What to Pack for Thailand: Complete Packing List (40L, 15 lbs, Tested)

I traveled Thailand for 6 months with a 40L backpack. Here's everything I packed—and everything I wish I hadn't.

The truth: You need WAY less than you think. 7 days of clothes, temple outfit, and basics. You can purchase the remaining items on-site.

This guide shows exactly what to pack (and skip) based on actual experience, not theory.

I perfected my Thailand packing over 3 trips. This list is designed for the classic Thailand route: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Islands, covering all climates and activities.

MY ACTUAL PACKING LIST (15 lbs Total)

CLOTHING (5 lbs):

✓ 2 tank tops (Uniqlo AIRism)

✓ 1 t-shirt

✓ 1 linen shorts

✓ 1 convertible pants (Prana Halle)

✓ 1 black dress (worn 20+ times)

✓ 7 underwear (ExOfficio)

✓ 3 bras (1 sports)

✓ 5 socks

✓ 1 cardigan (light)

✓ 1 swimsuit

✓ 1 pair Teva sandals

TOILETRIES (1.5 lbs):

✓ Sunscreen travel size

✓ DEET repellent travel size

✓ Face wash, moisturizer (travel)

✓ Toothbrush and paste

✓ Minimal makeup

✓ 1 cycle tampons

TECH (3 lbs):

✓ iPhone + charger

✓ Anker power bank 20K

✓ Universal adapter

✓ Kindle

SAFETY (2 lbs):

✓ Padlock, locks

✓ Water bottle

✓ Earplugs, eye mask

✓ Small first aid kit

Padlocks, money belts, and door locks are essential safety items. Learn why these matter in our Thailand Safety Guide.

BOUGHT IN THAILAND:

✓ Temple fisherman pants (150 THB = $4.30)

✓ Flip-flops (100 THB = $2.85)

✓ Sarong (80 THB = $2.30)

TOTAL: Fits in Osprey Farpoint 40L with room to spare

This exact packing worked perfectly for 6 months!

Packing Philosophy: Pack LIGHT

Why Pack Light:

✅ Easy transport (carry-on only, no baggage fees)

✅ More mobility (run for trains, change hostels easily)

✅ Room for souvenirs

✅ Less stress (one bag to watch)

✅ Faster travel (no checked bag wait)

The Golden Rule:

If you think you need it → You probably don't If you forget it → You can buy it in Thailand (cheap!)

My Packing Evolution:

Trip 1: 65L backpack (30 lbs)

• Brought: 14 days' worth of clothes, 3 pairs shoes, full toiletries
• Reality: Used 40%, bag too heavy, miserable
• Donated half in Chiang Mai

Trip 2: 40L backpack (18 lbs)

• Brought: 7 days' worth of clothes, 2 pairs shoes
• Reality: Still too much

Trip 3: 40L backpack (15 lbs) - PERFECT ⭐

• Brought: 5-7 days' worth of clothes, 1.5 pairs shoes, essentials only
• Reality: Had everything I needed, never wished for more

Pack for 1 Week, Do Laundry:

Thailand has laundry everywhere:

• Hostels: 40-60 THB ($1.15-$1.70) per load
• Frequency: Every 5-7 days

You don't need 14 days of clothes for 2 weeks!

Recommended Bag Sizes

Sweet Spot (40L): ⭐ MY RECOMMENDATION

• For: Most travelers, 2-8 weeks, all seasons
• Carry-on size, plenty of room
• Osprey Farpoint 40L ($160)
• This is what I use—perfect size
• Opens like suitcase (easy packing)
• Comfortable straps, hip belt
• Survived 3 trips, still perfect

Ultralight (25-30L):

• For: Experienced packers, short trips
• Osprey Daylite Plus 26L ($70)

Maximum (45-50 L):

• For: 2+ months, need extra gear
• Still carry-on (barely)

TOO BIG (60L+):

• Unnecessary for Thailand
• Check baggage required
• Heavy, awkward
• Don't do it

Complete Packing List by Category

CLOTHING (Fits in 1 Packing Cube)

THE FORMULA:

• 3-4 tops
• 2 bottoms
• 1 dress/romper
• 1 temple outfit
• 7 underwear
• 3-4 bras
• 5-7 socks
• 1 light jacket
• 1 swimsuit

That's it. Seriously.

