What to pack for Thailand

1. Scarf

Okay, we’re not talking a chunky-knit scarf here, but something lightweight like a pashmina or shawl. When heading to the temples you’ll need to cover up your shoulders and knees. As it’s really hot in Thailand, you might want to avoid wearing a long-sleeved top or long trousers, so a scarf can be a saviour. Throw it over your shoulders or use it as a makeshift long skirt to cover your knees. As it’s light and doesn’t take up much room; it’s easy to pop it back in your bag when you’re not using it.

2. Sun cream

It might be an obvious one, but with highs of up to 34 degrees, sun cream is not a luxury - it’s an essential. It protects you from harmful UV rays, which can damage your skin’s collagen, leaving it looking all wrinkled and leathered, as well as giving you sunburn. Both can have lasting effects on your health, so it’s always a good idea to cover up. You should be using a sun cream with an SPF of 30 or above in Thailand, and preferably something that’s waterproof so it doesn’t come off in the pool or when you’re getting all sweaty.

3. Rehydration tablets & 11. water bottle

It’s not just sun care you need to be careful of in the heat, it’s also very easy to become dehydrated – even if you’re spending your day on the beach sipping cocktails non-stop. These little tablets fit easily in to your hand luggage, and are just the ticket to rehydrating yourself. They contain a scientifically balanced formula of glucose, electrolytes and essential minerals which replenish the body’s water and electrolytes. They’re also really great for hangovers, perfect for anyone who’s had a little too much fun at a full moon party. And speaking of hydration, it’s a good idea to take a water bottle with you too. Fill up before you head out for your day of excursions.

4. Speakers

Whether it’s chilling by the beach or getting ready for a big night out, your holiday playlist deserves to be played on the right equipment. The one in this video is the Minirig speaker - it’s portable, Bluetooth enabled and has up to 50 hours of playtime. Plus it can even be used to charge your phone.

5. Rucksack

Thailand will bring out your inner explorer. You’ll be climbing through temples and trekking through jungles, so you’re going to want something a little bigger, comfier and sturdier to keep your things in – so keep that Michael Kors handbag at home.

6. bareMinerals Natural Sunscreen

Sun cream is brilliant for protecting your skin, but when slathering it all over your face it can sometimes leave you feeling a bit greasy, and trigger spot breakouts. Well that’s where this magical beauty product comes in. The bareMinerals natural sunscreen is in a powder form and can be used from head to toe without clogging up your pores. It has SPF 30 too, so ensures your face is safe from the sun, as well as keeping your skin matte instead of shiny. It’s really easy to apply, and can be used as an alternative to your usual face powder. Your beach selfies have never looked so good.

7. e-book

Holidays were made for relaxing on the beach with a good read, but it’s no secret that books are heavy – especially if you’re lugging a few hardbacks around. With an e-reader, you can take hundreds of books away with you, with no extra weight. You can get some best-selling books from Amazon, such as The Racketeer by John Grisham and The Sister by Louise Jensen, from just 99p. Bargain.

8. Sunglasses

Our eyes are super sensitive, and protecting them from sun damage is just as important as protecting our skin. When choosing sunglasses it’s best to pick ones with 100% UVA and UVB protection so you can make sure your eyes are fully sheltered from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. And it’s also a great way to look stylish. We recommend these glasses from Le Specs, featured in our video. They’re lightweight frames with a matte finish, have 100% UV protection and have been spotted on the likes of Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera.

9. Travel adaptor

If you’re going all the way to Thailand, you’re going to want to take some amazing photos. Make sure you’ve always got enough juice on your phone by taking a UK-Thailand plug adaptor, the one with two pins. Something like this will do.

10. Waterproof phone case

Sometimes, when relaxing by the pool, your phone decides to go for an accidental swim. With a waterproof case, you don’t need to worry about it getting wet and shoving it in a bowl of rice to recover it (we’re not convinced that it even works…), as your phone will always be protected. It also transforms your phone into a waterproof camera, so if you go snorkelling or scuba diving you can take some cool photos under the sea.

Now you know what you’ll need to pack, it’s time to book your holiday…

Find out more about our holidays to Thailand and all of the excursions you can book.

Photographer: Greg Woodward, Stylist: Zoe Kozlik, Assistants: Abi Payne-Humphries and Sarah Robinson