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Travel Tips · Preparation & PlanningThailand Packing List for Phuket & Khao Lak — What You Actually Need
After nearly 20 years in southern Thailand, we know exactly what most travellers pack too much of — and what they forget. This packing list isn't a generic backpacking guide for Thailand. It's built specifically for a beach holiday in Phuket or Khao Lak with day tours included. Everything you actually need. Everything you can leave at home.
29–33°C
Average temperature year-round
80–90%
Humidity — light clothing is essential
7 kg
Carry-on limit low-cost airlines — doable with this list
1 bag
Enough for 2 weeks in Phuket & Khao Lak
📋 What's in this packing guide
- The most important thing — before you pack
- Documents & Entry — TDAC, passport, insurance
- Clothing — what actually works in the heat
- Beach & Water — snorkelling, tours, boats
- Day trip essentials — Khao Sok, Similan, Phang Nga
- Travel pharmacy & health
- Electronics & chargers
- Money, cards & cash
- Suitcase or backpack?
- What you definitely do NOT need
- Khao Lak-specific tips
- FAQ
The Most Important Thing — Before You Pack
A holiday in Phuket or Khao Lak is not a backpacking trip across Southeast Asia. You'll sleep in a hotel, have electricity to charge things, and can buy supplies locally. What you actually need: light clothing, proper sun protection, good mosquito repellent, and the right shoes for day trips. Everything else you can buy on the spot — cheaper than at home.
⚠️ Mandatory since 1 May 2025: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
The old paper card (TM6) filled out on the plane no longer exists. All visitors must complete the TDAC online at least 72 hours before arrival — including visa-exempt travellers and children. It's free. Official website: tdac.immigration.go.th. You receive a QR code to show on arrival. Do not use third-party websites — some charge fees for a free service.
The old paper card (TM6) filled out on the plane no longer exists. All visitors must complete the TDAC online at least 72 hours before arrival — including visa-exempt travellers and children. It's free. Official website: tdac.immigration.go.th. You receive a QR code to show on arrival. Do not use third-party websites — some charge fees for a free service.
📌 Entry for EU/UK nationals 2025/2026: Visa-free for up to 60 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with 2 blank pages. A return or onward ticket may be requested at immigration — have it accessible.
📄 Documents & Entry
📄 Essentials — without these, no holiday
Passport EssentialValid for at least 6 months from entry date, 2 blank pages. Make a photocopy and store it separately — invaluable if lost. Save a photo of it on your phone and in the cloud.
TDAC QR Code Mandatory since May 2025Screenshot or printout of the QR code from the TDAC portal. Complete at least 72 hours before departure. Official site: tdac.immigration.go.th
Flight & hotel confirmationSaved as a screenshot — for when you have no internet after landing. Return ticket accessible on request.
Travel health insurance EssentialMedical treatment in Thailand can be expensive. Save your policy number and emergency contact on your phone.
Payment cards ImportantBring at least two different cards — one can get blocked. Credit card (Visa/Mastercard) for hotels and online bookings. Plus a fee-free debit card for cash withdrawals.
Prescription medicationSufficient supply plus a reserve. Doctor's note in English — especially important for controlled substances. Keep in original packaging with leaflet.
👕 Clothing — What Actually Works in the Heat
The golden rule for Phuket and Khao Lak: light, breathable, quick-drying. Cotton sounds natural — but in 90% humidity it becomes a sweaty nightmare. Synthetic fabrics or linen dry fast and still feel wearable after a full day out. You can buy cheap clothing locally if you forget something.
👕 Clothing — for 2 weeks
5–6 lightweight t-shirts / topsTechnical fabric or thin linen. Avoid cotton for day trips — it dries too slowly. Bring something slightly nicer for evenings.
2–3 shortsLight and quick-drying. Bring a sarong or light trousers as a temple alternative — knees must be covered.
1–2 dresses / loose shirtsFor dinner and relaxed days. Thai restaurants have no dress code — comfort always works.
1 thin scarf or sarong Multi-purposeTemple visits (cover shoulders), beach blanket, protection against aggressive air conditioning. One of the most useful single items you can pack.