TOPS (3-4 total):

2-3 Tank tops / T-shirts

• Quick-dry, breathable
• Light colors
• I packed 2 tank tops and 1 t-shirt
• Uniqlo AIRism ($15 each) - BEST for Thailand heat
• Wash every 2-3 days → Buy on Amazon

1 Nicer top

• For restaurants, rooftop bars
• Thailand is known for its casual attire.
• I brought: Black sleeveless blouse

BOTTOMS (2 total):

1 Pair shorts

• Of moderate length (temples = no shorts)
• Comfortable for walking, beaches
• I brought: Linen shorts (breathable!)

1 Pair pants

• Lightweight, breathable
• I brought Prana Halle pants ($89)—wore constantly
• Convertible pants = bonus (zip-off shorts) → Buy on Amazon

TEMPLE PANTS (Buy in Thailand!):

• DON'T bring from home
• Buy on the first day in Bangkok
• Fisherman pants: 100-200 THB ($3-6)
• They are more comfortable, cheaper, and better than anything you can bring.

I did NOT bring: Jeans (too hot, too heavy, never needed)

DRESSES/ROMPERS (1):

• 1 Lightweight dress or romper
• Multi-use: beach cover-up, going out
• Quick-dry material
• I brought: Black jersey dress (wore 20+ times)

UNDERWEAR & BRAS:

• 7 underwear (wash weekly)
• 3-4 bras (including 1 sports)
• Recommendation: ExOfficio underwear ($20)—quick dry → Buy on Amazon

SOCKS (5-7 pairs):

• Ankle socks for walking
• Wool socks produce less odor and can be worn for multiple days.
• Darn Tough socks ($18)

LAYERS:

1 Light jacket / cardigan

• For: AC buses (freezing!), planes, chilly evenings
• I brought: Thin cotton cardigan
• I wore the thin cotton cardigan on every bus and during temple visits to cover my shoulders.
• Essential even though Thailand is hot

1 sarong/large scarf

• Multi-use: Beach towel, temple cover-up, blanket
• Buy in Thailand (50-150 THB = $1.45-$4.30)

SWIMWEAR:

• 1 Swimsuit (quick-dry)
• 1 Bikini if prefer

FOOTWEAR (1.5 pairs):

1 Pair walking shoes/sandals

• Comfortable for 8+ hours walking
• I brought Teva sandals ($70), which I wore 90% of the time.
• Alternatives: Chacos, Keens → Buy on Amazon

0.5 Pair flip-flops

• Buy in Thailand (7-Eleven, 100 THB = $2.85)
• For: Showers, hostels, beach
• Avoid bringing items from home, as they take up space and are inexpensive to purchase locally.

What I did NOT bring:

❌ Sneakers (too hot, too heavy)

❌ Heels (no need)

❌ Multiple shoes

SLEEPWEAR:

• Sleep in tank top and shorts (clothes already packed)
• Most hostels have AC (cold at night!)

TOTAL CLOTHING WEIGHT: ~5 lbs

PACKING TIP: Use eBags packing cubes ($35)

PACK vs BUY Decision Matrix:

TOILETRIES (Fits in Quart Bag)

GOLDEN RULE: Bring trial sizes, buy full-size in Thailand (7-Eleven has everything!)

WHAT TO BRING:

Sunscreen SPF 50+ (ESSENTIAL!)

• Most important item
• The Thai sun is brutal.
• Bring: Travel size (3 oz) to start
• Buy: Full size at 7-Eleven (200 THB = $5.70)
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70
• Apply EVERY DAY → Buy on Amazon

Insect Repellent with DEET

• Dengue prevention (mosquitoes are real)
• Bring: Travel size
• Buy: Thailand has strong stuff (50 THB = $1.45)
• Apply: Evenings

Face Wash (travel size) Moisturizer (travel size) Toothbrush + Toothpaste (travel size) Deodorant (travel size)

Shampoo and Conditioner (travel or skip)

• Hostels provide (cheap quality)
• Buy: Better stuff at 7-Eleven (100 THB = $2.85)

Razor (1) Feminine Products

• Bring: 1 cycle's worth (tampons hard to find)
• Alternative: Menstrual cup (DivaCup $30)—saves space → Buy on Amazon

Makeup (MINIMAL)

• It will sweat off in 30 minutes
• I brought: Mascara, tinted moisturizer, lip balm
• That's it

Hair Ties / Bobby Pins

• Essential (wear hair up constantly—heat!)

