Looking for a complete Thailand Packing list? I’ve got you covered.
Thailand is the land of smiles and if you’re setting off on a trip to this amazing country, consider yourself incredibly lucky.
Besides gorging yourself on pad thai and visiting some of the most beautiful temples in Asia, you’ll meet the nicest people in the world.
I’ve spent a ton of time in Thailand — in fact, I consider it my second home.
There’s so much that keeps me coming back to this wonderful place and I am excited for anyone who is about to experience it for themselves!
I consider myself somewhat of an expert packer for this particular destination because I’ve taken so many trips there. I hope I can impart some of my wisdom to you and make the packing process that much easier.
The most important thing to remember when gearing up for a trip to Thailand is that less is more!
You’ll quickly learn that you only need a few outfits to have the adventure of a lifetime. Plus, whatever extras you need you’ll be able to find at one of the many markets in Thailand for a fraction of a price at home.
To save space in your luggage and get yourself ready — it’s going to be a memorable trip.
View Contents
- Choosing a Travel Bag for Thailand
- What to Pack for Thailand: Women’s Packing List
- Thailand Packing List for Men
- Thailand Packing List: Essential Items
- Toiletries to Bring
- Electronics
- Other Travel Essentials to Pack to Thailand
- What to Pack for Thailand: Bring it or Buy it?
- Packing for a Trip to Thailand: Things to Consider
- Planning Your Thailand Trip
Choosing a Travel Bag for Thailand
The first step to any packing is choosing the best travel bag.
The roads you walk on in Thailand aren’t the best and are often uneven with lots of holes, gaps, and cracks… that is if there’s a sidewalk at all.
That’s why packing in a backpack is the most ideal for Thailand. It’s also the easiest choice if you plan on traveling around the country a lot. The last thing you want to do is lug a giant suitcase onto an overnight bus!
Best Backpacks for Thailand
Here are some awesome backpack picks for fitting everything you need for a trip to Thailand!
We love Osprey Backpacks because they’re super dependable and long-lasting. Plus they come with a guarantee to fix anything that is damaged or broken, no matter when you got it. The Osprey Fairview is a fantastic bag for women and we can’t sing enough praises about it.
This is an awesome backpack and if you get the 40-liter, you can carry it right onto the airplane with you!
The Fairview looks like a backpack but opens up like a suitcase, making packing and finding what you need super easy and convenient.
The 55-liter model comes with a detachable daypack on the front which is a great feature if you want to get all of your travel bags in one go.
Plus, it comes in lots of colors so you can pick one that fits your personal style.
The male counterpart of this bag, the Osprey Farpoint was something that the Founder of this blog has personally used for years.
The Farpoint is very similar to the Fairview and also comes in different sizes and colors with the detachable daypack as an option.
If you want a full review, check out our article on The Farpoint 40L which opens like a suitcase but carries like a backpack, making it quite convenient for adventuring.
The only difference between the two backpacks is the Fairview is designed with women in mind, while the Farpoint is more geared toward men.
If you want more suggestions, check out our full guide on the best travel backpacks.
No matter which backpack you choose for your travels, I can’t recommend using packing cubes.
These will make packing and life in general so much easier! Save time by knowing exactly where your belongings are instead of digging around until you find them. Plus, they compress your clothes to make more space for anything else you want to bring along!
Check out our article on best packing cubes to find a set that’s best for you.
Best Daypacks
Besides a trusty backpack, you’re also going to want a good daypack to use for your day-to-day adventures. We’re loyal to Osprey and absolutely love their newest Osprey Talon and Osprey Tempest Pro.
These bags are absolutely incredible and have been a constant travel companion by our team for the last couple of years. Another great backpack to take with you is the Nomatic bag.
Nomatic Travel Pack
Editor’s Note: Looking for tips on things to do in Bangkok? Check out our guide!
What to Pack for Thailand: Women’s Packing List
After you choose the ideal backpack, it’s time to start filling it up with everything you need for your trip.
As mentioned at the beginning, less is seriously more when it comes to packing for Thailand! You don’t need too much, to begin with, and when you run out of clothes, you’ll have no problem finding a laundry shop or laundromat to wash your clothes.