1 light jacket / long-sleeve layerFor restaurants and buses with aggressive air conditioning — sounds strange but you'll actually use it. No fleece needed — a thin windbreaker is fine.
2–3 swimsuits / bikinisYou'll go in the water more often than at home. At least 2 so one is always dry. Quick-dry fabrics are more comfortable. Easy to buy in Thailand too.
Light rain poncho Rainy season May–OctShowers come suddenly and intensely in rainy season. A foldable poncho (around 200g) beats an umbrella on a longtail boat or jungle trail.
💡 Buying clothes in Khao Lak & Phuket: Along the main street in Khao Lak and at every Phuket market you'll find cheap linen trousers, light t-shirts and dresses for 150–400 Baht. If you've forgotten something or something breaks — no problem at all. Pack light rather than heavy.
Shoes — the decision that makes or breaks your trip
Three pairs is ideal: flip flops for beach and hotel, comfortable sandals for markets and Phuket Town, and one pair of closed shoes with good grip for day trips. Wearing flip flops on a Khao Sok jungle trek, Phang Nga kayaking tour or to a waterfall is something you'll regret.
👟 Shoes — 3 pairs is plenty
Flip flopsFor beach, pool and hotel. They arrive at the accommodation and barely leave it. A cheap, light pair is fine — you'll leave them at the hotel on tour days.
Comfortable sandalsFor markets, Phuket Town, dinner. Water-resistant is useful — very practical for longtail boat tours where you step into shallow water.
Closed shoes with grip Essential for day tripsHiking shoes, trekking sandals or light trail shoes. For Khao Sok jungle treks, Phang Nga kayaking, waterfalls, temples. Flip flops on wet rocks and jungle paths are genuinely dangerous.
🏖️ Beach & Water — Snorkelling, Tours, Boats
🤿 Beach & Water sports
High-SPF sunscreen EssentialMinimum SPF 50, ideally 50+. Tropical sun on a boat is more intense than at home — the reflection off the water is underestimated. Reapply after every swim. Important: use reef-safe sunscreen for snorkelling in national parks — normal sunscreen damages coral at the Similan and Surin Islands.
UV-protection sunglassesGlare from water reflection is significantly stronger than on land. Polarised lenses recommended for boat trips. Bring a cheap spare — losing sunglasses on a boat trip happens.
Dry bag Highly recommendedFor your phone, camera, passport copy and cash on longtail boats and kayaking tours. Spray water is unavoidable on snorkelling and kayak trips. A cheap 10L dry bag from Decathlon works perfectly.
Snorkelling gearSnorkelling equipment is included on all our Similan Islands, Surin Islands and Phang Nga Bay tours. Bringing your own mask only makes sense if you have sensitive eyes or snorkel frequently — otherwise not necessary.
Quick-dry travel towelCheap, light, dries in 30 minutes. Saves valuable bag space. Hotel towels should stay at the hotel — most properties don't allow them on the beach.
Sun hat or capOpen boat decks have no shade. A wide-brim hat or cap is not optional — on a 7-hour Similan tour without head protection, you'll regret it.
🌿 Day Trip Essentials — Khao Sok, Similan, Phang Nga
Day trips in southern Thailand are more demanding than a beach day. Depending on the tour you'll encounter longtail boats, kayaks, jungle trails and cave exploration — all in one day in tropical heat. This list applies to our tours departing from Khao Lak.
📋 Day pack for tour days: A small day backpack (15–20L) is ideal. For our Khao Sok overnight tours: backpack only — no hard-shell cases, as space in our minivans is limited. Large luggage stays at the hotel.
🌿 What belongs on every day trip
Refillable water bottleDrinks are included on all our tours — bring your own bottle to reduce plastic. 0.75L is enough for a day trip. On jungle tours (Khao Sok) drink more than you think — the heat deceives you.
Small torch or headlampHeadlamps are provided for cave exploration on Phang Nga Sunrise and Khao Sok lake tours. For Khao Sok overnight stays in bamboo huts or floating bungalows, your own headlamp is essential — electricity is limited.
Camera or phone in a dry bagIn the dry bag on boat tours. Start fully charged — no charging on boats or in the jungle. Bring a powerbank.
