Wondering what to wear in Thailand? Whether you’re heading to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok or the islands, this comprehensive packing guide will help.
After several amazing trips to Thailand, I’ve gathered a lot of great travel tips. Our most recent trip was a beach adventure in Koh Samui and Phuket. Before that trip, we spent an amazing three weeks seeing Bangkok, Koh Lanta, Khao Sok and Kanchanaburi. These trips have offered incredibly varied experiences.
Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, and is home to a wide range of landscapes. It’s somewhere you’ll love throwing yourself into the hustle and bustle in cities like Bangkok. Life moves at a million miles an hour, but that’s thrilling when you’re there! In contrast, head to some of the islands and you’ll have paradise views all to yourself. We visited parts of Koh Lanta which felt so untouched.
We’ve mainly visited Thailand as a couple. However, on our most recent holiday, we welcomed an extra adventurer: our 8-month-old son. He definitely added to our packing list!
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand soon, this guide will help you decide what to take, what to leave out and how to pack effectively.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
To help you pack for Thailand, you’ll need to decide when to visit the country, then look at the weather for that time of year. While you may think of Thailand as warm and tropical, there are regional climates to think about too.
Broadly speaking, the best time to visit Thailand is between November and February. We’ve visited in both November and April. For both trips it was generally dry and warm, without intense heat. It was also a lovely time to escape the wet and windy weather in London.
Weather in Thailand by region
Here’s a quick overview of the weather you can expect in each region throughout the year.
Northern Thailand: November to February tends to be a good time to visit the north of the country. It’s usually cool and dry, with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C. It’s great for trekking in places like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai.
Andaman Coast: If you’re planning an island break to places like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, November to April is a great time. It tends to be dry, with calm waters, ideal for swimming, diving or other water activities. Avoid May to October, when monsoon season arrives.
Gulf of Thailand: For an island adventure to the likes of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, plan your trip for February to September. This is the driest season, and it’s great for parties on the beach and water activities. Avoid October to January, when monsoon season arrives.
For a bit of fun, visit the country in April during Songkran. This is the Thai New Year, which is welcomed with huge water fights across Bangkok, and other major destinations! We celebrated Songkran in Bangkok one year, and it was truly unforgettable!
What to wear in Thailand
I’m guessing you’ve arrived at this post because you have no idea what to pack for your trip to Thailand. Well, this was me years ago too, so I thought it was time to pop together a definitive guide. As with anywhere you travel to, it’s a country you should consider both the culture and practicalities before you go.
From the best footwear to travel with, to lightweight clothing ideal for the tropical climate and a few vital accessories (some of which I wished I’d packed!) here’s my ultimate guide to what to wear in Thailand. Consider this your Thailand packing list!
Oh, and don’t worry guys, I’ve popped a few ideas together for you men out there too.
What Should A Woman Wear To Visit Thailand?
While tourism is widespread in Thailand, and you’ll see Westerners in the main tourist areas, it’s always important to be considerate of the culture and local customs by dressing respectfully. This is particularly important if you’re planning to visit any religious sites and temples in the country.
I’d always recommend packing a lightweight scarf so you can cover up easily when needed. In particular, if you’re planning to visit The Grand Palace in Bangkok, you’ll need to cover your knees with a long skirt or trousers.
What To Wear In Thailand: Women’s Clothes
In order to plan what to pack for a trip to Thailand, be sure to research exactly where you’re going. As mentioned, temperatures vary from islands like Koh Tao and Phuket, to the mountains in Pai. It can get really chilly in the winter in Pai, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 10–15°C (50–59°F) or lower, so it’s a good idea to pack a few warm items.
What to wear in Thailand’s cities
If you’re spending time in cities such as Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I’d recommend lightweight shorts, skirts, tops and dresses, ideally made of breathable fabrics. It can get sticky at times, so you won’t want materials that cling to your skin.
In terms of footwear, I tended to wear sandals. It was too hot for trainers. The sun is powerful, so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunglasses too.
What to wear on Thailand’s beaches
Thailand is home to lots of pristine, sandy beaches, many of them located on its picturesque islands. If you’re planning some beach time in Thailand, you’ll want to pack swimwear (bikini or bathing suit), shorts and light dresses. I’d recommend a light coverup too, just to add an extra layer of protection from the sun.
If you’re planning to go on a boat trip, snorkelling or spend long periods in the water, you might also want to pack a rash vest. The sun is really fierce, so be sure to apply a high SPF too.
If you’ll be spending time in the north of the country, I’d recommend packing a few layers. As mentioned, it can get pretty cold in the evenings. You might appreciate leggings, a cardigan and a light jacket there (depending on the time of year).
Here are a few specific items of women’s clothing I’d recommend for Thailand:
Women’s sundress – Something strappy, pretty and not too short for everyday use.
Women’s maxi dress – I quite liked having a longer item or two, especially for when insects were out.
Women’s midi skirt – I live in items like this in warm countries and have them in multiple colours and patterns. They’re comfortable and not revealing.
Women’s shorts – I packed a few pairs. I’d recommend something loose and comfortable like these shorts, and then perhaps some classic denim shorts too.
