All The Essentials for Travelling Thailand in 2024

Whether you travel here either for a long or short period you’ll want to make sure you pack or consider all the essentials for travelling Thailand from my list below.

Thailand is one of my favourite countries in the world, a big statement I know, but it’s a well-deserved winner and making sure you arrive prepared makes for the perfect start to any trip.

Although Thailand is way ahead of some of its neighbouring countries in Asia for amenities and facilities there are some things you will want to make sure you have packed or checked off your list before you depart for the airport.

After visiting over and over below I am sharing all the things I believe are essentials for travelling Thailand, make sure to follow along on this list to ensure you don’t miss anything off or leave anything behind.

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Essentials for Travelling Thailand

Before You Leave

There are a few rather serious things you must sort out before you depart for Thailand!

I recommend giving yourself as much time as possible to arrange the items below to ensure that everything is booked, granted or given before you need to depart.

Visa

Visitors from countries under the Visa Exemption list are not required to obtain a visa before entering Thailand. If you are a passport holder from one of these countries you will be granted a 45-day tourist visa on arrival.

Alternatively, if you know you are planning to stay in Thailand to travel around for more than 45 days, you can apply online before your arrival for a 90-day tourist visa.

Passport

Passport requirements can differ depending on which passport you carry, please refer to your local governments page to check for your country.

For entry into Thailand though all passports must have 6 months remaining upon your arrival in Thailand.

Travel Insurance

Travelling to Thailand and anywhere in the world can come with risks, it is always best to be prepared with good travel insurance to make sure you are covered if any of the unexpected happens.

A reliable travel insurance is super important to provide you with peace of mind about any delays, disruptions, lost baggage, accidents and more.

Vaccinations

Make sure you book a visit to the Doctor to talk to the travel nurse about your upcoming trip, she will be able to recommend which vaccinations you may need topping up and which new ones you will need to ensure you are protected during your trip.

💡 A great website used by the NHS for those travelling from the UK is Fit for Travel, here you can read all the recommendations for each destination around the world.

Hotel Booking

I know it is often exciting to travel to a new destination with no plans and to go wherever the wind takes you but make sure you have booked at least 2 nights of accommodation for when you first arrive in Thailand.

This information is required if you are applying for a visa online before arriving and can sometimes be requested by immigration on arrival.

It is also nice after a very, very long travel day to know that you have a base to go to for catching up on some sleep before your adventure begins.

Money

Money is not something I would change up before you travel, you can often get a much better exchange rate in Thailand.

When withdrawing money from the cashpoints around Thailand you are often charged 220 THB (£5) per withdrawal, this is the easiest way to change your money, just make sure to withdraw 10,000 THB each time to avoid multiple fees.

Alternatively, you can withdraw cash in the UK or your home country and change this to THB are currency exchanges across Thailand.

Printouts of passport, visa etc

It is also worth having a back up!

Make sure to photocopy your passport and print any visa information or key documents before you travel just in case something goes missing.

Unlock your phone

When arriving in Thailand the best way to stay connected, to get around and ensure you can access information when you need it is to get a local sim.

You can get local sim cards at the airport at one of the many stands or from any 7-Eleven across Thailand.

Apps to download

These apps are great to help you get around, know where you are and translate anything quickly.

• Grab
• Bolt
• Google Maps
• What3words
• Google Translate
• Workaway
• Skyscanner
• Hostelworld
• Booking

Backpack vs Suitcase

Ah the age-old argument of which is better, the trusty traveller backpack or the wheel along suitcase.

🙋🏻‍♀️ I have only ever travelled long-term with a backpack and I can confirm now that I truly regret my decision! 🤣 in future I will be taking a suitcase, throughout Thailand most of the ground is even and you can easily wheel a suitcase around. There has only been 1 situation on the beach in Phi Phi when we had to walk across the sand I was grateful to have a backpack.

But, that being said this is a very personal decision! It comes down to the type of travelling you intend on doing, your ability to pack light and the kind of destinations you are travelling to.

