Thailand offers you a variety of things – be it the beaches and islands, trekking and rock climbing, temples and museums. It is a tropical country and if you think you can wear your swimsuits and short skirts everywhere, then you are in for a shock! Of course, if you want to idle your time away only on the beaches, then yes. But these are some of the essentials which I think is much needed on your trip to Thailand. This isn’t exhaustive, but I’ve tried to include all that we required as part of our Thailand packing list.
Documents:
Flight ticket, Travel Insurance, Bus and Ferry Tickets, Show Tickets (Like Simon Cabaret or Siam Nimrat Show), Hotel Bookings, Passport, Visa, Credit and Debit Cards. Always scan the originals and save the scans on your laptop, mobile phone, emails, and your Google drive. Carry a hard copy as well.
Cash:
Though you shouldn’t be carrying lots of cash, make sure you exchange a small amount to Thai Baht. From the moment you hop on a flight to Thailand, only Baht is valid. It will be useful in buying something onboard, to grab a bite and pay the taxi from the airport.
Sunscreen:
Invest in a good sunscreen for you would need it a lot. Thailand is hot and if you don’t want to return home burnt, apply every morning before you head out for the day. Also, Sunscreens are a bit expensive here. So, it is better to carry your trusted brand from home.
Mosquito repellant:
Apply a mosquito repellent by 5 in the evening. Though you are unlikely to catch Malaria in Thailand, the mosquito bites would just be irritating. They are found everywhere – including beaches and jungles. Mosquito repellant sprays are also available in the market.
Toiletries:
Of course, you will be carrying your basic toiletries with you like a deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, and tampons. Carry in sachets or small bottles. Or else, buy it from the nearest 7 Eleven store. They are also provided on your hotel stay. Take a dry shampoo as well. It absorbs the oil and volumizes your hair.
Medicines:
Medicines are expensive in Thailand. Carry the bare minimum including band-aids, and meds that treat diarrhea. Ever heard of Bangkok Belly?
Makeup:
Well, it is going to be pretty hot and so, less is more.
Clothes:
Pack linen or cotton clothes. Swimsuits, scarves, and sarongs will be your best friend in beaches, especially since it is respectful to cover yourself when away from the beach. Carry loose trousers, wrap around skirts, maxi dress or elephant pants when you head to the Wats or the Grand Palace. It is imperative to cover your shoulders and ankles. Keep a light jacket because when you step into the hotel or taxi or a bus, it is going to be pretty cold. The air conditioning generally is very high. Though you needn’t buy a rain jacket or umbrella, Thailand is known for its sudden downpour. You will get these raincoats in 7-Eleven/Family Mart.
Sunglasses and Hat:
Be it on an island tour or visiting a Wat in Bangkok, these will help you beat the heat.
Quick Dry Towel:
Though beach towels are available, carry a quick dry towel.
Shoes:
Carry a good hiking shoes or sneakers, slip-ons and a pair of sandals. You will have to do a lot of walking and it is better to have a good pair of footwear. Slipons are especially useful when visiting Wats. You’ll have to remove them everytime you enter the shrine. You can also carry a lightweight formal shoes/sandals if you plan to head a posh bar or restaurant like Vertigo.
Backpack, Beach bag, and Packing Cubes:
Packing cubes are helpful to organize your clothes. A day backpack is needed before you head out to explore the city or beaches. You can carry all your essentials like a towel, sunglass, scarves, sarongs, additional dress, camera and your wallet.
Ziplocks:
It is necessary especially for island visits as it helps in keeping your electronics and cash from getting wet. You can also keep your wet clothes in a large plastic bag zip locks.
Wet wipes and Tissues:
This not only helps in wiping your hands and face but yeah, this could be your savior while dealing with a not so sanitary Thailand toilets when tissue papers are not available.
Electronic Items:
Carry a power adapter as most of the hotels have a two pin connection. Carry your camera because you do not want to miss capturing those glorious sceneries. Carry a power bank, spare batteries, chargers and memory Cards. Carry a small notebook/Ipad/Laptop and flash drives so that you can keep transferring the photographs while relaxing in your hotel room at night.
Luggage locks:
It is better to be safe than sorry. Lock your luggage before leaving your hotel room. It is also better to lock your backpack when on the boat during an island tour.