The trick here is to bring solid-colored clothing that’s easy to mix and match. That way you’ll have different outfits with the same clothes!
If you’re planning on attending a special event like the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, you can easily buy clothes to fit the occasion when you get there.
Thai people are rather conservative people, but since tourism is a booming industry, you won’t stand out if you throw on a pair of short shorts or a sundress. But if you’re visiting more remote places or small villages, it’s a sign of respect to dress more modestly than you would in the city.
Okay ladies, time to get packing. Here’s everything you need to bring along.
Tops and Bottoms
I wear tank tops pretty much every day in Thailand and you probably will too. They’ll keep you cool without showing sweat stains — doesn’t get much better than that!
Go for ones made from lightweight, flowy material that will keep you cool on the hottest days.
Bring along a t-shirt or two to wear to temples or during other activities where you may want to have your shoulders covered.
Dri-fit clothing is great for Thailand because it wicks sweat instead of absorbing it. You’ll thank yourself when you wear a dri-fit shirt hiking or traversing through the countryside without being weighed down by absorbed moisture!
Maxi Skirt or Dress
Look like a tropical beauty in a maxi skirt or dress that you can wear around town. If you want to wear your dress on days you’re exploring temples, be sure to pick one that covers your shoulders!
Sundress is essential for Thailand. Wear them on days around town or on nights out. Props if you can find one with pockets!
From mountains to waterfalls to trips to see elephants and motorbike rides around the city, you’ll certainly want a pair of athletic shorts to keep you comfortable and cool on action-packed days.
A staple of any summer wardrobe, pack your favorite pair of jean shorts to wear along the way.
Bring a pair of leggings to wear on long travel days (or nights). The overnight buses in Thailand are wildly convenient but can get super cold, so leggings are essential.
Leggings are also good for long hikes because they’ll protect you from prickly greenery and pesky mosquitoes.
It’s good to have something to throw on at night time when the temperature drops, on cold bus rides, or in freezing cold shopping malls. If you’re visiting during cooler months, you may want to opt for a sweatshirt instead.
Beachwear and Undergarments
Pack a bathing suit to wear to waterfalls or hotel pools! If you’re hitting the islands, you may want to pack more than one.
Bring a cover-up to wear over your bathing suit or to the beach. Something lightweight and flowy will do the trick!
There are so many great hikes and outdoor activities all over Thailand. You’ll want a sweat-wicking sports bra or two to keep you comfy on long days exploring trails and mountainsides.
Obviously a must for any trip. For Thailand, it’s best to have sweat-wicking underwear to keep you comfortable all day long.
You’ll definitely want enough socks for your trip.
Besides ankle socks for general days walking around, you may want a pair of mid-calves for days traversing through the wilderness. There’s nothing worse than bug bites or sharp thorns on your ankles!
Footwear and Accessories
Bring a pair of dependable flip-flops that you can wear when wandering around a city or heading to the pool.
I always travel with a pair of Rainbows because they’re comfy and long-lasting. Just be sure to break them in before your trip!
For nights out, it’s nice to throw on a pair of sandals to complete a cute outfit. That being said, most nightlife in Thailand isn’t fancy by any means so you can get away with pretty much anything when you’re going out.
However, if you’ll be in Bangkok and plan on hitting the nicer establishments, you might consider packing a pair of lightweight wedges.
You’ll need a pair of sneakers when exploring the great outdoors of Thailand. There’s so much to see, so make sure your feet are kept comfortable and properly protected on long days of walking! Our team loves Tropicfeel sneakers (made from recycled plastic) and have been using them for years. Check out the link above for our full review.
If you plan on doing longer, more advanced treks, you may want to pack a pair of lightweight hiking boots as well, but I tend to always be fine with my sneakers.
Either a baseball cap or sun hat will serve you well on this trip. The sun is super hot and beats down like crazy. Keep your head protected and the sun out of your face with a trusty hat!
When you’re exploring cities or visiting temples and don’t feel like bringing a backpack, it’s nice to have a cross-body bag where you can keep your daily items for easy access.
Definitely get one with a zipper to keep out wandering hands when you’re in more crowded, touristy areas.
Thailand Packing List for Men
Guys, don’t worry we haven’t forgotten about you! Here’s all the clothing you’ll need to pack for your trip to Thailand.
