Thailand has it all. Gorgeous islands with pristine beaches and turquoise blue crystal-clear waters and exotic temples and ancient ruins. And then there are the jungles ― how could this not be a backpacker's wildest dream? Amazing food and friendly people and a reliable public transport system. Very affordable accommodation too.
Let's prepare you for your backpacking adventure then, before you even think about setting off only to find yourself in trouble because you didn't take everything into account.
This guide will help first time backpackers more than those who've backpacked a few times. It may seem you need to take everything with you including a kitchen sink. Not so. You are not packing a suitcase with hand luggage, and you simply don't have the luxury of taking a large wardrobe with you.
Nor do you need to pack as if you are going on a survival course for the next great apocalypse. Let's see what you need.
Read Also: How To: Plan Budget Travel Tips for Thailand Vacation
Obviously, you need a travel bag but not just any bag will do. You want something that has around 40l capacity and is waterproof and hard wearing. That translates into good quality so be ready to spend on a mid-range priced item, at the very least. You also want something you can sling on your back and also travel with like you can with a carry-on bag if at possible for complete convenience. Stay away from anything that even resembles a suitcase or is made of a hard plastic outer casing.
Buy a hard-to-wear cover for your phone if you've not got one just in case. Also check your phone is waterproof in the event you "unintentionally" end up going for a swim when wading across a stream or small river. Also check if your phone is compatible with an eSIM card. Those are better and more reliable than having to buy a native SIM card once you land, only to learn later you have trouble connecting to a network. The e-SIMs are a hassle-free, easier way to enjoy 4G/5G internet even in remote parts of the jungle and stay in touch with family and friends back home.
Optional. Your mobile will suffice for taking photos and video but if you have aspirations for professionalism or you are backpacking as a means to bulk up an online portfolio then by all means take a camera with you that has a better-quality lens and zoom capability.
Rather than just stuff all your clothes into the travel bag however neatly you try you are just asking for trouble. That's because nothing stays neat and tidy when backpacking ― you don't have the luxury to take out items and put them back in the same way when you're in the jungle or travelling on a bus. The reality is you rummage around in the bag.
Your travel bag will have lots of compartments, but their purpose isn't for storing clothes. What you are looking for are packing bags that you can easily roll up compactly inside the main compartment. You put in each bag clothes you'd normally wear for a day, so you'd only need one bag on any given day. Now you are free to rummage all you want.
Pack an A4/A5 hardback notebook with you to keep as a journal of your journey and experiences. A journal years after holds so many memories for you, especially when you have the urge to want to go back to Thailand, but can't you have the journal to remind you of the life you enjoyed backpacking. The notebook also lets you plan your adventure and map out key attractions and landmarks you want to see firsthand.
Pack a favorite novel for those long journeys but just one book. Don't go backpacking anywhere, not without a toiletry bag. You are wanting one that is waterproof with a zip and is hard wearing and can hold the following items:
That's about it really. Buy one that has a hook so it can be hung up if needed.
Buy a first aid kit and not a first aid bag as the two are different (the bag is too bulky in our opinion offering you little more benefit). You want all the essentials items, such as:
Pack separately additional plasters and a bandage along with lotion to treat itches and bites and mosquito lotion would be a good idea too. No harm in grabbing a few waters purification tablets neither, they can get you out of a sticky situation.
Buy a proper water canteen made of aluminum (or steel) with a screw on cap. In fact, we recommend you buy two because a) fresh drinking water may not be accessible to you for some distance, and b) you will find yourself drinking far more water than you think when setting off. For your own health and safety, you don't want to suffer from dehydration when hiking so take more water with you than you feel is needed.
There is no need to take army rations with you but you should think about high energy snack bars at the very least. On most hiking trips in Thailand, you will find a small cafe or shop (or something) serving food. Don't pack too much food therefore ― it's not a picnic you're going on.
In the event you lose your travel bag, or it is stolen you don't want to be keeping valuables inside. Buy yourself a good quality sturdy money belt that will hold your cash ― local and US currency ― travel documents and passport and keep it around your waist at all times.
Thailand has a hot and humid climate, and it can rain a lot too. Be sensible with the clothing you pack. You want to be thinking about packing:
Also pack a universal phone charger and a portable power bank, to recharge your phone. If you're planning on spending time on a beach, also pack a pair of sandals and swimwear.
Don't take anything with you that isn't needed or essential. Every additional item you must carry and being weighed down on a trek can ruin your enjoyment. Take only several changes of clothes, at most three, and use a local launderette more frequently.
When you are backpacking you are "roughing it" and it's okay to wear the same clothes for two days or your fresh clothes on that morning are dirty through sweat its socially acceptable because people recognize you are a backpacker.
There are things that you will not want to pack. If there is something that would cause you great pain, were it to be lost, then don't pack it. It's that simple. Our list of things to avoid are:
Let's look at that list. You don't need a massive number of toiletries as they're readily available almost everywhere in Thailand and they're of a good quality brand usually. There is no point in packing maps and guidebooks because they too can be bought in almost every town and city you pass through. You won't need a light jacket and a heavy jacket.
You'll just need a heavy (fleeced) jacket. Don't pack a large bathing towel when a hand towel does the same job of drying you. Cotton clothing takes longer to dry so be aware of that too and don't pack food unless you are going to eat it before you land in Thailand.
Common sense measures will keep you safe and well. Follow our steps:
If you follow our guide then you are in for an exciting and possibly even life-changing experience. Certainly, you will return home with memories that'll stay with you for a lifetime. And we are positive once you've trekked around Thailand, you'll be eager to get back and backpack another country. Cambodia or Vietnam are nice choices by many, after Thailand.
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