Living on a tropical island means my beach bag is basically my everyday handbag. Whether I’m heading out for a lazy beach day, an impromptu sunset with friends, or squeezing in a quick ocean dip between emails, I’ve got my beach bag packing down to a fine art.

If you’re heading to Thailand, whether for a two-week holiday or a longer adventure, here’s a peek inside my beach bag, with some essentials that I genuinely use all the time.

1. Quick-Dry Beach Towel

Bulky towels are a no from me. When you’re constantly hopping from beach to beach (or island to island), you want something lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to pack. That’s why Dock & Bay towels are at the top of my beach trip essentials list, and have been for over five years.

These microfibre travel towels come in fun, colourful designs, they’re sand-resistant, and they fold down into a neat little travel pouch, saving tons of space. We’ve got a few in different sizes and prints, and they’ve been all over Southeast Asia with us; they wash up brilliantly, too.

If you’re putting together your travel packing list for Thailand or planning your next holiday, I honestly can’t recommend these enough. Whether you’re heading out on a boat trip, catching golden hour, or just need something to lounge on in the sand, Dock & Bay has you covered (literally).

2. Kindle (AKA my beach BFF)

It’s lightweight, glare-free, and always loaded with feel-good reads. If you’re planning long boat rides, solo beach days, or just want to unwind under a palm tree with a book, a Kindle is hands-down one of the best travel gadgets to pack.

Mine was actually a gift from my mum (solid 10/10 gift for anyone who travels, by the way), and it’s come with me everywhere since. It’s small, lightweight, and lets you carry thousands of books wherever you go, perfect when you’re hopping between islands or living out of a suitcase.

As much as I adore the feel of a physical book, if you’re living abroad or on the move, getting hold of books isn’t always easy. Sure, you might find the odd hotel book exchange or a second-hand shelf tucked in a café, but they’re hit or miss and new books in Thailand can be pricey. That’s where my Kindle saves the day, every time.

Oh, and I’m obsessed with the new sage green colour. So pretty. Plus, the battery life is incredible, one charge lasts me weeks.

If you’re putting together your beach holiday packing list, travel gift list, or solo travel essentials, this is a no-brainer.

3. Sun Bum Reef-Safe Sunscreen

If you’re planning to swim, snorkel, or dive while you’re in Thailand, please ditch the regular suncream. Traditional formulas can seriously damage coral reefs and marine life. A reef-safe sunscreen is one of the most important things to pack for any trip.

I use the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Spray, which is broad-spectrum, reef-friendly, and packed with Vitamin E to keep your skin happy in the heat. It goes on as a lightweight spray, which means no messy hands, easier application, and faster coverage.

For your face, I also swear by the Sun Bum Face Stick. It’s compact, mess-free, and perfect for popping in your beach bag. Just swipe it on, no mirror needed. It’s especially great for topping up your SPF during the day without that greasy sunscreen feeling.

If you’re building your eco-friendly beach essentials or putting together your Thailand packing list, make sure a reef-safe SPF is right at the top.

4. Insulated Bottle (For Water or Wine…)

Hydration is non-negotiable in Thailand’s heat, but let’s be real, sometimes you’re not just packing water. 😉 Whether it’s coconut water or a cheeky sunset spritz, a good insulated bottle is worth its weight in gold on the beach.

I’m currently obsessed with my Chilly’s. Not only is it cute, but it’s genuinely one of the best insulated bottles I’ve ever used. It keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours, which is a lifesaver in 35°C heat, and thanks to the double-wall insulation, there’s zero condensation. No soggy towels. No wet beach bags.

Add one to your Thailand packing list and thank me later.

5. Waterproof Pouch

For soggy bikinis or sandy swim shorts, a waterproof pouch is an absolute must in any beach bag. But here’s the hack: instead of a regular wet bag, I use one of my Airport Liquids bags.

These reusable clear bags are leakproof, super durable, and made from eco-friendly PEVA, which is not only better than plastic but also biodegradable. I originally bought them four years ago to make airport security that little bit easier, but I use them for all sorts these days, including for wet swimwear at the beach.

6. Waterproof Phone Case

Whether you’re snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or paddleboarding at sunset, a waterproof phone pouch is one of those non-negotiable beach bag items.

This TECHGEAR IPX8 floating waterproof case from Amazon. It’s tested to 30 metres deep, has a double seal system for extra protection, and even floats thanks to the built-in sponge layer. The design means that you can still scroll, shoot, and swipe without taking it out of the pouch (just use the volume button for underwater pics!).

This is a must-have for any beach trip or boat day. Speaking of which, if you’re planning to hop on a snorkelling tour or sunset cruise while you’re in Samui, make sure you check out our Boat Trips from Koh Samui guide for the best tours to book

🌴 A Few More Must-Haves

There are a few beach bag staples that I’ll never forget to take, sunglasses (I can’t see without mine!), a lightweight sarong (doubles up as a towel, shade, or even a skirt!), and a portable fan to keep cool when that midday heat kicks in. I also love having a small waterproof speaker for chilled-out tunes… just remember to be mindful of others around you — not everyone wants to hear your beach playlist 😅

And don’t stress if you forget any of these; Thailand’s night markets are treasure troves for travel essentials. You’ll find everything from cute sarongs and bargain sunnies to USB-charged fans and fun beach accessories, often for just a few baht. So pack what you can, but know you’ll be well covered once you arrive in the Land of Smiles. 🇹🇭

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So, that’s it. These are things I throw in my beach bag without fail, whether I’m heading off for a chill afternoon or a full-day island adventure. Everything here is lightweight, useful, and island-approved.

If you’re planning your Thailand trip and are not sure what to pack, hopefully, this gives you a few ideas. I’ve popped links throughout to the exact items I use or similar alternatives.

Let me know what your must-pack item is for a beach day and if you’re heading to Koh Samui soon, check out my other guides for tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to travel smart.

Travel safe and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips + guides!

Sending sunshine from Koh Samui,

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