Thailand’s a dream destination, but the heat, sudden downpours, and cultural rules mean you’ll want to pack with care. You’ll sweat through the days if you overdress, and be turned away from temples if you rock up in singlets or short shorts. Then there’s the rainy season, where soggy sneakers can ruin a day of exploring. 

Pack smart and you’ll breeze through beach days, night markets, and temple visits without any dramas.

Thailand’s climate swings between hot, wet, and cool. Each season calls for slightly different gear.

It gets seriously hot. Stick with light cotton or linen that breathes. Shorts, airy dresses, and sleeveless tops work fine day-to-day, but keep a scarf or light wrap handy for temple visits. Sunnies, sunscreen, and a hat are non-negotiables. 

Heading on a market crawl? Go for clothes that are light but still cover you enough for long days out in the sun.

The rain doesn’t muck around here. Quick-dry fabrics and darker colours are your best bet. Long sleeves and trousers keep mozzies off as well as the rain. A poncho or rain jacket is a must, and a waterproof bag will save your phone and cash. 

If you’re booking a waterfall trek, gear up with layers that dry fast and won’t weigh you down.

This is the sweet spot with warm days and cooler nights. Light clothes are fine for Bangkok or the islands, but in the north, it can get crisp after dark. Pack a light jumper or jacket for evenings in Chiang Mai or Pai. If you’ve lined up a village tour, that extra layer will keep you cosy.

Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples and sacred sites in Thailand. We know it's hot, but it's best to respect the local customs. One of the easiest things to do is to wear a top that covers your shoulders and carry a lightweight sarong with you. This way you can easily wrap up with a breathable fabric when inside.

If you're in a touristy area, any swim wear will do. Unlike Austraila, it's not the norm to wear swimmers off the beach or away from the pool, so be sure to cover up once you've finished swimming.

If you're at a local beach, don't be surprised to see locals taking a dip fully clothed.

This one may seem strange but Thai air conditioning can be very strong. If you're spending a few hours on a coach travelling between cities, or will be hitting up the shopping centres in Bangkok, you may want to bring a jumper with you.

Shoes can make or break your trip. You’ll be walking heaps, dodging puddles, and slipping them off at temples, so pack smart.

Sandals, especially thongs or other waterproof options, are perfect for beach days, markets, or city strolls. Easy on, easy off.

If you’re jumping on a walking tour, go for something comfy that can handle hours on the go.

Waterproof sandals are also ideal if you're travelling during the rainy season. Downpours are heavy and drainage isn't always great. Expect flooded streets. Waterproof sandals or slides beat soggy sneakers every time.

Northern Thailand’s treks and jungle adventures call for something tougher. Trail runners or sturdy hiking sandals with grip will do the job, too. Chuck in warm socks for cooler nights in the hills. Booked ziplining or trekking? Solid shoes are a must.

Slip-ons or sandals are the way to go. You’ll be taking shoes off at temples and homestays, so don’t make it hard for yourself. Travel days with lots of temple stops are smoother when your shoes are simple.

Written by: Cristal Dyer

Cristal Dyer is a writer at Traveloka with more than a decade of travel writing experience that' has taken her to more than 70 countries. She travels full-time, sharing insider tips on her favourite cities, must-try food spots, and the best travel deals she can find.