Same as the girls, keep the clothing to a minimum and bring items that you can mix and match.
Tops and Bottoms
Stay cool with tank tops and singlets on your trip! Great for hiking and days walking around cities, tank tops are best because of Thailand’s tropical weather.
You’ll want to pack a couple of t-shirts for days when tank tops won’t cut it, like when visiting temples or on a chilly airplane.
It’s nice to have a dri-fit shirt for days when you’ll be doing lots of activity. That way you won’t be weighed down by sweat and can enjoy yourself without any worries!
A few pairs of athletic shorts will serve you well in Thailand, especially on jam-packed days full of adventures.
Everyday shorts like jeans or khakis are good for walking around in, as well as wearing on nights out!
Hiking pants are super handy not only for protecting yourself on more treacherous treks but to wear to temples as well! These are seriously convenient because they zip off above the knee when you’re getting a little warm.
For the cooler moments of your trip, you’ll be happy to have something warm to wrap yourself up in. If you’re worried about heavy air conditioning, you might choose to bring a sweatshirt instead.
Beachwear and Undergarments
If you’ll be hitting the beach or pool along the way, bring along a pair of board shorts. If you’re not sure, bring ’em anyways because it’s likely you’ll end up at a waterfall or swimming alongside elephants!
Enough underwear is essential so be prepared. It’s nice to have dri-fit underwear so you’re not walking around in sweaty boxers all day… just sayin’.
Socks are another must-have. Bring them, wear them, and wash them when you can’t take the smell anymore!
Footwear and Accessories
Sturdy flip-flops will serve you well on this trip! Some days, it will simply be too hot for sneakers. Let those feet breathe!
On adventurous days, you’ll want to keep your toes protected with a pair of sturdy sneakers.
If you’ll be doing some serious hiking, you might want to opt for a pair of lightweight boot but overall you should be just fine in a pair of tennis shoes.
Protect yourself from the sun and bring a trusty hat along with you, especially if you plan on doing lots of outdoor activities (as you should be!).
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Thailand Packing List: Essential Items
There are certain must-haves when packing for Thailand. Check out this list and make sure you have all of these items when it’s time to go!
The sun in Thailand is insanely hot, so you’ll definitely want to protect yourself.
Bring your own sunscreen because a lot of the ones you’ll find there have whitening agents in them. For water activities, be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect our oceans!
The only thing stronger than the sun in Thailand is the mosquitoes. Cover yourself in bug spray, especially at night, or be prepared to be itching your entire trip.
The tap water in Thailand isn’t safe to drink, but if you bring a Life Straw with you, you’ll be able to drink whatever, whenever.
These straws filter out impurities in water, making it safe for drinking. I can’t recommend these enough!
If you do end up ingesting some impure water or eating some funky street food (which is pretty much inevitable), you’ll have quite an uncomfortable experience.
Activated charcoal pills are the best for getting rid of food poisoning fast, and will make you feel good as new in a matter of hours.
A lot of bathrooms in Thailand don’t have any toilet paper so come prepared with your own! Slipping a travel pack of tissues in your daily bag will come in handier than you’d imagine.
In addition to toilet paper, most restrooms in Thailand are also lacking soap. Keep your hands clean after using the toilet with some travel-sized hand sanitizer.
I always bring a bottle of this peppermint-scented sanitizer that smells amazing while killing those germs!
These will come in handy time and time again, I promise you that. On sweaty days, feel fresh with a quick swipe of a wet wipe!
Besides sweaty times, these are also ideal for long travel days and other moments where you may not be feeling your freshest self.
A lot of hostels in Thailand won’t provide you with a towel so it’s good to have one of your own.
A quick-dry towel is best because you’ll be able to pack it shortly after using it without worrying about getting everything else in your bag wet.
On the same hostel note, I also recommend bringing along a lightweight travel sheet for those questionable stays in cheap accommodations.
$6 hostels are abundant and a godsend for budget travelers but they can also be pretty yucky. A travel sheet is awesome as a protective layer between the hostel’s sheets and your body.
Plus, you can use them in airports, on long bus rides, and even as picnic blankets!
Do NOT go to Thailand without a raincoat — you will regret it! Rain comes when you least expect it, even when it’s not rainy season.
