Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are our 15 packing essentials for Thailand that will make your adventure much more comfortable and ensure you’re prepared no matter what! From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cultures and mouth-watering street food, Thailand has it all. Trust me, as someone who’s been living in Thailand for the last two years, these packing essentials are game-changers!

* This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything through the links provided I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you!

15 packing essentials for your trip to Thailand

1. BEACH TOWEL

The next generation beach towel is here, and we’re obsessed with our Dock & Bay towels! They are compact, lightweight, quick-drying, and sand-free. Plus, they’re eco and planet-friendly, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and they come in so many different colours and patterns to suit your style.

Thailand boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, so you’ll be spending a lot of time on the sand and in the water. Make sure to pack a Dock & Bay XL towel. These towels are definitely packing essentials for Thailand – not only are they quick-drying and sand-resistant, but they also double as a large picnic blanket. Whether you’re drying off or sunbathing, Dock & Bay towels are an essential item in our opinion.

BUY DOCK & BAY TOWELS HERE

2. SARONG

A sarong is a must-have for your Thailand adventure. Use it as a beach wrap, a blanket, or to cover your shoulders before entering a temple. Trust me, you’ll find countless uses for it during your trip. And don’t worry, if you forget to pack one as you’ll find them at all the local markets and even from the beach sellers for just a few ££’s.

3. DRY BAG

During your Thailand adventure, you are bound to be trying out some new water activities and you’ll most certainly be booking a boat trip or two so a dry bag is an absolute must! These handy bags come in all sorts of sizes, perfect for whatever you need to stash away for your day out. I recommend a 20L dry bag for most water adventures—plenty of space for all your essentials without being too bulky. I’ve linked our fave that comes in ten different colours.

BUY A 20L DRY BAG HERE

4. WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

Even though most phones are waterproof these days, I still highly recommend getting a reliable waterproof phone case for your travels. Here are four reasons why this case is a must-have:

Secure and Convenient: The case can be secured around your neck with a cord, making it perfect for sea swimming and other water activities without the risk of dropping your phone.

Picture-Perfect Underwater Adventures: This case provides excellent picture quality, making it ideal for capturing stunning underwater shots while snorkelling or swimming.

Hands-Free Filming: Perfect for activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, allowing you to film hands-free without worrying about your phone.

Ultimate Protection: It keeps your phone safe from seawater and sand, ensuring it stays in pristine condition. Replacing a phone while travelling can be a hassle, especially on a budget.

buy a waterproof phone case here

5. MULTIPLE BANK CARDS

When you’re traveling, especially in a place like Thailand, it’s crucial to have multiple bank and credit cards with you. From personal experience, we’ve had a few hiccups—two of our cards were swallowed by cash machines, and another was blocked due to fraudulent activity back in the UK. It’s always good to have a backup plan!

Here’s where Wise comes in handy. With the Wise banking app, you can open accounts in various currencies and transfer money with ease. Plus, you can order a physical debit card before you set off, giving you an additional layer of financial security. Having multiple cards ensures you’re covered if one gets lost, blocked, or swallowed by a machine, making your travels smoother and stress-free.

SIGN UP FOR A WISE ACCOUNT TODAY

6. SMALL MEDICAL KIT

When travelling to Thailand, packing a small first aid kit is a smart move. We also recommend packing a few pills and potions, our essentials are Paracetamol an essential for headaches, fevers, and any minor aches and pains, Fybogel to help with any potential digestion issues, Imodium which we think is a must for any traveller’s first aid kit and our absolute must-have item is the Beurer Insect Bite Healer/Reliever it provides natural relief from itching and swelling caused by insect bites and stings, without the need for medication. It’s a lifesaver for those pesky mosquito bites!

BUY SMALL MEDICAL KIT HERE
BUY MOSQUITO BITE PEN HERE

7. LOOP EARPLUGS

I don’t travel anywhere without my Loop earplugs, they are amazing for blocking out sound and are super comfortable. I seem to struggle with noise, especially when trying to sleep, maybe it’s the constant changes in the environment but I honestly wouldn’t be without these. Whether you’re trying to get 40 winks on the flight, or just need something comfortable to wear whilst you’re sleeping to block out all those strange sounds, these Loop reusable earplugs are not just a packing essential for Thailand, but for all travel adventures.