Others:
Kindle, Torch, Notepad, Pen, Hand sanitizer, Selfie sticks, and Waterproof phone case. The latter is especially useful to capture the beautiful marine life when you go snorkeling. Carry a Travel pillow as well. I never thought I would be needing one. But trust me, it is going to be a long flight and journey. Do your best to protect your neck.
What NOT to take to Thailand?
Do not carry expensive items including jewelry. You needn’t carry lots of cash as well, risking it to get stolen. ATMs are available in every nook and corner of Thailand. Do not carry heavy books. Replace it with a Kindle. A pair of jeans os more than enough, for it is heavy, Thailand is hot and it also is difficult to get dried up when wet.
Useful Apps for Traveling to Thailand:
a. GrabTaxi: Just like Ola Cabs or Uber, Grab Taxi is used for hailing cabs in Bangkok.
b. HERE WeGo: Offline Maps. Don’t the map of Thailand and you can navigate without an internet connection.
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STAY TUNED AS I WILL BE TALKING IN DETAIL ABOUT SOME OF THE EXOTIC ISLANDS AND SHOPPING, AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS THE PLACE HAS TO OFFER.
I am writing all about Thailand this April for the A to Z Challenge 2017.Β Thanks for all the love youβve showered on this space! You can also check out my food blog for A to Z Indian Dishes to Die For.Β
Most significant post of the series. Mark is as important in the ebook you publish can act as a bible for first timers buddy. Great Work?
Truly Yours Roma
Roma recently posted…Love Without Ifs and Buts ~ Vol 12 of The Enchanting Tale of Priyam and Meer
What a treasure trove of important info. Loved it Shalzzy- this info is rarely available so comprehensively and together in one place.
Leather that weathers in Pushkar
Shalini recently posted…[L] Leather that weathers in Pushkar |#atozchallenge 2017|
So lovely you have penned down the do’s and don’t in Thailand..A perfect guide for people who are visiting the first time..Thanks for sharing a useful post..
Launching SIM Organics This April
*Menaka Bharathi *
*SimpleIndianMom*
Menaka Bharathi recently posted…Learn About The Must Have Herbs In Your Organic Kitchen Garden
Very very very important post as the list covers everything for travel abroad to any tropical country I guess….can’t thank you enough for this Shalini!!!
Of all those, I would never have thought of the ziplock but it really is a brilliant idea.
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Anja Ringgren Loven is a true Angel of God #AtoZChallenge
Such sensible and wise advice for traveling to Thailand. Great list and tips from someone who has been there and knows. Lots of good tips for travel in general. I’m going to Ireland next month and need to keep some of these tips in mind.
I’ll never make it there, but a list from an experienced person is great for any travel.
Perspectives at Life & Faith in Caneyhead
There’s a Bankok belly too? Well, great packing list, I think useful for visit to any place! I’m bookmarking this page.
shubhangi srikanth recently posted…L – 5 beautiful Love poems
Great checklist. I feel like I want to head off on holiday now! Having been to Bangkok in the summer (February). you’re not wrong about the heat. My clothes were soaked with sweat after half an hour in the hot streets – one thing that’s not required is a travel iron!
Nick Wilford recently posted…A-Z Challenge 2017 – L is for Lunkin
I love lists and this is what I do before traveling anywhere. This is a comprehensive list of things to pack for Thailand. I would have carried all these, except for Ziplock pouches. But now I will. π
Shilpa Garg recently posted…Murder #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
If I ever decide to go to Thailand, I know where to look!
Sanch @ Sanch Writes recently posted…#Monchielle: Strong Woman #atozchallenge
Fabulous list! I like that you categorized things and it makes it so much more easier. I forgot ziplocks on our trip to Andamans but luckily we found poly bags π That is such an important thing when visiting countries like Thailand.
Great one, Shalini!
Parul Thakur recently posted…M for May I? #AtoZChallenge
This is a very helpful list! I didnt know that even on the flight we need TB! and great π point about packing the kindle!
This is such a handy list, I will surely bookmark it for future use.
Launching SIM Organics This April
*Menaka Bharathi *
*SimpleIndianMom*
Menaka Bharathi recently posted…Out-Jump Your Nutritional Intake – Microgreens – Do You Know Them