Worst THAILAND Packing Mistakes
Mistake #1: Packing Too Much
One thing you’ll definitely notice here at the airport is people with very large suitcases. And this was probably my single biggest mistake during my first trip to Thailand. I brought too many clothes, too many electronics, too many toiletries, and it simply weighed me down.
If you want to take advantage of all the discount flights here in Asia, you don’t want to pack too heavy, as you’ll pay almost double the fare for every extra large bag that you have to check. When I was traveling the first time, I ended up getting rid of half my stuff so that I could take those cheap flights, and that was expensive because I paid for all that stuff. So if you want to save yourself hassle and money, bring less.
You can buy almost anything here in Thailand. It’s very easy to supplement your wardrobe, your toiletries, your electronics almost anything. The big benefit of waiting and not packing too much is that you can get a feel for what you really wear, what you really use, and add to your wardrobe when you come to Thailand.
If you’re looking for inexpensive clothes, you can stop in at any mall. You’ll find a great selection of brand name products, inexpensive stores like Uniqlo. If you’re coming to the big malls the big luxury middle-class malls everything here will be fully authentic. However, when it comes to brand name products, normally prices are a little bit higher here in Thailand as there are import tariffs.
You can also stop in at the more market-oriented malls like Platinum, where you’ll find very cheap products. The low prices mean that you can easily discard items at any time if you need to free up some space, as this will actually be cheaper than paying for added luggage on the low-cost airlines.
Luggage space is valuable, and you should carefully assess each item that you bring.
Mistake #2: Packing Heavy Garments
The most important thing to remember is that Thailand is very hot for most of the year, so it’s normally a mistake to pack any heavy garments like jeans or sweaters.
But you should always carry a few t-shirts that cover your shoulders and long pants that cover your knees. Thailand is actually a fairly conservative country when it comes to fashion, and it’s actually something of a cultural faux pas to walk around in tank tops all day long, especially in public spaces like malls. You won’t even be allowed to enter sites like temples, palaces, or government offices without a shirt that covers your shoulders and long pants that cover your knees.
Mistake #3: Packing Too Many Toiletries
While it’s a mistake to pack too many clothes, it’s also a mistake to bring too many toiletries. When it comes to general toiletries moisturizers, body wash, face wash you can buy pretty much everything you need here in Thailand.
The 7-Eleven convenience store brand is extremely popular in Thailand, and you’ll find one on almost every street corner, where you can easily stop in and buy generic toiletries for very inexpensive prices. For a greater selection and better discounts, you can check the big chain pharmacy stores Boots and Watsons which you’ll find in almost every mall.
But when you’re buying toiletries in Thailand, you should be cautious if you want to avoid whitening products. These can be very common when it comes to moisturizers, lotions, face, and body wash. But it’s quite easy to avoid them as these products are labeled as “white” or “bright.”
My personal preference for toiletries is to come into a place like Boots, as they often have two-for-one sales on almost everything. I normally just come in and stock up when I see the discounts.
Mistake #4: Not Packing Hard-to-Find Items
There are two products that can be harder to find or significantly more expensive in Thailand.
Probably the single most important item is tampons. Many stores don’t carry them at all, and you’ll find a very limited selection at significantly higher prices.
The second product that you might want to pack is sunscreen, as it can be more expensive in Thailand. But this really comes down to your choice of brand and where you shop. Just make sure to check Boots or Watsons in a big city like Bangkok, as they tend to have pretty consistent two-for-one specials.
Mistake #7: Bringing Too Many Electronics
The next common mistake is bringing too many electronics with you in your bag. This is a country where you can buy almost anything very inexpensively.
However, if you’re coming from the UK or Australia, you’ll need a plug adapter. You can definitely buy adapters here in Thailand, but this is something that you should probably pack, as it takes up minimal space in your bag, and you’ll want to be able to charge devices like a phone or laptop immediately upon arrival.
The second common mistake that travelers make is planning to purchase electronics here in Thailand phones, laptops, and other expensive devices. Much like clothes, these tend to be more expensive in Thailand, and it normally makes a lot more sense to buy expensive brand name electronics in your home country and bring them with you.
Mistake #9: Packing Illegal Items
And of course, it’s very important not to pack any illegal items. This includes any illegal drugs Thailand has a very harsh sentencing for drug import offenses. But you’re also prohibited from bringing in fresh food items like fruit and vegetables.
Here in Thailand, you’re also prohibited from bringing in e-cigarettes, vapes, or hookahs. These will be confiscated if they’re discovered, and you can face a fine.
Bring Suitable Clothes and Walking Footwear
Some sky bars, nightclubs, and restaurants have dress codes. Bring jeans and a smart shirt or another suitable outfit for those places, even though light clothes will be enough for most of the trip.
Choose comfortable, lightweight footwear because Thailand involves a lot of walking. Expensive formal shoes are less practical in rain, on beaches, and on long sightseeing days.
Pack Prescription Medicine
If you use prescription medication, bring enough for the trip and keep the prescription information with it. Ordinary painkillers and common medicines are widely available, sometimes even in convenience stores.
Bring Chargers and Travel Electronics
Bring the chargers and accessories used with your phone. Thai plugs are generally compatible with international devices, and shopping malls have electronics sections if something is forgotten.
Keep a camera or upgraded smartphone available because Thailand offers many opportunities for photographs and video. A laptop or extra hard drive can be useful for backing up files, especially in Bangkok where large IT malls and markets are available.
Island Essentials
For island trips, pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. These items are also inexpensive in Thailand, but bringing the essentials avoids paying more when you need them immediately.
Electrical Adapters and Cables
There is no need to fill the luggage with extra adapters, useless cables, or electrical equipment that may not be needed. Check the hotel and bring only the charging equipment required for the trip.
Clothing, Raincoats, and Towels
Raincoats are not essential for most rainy days. Shorts and a T-shirt are often enough, and a raincoat can be bought locally for about 50 Thai baht in different colours. Towels are available in hotels, hostels, rented condos, and serviced apartments, so they do not need to take up space in the luggage.
Useful Day Bag Clothing and Footwear
A small backpack is useful for day trips, shopping, boat rides, and other activities because it gives you somewhere to carry the things needed during the day.
Quality flip-flops are practical for much of a Thailand trip, although comfort matters if you will wear them daily. Pack clothing suitable for the activities you plan instead of bringing more shoes and outfits than necessary.
Temple Clothes
Bring proper clothing for temple visits because shorts and swimming suits are not suitable. If necessary, suitable clothing can also be bought or rented near temples.