BUY LOOP EARPLUGS HERE

8. WATER BOTTLE

Here are my top reasons for always carrying a LifeStraw water bottle when travelling:

• Save money
• Save the planet
• Keep track of what you’re drinking and stay hydrated
• Protect yourself from harmful contaminants with LifeStraw’s advanced filtration system
• Durable and less likely to leak in your bag
• Filter up to 1,000 litres of water, removing bacteria and parasites for safe drinking anywhere

Trust me, a LifeStraw water bottle is a travel essential you won’t want to be without!

BUY THE LIFESTRAW WATER BOTTLE HERE

9. PERIOD PRODUCTS

When travelling to Thailand, having the right period products is essential. Period care here can be surprisingly expensive and harder to find compared to what you’re used to in the UK. Before we set off on our travels, I switched to a period cup and period pants, and they’ve become must-haves for me. Finding tampons that aren’t wrapped in plastic and aren’t overpriced can be a real challenge.

A period cup is a fantastic investment for any trip. While it might take a little getting used to, it’s well worth the effort. Not only is it better for your body and the environment, but it also eliminates the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You can comfortably wear it all day, making it perfect for long travel days.

I also highly rate Modibodi period pants, these are super comfortable and I prefer to use these on lighter flow days when I don’t need to use a cup. They are award-winning, made from breathable and absorbent materials and come in a huge range of sizes and levels of absorbency.

BUY THE SHORDY MENSTRUAL CUP HERE
buy modibodi period pants here

10. FOLDABLE RAIN JACKET

One of the top packing essentials for Thailand is a foldable rain jacket. With the unpredictable weather and sudden intense storms, you’ll want to be prepared. A foldable rain jacket is perfect for staying dry and saving space in your bag.

This one from Mountain Warehouse comes in eight different colours and the sizes range from S – 4XL.

BUY A FOLDABLE RAIN JACKET HERE

11. BATTERY PACK

This is one of our travel must-haves! We always make sure our battery pack is fully charged before we set off and make sure to pack it in our carry-on luggage. With everything becoming paperless it’s so important to make sure we always have battery on our phones, whether it’s for flight and train tickets, directions and details of our hotel reservations, or downloaded Netflix shows, we always make sure this is packed.

The power bank linked has four output ports, fully charges in one evening and will give you enough power to charge your device up to seven times on one charge, it also has a display which tells you exactly how much power it has left. Perfect for travel days.

BUY OUR FAVOURITE BATTERY PACK HERE

12. TRAVEL ADAPTOR

Coming from the UK we always need to pack travel adapters for our devices. This one linked is a worldwide adapter that can be used in 200+ countries, including Europe, USA, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and areas of South America (It is not suitable for South Africa and India).

This travel adapter has 2 USB and 3 USB C ports (USB C ports are faster than ordinary USB, they are slowly replacing phone chargers with these new ports/cables). The USB ports on this plug can detect multiple devices and allow you to charge your phone whilst using your hairdryer.

TOP TRAVEL HACK – Pack an extension lead which means you can charge multiple devices at the same time – game changer!

BUY WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADAPTOR HERE

13. COMPRESSION CUBES

We bought our compression cubes more than three of years ago and swear by them. Whether you’re travelling with a suitcase or a backpack, these cubes are a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Space-Saving: Compression cubes are excellent for maximizing space. They have an additional zip that allows you to squeeze out extra air, letting you pack more efficiently.
• Organised Packing: They help keep your clothing separated and organized, making it easy to find what you need without rummaging through your entire bag.
• Wrinkle Prevention: These cubes help prevent your clothes from becoming overly creased, so you can look your best on the go.
• Durability: From personal experience, we’ve tested these to the limit. After three years of full-time travel, they are still going strong.

Highly recommended for any traveller looking to stay organised and make the most of their packing space!