I seriously bring a raincoat with me wherever I go in Thailand, and I have used it more than I ever imagined I would. Go for a lightweight, compressible one and make it your travel companion. You will be so glad that you did.
You’ll want two kinds of locks when traveling in Thailand: luggage locks and locker locks.
It’s a good idea to always keep your luggage locked up both while traveling and leaving it unattended in a hostel or hotel. It’s much better to be safe than sorry.
You’ll also want a good padlock for hostel lockers to keep your valuables stored safely while you’re out exploring.
I never go on a trip without my travel wallet — this one specifically.
It’s really convenient to pull it out during check-in and have my passport, credit cards, IDs, and cash all in one place, and then be able to slip my boarding pass and any other travel documents into the appropriately sized pockets.
Having a travel wallet saves a lot of hassle, and allows me to stay organized on the go.
You gotta have sunglasses in Thailand, that’s just a fact. We recommend getting a pair of polarized ones as the sun in Thailand can get intense!
Toiletries to Bring
You can find most toiletries at 7-Eleven in Thailand, and I recommend doing so to save yourself space and weight in your luggage.
However, it’s nice to have some basics to use on the go or before you hit 7-Eleven. These are the toiletries I’d bring:
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Feminine hygiene products
Besides toiletries, you’re going to want a dependable toiletry bag to keep everything in one place.
I love this one because it has tons of pockets and compartments and has a hook to hang it up while you’re getting ready!
Electronics
You don’t need too many electronics when traveling in Thailand. In fact, I recommend keeping it to a minimum so that you don’t have to worry about anything getting lost, stolen, or broken.
Here’s what I take along with me:
This is a must so that you can keep all of your electronics plugged in and charged.
If you’re a frequent traveler or have any trips in the future, it’s best to get a universal adapter so that you have all the different plugs in one nifty gadget.
Camera + Equipment
You’re bound to see some beautiful sights on this life-changing trip, so having a good camera is absolutely essential.
Be sure to bring extra SD cards so you don’t run out of space, as well. If you’re in the market for a good travel camera, check out our guide to the best travel cameras, with complete reviews!
GoPros are the perfect travel companion for recording all of your adventures. Since they’re so small, they’re easy to tuck in your pocket and take along on any adventure from land to sea.
Don’t forget the accessories to capture some unreal footage!
For lazy days or lounging on the beach, bring along a Kindle to stay up to date on all of those best sellers. This way you can skip the weight that books add while having thousands of titles right at your fingertips!
For longer trips and working on the go, pack your laptop and charger.
I never go anywhere without my MacBook Air because it gets the job done without making my bag heavy.
Take a trusty power bank to keep your electronics charged on the go. This is especially handy for long bus rides or days walking around. Just don’t forget your charging cords!
A final tech tip is to make sure that your cellphone is unlocked so that you can get a local SIM card to stay connected anywhere you are.
Other Travel Essentials to Pack to Thailand
Here are some final items you may consider bringing with you to really round out your trip.
For all the nights spent in noisy hostels or on airplanes with screaming babies, you may want an eye mask and ear plug set to keep you cozy and free from misery.
On the same lines as being cozy, a travel pillow that compresses and is easy to pack is another good investment for this trip. There will be lots of long flights and bus rides, and being comfortable is key to surviving those journeys.
I love this one because it’s not the traditional U-shape and compresses to be super small!
Accidents happen so it’s good to be prepared with a little travel first aid kit filled with anything you’ll need for minor injuries.
You will get bitten by mosquitoes, that’s just a fact of life in Thailand. Afterbite will relieve the itch, making it super useful to take along with you.
Roads in Thailand, especially up north, can be full of twists and turns.
If you plan on going to Pai (or taking a bus up north in general), it’s highly recommended you bring motion sickness medication. You will feel nauseous and this will help, I promise.
Be sure to document your travels with a trusty notebook or journal! It’s awesome to look back on notes and entries you’ve written on your favorite experiences.
If you’ll be exploring some of the many islands in Thailand, it’s super nice to have your own snorkel or dive gear to see all that the crystal clear water has to offer. Having your own gear is especially nice because you get to avoid low quality and often times unsanitary rentals.
