Thailand: 11 Days in a Carry-On | Ultimate Packing List

Travel Guide
Written By

What to pack in a carry on for thailand.png

div.a {line-height: normal;}div.a {font-size: 10px;}

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Helping us to keep making cool tutorials and videos.

Carry-On Luggage

I somewhat overanalyzed my packing list for my trip to Thailand. I successfully did an 11 day trip to a foreign country with only a carry on bag, which is actually easier than it sounds! First things first, if you choose to travel carry-on style you’ll need good lightweight carry on luggage. I fell in love with Chester Travels and I’ve purchased their luggage before. For this trip I was lucky enough to have them send me the beige minima carry-on. The bag was perfect for my trip with its universal wheels and locking mechanism. I was able to leave my passport locked up within my bag in the hotel room during my day trips with no worries.

Remember when I overanalyzed for my trip? I didn’t end up needing half of the items I packed. You will buy stuff in Thailand. YOU WILL. So make sure that you have a lot of space in your luggage. Also, heading to Thailand they didn’t weigh my carry-on because I was able to check into the flight from home. However, the flights within Thailand they did check the weight. So make sure you know the weight of your bag so you aren’t charged with an excess weight fee at check-in. Luckily, I had free checked bags with my travel package so it was okay; but keep the weight in mind if you don’t have that option!

Packing For Thailand

I suggest finding a good mix of clothes that are neutral and can be worn in different combinations. I overpacked in terms of clothing; I could have packed less since I ended up buying a lot of clothes there. We were able to do laundry halfway through our trip as well, which was a huge help. Laundry was quite cheap, around $3 - $6 USD and they delivered it to our hotel. Do not get your laundry done at the hotel because they will overcharge you. Do a quick walk and you’ll find a local spot that’ll do a great job. My favorite clothing item was my Sarong! It was the perfect beach wrap and emergency skirt to get in the Grand Palace, which has a strict formal dress code. Keep reading to see all the clothes and shoes I packed for my trip to Thailand. Keep reading to find out how you can download the free Ultimate Thailand Packing List to make your trip easier!

SHOES

Sandals - I took Plaka Flat Sandals in black

  • Great for everyday walking around. Also good for going out and dressing up an outfit just a bit. I recommend finding a versatile pair that’s comfy because you’re going to wear them a ton!

Slip-on sneakers - I took TOMS black coated canvas slip ons

  • For traveling days. Also great for temples and religious landmarks that prefer closed toe shoes.

Water Sneakers

  • These will protect your feet during water activities. Especially when water is shallow or rocky. You don’t wanna knock a toe off when you’re swimming! I brought these, fair warning though pebbles can get into the shoe and cause minor discomfort but they do protect the feet.

CLOTHES

Sarong - Similar Style Here

  • The real MVP of my trip! If you don’t have one you can buy them VERY cheap in the country. I used it for a beach coverup and a skirt at the Grand Palace. I also tied it into a dress. I didn’t know the magic of a sarong until this trip!

Light Rain Jacket

  • It did rain lightly but I was never really caught in the rain. I also didn’t go during the rainy season (generally June-October). I would suggest you take a jacket but make sure it’s light and doesn’t take up too much space in case you don’t end up wearing it. They also sell cheap rain ponchos in every convenience store if that’s more your style.

Compression Socks - I took BlueTree Compression Socks

  • You’ll wonder why you need these but they’re for the long flight so your legs don’t ache. You’ll notice a difference if you don’t wear them, trust me!

3 Bikinis

  • You can bring 2. I just wanted to get my Bikini’s worth in!

12 Pair Panties

3 Pair of Socks

  • I used washable shoe liners for my slip on sneakers; they’re less hot than socks.

3 bras

  • Only needed 2!

Sleep shirt + Shorts

2 Dresses

2 tank tops

4 t-shirts

  • Only needed 3! Especially with laundry.

2 shorts

  • I wore both because I had them but I could have just used one.

Leggings

  • Easy to pack, better than jeans AND, as an added bonus, you can also sleep in them...win!

Athletic leggings

  • Another great compression option for the plane ride to keep legs from getting sore. Also a must for any traveling hikes.

Sweatshirt

  • I took a light sweatshirt that I used on the plane and for sleeping in the AC at night.

Day Backpack/Crossbody bag

  • If you rock a backpack as I did, make sure that it has an inside pocket that lays against your back. Basically, a secret compartment that can hold your passport and money that no one can stick their hands in there! When you have the crossbody, wear it ACROSS your body and aim the purse to the front. Always be aware and alert if you’re in a large crowd.

That is everything clothing-wise that I packed in my Chester carry-on. The next post I will go over my skincare, makeup and hair routine while in Thailand.

TIFFY TRAVEL TIPS

Previous

Makeup, Skincare and Haircare for Thailand
Next

Before Your Trip: Thailand Travel Tips