sandals, unless you were going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities, in which case some tennis shoes might be necessary. The only reason you would need to bring formal shoes is if you planned to visit upscale nightlife venues.
Thailand is a laid back country, and there is no need to be very formal in most settings. It’s too hot, anyway.
5. Deodorant
This is one you won’t want to forget. If you’re from a Western country (and one where people use deodorant), you’re probably going to want to bring your own. Thailand 7-Elevens and other convenience stores sell a type of deodorant, but it often does not work very well, and is mostly liquid. If you typically use stick deodorant, I would bring some with you.
What Not to Pack for Thailand
1. Jackets and Winter Clothes
Thailand’s weather is warm year-round, even in the so-called “cool season.” You may need a light jacket if you are in the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, etc.) in December and January. Otherwise, there’s no need for any jackets or cold-weather clothing. Even jeans might be pushing it. Save space by leaving these items at home.
2. Too Many Shoes
Limit yourself to one or two pairs of shoes. They take up a lot of extra space, and there’s a good chance you’ll only need sandals.
3. Electronics
Unless you’re working, there’s probably no need to bring your laptop. Phone and a charger aside, there’s little reason to bring other larger electronics.
4. Toiletries
Toothbrushes, floss, soap, and shampoo can all be bought at a local convenience store. They even have face wash items at most 7-Elevens.
What to Pack for Thailand: The Bottom Line
With a minimalist approach, packing for Thailand doesn’t have to be stressful. If you only packing the essentials, you will travel light and be able to move between hotels and airports with ease. Remember, most stuff can be purchased locally if needed.
