What To Pack

Core Essentials

• Reef-safe sunscreen: A must for snorkelling and beach days, especially in marine-protected areas where conventional sunscreens can damage coral reefs.

• High-DEET mosquito repellent: Essential for jungle areas and evenings near water. Opt for products with 30–50% DEET for maximum protection.

• Lightweight waterproofs: Even in dry season, tropical showers appear out of nowhere. A packable rain jacket or poncho is well worth the space.

• Footwear: Bring both flip-flops (for the beach and hotel) and closed-toe walking shoes (for temples, markets, or jungle trails).

• Universal travel adapter: Thailand uses 220V electricity with mixed plug types (mainly A, B, and C). A multi-adapter keeps you powered up.

• Power bank: Essential for long tours, all-day filming, or when staying somewhere with unreliable power.

Health & Safety

• Compact medical kit: Include plasters, antiseptic cream, antihistamines, rehydration salts, painkillers, and any personal meds. Don't panic if you forget something, Thailand’s pharmacies are excellent.

• Hand sanitiser and tissues: Public toilets are often soap- and paper-free. You’ll thank yourself.

• Copies of prescriptions: Especially for controlled meds. Carry both paper and digital versions.

Beach Days & Water Trips

• Quick-dry travel towel: Great for boat tours, island-hopping, or when your resort towel policy gets strict.

• Dry bag: A lifesaver on snorkelling trips, waterfall hikes, or beach transfers. Keeps phones, money, and cameras dry.

• Reusable water bottle: Helps you stay hydrated while cutting down on plastic. A bottle with a built-in filter is ideal for rural stops.

Day To Day Travel

• Daypack or small backpack: Lightweight, secure, and easy to sling on for tours or temple-hopping.

• Light scarf or sarong: Covers shoulders at temples, works as a blanket on night buses, or wraps you up after a swim.

• Earplugs and eye mask: Jungle nights, bright hotels, and long ferries all made these essential for us.

Travel Admin

• Important document copies: Keep printed and digital backups of your passport, travel insurance, and bookings. Store a copy separately from the originals for safety.

Packing Tips

• You don’t need much. Thailand is hot, casual, and very forgiving when it comes to wardrobe choices. We overpacked, and by week two, we were living in just a few lightweight outfits.

• Use packing cubes. These were game changers. They kept everything organised and compressed, especially handy when living out of a backpack.

• Laundry is cheap and easy. Most hotels offer it, and street-side laundries can wash and fold your clothes for just a few pounds. No need to pack for three weeks.