Travelers will go to some pretty incredible lengths to save room in their suitcases. Whether they want to bulk up on souvenirs or just do not want to carry around loads of items while travelling, Thailand is the perfect place to visit for those wanting to pack light. For those who do not know where to start, we at Mad Monkey present the ultimate guide on what to pack when you’re planning a trip to Thailand. Take out your suitcases and take notes!
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Here’s what to pack during the rainy season
From July to October, Thailand is usually experiencing its rainy season. This is also known as the monsoon season. As its name suggests, the rainfall can be aggressively unbearable, making it necessary for visitors to pack either an umbrella or a light rain jacket to avoid getting soaked. Rainfall happens sporadically and forcefully during this time: there is no such thing as a light sprinkle in Thailand during the monsoon season. Because of this, it is often best to avoid traveling down south during these months, as well, as the islands are prone to flooding.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Here’s what to pack during the dry season
In November to February, Thailand has its high season. During this time, it is okay to leave your umbrella at home and pack some summer-inspired outfits. Thailand experiences some of its coolest temperatures in the high season (or cool season), and there is little rainfall for visitors to worry about. This is when the country receives a massive influx of tourists, as well, so prepare for larger crowds.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Here’s what to pack during the hot season
The hottest months of the year are March, April, May, and June. It is during this time that temperatures can reach 95° degrees Fahrenheit / 35° degrees Celsius, so visitors should try to pack light and breathable clothing in addition to plenty of swimwear. During the hot season, it is best to head to Thailand’s immense coastline and park it at one of the many beaches to try to enjoy the stifling weather. During April, Thailand also celebrates the festival of Songkran, the perfect holiday for this brutally hot month. The week-long celebration is mostly a giant water fight and makes visiting during the boiling month of April worth it.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Bring those strappy sandals
Thailand is equipped with many national parks that are crisscrossed with hiking trails and even a few waterfalls along the way. Both hiking boots and sandals will come in handy while exploring these rural terrains, and long socks are suggested if you really want to travel off the beaten path, like in a national park, for example. While it may be tempting to throw your newest pair of gym shoes in your suitcase, these may not be the best option for footwear for muddy and mountainous trails, especially during the rainy season.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Here’s what to pack if you want to visit temples
There are thousands of temples scattered throughout Thailand. To visit many of them, visitors must have some type of clothing that will cover their knees and shoulders. At Wat Phra Kaew found on the grounds of the Grand Palace, for example, both men and women must cover their ankles, chest, knees, and shoulders. To avoid being turned away from any of the fantastic temples found throughout the country, be sure to pack a few articles of clothing that are temple appropriate.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Here’s what to pack for the nightlife
In addition to bringing clothing to cover up while visiting Thailand’s temples, it is also important to note that there are many nightlife venues that have strict dress codes visitors must abide by. For those tourists who are keen on spending a classy night out while visiting the Land of Smiles, be sure to bring nice shoes, dress pants, or a skirt to be allowed in. Open-toe shoes will not fly in a rooftop bar such as Le Bua, one of the most well-known sky bars in Bangkok, for example.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Leave your playing cards and e-cigarettes at home
Thailand has its fair share of seemingly strange laws. Some of the laws will require visitors to leave a few items at home before making a trip here. Two of the most important things to leave at home are playing cards and e-cigarettes. It is illegal to gamble in Thailand, so even though travelers may bring a deck of cards in hopes of playing a round of ring of fire, it is best to keep these stowed away so as to not have any problems. There is even a law (the Playing Cards Act of 1935) that prohibits anyone from possessing more than 120 cards in Thailand. More recently, e-cigarettes became illegal in Thailand, so be sure to leave these at home, as well.
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Stock up on those prescriptions
Be sure to prepare any medicines you may need before visiting Thailand. Though the country is equipped with many pharmacies and hospitals, it is best to arrange any prescriptions at home and stock up before your epic adventure. This will help visitors avoid from having to deal with a language barrier in case of an emergency while travelling abroad. There are also a number of vaccinations that the CDC recommends for travellers to get before coming to Thailand, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Have a look at some other things to pack:
- Mosquito repellent
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Power banks
- Power adaptors
- Kindle
- Refilling water bottle
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Combination lock
- Bluetooth speaker
- Laundry bag
- Copies of your passport
- Passport photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Money belt
- Light jacket for when you travel by airplane, bus, or train
- Travel cubes
- Ear-plugs
- Headphones
Need more reasons to plan a trip to Thailand?
Check out this amazing video!
More helpful articles on what to pack on a trip to Thailand
If this article about what to bring to Thailand got you excited and you are keen to start planning and packing, check out these links we have rounded up that will help you utilize the most space in your suitcase. We only recommend blogs that we read and use ourselves, as well.
- Packing List For Thailand by Travel Happy
- What To Pack For Thailand: The Ultimate Packing List for Nomad is Beautiful
- The Ultimate Female Travel Packing List for Thailand by Caroline Eubanks for Her Packing List
- What To Pack For Thailand? For Koh Samui Sunset
- Thailand Packing List by Greg Rodgers for tripsavvy
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