Packing for an overseas trip can be a bit anxiety provoking at times. At my age, I like to ensure that I’m going to be as comfortable as possible when I’m away from home. This means I do a fair amount of research before venturing off, so I know what I need to bring.
Backpack or Suitcase for Travel?
The best luggage for Thailand greatly depends on the traveler, their capacity to carry or pull weight, how many items they travel with, and where they’re going and how they’re getting there.
Thailand is well developed in most places and transportation of suitcases, and suitcases with wheels is really not that difficult. However, it’s a good idea to fully know the type of property you are reserving before booking accommodation online.
Some resorts are positioned along hillsides and require quite a trek uphill to the rooms. Best Destinations Thailand has found that there are golfcarts to carry you and your luggage up hill.
This isn’t generally a problem, but due to high tourist seasons, or equipment malfunction, there is the potential you will have to carry your own luggage uphill to your room… in the heat and humidity.
Another thing to consider when deciding between a backpack or suitcase for travel, besides the obvious backpacking trip, is island hopping.
There are some island destinations that are only available by boat, and we’ve seen more than one unfortunate traveler accidentally drop or soak their belongings while transferring from boat to shore while making their way through the water.
What to Pack for a Trip to Thailand
What to pack for a trip to Thailand depends on where in Thailand the visitor is going, what they plan to do while there, and what time of year they are visiting.
The most popular time of year to travel to Thailand is between December and May. These are the dryer months with temperatures between 79 to 100°F, and very high humidity. That being said, it can rain any time of year in Thailand and light cotton and linen clothing are highly recommended in the case you get caught in a rainstorm.
Visitors will want to bring their essentials, such as medications and specific products they want to continue to use. I like to bring my facial cleanser, moisturizer, and specific hair products.
Other than the essentials, pretty much everything we need is available in Thailand. Clothing is very affordable and designed to suit the climate, and there are 7-Eleven stores every other block that carry most essentials such as sunblock, mosquito repellent that actually works, and other essentials such as SIM cards and phone chargers.
How to Pack for Thailand
Pack light and leave room in your luggage. Pack light and leave room in your luggage. Yes, I repeated that advice twice. It is one of my affirmations!
My husband gives me this advice, I tell myself and give my kids the same advice, and yet I still take more than I need…. everywhere I go.
When we return at the end of the year, I am going to listen to how to pack for Thailand advice!
So, pack light. Bring only your essentials (including a couple outfits and underwear), good walking shoes that are easy to remove since this is required before entering the temples, and a bathing suit. You’ll thank me later.
There is little doubt that you will be buying more clothing and souvenirs on your trip, and if you pack light, you won’t have to by another suitcase before coming home.
My Favorite Luggage
My favorite luggage is a hybrid suitcase on wheels that transforms into a backpack. This option gives me the freedom to wheel my bag through the airport and carry it when taking water transport or on an overnight backpacking trip.
The versatility is totally worth the extra cost and the brand I use has a lifetime warranty! Come back later to enjoy a thorough product review of the best luggage options for your travel needs.
I also invite you to reach out if you have any questions or just want to share ideas or your travel stories. Feel free to email me at cyanne@bestdestinationsthailand.com or leave a comment below. Together, we can share our experiences or just learn from others. The world opens up to those with knowledge.
All the best,
Cyanne
Great advice on what to bring, sounds like water proof luggage is the way to go if you’re island hopping.
Definitely! Check out my latest post on Ko Lanta Yai and my and my daughter’s speedboat experience! Luckily all our gear stayed dry thanks to our Osprey packs! Thanks for commenting.