Thailand Travel Checklist 2025
Don’t Leave Home Without These!
Planning a trip to the Land of Smiles? Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this ultimate Thailand travel checklist will save you from expensive mistakes, last-minute stress, and those “I wish I had packed that” moments.
Updated for 2025 with the latest visa rules, insurance requirements, money tips, and practical items that experienced travellers never travel without.
Bookmark this page or download the free PDF version at the bottom!
1. Documents & Copies
Thai immigration is getting stricter about proof of onward travel and accommodation. Always carry both digital and printed backups.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry
- Return or onward flight ticket (immigration or airline may ask)
- Visa or proof of visa-exempt entry (60 or 90 days depending on nationality in 2025)
- Hotel booking confirmation for at least the first night
- Travel & health insurance policy (minimum $100,000 coverage recommended)
- International Driving Permit + national driving licence (if renting scooter/car)
- 2–4 passport-sized photos (for visa runs, SIM cards, etc.)
- Photocopies of passport + digital scans saved on cloud/email
2. Travel Insurance – Non-Negotiable in Thailand
Motorbike accidents and food poisoning are the two most common reasons tourists end up in Thai hospitals. A good policy can literally save you hundreds of thousands of baht.
- Minimum medical coverage: 3,000,000 THB (~$100,000 USD) + repatriation
- Popular 2025 options: SafetyWing, World Nomads, TrueTraveller, Luma, Allianz, AXA Sawasdee Thailand
- Save the 24/7 emergency number and policy number on your phone
- Download the insurer’s app for cashless hospital claims
3. Money & Payment Cards
Thailand is very card-friendly in cities and tourist areas, but cash is still king for street food, islands, and night markets.
- At least two Visa/Mastercard debit or credit cards from different banks
- One fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut, Starling, Charles Schwab, etc.)
- 20,000–30,000 THB in cash for the first days (small bills!)
- Notify your bank about travel dates
- Download Grab, Bolt and banking apps (SCB Easy, K PLUS)
4. Health & Medicines
Pharmacies (“Boots” and local ones) are excellent, but it’s smarter (and cheaper) to bring your own essentials.
- Prescription medicines + doctor’s note in English (enough for entire trip + 1 week extra)
- Mosquito repellent with DEET 30–50% or Picaridin
- Imodium, rehydration salts, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen, antihistamines
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (only after consulting your doctor)
- High SPF sunscreen (50+), after-sun lotion, lip balm with SPF
- Basic first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister pads
- Hand sanitizer and a few face masks (still required on some transport)
5. Clothing & Packing Essentials
Pack light — laundry is cheap and available everywhere (30–50 THB/kg).
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes
- Rain jacket or cheap poncho (especially May–October)
- Waterproof backpack rain cover
- Flip-flops + one pair of closed shoes (for temples and trekking)
- Sarong or scarf (temple visits + air-con protection)
- Swimwear x 3–4, microfiber travel towel
- Hat/cap and good sunglasses
6. Electronics & Gadgets
Thailand uses 220V and a mix of plug types A, B, C and O.
- Universal travel adapter
- Power bank ≥20,000 mAh (carry-on only)
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- eSIM (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) or Thai tourist SIM from airport/7-Eleven
- Unlocked phone
7. Often Forgotten but Super Useful Items
These small things make a huge difference once you’re on the road.
- Reusable water bottle with filter (LifeStraw, Grayl) – tap water is not drinkable
- Ziplock bags & dry bags (10–20 L)
- Earplugs + eye mask (night buses, hostels, long flights)
- Small combination padlock for hostel lockers
- Laundry soap sheets or a small packet of detergent
- Collapsible daypack
- Copy of hotel addresses in Thai script (for taxi drivers)
- Portable clothesline or a few carabiners
8. Final Checks Before You Fly
- Check latest entry requirements on your local Thai embassy website
- Download offline Google Maps + Grab + Google Translate
- Book at least the first 1–2 nights of accommodation
- Save emergency numbers: Tourist Police 1155 │ Ambulance 1669
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