Packing for Thailand is mostly about staying cool, covering up for temples, and being ready for the water — get those three right and you are sorted. The climate is hot and humid year-round, so light, breathable clothing does most of the work, with a few specific extras for boat days and temple visits. This list is built for Indian travellers and keeps it practical: what to take, what to buy there, and what to leave at home.
A good rule is to pack light and leave room — Thailand's markets and malls are excellent for cheap clothes, beachwear and toiletries, so you can buy on arrival rather than overpacking. Below, everything grouped by category, plus the documents and money notes that matter before you fly.
Clothing for the Heat
Light cottons and linens win — t-shirts, loose trousers, shorts, summer dresses. Pack for laundry every few days rather than a fresh outfit a day. Bring one light layer for over-air-conditioned malls, cinemas and the cool breeze on evening cruises. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for temple days and markets, plus flip-flops or sandals for everything else. The best time to travel weather-wise is covered in our guide to the best time to visit Thailand, which is worth a read before you decide what to pack.
Temple Dress Code
Thailand's temples enforce a dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered for everyone, men and women. Pack at least one outfit that meets this — a long skirt or trousers and a top with sleeves, or carry a light scarf and sarong you can throw on at the gate. The big sites like the Grand Palace are strict and turn people away, so it is worth being ready rather than renting a cover-up at the door. Slip-on shoes help, since you remove footwear inside temple buildings.
Beach and Boat-Day Kit
For the islands, pack swimwear, a quick-dry towel, a rash vest (useful sun protection while snorkelling), and reef-safe sunscreen. A waterproof phone pouch and a dry bag are genuinely worth it on speedboat days. Bring any motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to it, as the open-water crossings can be bumpy. If island tours are a big part of your trip, our guide to the best island tours in Thailand explains what each boat day involves so you can pack accordingly.
Documents, Money and Health
Carry your passport, return-ticket proof and hotel bookings, and complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you fly. For money matters — cards, cash and exchange — see our baht-to-INR money guide, and sort connectivity with our Thailand SIM card guide. Pack a small kit of basic medicines (paracetamol, rehydration salts, any prescriptions in original packaging), mosquito repellent, and a power bank. Plug sockets mostly fit Indian two-pin chargers, but a universal adapter covers everything.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Thailand?
Light, breathable clothing for the heat and humidity — cottons and linens — plus at least one temple-appropriate outfit covering shoulders and knees. Add a light layer for air-conditioning and evening cruises, comfortable walking shoes, and beachwear with sun protection for the islands.
Do I need to cover up for temples in Thailand?
Yes. Temples require shoulders and knees to be covered for both men and women, and the major sites enforce it strictly. Carry a scarf or sarong, or wear longer clothing on temple days. You also remove your shoes inside temple buildings, so slip-on footwear is handy.
What should I not bother packing for Thailand?
Heavy clothing, more outfits than you need, and bulky toiletries — Thailand's markets and malls sell cheap clothes, beachwear and toiletries everywhere, so pack light and buy on arrival. Leave valuables you do not need at home, and avoid overpacking sunscreen, which is widely available locally.