From rooftop bars in Bangkok to jungle hikes in Koh Tao and beach parties on Koh Phangan, Thailand is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of destination — and your suitcase needs to be ready for all of it.
After 17 unforgettable nights exploring the islands, cities, and cultural gems of Thailand, I’ve put together this smart and stylish packing guide based on what I actually wore, what I wish I’d brought, and what I’ll never forget again (👋 flip-flops on a mountain trail? Never again).
☀️ What’s the Weather Like in Thailand?
Thailand is hot. Really hot. Add in tropical humidity, the occasional downpour, and some heavily air-conditioned restaurants and transit — and suddenly that linen jumpsuit and rain poncho combo makes sense.
- Hot & Humid Year-Round: Especially in southern Thailand and the islands
- Rainy Season: Typically May to October — pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- Cooler Evenings (North/Chiang Mai): You’ll want one light sweater or jacket
👚 Think breathable fabrics, easy layers, and clothes you can sweat in (and still feel cute wearing).
🧕 Dress Code & Modesty Tips
Beachwear is fine on the beach, but not at temples or in more traditional areas like Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya. Here’s what I recommend:
- A light scarf to cover your shoulders
- A long skirt or wide-leg pants that are flowy but temple-appropriate
- Neutral tones or floral prints are always a safe bet
🧣Pro tip: A sarong can double as a beach cover-up and a shoulder wrap for temple visits.
✈️ Don’t Forget These Long-Haul Flight Essentials
Flying from North America to Thailand is no small feat. Between airport naps, 12+ hour flights, and trying to beat jet lag, packing a smart carry-on is key.
Here’s what saved me:
- Noise-cancelling headphones – For blocking out crying babies and chatty neighbours
- Face mist + moisturizer – Because airplane air turns you into a raisin
- Lip balm + hand sanitizer + travel pillow – The trifecta of travel sanity
- Snacks + reusable water bottle + electrolytes – Stay fuelled and hydrated
🎒 Want the full in-flight checklist?
👉 Check out my Long-Haul Flight Essentials Guide
🔥 My Top 10 Must-Have Items for Thailand
These were my MVPs — the things I used almost daily (and missed the one day I didn’t bring them).
1. Compression packing cubes – Maximize space for cute outfits & temple gear
2. Microfiber towel – For beach days, hostel stays, and impromptu dips
3. Bug spray + AfterBite – The mosquitos are relentless — especially in Koh Tao and Chiang Mai
4. Waterproof phone case – Beach. Pool. Rainstorm. Saved my phone multiple times
5. Daypack / small backpack – For exploring temples, island hopping, and snack hoarding
6. Sandals with grip – For days when flip-flops just won’t cut it
7. Loose linen pants + cotton tanks – The uniform of sweaty, happy travellers
8. Dry shampoo & facial wipes – When it’s too hot to shower twice a day
9. Sunhat + SPF face stick – Because you will get sun even in the shade
10. Sarong or scarf – See: temples, beach, plane blanket, emergency picnic setup
🛍 Want the FULL Packing List?
Packing for Thailand doesn’t need to be stressful. 🧾 I created a detailed, printable-friendly Thailand packing list — complete with affiliate links for 🇨🇦 Canadian and 🇺🇸 U.S. travellers — that you can save, shop, and check off as you go.
🎒 Click below to open the full list in a new tab:
🇨🇦 Canadian and 🇺🇸 U.S. travellers — every item is linked for easy shopping.
👉 View My Complete Tropical Thailand Packing List
👉 View My Long-Haul Flight Essentials Packing List
🧠 Final Packing Tips for Thailand
- Don’t overpack. You’ll end up living in the same 3 outfits anyway.
- Laundry is cheap and everywhere. Bring fewer clothes, more sunscreen.
- Double your SPF, halve your makeup. The sun is not playing around.
- Comfort > fashion on travel days and island hikes — you’ll thank yourself later.
💌 Want the Thailand Packing List as a Downloadable PDF?
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