Medications

• Birth control (full supply)
• Any prescriptions (labeled)
• Imodium (stomach issues)
• Pain reliever
• Antihistamine
• Dramamine (boats/buses)

WHAT TO BUY IN THAILAND (Don't bring):

❌ Body wash, shaving cream, conditioner, lotion

❌ All available at 7-Eleven cheap

TOTAL TOILETRIES WEIGHT: ~2 lbs

MY MISTAKE: Trip 1: Full-size everything (4 lbs, took up 1/4 of bag) Trip 3: Travel sizes + buy there (1.5 lbs, small pouch)

Lesson: Thailand has 7-Elevens on every block. Buy as needed!

TECH & ELECTRONICS

Smartphone (essential!)

• Navigation, communication, camera, everything

Power Bank (20,000 mAh)

• Essential (phone dies = you're lost)
• Anker PowerCore 20000 ($50)—lasts 4-5 charges → Buy on Amazon

Phone Charger + Cable

• Bring 2 cables (one will break)

Universal Travel Adapter

• Thailand = Type A, B, C plugs
• EPICKA Universal Adapter ($20) → Buy on Amazon

Headphones

• Flights, buses, hostel common areas

E-Reader (optional but recommended)

• Kindle ($90) - beats carrying books
• Beach reading, long buses
• Weeks of reading weigh nothing

Camera (optional)

• Phone camera = excellent enough
• GoPro ($200) for underwater (if diving)
• DSLR = too heavy, leave home

Laptop (only if working remotely)

WHAT TO SKIP:

❌ Hair dryer (hostels have them; air dry instantly)

❌ Curling iron (humidity defeats it)

❌ iPad (phone + kindle enough)

TOTAL TECH WEIGHT: ~3 lbs

DOCUMENTS & MONEY

Passport

• Check: 6+ months validity
• CRITICAL: Make 2 photocopies
  • 1 in backpack (separate from passport)
  • 1 emailed to yourself

Passport Photos (6-8)

• For visas, extensions

Credit Cards (2-3)

• Primary + backup
• Best: Charles Schwab (refunds ATM fees) or Capital One
• Notify the bank before travel!

Debit Card (for ATM withdrawals)

Cash ($200-300 USD)

• Emergency backup
• Exchange: First $50-100 at airport

Travel Insurance Documents

• Print confirmation
• SafetyWing: $42/month

Copies of Bookings

• First hostel
• Flight out

Money Belt / Hidden Pouch

• Wear under clothes
• Travel Hidden Wallet Belt ($15) → Buy on Amazon

SAFETY & COMFORT ITEMS

Luggage Locks (2)

• TSA-approved
• Lock backpack zippers → Buy on Amazon

Padlock (1 sturdy)

• For hostel lockers (ESSENTIAL)
• Master Lock ($10)

Portable Door Lock

• Addalock ($12)—extra security → Buy on Amazon

Reusable Water Bottle

• Filter bottle: LifeStraw Go ($50)
• Or: Regular bottle, refill at hostels

Daypack / Packable Backpack

• For day trips
• Osprey Daylite Plus 20L ($70)

Microfiber Towel

• PackTowl Personal ($18)—dries fast, packs small → Buy on Amazon

Sleep Essentials:

• Earplugs (ESSENTIAL - hostel dorms noisy!)
  • Bring: 5-10 pairs
  • Mack's Earplugs ($7 for 10) → Buy on Amazon
• Eye Mask
  • Jersey Sleep Mask ($8) → Buy on Amazon

First Aid Kit (minimal)

• Band-aids (10)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Blister treatment
• Imodium
• Pain reliever
• All fits in sandwich bag

Ziplock Bags (5-10)

• Protect phone from water
• Organize items
• Wet clothes after beach

MY $200 PACKING MISTAKE

What I Did WRONG (Trip 1):

Packed 65L backpack:

• 3 pairs pants (wore 1)
• 10 tops (wore 4)
• 3 pairs shoes (wore 1.5)
• Full-size toiletries (used 20%)
• I packed a "just in case" jacket, jeans, and dressy clothes, but I did not wear any of them.
• 2 books (too heavy to carry)
• I never used the hair dryer and straightener that I packed.

