What to take to Thailand?

[littleripper]

Hand luggage only for 6 weeks. I have a dress that covers arms and legs for temples and can do for a night out, some shorts a few vest and some Birkenstocks, 2 swimsuits and 5 bikinis packed so far.... what else do I really need in such a small space?

I'd say a raincoat but you can buy a cheap 50 baht one from a 7/11. A cardigan/sweater (and maybe trousers) for any time you're indoors with aircon. Waterproof sandals/flip-flops for the beach or when it's raining. A hat if you're prone to sunburn. A sarong is handy for the beach/pool and can double up as a towel/shawl. Do you really need 7 sets of swimmers? Surely you only need 2 - one to wear in case the other one is wet 😁

Sunscreen and lotion. It's hard to find ones that aren't whitening. Otherwise anything else you can buy there just fine.

What kind of long haul is reall appropriate for just cabin baggage?

Your visa and travel/medical insurance. Those are the only things you can't buy once you get there!

I've never had this issue, just go to a large branch of Boots or Watsons when you arrive.

I have sunscreen :) It's a diving holiday which is why so many swimsuits - should have explained that! 😂
Thanks

Who books a long haul flight with only hand luggage? I’m pretty sure Easyjet or Ryanair don’t fly to Thailand 😂

Me!
I am very small and have disabilities and only take what I can carry myself

Have a great holiday OP. You can fit a lot into 8 Kg. Maybe a sarong that can be used on the beach and as a cover up for temples etc.
Laundry is cheap in Thailand and is available everywhere.They even have machines on the street.

I can contribute nothing OP as I've (a) never been to Thailand or (b) been on a diving holiday but just to say that I am full of admiration that you are doing a 6 week long haul holiday with hand luggage only. We're doing a month's cruise and I am already concerned that we may need to hire a flat bed lorry for the luggage 😂

Tampons if you use them. I had to have an awkward, hand gesturing moment with a male pharmacist a few years ago there 😳

Light pashmina. Handy in the plane as a shoulder covering if cold or rolled into a pillow. Also handy if going to a temple- can be used to cover shoulders or wrap around as a skirt

Medications, pill etc. Codeine and certain other meds aren't allowed without prior permission, so check if taking any

Dive card and log books

Aqua ear/swim ear/clear ear. I use this when I scuba dive because it dries up any excess water in the ear and helps prevent infection

Small packet of tissues for your bag. Handy for your nose, but also if its hot and sweaty

If you are small/petite, you will be able to buy flip flops, sarong, T-shirts,hat etc there if you need extra clothes.

Unlike me, with my wide, size 6 hobbit feet which caused the entire shoe shop to come and look at! 😩

Might sound weird, but a silk shirt, though you can buy one there. Washes and dries really quickly so you can wear it over and over, and it packs up very small. I travelled light through Thailand many, many years ago and had two silk shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of trousers, one long skirt, and a couple of vest tops, and a big scarf/pashmina.

You’ll be fine I spent a year travelling with hand luggage. You can buy everything there so I wouldn’t worry too much. Maybe get some trousers with elastic round the ankles as it helps avoid mosquitoes bites, and a long sleeved shirt for the same reason?

I second recommendations for a pashmina, you do need something to cover up, Aircon can very chilly. A zippy hoodie would also be a good idea, at least for the plane but if you're getting any trains or buses, they can be freezing! I felt most comfortable in things that weren't low-cut, Thai women generally don't wear revealing clothing. It's not that it would be hugely offensive if you did and they are used to tourists but it's just how I felt most comfortable. And you are aware of limitations on modesty in terms of getting into temples etc. Sometimes they require legs to be covered too. I'd recommend very cool clothes, cotton or fine linen best. It's so warm and humid. Have a great time!

Mosquito repellent a must!!

Immodium and rehydration sachets

It'll happen at some point.

Brilliant thanks so much - such great advice :)

See if I was going on a cruise and knew my luggage would be wheeled on and off I would take 30kgs- my whole wardrobe 😂
I do this every 5ish years and fuck off on my own with a small bag, a guide BOOK (no apps) and very low expectations. I have the most amazing adventures and it totally resets me. Last trip pre covid feels like a different life somehow!

I brought a few of those laundry detergent sheets (dry detergent?) so we could hand wash items in sink, thought powder could look suspicious and capsules might pop. The sheets are so thin it's like taking a Kleenex sheet or two.

A tube of Afterbite, from Superdrug. Probably found in Thailand but either way don't forget it, we got bitten in the centre of Bangkok when we hadn't in rural Borneo!

I wish my whole wardrobe was only 30kgs - that weight is just my knickers 😂

Your trip sounds fantastic, have a great time!

Thailand is great for cheap small clothes suitable for petite women (fellow petite woman). If you’re going to Bangkok we went to a shopping centre called Platinum I think, which was huge and sold everything I needed. Take some leggings which you can pair up with a flowy top. Remember to wear your heavy things on the plane so can get more clothes in your bag. Are you allowed a handbag too? Kipling crossbody bags are great.

a cardy for the flight
sarongs
a nice dress
sandals
ballet flats

sunscreen
you fav scent

eat lots of street

bon voyage

eat lots of street food
tiger balm for mozzie bites

Not narcotics.