Another good thing to have on the islands, but also during the rainy season and Temdan, is a waterproof phone case!
Lifeproof makes great cases so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting damaged. Alternatively, you can go for a waterproof phone pouch.
Finally, a dry bag is a must have for any water-related activities on your trip. It will keep all of your belongings nice and dry so you won’t have to worry about them on that bumpy boat ride, scuba trip, or a day on the beach.
We’ve shortlisted the best dry bags so that you can easily make a choice!
What to Pack for Thailand: Bring it or Buy it?
Besides the land of smiles, Thailand is also the land of markets. There will be markets in most every city, town, or island you visit, full of handcrafted goodies and clothing just waiting for you to buy. The night markets in Bangkok are legendary!
That’s why it’s probably a good idea to not pack too much and buy whatever you need there. Besides saving space in your luggage on the way over, you’ll be supporting the local economy! Total win-win situation.
That being said, there are certain things you might want to bring with you. Here’s a quick guide on what you should bring or buy.
Bring
Skincare Items
I highly recommend bringing your own skincare items to Thailand, especially things like lotion and sunscreen. Many of the lotions and creams in Thailand have whitening agents in them, so if you’d like to maintain your tan instead of bleach it, bring your own lotion with you.
Also, it’s hard to find the same skincare products that you use at home so if you have specific needs or a strict routine, it’s better to bring your items along with you.
There’s so much plastic waste in Thailand, it’s actually pretty crazy. Do your part to combat this by bringing your own reusable water bottle with you to refill throughout the trip.
Collapsible water bottles are particularly great for travel because they fold up to be very small when not in use. Plus, they’re super lightweight!
Want your water to stay cold throughout the day and don’t mind traveling with something heavier? Go for a Swell or with other insulated water bottles.
But if you’re more of a traditionalist and drink a ton of water like me, a trusty Nalgene
will serve you well now — and for many trips to come.
On the same note, bringing a reusable straw on your travels will go such a long way! Say no to straws when ordering a drink and use your own instead!
This one even comes with a handy cleaning wand to keep it nice and fresh for every use.
Buy
Hippie / Elephant Pants
Elephant pants are abundant in Thailand! Everywhere you go, you’ll see these being sold.
Generally only 100 baht and available in a million different colors and patterns, elephant pants are the staple outfit of Thailand. They’re so breezy, flowy, and comfy.
Plus, these pants are totally gender neutral, so guys, be sure to grab a pair as well!
Elephant pants are super handy for wearing to temples and make for great colorful pictures. You haven’t been to Thailand if you don’t have a pair of these!
Sarong
Sarongs are also a very handy item to have on your Thailand adventures.
Whether you’re looking for something to lay out on the beach or throw on over a pair of shorts at a temple, these are so versatile and very convenient. They’re abundant at markets and shops throughout Thailand, and very inexpensive as well.
Save yourself some money and get one there!
Toiletries
Toiletries can be the main contributor to weight in your luggage, so it’s best to buy them at your destination.
Thailand has more 7-Elevens than people (not really, but there are a lot!) full of travel-sized toiletries from loads of different brands. Grab your toiletries there and thank me later.
Buying Clothes in Thailand
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re intending to buy clothes in Thailand.
The first is that clothes run small. If there are even sizes at all, a large will fit closer to a medium, a medium is a small and a small is definitely more of an extra small.
That being said, most clothes like elephant pants and skirts are one-size-fits-all, and there likely won’t be a place for you to try them on. So choose wisely and always go for ones with a drawstring so you can make the fit custom.
Second, clothes will most definitely be of a lower quality than what you’d find at home.
But that’s what you get for paying the equivalent of $3 for a pair of pants! Tears, rips and unraveling seams are a guarantee, but the clothes you buy should at least last for your short trip.
Packing for a Trip to Thailand: Things to Consider
Packing for Thailand is relatively easy and similar to packing for other Southeast Asian countries, but there are a few specific things to keep in mind while preparing.
Where Are You Going?
The first thing to consider is which parts of the country you’ll be visiting.
If you’ll be staying up north in places like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai, you can probably skip the beach gear and load up on athletic clothes for hiking and flowy pants for exploring temples. That being said, you may want to bring along a bathing suit or two for waterfalls or pools.