Result:

• Backpack: 32 lbs (back pain daily)
• The backpack was too heavy to fit in the overhead bin, resulting in a $30 fee for each flight.
• Miserable lugging heavy bag

What I Did:

• Day 10 Chiang Mai: Donated 1/3 of clothes
• Day 30: Mailed 1/3 home ($80 shipping!)

Total Waste:

• $200+ in unused items
• $80 shipping
• $120 extra baggage fees
• Months of back pain = $400+ mistake

Trip 2 Onward:

• 40L backpack, 15 lbs
• Easy to move around
• Had everything I needed
• HAPPY

Lesson: Pack half of what you think. You'll still overpack.

5 ITEMS WORTH THE INVESTMENT ($412)

1. Osprey Farpoint 40L ($160)

• Perfect size, comfortable, durable
• Lasted 3 trips, still perfect → Buy on Amazon

2. Anker PowerCore 20000 ($50)

• Phone dies = you're lost
• 4-5 full charges → Buy on Amazon

3. Teva Sandals ($70)

• Wore 90% of trip
• Comfortable, supportive → Buy on Amazon

4. Prana Halle Pants ($89)

• Lightweight, breathable, temple-appropriate
• Wore constantly → Buy on Amazon

5. Kindle E-Reader ($43 renewed)

• Weeks of books weigh nothing. → Buy on Amazon

TOTAL: $412

What I DON'T Splurge On:

• I don't splurge on cheap tank tops (Uniqlo, $10-15).
• Basic toiletries (buy in Thailand)
• Flip-flops (buy there $3)

Philosophy: Spend on daily-use items (bag, shoes, power). Save on occasional items.

TEMPLE PANTS HACK

Don't Bring Temple Pants—Buy in Thailand!

What I Did Trip 1:

• I purchased "Thailand temple pants" on Amazon before my trip.
• Cost: $25
• Material: Polyester (hot, sweaty)
• Wore: 3 times (hated them)

What I Did Trip 2+:

• Arrived Bangkok, bought fisherman pants
• Cost: 150 THB = $4.30
• Material: Light cotton (breathable)
• Wore: 20+ times (loved them!)

Where to Buy in Bangkok:

• You can find every vendor on Khao San Road.
• Any market
• Street vendors everywhere

Benefits:

✓ More comfortable (designed for Thailand heat)

✓ Cheaper (1/5 the price)

✓ Authentic

✓ Multi-use (temples, going out, sleep pants)

✓ Save packing space

Buy First Day: Walk around, find style you like, bargain

Also buy in Thailand:

• Flip-flops (100 THB = $3 vs $20 at home)
• Sarong (80 THB = $2.30 vs $25 at home)
• Rain poncho if needed (50 THB = $1.45)

Plan Your 2026 Southeast Asia Adventures with Confidence ✈️

Get my FREE 52-page Travel Planner Bundle — the exact system I use to organize stress-free solo trips across Southeast Asia. Track budgets, create daily itineraries, manage accommodations, and journal your memories all in one beautiful PDF.

• ✓Full 2026 calendar + monthly trip planning pages
• ✓Budget trackers & expense sheets (perfect for SEA pricing)
• ✓Daily itinerary planners, packing lists & safety checklists
• ✓Travel journal pages to capture every incredible moment

Get My Free Planner 🎁

🔒 Your email is safe with me. No spam, just travel tips + occasional freebies. Unsubscribe anytime.

