Thailand packing list: leave your socks at home

Jan 102012

What to bring to Thailand - and what to leave at home? We’ve had that melt-down in front of an empty suitcase, too. Use our Thailand packing list quell the panic & make your departure for Koh Samui as easy as possible. Ready? Go!

Packing for Thailand: planning

Step 1: Consider your hosts. The typical Thai (and by typical we preclude all Bangkok bar girls) dresses modestly, often keeping knees and shoulders covered. Rules are bent for tourists – this is a relaxed resort island – and shorts & T-shirts are the local uniform. Still – a huge emphasis is placed on appearance – being clean and well put-together.

Step 2: Remember the climate. It’s hot here! Hot. You could quickly come to hate your favourite piece of summer clothing when you realise, for the first time ever, it has polyester lining and the material is far too thick. Light cotton is best for Koh Samui’s climate. Cotton shirts, dresses, shorts – all good. (For more tips: see what to wear in Thailand).

Step 3: What’s possible? Any given day on Koh Samui might include hanging out by the pool, enjoying the beach, dining somewhere nice, renting a car & hiking a waterfall, visiting a magic garden or sailing the seas – there’s plenty to do. Can your suitcase handle the activities you have in mind?

Step 4: Don’t be sun stupid. Samui’s sun comes stronger than your [insert-Northern-country-here] variety. We doubt it’s much fun to fly 12+ hours with skin burnt to a lobster-red crisp. At the very least, bring a light cotton collared shirt and a hat to avoid burning. Please?

Step 5: Good news. Laundry is easy. When renting our house, you’ll have in-home laundry available to you. Otherwise, there’s a laundry shop on every corner of the island. Drop off your bag of washing and return to pick it up when instructed, usually the next day. Even your knickers come back ironed.

Temples: When visiting temples, both men and women should wear clothing that falls below the knee and covers shoulders. On such occasions, women should wear long skirts or trousers. (See 7 more dos and don’ts in Thailand).

Thailand packing list (women’s clothing)

Bottoms – Dresses, skirts, shorts & capri pants. Avoid anything with a polyester lining, it will cook you. Leave jeans behind, it’s almost always too hot for jeans in the day.
Tops – Cotton! A light cotton collared shirt, tank tops and t-shirts (cotton!), and a light cardigan if there’s a cooler, rainy day. (Add a waterproof jacket if coming in Samui’s rainy season – though ponchos are readily available)
Swim suit
Cover-ups – A light scarf or pashmina, sun hat (local options aren’t entirely fashion-forward).
Shoes – Flip-flops (acceptable footwear everywhere), dressier sandals if eating in resort restaurants, etc, and running shoes if you plan to go exploring or try out Samui sports

Thailand packing list (men’s clothing) In typically male fashion, we polled our men and got back this brief report:

Bottoms – Shorts & bathing suit
Tops – T-shirts, polo shirts
Shoes – flip-flops & running/gym shoes
… you’re good to go.

We’re adding “a hat”, because sun-burn looks stupid.

Shoes to pack for Koh Samui

Flip-flops – THE choice for Koh Samui footwear. In Thailand you take off your shoes before going into homes and many shops – flip-flops are most convenient for island life.
Running shoes – If you’re hoping to get a bit adventurous, bring hiking or running shoes (or at least something closed-toe and slightly protective. Remember, “it’s a jungle out there!”
Dressing up? A pair of nice sandals (for women) and boat shoes (for men) make a nice change if you want to dress up for dinner.
Not required, ever – socks. (Especially black socks. Yes, British Isles, this means you).
Beware of your feet! Don’t accidentally cause offence with your feet – learn what not to do.

Toiletries. A blanket tip for toiletries: if you have a specific product for any purpose, bring it. If you’re flexible with your bits & bobs – if sunscreen is sunscreen, and toothpaste is toothpaste – buy on Samui. Please note that Thai air regulations strictly enforce 100ml limits for carry-on liquids. 125ml bottles have been taken off us on many sad occasions.

Not easily available on Koh Samui: Brand-name cosmetics, electronic toothbrush heads, tampons, deodorant (only roll-on and antiperspirants are available) and Western product ranges of shampoo (locally available products are formulated Asian hair).
Bring your ‘eco’ toiletries: If you have sensitive skin or are environmentally-minded (for your own well-being or the planet’s), bring your ‘green’ toiletries with you – there’s next to no availability of such things on Koh Samui (yet?). Pop them into 100 ml travel bottles & you’re sorted.
Beware of buying whitening cosmetics: Whether it’s sunscreen, moisturiser or cosmetics – many products sold in Thailand have whitening ingredients, even in the brands you recognise from home.
Pack your special sunscreen: Samui shops stock predominantly Nivea and Banana Boat brands, in a limited selection of SPF numbers. Sensitive skin or choosy about fragrance? Bring your own.
Required medicine/general ailments: Chemists here are very well-stocked and many speak English but you might find comfort in the things you know. Note that you can’t buy hydrocortisone here (not that we’ve seen) – good to have for mosquito bites.

Electronics to pack for Thailand. Thailand uses 220 volts, 50 Hz. If your home country uses 110 volts (U.S. & Canada), note that many items such as laptops, cameras and mobiles are dual-voltage and will work in Thailand (220v). Check your electronics in advance to be sure you won’t need a voltage adapter. (Read a geek’s guide to world voltage).

Unlocked mobile: Buy a cheap Thai SIM card from 7/11 or Family Mart.
Socket adapter: Thai sockets will fit two plug types: North American with 2 flat blades, European with 2 circular pins. If uncertain, a universal socket adapter will soon earn its keep.
Camera: don’t forget your charger and card reader. Consider bringing a polarising filter to take better photos in bright sunlight (double-check the size of your lens thread), and a travel tripod.

iPod/iPhone (& charger)
Kindle or iPad (& charger) – find bookshops, second-hand shops and lending shelves across Koh Samui, with books in many languages. However, a Kindle lightens your luggage, gives you more selection and can be read on the beach. (We really recommend these books about Thailand).
Laptop: many restaurants and coffee shops have Wi-Fi, and are a nice spot to make friends jealous over Skype. Otherwise, enjoy the people you’re with – and play a good travel game, like Bananagrams.

Happy packing with these magic tricks

Clothing packing organisers help you find your swimsuit quickly.
TSA-approved luggage locks. Ensure peace of mind while your bags transit – lock any and all outside pockets (or zap-strap/cable-tie shut).
Digital luggage scale prevents paying excess baggage fees – never, ever again!

Travel gadgets to make getting here easier

Noise-cancelling headphones makes a long flight slightly sweeter.
Comfortable ear plugs can mean the difference between sleeping in-flight and not.
Passport travel wallet puts everything in its place, nice & safe.
Mesh laundry bag keeps you organised (and clean!) while on holiday.

In your wallet

Cash – Thai Baht: International ATMs are very readily available. Check your bank’s international service fees before departure.

Pre-flight check list:

Travelling with a baby? Baby Center has a good checklist.
Do you have travel insurance? You can buy extremely reasonable travel coverage online and it’s highly recommended. We’ve used World Nomads in the past.
Have you read Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand?
Planning a Koh Samui Christmas? We suggest a few extra Christmassy things to pack.
Will the contents of your suitcase ensure that you look nice, stay cool, and keep your naughty bits put away?
Are you prepared to enjoy all there is to do on Koh Samui?