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When planning my year-long around-the-world trip, I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to spend a lot of time in Thailand. What I didn’t know was that about one month of that time would be spent Thai Island hopping through the Andaman Sea.
Having spent so much time on these islands, I decided to create a Thai Island packing list (guide coming later). If you take nothing else away from my recommendations, please heed this advice: Bring a backpack, not a roller bag!
Some of these islands don’t even have proper permanent piers, and you can only get to them by wooden long-tail boat. Then, you will usually have to walk across sand to get to your accommodations or a ride.
While it is hilarious to watch tourists struggle to roll their bags through wet sand, you really don’t want to be one of them.
Read my full Thai Islands packing list recommendations below!
Luggage
- 40L Backpack [I recommend Osprey. I use the Fairview backpack, and my husband uses Farpoint.]
- 20-25L Daypack [I recommend Osprey or REI.]
- 1x small compression packing cube [I recommend Eagle Creek.]
- 2x clear bags for toiletries and medication
- 2x carry-on compliant liquid containers
Health & First Aid
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Antibiotics for stomach issues
- Imodium
- Emergen-C
- Antibacterial ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
- Bandaids
- Thermometer
- Cranberry supplements
- Any regular medications*
Also consider:
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Ear drops to help remove stuck sea water (e.g., Debrox)
*If you take any regular over-the-counter medications, make sure to check with Thailand customs to make sure you’re allowed to enter with them, or if you need a doctor’s note.
Beauty & Hygiene
- Reef-safe sunscreen [examples]
- Face moisturizer
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Razor
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Deodorant
- Menstrual products (I recommend a reusable disc)
Electronics & Entertainment
- Laptop or tablet
- Portable battery pack
- USB charging cables
- Kindle
- Journal and pen
- Sketchbook
- Cards
Additional Equipment
- Water bottles (recommend at least 1L/person) [link]
- Headlamp
- Knee brace [link]
My Clothing List (5’1” Woman)
- 11x pairs underwear
- 2x regular bras
- 1x sports bra
- 1x linen pants
- 3x pair shorts
- 2x t-shirts
- 2x tank top
- 2x rompers
- 2x dresses
- 1x rain jacket
- 1x pair exercise leggings
- 2x pair exercise shorts
- 3x exercise tank tops/tee shirts
- 2x swimsuit
- 1x sun hat
- 1x baseball cap
- 1x pair Keens sandals [link]
- 1x pair sneakers [link]
- 1x pair hiking shoes [link]
- 1x pair flip flops/shower shoes
- 4x pair socks
Other
- eSim: Airalo [You can use my code for a discount – JESSIC50007]
- VPN: NordVPN [You can use my referral link for 3 months free]
- Travel insurance: SafetyWing [Note – I have not actually had to submit a claim through them yet, but they came highly recommended. You can use my referral link for $20 off if you try them.]
What are your thoughts on my Thai Islands list? Anything to add?
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