The Backpack

Pros

• Easy on uneven ground
• Allows your use of both hands
• Rugged and can withstand a lot of wear and tear
• Storage options – lots of different pockets, compartments etc
• Make you stronger overall
• You feel like a true backpacker!
• Encourage minimalistic lifestyle

Cons

• You have to carry it everywhere at all times
• Can cause back issues
• Often harder to find just one item
• Takes longer to pack and unpack
• Can wrinkle clothes
• With extra pockets it can be easier for people to smuggle items into your backpack without your knowledge
• Not waterproof without a cover

The Wheeled Suitcase

Pros

• Easy to transport around on even ground
• Can open it up and see all your items at once
• Still lightweight
• Waterproof
• Durable, often heavy duty and can withstand wear and tear
• Large capacity
• Much more secure with no opennings
• Easy to organise
• No strain on the body unless carrying up stairs etc

Cons

• Not suitable on uneven surfaces
• Can be heavy and bulky to carry around
• If a wheel breaks you are in trouble!
• You don’t feel like a ‘true backpacker’
• Often more expensive

Clothes

Whether you are spending a few weeks in South Thailand or wish to visit the whole country then lightweight, summer-style essentials are best!

Thailand’s weather is often hot and sunny with high levels of humidity but it can often rain with quick or longer showers.

• Vest tops
• Tshirts
• Shorts or skirts
• Dresses
• Lightweight trousers
• An outfit to cover your knees and shoulders – for when you visit any temples
• Yoga wear – if you intend on joining any classes
• Sarong – to cover up when you are not at a pool or beach
• Swimwear
• Lightweight rain coat
• A jumper – ideal for airconditioned rooms or aeroplanes
• Underwear
• Socks

💡 Packing cubes are a great way to separate all of your items and make it easier to find what you need when you need it!

Shoes

You do not need a large variety or shoes, depending on what kind of travelling you plan on doing just 2 or 3 plans is plenty!

• Waterproof shoes – flip flops, crocs, slidders etc
• Sandals – perfect for everyday and can dress up for dinner
• Trainers or walking boots – trainers are suitable in most cases unless you plan on doing a lot of hiking

Accessories & Essentials for Travelling Thailand

Don’t forget all of these little bits and bobs to make you travelling experience that little bit easier and more enjoyable.

• A bumbag/small bag – perfect to keep your important items in
• Sunglasses
• Small padlock
• Kindle – the best way to read as many books as your heart desires
• Quick dry towel
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs – better to be safe than sorry, you never know when you might need them!
• Journal – to keep track of your adventures, thoughts and feelings
• Reuseable water bottle
• Waterproof phone case
• Hat
• Reusable bag – perfect for trips to 7-Eleven and the beach

Toiletries

Whilst you can purchase most of these items in Thailand it is often easier to make sure you have everything you need before you travel.

‼️ Make sure to pack ALL of the suncream you think you might use whilst in Thailand as it is super expensive here and throughout the whole of Asia.

• Hanging toiletries bag – the perfect way to access everything without having to get it all out
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hand sanitiser
• Tissues – they are not always provided in Thailand so a pack can come in handy
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Suncream
• Aftersun or moisturiser
• Face cream
• Pads and tampons – note that tampons aren’t as easily accessible in Thailand as in the Western world
• Medications – ensure prescription medication is in its original packaging
• Probiotics
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Electrolytes
• Insect repellant
• Razor
• Hairbrush
• Lip balm with SPF
• Minimal make up – too much will often just sweat off your face!
• Make-up remover microfibre pads

Tech Bits

Don’t forget the electronic essentials to make sure you can capture your favourite moments to savour forever.

• Phone
• Portable charger
• World travel adapter
• Phone charging cable and a spare
• Camera or GoPro
• Camera
• Spare SD card
• Headphones
• Laptop – especially if you are a fellow blogger like me!
• Travel tripod

& your SMILE! 😆

One of the essentials for travelling to Thailand!

Travelling to a new country can be hard, but the locals in Thailand are extremely warm and welcoming.

A smile and some kindness can go a very long way and if you are ever lost, stuck or in need of any help do not be afraid to ask!