How to Pack for a Trip to Thailand

Thailand has distinct seasons throughout the year. The hot season is March through May. The rainy season is June to October in the north and May to November in the south. The mild season is November through February in the north and December through February in the south.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Packing for Travel During the Rainy Season

1. Pack a poncho or raincoat. An umbrella may not be necessary, but you will want to have a lightweight poncho or raincoat to carry with you when you go out for the day.

2. Choose lightweight clothing made of quickly drying fabrics. You can count on getting wet at some point, so if your clothes dry quickly, that will minimize the amount of time you have to spend in wet clothing.

3. Take waterproof shoes that will dry quickly as you are out walking around.

4. Carry important documents, such as passport and plane tickets, in something waterproof if you are going to have them with you during the day.

Packing in General

1. Take durable shoes that you can hike or walk around in for long periods of time and take beach-appropriate footwear for aquatic activities.

2. Pack short-sleeve shirts, capris, shorts or skirts during any part of the year. While some months are hotter than others, Thailand's weather is warm year-round. A sweater will come in handy, though, for evenings during the cooler months.

3. Take a hat or visor and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the hot Thai sun.

4. Bring swimwear and an appropriate bathing suit cover-up, no matter what time of year.

5. Pack light. Select a few key pieces of clothing that you can easily mix-and-match, and leave bulky sweaters and jackets at home--you won't need them.

6. Include an extra bag, or buy one while there, for all of your souvenirs. Thai markets offer an extensive array of inexpensive goods, and you will probably be tempted to take more than a few of them home with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Take plenty of sunscreen or else buy some while you're there. While this might seem like a given, you will absolutely need to wear sunscreen during the day, especially if you will be out in the water.

• Consider doing laundry while there. Laundry services are inexpensive and easily accessible in many parts of Thailand. Doing laundry while there would allow you to take less clothing with you.

• Don't forget to include an adapter and converter if you plan on taking your own electrical appliances, such as a hair dryer or curling iron.

• Buy extra toiletries while you're there, rather than taking enough for your entire trip, to avoid having to fill your luggage with such easily accessible items as shampoo or soap.

• Be prepared to cover your shoulders when you go to temples, since bare shoulders are not allowed. If you choose to wear sleeveless and you think you might go to a temple that day, take a shirt with sleeves or a sweater that you can slip on over the shirt you have on.