If you’ll be down south in Bangkok, you may want to bring some nicer clothes as it’s a large city with some fancier restaurants and bars.
Finally, if you’ll be visiting the many islands off the coast, you’ll absolutely want to bring bathing suits, cover-ups and anything else you need to enjoy time in the sun. Don’t forget your snorkel gear so that you can catch a glimpse of everything going on below the surface!
What Will You Be Doing?
With so much to do in Thailand, you want to make sure you pack appropriately for the activities you’re planning.
If you plan on exploring the many national parks, waterfalls, and mountainous countryside, load up on those athletic clothes, sports bras, and sneakers.
If you’re interested in the culture, be sure you have the correct temple wear. At all temples in Thailand, men and women are required to have their knees and shoulders covered. It’s best to wear a long skirt or pants as a sign of respect, but you can also get away with wrapping a sarong around a pair of shorts, as long as it covers you completely.
Another way to immerse yourself in the culture of Thailand is by taking a cooking class! Cookly offers classes all over the country and is a great way to learn how to make your favorite local dishes to bring back home with you!
If you’re a beach bum, bring all your beach gear and anything else you need to enhance your experiences like snorkel and dive gear. If you’ll be doing yoga in Thailand, make sure you come prepared with sports bras, vests and leggings.
There are some amazing ways to explore the Thai waters with the best one being a Liveaboard trip! Just imagine… All the scuba diving you could ever dream of. If this is something that interests you, be sure to pack all of your diving gear for a comfortable trip.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
A final consideration to keep in mind is the time of year you’ll be visiting. While it’s warm year round, there are three distinct seasons in Thailand: hot, cool, and wet.
Hot season runs from March through June and you can expect to be sweating excessively all day every day. You’ll get the occasional rain shower, but most of the time you’ll be walking around under the beating sun with little reprieve.
During this time of year, you’ll want lots of clothes made from quick-dry fabric to wick sweat instead of absorb it, and lots of lightweight flowy fabrics as well.
Generally, Northern Thailand should be avoided in March due to the burning season. This time of year often causes smog and respiratory problems for both locals and travelers.
Cool season is from November to February. Cool is totally relative because it’s still just as hot as summer in Europe or the U.S. During cool season, Thailand is drier and less humid than hot season, making it more comfortable, but it’s still super warm.
That being said, you may want to bring a pair of leggings, sweatpants, and a flannel, if you’re traveling during this time because temperatures at night can drop.
Finally, monsoon (wet) season varies from place to place but is generally from May to October, with the most rain coming from August to October.
Rainy season in Thailand will completely redefine what you think you know about rain the second you get caught in a downpour. The roads flood with water, you’re pelted constantly and then it will stop as suddenly as it started.
It’s rare that you’ll have an entire day of rain, but intermittent rain is almost a guarantee during this time of year.
Because monsoon season is so unpredictable, you should carry a raincoat or small umbrella with you all the time. No, seriously, get a lightweight, compressible raincoat and keep it with you always. You will be so happy when you’re the only dry one when the heavens open up.
Planning Your Thailand Trip
To wrap up this packing list, here are some tips to help you plan your Thailand trip.
Visa
Chances are, if you’re traveling to Thailand, you’ll be able to enter for 30 days for tourism purposes without a visa. 55 countries qualify for visa exemption, but if you’re not sure, you can check here to see if you qualify.
If you want to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days and entered the country visa-exempt, you can head over to immigration and apply for a visa extension to get another 30 days. It costs 1,900 baht and will take a couple of hours so be sure to go early in the day and have all of the proper documents with you when you arrive.
Currency
In Thailand, the currency is the Thai Baht.
When you land at the airport, you can either exchange bills or use an ATM that will give you baht. There are also currency exchanges and ATMs throughout all of Thailand, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting money. Just be sure to let your bank know that you’re traveling!
When withdrawing money from an ATM, I’d suggest using one attached to a bank whenever possible. This way, if anything goes wrong (like the machine eating up your card!), you can immediately get help from the bank staff.
Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Thailand couldn’t be easier. There are loads of hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and apartments for rent. Regardless of whether you’re looking for just a couple of days or something for a couple of months, there are plenty of options for you.
When it comes to booking accommodation in Thailand, we usually use Booking.com to find the best room rates.
