Pre-trip Overview
Thailand is a top travel destination. Proper preparation before your trip ensures a smoother journey. Below is a complete pre-travel checklist covering documents, money, clothing, medications, and electronics.
Documents (Most Important!)
- Original passport (valid for more than 6 months)
- Passport copy: 2 copies (keep separate from the original)
- 2-inch white-background photos, 2 copies (for visa on arrival)
- ID Card (for domestic travel)
- Driver's License and Translation (if renting a car)
- Student ID / Faculty ID (discounts available at select attractions)
- Flight Itinerary (Print or Electronic)
- Hotel Booking Confirmation (Print or Electronic Copy)
- Travel Insurance Policy (Recommended)
Funds
- Cash: We recommend exchanging 3000–5000 RMB worth of Thai Baht.
- UnionPay Card: Cash withdrawals available at most ATMs in Thailand (fee approx. 220 THB per transaction).
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard (Accepted at upscale restaurants and malls)
- Alipay/WeChat: Supported by some merchants, but not widely adopted
- Coin Pouch: Store small Thai baht for convenient payments
Clothing
- Summer Wear: T-shirts, shorts, skirts (lightweight and breathable)
- Long-sleeve jacket: for air-conditioned rooms and flights
- Swimsuits: 2 sets to replace
- Sandals/Flip-flops: For the beach
- Athletic Shoes: Comfortable for Walking
- Sun-protective clothing/hats: Physical sun protection
- Formal attire: for temple visits (pants or skirts below the knee)
- Underwear: Pack by day
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (not provided in some Thai hotels)
- Shampoo & Body Wash (Travel Size)
- Towel Bath Towel (Quick-Dry)
- Skincare: toner, lotion, cream, face masks
- Sunscreen: SPF50+, apply separately to face and body
- Mosquito repellent: Thailand has many mosquitoes.
- Razor (Men's)
- Cosmetics (Women's)
Pharmaceuticals
- Cold Medicine: Gan Kang, Bai Jia Hei
- Gastrointestinal medications: Berberine, Montmorillonite powder
- Motion Sickness Medicine: Dramamine
- Band-Aid: 5-10 pcs
- Antibiotics: Amoxicillin (Prescription required)
- Heatstroke Prevention Medicine: Huoxiang Zhengqi Water
- Essential Medications for Chronic Conditions
- eye drops, throat lozenges
Electronics
- Phone and Charger
- Power bank: max 20000mAh (allowed on aircraft)
- Power Adapter: Thai 2-pin/3-pin (Chinese 2-pin plugs work directly)
- Camera, charger, and memory card
- Selfie stick, tripod
- Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones for long-haul flights
- Waterproof Phone Pouch: For Beach Use
Other Practical Items
- Sunglasses: UV400 Protection
- Umbrella or raincoat: essential for the rainy season
- Backpack: For daily use
- Suitcase: 20–24 inches recommended
- Sealable bags: for wet clothes or spill protection
- Tissues & Wet Wipes: Carry with You
- Collapsible Cup: Eco-Friendly & Hygienic
- Small Lock: Secure luggage or storage lockers
App is ready
- Google Maps: Essential for Navigation
- Grab: Ride-hailing app
- Agoda/Booking: Book a hotel
- XE Currency: Currency Converter
- Google Translate
- Dianping/Xiaohongshu: Find Food
Pre-departure checklist
- Confirm valid passport and visa
- Confirm flight time and terminal
- Share itinerary with family
- Backup important files to email
- Enable International Roaming
- Check home windows, doors, water, and electricity
- Pet/Plant Placement