Women’s summer top – I wore a lot of things like this. Neutral colours work best as you can mix and match with shorts and skirts. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down!
Women’s bikini – You’ll need to pack a couple of items of swimwear. There are so many cute bikinis out there to choose from!
Women’s rash guard – Not essential, but if you burn easily (or plan to surf) I’d recommend one of these. This one is great as it has a built-in bra and comes with a pair of matching shorts.
Women’s sports vest – I’d recommend one or two sweat-absorbing vests like this for adventurous activities.
Women’s sports bra – Ideal for sporty or adventure activities. I prefer sports bras like this Puma one which has some built in padding for extra support.
Women’s leggings – You might prefer sports shorts, but depending on the activity you’re doing, you might want a pair of leggings for a bit of extra protection. These Under Armour ones are great as they’re very lightweight.
Sarong – A really useful item for any travels in warm countries! Use it as a towel, a cover up, to sit on, to lie on or for a cute addition to an outfit!
Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself.
Sunglasses – I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!
What Footwear Should Women Wear In Thailand
Flat shoes, walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops, water shoes … the list goes on. Do you know what, they could ALL be useful in Thailand.
For exploring the cities, I’d recommend trainers or supportive sandals. For the beaches, you could just slip on a pair of sandals or flip flops. For more adventurous trekking in Thailand’s hills or countryside, you might prefer to wear proper hiking boots or sports trainers.
On our trips, I’ve tended to live in sandals or Birkenstocks. They’re supportive and comfortable, easy to put on and they work for so many different types of travel. I did pack trainers, but found them a bit hot and sweaty for the climate.
What Footwear Should Men Wear In Thailand
For men visiting Thailand, I’d recommend packing a pair of trainers and some sandals or flip-flops. Depending on your itinerary, you might also want to pack one smart pair of shoes for smart dinners or hotel stays.
Here are a few specific items of footwear I’d recommend for Thailand:
Birkenstock sandals – Really durable, ideal for men or women and come in multiple colours. There are a few different styles to choose from too.
Teva trekking sandals – Really durable, great for travel, easy to take on and off and they come in lots of colours and patterns.
Skechers lightweight trainers – Really comfortable and they dry quickly too, so are useful for all sorts of travel.
Havianas flip flops – Male or female, everyone should own a pair! These ones for men are fun too.
Cute women’s sandals – Something like this is great for beach clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Tom’s flat loafers – A nice casual shoe for men, easy to slip on and great for exploring or going to restaurants.
Hiking shoes – Only necessary if you’re planning some big adventures. These ones are great as they’re lightweight and breathable.
Water shoes – Again, not essential, but can be useful for rocky areas or hiking around waterfalls.
What To Wear In Thailand: Women’s Accessories
As mentioned, scarves are a useful addition to your suitcase for Thailand. It’s a sunny country, so I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. Also, a sun hat, to protect your head from those powerful rays.
I used a backpack for day-to-day adventures, and then a small shoulder bag for dinners in the evenings.
While bottled water is recommended in Thailand, consider bringing a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and refill it throughout your trip.
What To Wear In Thailand As A Man
Packing for Thailand is very simple as a man! All you really need are several pairs of shorts, a handful of t-shirts, a few lightweight shirts and some swimming trunks. If you’re trekking, you might want some sporty items, like sports shorts or a sweat-absorbent top.
In general, my partner wore t-shirts or shirts, with shorts and sandals every single day. So simple!
Here are a few specific items of men’s clothing I’d recommend for Thailand:
Men’s casual shorts – I’d recommend several pairs of comfortable shorts for everyday use.
Men’s T-shirts – Pack a few options of t-shirts too.
Men’s shirts – A few shirts (long or short sleeved) are a good idea. I personally love these linen shirts. They look very cool!
Men’s vests – If you sweat a lot, you might find vest tops more
comfortable in the heat.
Men’s sports tops – For active days, something like this is really useful as it’s super-absorbent.
Men’s sports shorts – If you’re doing some adventurous hikes or activities, you’ll want shorts you can move freely in.
Swimming trunks – The more fun the pattern, the better! These ones have pockets and are quick dry too.
Baseball cap – Look for one with a mesh back like this one, so it’s more breathable.
Sunglasses – You can’t beat a classic pair of these Ray Bans!
What To Pack For Thailand: Other Useful Items
If you’re planning your trip, you should think about more than just clothing when you start packing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…
Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one. If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.
Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this, that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen, which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here.
Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy on your trip. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!
Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum.
Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!
Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat like this to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!
After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun. It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.
Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.
Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my small handbag and is nice and sturdy.
Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack. It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!
Reusable water bottle – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the Chilly’s water bottles. I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! I also really like these bottles with straws. They’re really easy to drink from, they have a strap, never leak and hold a good volume.
Power bank – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.
I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment, which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability.
Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges up to 6 devices at once, using a plug or USB sockets. Plus, it can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets!
Dry bag – I’m really happy I invested in a dry bag like this. It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.
Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!
Hopefully this post helps with your Thailand packing. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!
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