Besides the general accommodation options, there are also some pretty amazing homes and villas for rent in Thailand. Plus, since everything is so low priced that you can really live large without breaking the bank!
Transportation in Thailand
There are various transportation options all over Thailand.
When in cities or on islands, the most common mode for locals and foreigners alike is a songthaew, which is essentially an open-backed truck where you can hop on and off.
They generally only cost 30 baht a person, making them a super practical and economical way to get around.
Besides songthaews, you can take a tuk-tuk which is a super fun way to see a city, but they cost much more than the alternative.
If you’re feeling adventurous (and have a motorbike license), you can also rent a motorbike or scooter to drive around on your own. This is a great method of transport but isn’t for the faint-hearted. Traffic and driving in Thailand in general can be extremely hectic so it’s not recommended for beginners.
For more information on renting a motorbike in Thailand, check out our complete guide here.
Finally, you can call a Grab, which is the Uber of Southeast Asia. This is a fairly cheap option, not to mention convenience. It’s best for long distances or if you need some air conditioning for your journey across town.
To get between cities in Thailand, you pretty much have three choices: bus, train or plane.
From going from one tip of the country to the other (north to south, or south to north), I highly recommend taking an overnight VIP bus. They’re super comfortable (although absolutely freezing), and the seats recline all the way so you can sleep through the night and wake up in a new city!
Transportation: We recommend using Bookaway or 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.
Thailand Safety Tips
Thailand is quite a safe country; I’ve never had a moment where I’ve felt anything otherwise.
However, you should be alert and keep your belongings close to you when in touristy places (Khaosan Road and full moon parties, I’m looking at you!).
My biggest tip for staying safe in Thailand is to always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike. Not only is it the law, but it will save your life.
Motorbikes are a common way to get around in Thailand, but accidents happen often. Be wary of who’s driving, and if you’re driving yourself, be sure to have enough experience because roads are hectic and dangerous for inexperienced drivers.
Other Resources
We have tons of other resources to help you plan your trip to Thailand, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for things to do, places to say, and most importantly, what to eat!
Looking for adventurous things to do in Thailand?
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I love and miss Thailand so much! I can probably live there for half a year and wouldn’t mind it one bit. There’s still so much I want to visit and it doesn’t hurt that other Southeast Asian destinations are bus rides away. Enjoy the food!!!!!!! Thanks for this very thorough list!
Enjoy Siargao!!! The bus rides to different places is my favorite part about being there!
It almost always comes down to what do we really need? It’s easy to overpack. Did that yesterday! Geesh!
Great tips and packing light is an ever-evolving process for me too. The hardest is traveling during the winter when heavier clothes are necessary. I’ll be diving soon in the Philippines where even long sleeved shirts are unnecessary. It’s always surprising to me how easy it is to wash, dry and go. I work on packing to see and not be seen.
I agree. Which parts of the Philippines are you going to be diving in? Don’t miss out on the wrecks in Palawan!
A comprehensive list. I’m about to do 2 weeks in a 40L bag. I’m gonna have to pull a couple things out of my pile to make it fit and this is a great guide. Thanks!
I’ve also learned to pack less and less on each trip. I spent 2 weeks in Thailand with just what I had in my backpack and I still didn’t use everything. My friends didn’t believe, but I knew I didn’t want to be stuck carrying something so heavy!
What a great resource! I’ve mastered traveling light/carry on only but I’ve never fully backpacked. My secret is packing quick dry clothes and liquid detergent so that I can wash things in a sink.
I’ve never packed liquid detergent with me…but that’s a good tip. Have you heard of the scrubba bag? We reviewed their product and loved it.
What a fabulous post! I really need to work on my packing skills… I always find I have more than I need anyway. Thanks for inspiring me to do better!
Hahah! Believe me…it takes a while! I still want to downsize my current backpack as I still find it too heavy!
This is something I need to learn! Packing light. I always overpack. Which is good for asian countries but for long haul, long term trips ( argh!!!) I always just get the feeling of wanting to throw out my clothes. I also recently learned the importance of electric tape.
Electrical tape-I swear by it!
Great packing list. Thanks for the tip to bring cheap flip-flops. And I never would have thought about Electrical tape.