What NOT to Bring

❌ Jeans (too hot, heavy, never wore)

❌ Multiple pairs shoes (1.5 pairs enough)

❌ Hair dryer / straightener (humidity defeats it)

❌ Fancy clothes (Thailand = casual)

❌ Full-size toiletries (buy there)

❌ Books (heavy—bring Kindle)

❌ "Just in case" clothes (never wear them)

❌ Expensive jewelry (theft risk)

❌ Beach towel (hostel provides, or buy sarong)

❌ Snorkel gear (rent $3/day)

❌ Guidebook (phone has internet)

Temple Dress Code

RULES:

Covered Shoulders:

• T-shirt OK
• Tank top = NOT OK (bring cardigan to cover)

Covered Knees:

• Long pants or skirt below knee
• Shorts = NOT OK

Closed Shoes:

• Sandals OK
• Flip-flops usually OK

MY TEMPLE OUTFIT:

• Fisherman pants (bought Bangkok, 150 THB)
• T-shirt (already packed)
• Sandals (already packed)
• Light cardigan (cover shoulders)

Don't bring temple clothes from home - buy fisherman pants in Bangkok for $4 on arrival. See Day 1 shopping recommendations in our Bangkok guide.

Wore: 10+ times (temples, going out, comfortable day)

Seasonal Adjustments

COOL SEASON (November-February):

• Add: Light jacket or hoodie (Chiang Mai chilly!)
• Add: Long pants
• Still hot midday, cool mornings/evenings

HOT SEASON (March-May):

• Minimal clothes (sweat constantly)
• Extra sunscreen
• Extra water bottle

RAINY SEASON (June-October):

• Add: Light rain jacket or poncho (buy there)
• Add: Ziplock bags for electronics
• Quick-dry sandals

PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

CLOTHING:

□ 3-4 tops □ 2 bottoms (shorts, pants) □ 1 dress/romper □ 7 underwear, 3-4 bras □ 5-7 socks □ 1 light jacket □ 1 swimsuit □ 1 pair walking sandals

BUY IN THAILAND:

□ Temple pants □ Flip-flops □ Sarong

TOILETRIES:

□ Sunscreen SPF 50+ □ DEET repellent □ Face wash, moisturizer (travel) □ Toothbrush + paste □ Deodorant □ Feminine products (1 cycle) □ Medications

TECH:

□ Smartphone + charger □ Power bank 20,000 mAh □ Universal adapter □ Headphones □ E-reader (optional)

DOCUMENTS:

□ Passport (6+ months valid) □ 6-8 passport photos □ 2-3 credit cards □ Debit card □ $200-300 cash USD □ Travel insurance docs □ Copies (passport, bookings) □ Money belt

SAFETY:

□ 2 luggage locks □ 1 padlock □ Portable door lock □ Water bottle □ Daypack □ Microfiber towel □ Earplugs (10 pairs) □ Eye mask □ First aid kit □ Ziplock bags

TOTAL WEIGHT: 15-18 lbs in 40L backpack

Common Packing Mistakes

1. "I Might Need This..." "Just in case" items were packed. Never used. Waste of 5 lbs.

2. Overpacking Toiletries: Full-size everything. 7-Eleven has it all!

3. Too Many Shoes Brought 3 pairs. Wore 1.5.

4. I forgot to buy proper pants on Day 1 in Bangkok.

5. Bringing Valuables Stressed about theft. Leave valuables at home.

6. No Photocopies Passport stolen, no copies = nightmare. ALWAYS make copies!

Pack Light, Travel Happy

✓ 40L backpack, 15-18 lbs

✓ 7 days clothes, laundry weekly

✓ Buy temple pants and flip-flops in Thailand (cheap!)

✓ Essential: Sunscreen, insect repellent, earplugs, padlock

✓ Skip: Jeans, multiple shoes, full toiletries

✓ Osprey Farpoint 40L = perfect backpack ($160)

✓ Make passport photocopies (critical!)

✓ Less = freedom

You can buy almost anything in Thailand.

Plan Your 2026 Southeast Asia Adventures with Confidence ✈️

Get my FREE 52-page Travel Planner Bundle — the exact system I use to organize stress-free solo trips across Southeast Asia. Track budgets, create daily itineraries, manage accommodations, and journal your memories all in one beautiful PDF.

• ✓Full 2026 calendar + monthly trip planning pages
• ✓Budget trackers & expense sheets (perfect for SEA pricing)
• ✓Daily itinerary planners, packing lists & safety checklists
• ✓Travel journal pages to capture every incredible moment

Get My Free Planner 🎁

🔒 Your email is safe with me. No spam, just travel tips + occasional freebies. Unsubscribe anytime.

Pack light, travel happy!