BUY OUR TRIED AND TESTED COMPRESSION CUBES HERE

14. VPN

A reliable VPN is a must when travelling. Not only does it protect your computer and personal data on public Wi-Fi, but it also helps you find great flight deals and lets you catch up on your favourite TV shows from home. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or booking, Surfshark ensures your online activities stay private and secure. Invest in a good VPN to make your travel experience smoother and safer!

TRY AWARD-WINNING SURFSHARK VPN

15. OUR MUST-HAVE GUIDE TO PHUKET & KOH SAMUI – NOW JUST £5!

Planning a trip to Thailand and don’t know where to start? Look no further! Our comprehensive travel guide, created after spending 8 months living in Thailand, is the most in-depth resource you’ll find. Whether you’re heading to Phuket, Koh Samui, or any other part of Thailand, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why You Need This Guide:

This 200-page PDF guide includes 23 chapters packed with over 300 recommendations, detailed insights, and expert advice on how to make the most of your Thailand adventure.

What’s Inside:

• Preparing for Thailand:
  • Before You Fly: Everything you need to know before boarding your flight
  • Useful Packing Tips: Essential packing advice and lists tailored for Thailand travel
  • Visas & Extending Your Stay: Understand the visa process and how to extend your stay
  • Weather: What to expect and how to pack accordingly
  • Money: Managing your finances while in Thailand
  • How Much Does It Cost?: Budgeting tips and cost breakdowns
  • Annual Festivals & Events: A guide to Thailand’s most popular events and festivals
• Detailed Guides:
  • Phuket: In-depth guides to the best areas including Island-Wide Activities, Phuket Town, Patong, Kamala, Bang Tao & Laguna, Kata & Karon
  • Koh Samui: Detailed insights into Island-Wide Activities, Bophut Beach, Bangrak, Chaweng, Lamai, Lipa Noi & Nathon, Maenam & Bangpor, and Koh Phangan – Full Moon Party
• Survival Guide:
  • Transport & Vehicle Hire: Navigating transportation and renting vehicles
  • Food & Dining Out: Best dining spots and food recommendations
  • Shopping: Where to shop and what to buy
  • Spas & Massages: Top places for relaxation and wellness
  • Beaches: Discover Thailand’s most stunning beaches
  • Animals & Insects: What to expect and how to stay safe
  • Language: Basic Thai phrases and language tips
  • Helpful Apps: Must-have apps for your travels
  • Local SIM Cards: Staying connected while in Thailand
  • In the Home: Tips for settling in if you’re staying longer
  • Culture, Religion & Temples: Understanding Thai culture and etiquette
  • The Legalization of Cannabis: Current laws and regulations
  • Health & Safety: Staying healthy and safe during your travels
  • Common Mistakes & Scams: How to avoid common pitfalls and scams

Exclusive Offer:

Since we’ve been living in Koh Samui for almost two years, we’re currently updating our guide with the latest info on the best areas, hotels, bars, and restaurants. The new guide, specifically focused on Koh Samui, will launch in September. Until then, we’re offering our previous guide for just £5!

Why Purchase This Guide?

• Instant Access: Download the PDF immediately and start planning your adventure.
• Expert Advice: Benefit from our firsthand experience and insider knowledge.
• Save Time: No need to spend hours researching; we’ve done it all for you.
• Comprehensive Coverage: From practical tips to hidden gems, we’ve got it all covered.
• Affordable: At just £5, it’s an unbeatable value for a guide of this depth and quality.

Don’t miss out on this incredible deal. Grab your copy of our Must-Have Guide to Phuket & Koh Samui now and make your Thailand trip unforgettable!

Get OUR MUST-HAVE THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE now for just £5!

---

We also have a blog that has our 10 Must-Have Amazon Travel Essentials you should check it out.

What do you think of our Thailand travel essentials, have we missed anything? What are some of your travel essentials?

If you’re a fellow long-term traveller or travel lover let’s connect on Instagram or Twitter, we love building our little community, or if you want to follow along on our travel adventures why not subscribe, we aim to post something new every week.

Until next time…

WHILE YOU’RE HERE WHY NOT CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR PREVIOUS POSTS