Thailand is one of those destinations that feels easy — but a little preparation goes a long way. From temples and islands to night markets and jungle roads, this checklist helps you travel smart, comfortable, and confident, whether it’s your first time or your fifth.
🛂 Travel Documents & Essentials
📘 Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your return date
🛃 Visa or visa-exemption check (depends on nationality & length of stay)
✈️ Flight tickets and boarding passes (digital + offline saved)
🏨 Hotel, hostel or resort confirmations
🗺️ Travel itinerary (loose plan is fine, but helpful)
📄 Travel insurance documents (very important in Thailand)
🛂 Copies of passport & documents (cloud + phone)
📱 Emergency contact list
❤️ Health, Safety & Insurance
💊 Personal medication (with prescription if needed)
🧴 Sunscreen (strong sun, even on cloudy days)
🦟 Mosquito repellent (especially in evenings & rural areas)
🩹 Small travel first-aid kit
💧 Rehydration salts (heat + humidity = dehydration)
😷 Optional mask for busy transport or pollution days
💰 Money & Payments
💳 Debit and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted)
💵 Some cash in Thai Baht for markets, taxis, street food
🏧 ATM access is easy, but fees apply per withdrawal
📱 Mobile banking app activated for travel
💡 Tip: street food and small shops are usually cash-only
Daily Essentials to Carry
📱 Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
🔌 Power adapter (Thailand uses type A/B/C plugs)
🔋 Power bank for long travel days
📶 Local SIM card or eSIM (cheap and fast internet)
🎧 Headphones for flights, trains, night buses
📱 Electronics & Tech
🗺 Offline maps of historic areas and bus routes
📍 Addresses saved in Chinese or Portuguese for taxis
🍮 Food spots and local specialities bookmarked
📷 Photo locations and viewpoints saved
🙏 Awareness of local customs and respectful behaviour
⚡ Electronics & Tech
🚖 Grab app downloaded (Thailand’s main ride-hailing app)
🛵 International driver’s license if renting a scooter or car
🚆 Train and bus apps or websites bookmarked
🛥️ Ferry tickets (for islands, often booked locally)
📍 Offline Google Maps saved for key areas
🚕 Transport & Getting Around
🚖 Grab app downloaded (Thailand’s main ride-hailing app)
🛵 International driver’s license if renting a scooter or car
🚆 Train and bus apps or websites bookmarked
🛥️ Ferry tickets (for islands, often booked locally)
📍 Offline Google Maps saved for key areas
👕 Clothing & Packing
👕 Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
🧕 Modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders & knees)
🩴 Flip-flops or sandals
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
🧢 Hat or cap for sun protection
🧥 Light jacket (air-conditioned buses & planes are cold)
🏝️ Beach & Island Essentials
🏖️ Swimwear
🕶️ Sunglasses with UV protection
🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen
🎒 Dry bag for boat trips
🩴 Water shoes (handy for rocky beaches)
🍜 Food & Culture Tips
🥢 Be open to street food — it’s often the best food
🌶️ Know your spice level (Thai spicy is real spicy)
🙏 Respect local customs and the monarchy
🛕 Shoes off in temples and some shops
😊 A smile goes a long way in Thailand
🧳 Final Pre-Departure Check
🔋 Charge all devices
📂 Download documents offline
🏠 Inform bank you’re traveling
📸 Clear phone storage for photos
🧘 Leave room for spontaneity — Thailand rewards it