DEET or picaridin mosquito repellent EssentialMost important in: Khao Sok jungle, Phang Nga mangroves, evenings near canals. DEET 30–50% gives the longest protection. For children: Anti-Brumm Kids or No Bite Sensitive. Dengue fever risk: use only paracetamol — no ibuprofen or aspirin if you get a fever after a mosquito bite.
Sea-sickness tabletsFor sensitive guests: longtail boats on open water can be rough in swell. Take a tablet before departure. Ginger chews work well as a natural alternative.
Small first-aid kit in your day bagPlasters, blister plasters (temples and jungle treks), antiseptic gel, 1–2 paracetamol. Nothing heavy — just the basics for a day out.
🌿 Tip for our Khao Sok overnight tours (Discovery 2 & 3 days): Use your hotel's luggage storage for your main bag. Only pack what you genuinely need for 1–2 nights into a small backpack. Detailed packing advice for Khao Sok overnight stays is in our Khao Sok National Park Guide.
💊 Travel Pharmacy & Health
Khao Lak and Phuket have well-stocked pharmacies and clinics with English-speaking staff. You don't need to bring a full medicine cabinet. These basics are enough:
💊 Travel pharmacy — the genuinely important things
Paracetamol Important — not ibuprofen!If you get a fever in Thailand, always consider dengue fever first. Ibuprofen and aspirin can cause internal bleeding in dengue cases — take only paracetamol and see a doctor. For children: bring children's paracetamol in your preferred formulation.
DEET mosquito repellent Essential30–50% DEET for adults. For children, use DEET-free or low-concentration products. Available in Khao Lak but more expensive than at home.
Antidiarrheal & electrolytesLoperamide (Imodium) and electrolyte powder. Dehydration in tropical heat from diarrhoea is serious. Almost everyone who travels Thailand for longer than a week needs this at some point.
Cold relief & antihistamineAir conditioning in Thailand is often very cold — getting a cold from the contrast is common. Antihistamine also works for insect bites and allergic reactions.
Wound care & antisepticPlasters, blister plasters, antiseptic gel or wipes. Clean reef cuts and jungle scratches quickly — tropical infections develop faster than at home.
After-sun lotion or aloe vera gelSunburn often happens on day one despite sunscreen. After-sun care is available in Phuket but more expensive. Aloe vera gel also works on insect bites.
Personal hygiene itemsThe usual. Note: sunscreen and antiseptic gel count as liquids for carry-on. Decant into 100ml containers or put in checked luggage. Shampoo and shower gel are cheap and easy to buy at any 7-Eleven.
🏥 Medical care in Khao Lak: There are several clinics and doctors with English in the main town. The nearest larger hospital is in Takua Pa (approx. 20 minutes). In Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Phuket International Hospital operate to high international standards. That said: good travel health insurance is not optional — it's essential.
📱 Electronics & Chargers
📱 Electronics — what's actually useful
Smartphone fully chargedFor TDAC QR code, booking confirmations, Google Maps (download offline maps first!), WhatsApp and photos. No charging on boats or in the jungle.
Powerbank (10,000 mAh recommended)On long tour days (Similan: 12+ hours) your phone will be dead by evening otherwise. 10,000 mAh charges a smartphone 2–3 times. Carry-on limit: max 20,000 mAh.
Universal adapter or Thai plugThailand mainly has Type A (flat pins, like USA) and Type C (round, European) sockets. Most European plugs fit, but an adapter is good insurance. Voltage: 220V.
Camera with enough memoryYou'll take more photos than at home — the Similan Islands, Khao Sok and Phang Nga are spectacular. 64GB SD card minimum. An underwater camera case for snorkelling photos is a nice extra.
Earphones or headphonesFor long flights and transfers. Also useful if the hotel room air conditioning is loud.
Cable lock for your bagOptional, but sensible at airports and on public transport. Use the hotel safe for valuables — most Phuket and Khao Lak hotels have one in the room.
📶 SIM card in Thailand: Buy a Thai tourist SIM at Phuket Airport on arrival (AIS, True or dtac — all work equally well). A 15-day unlimited data package costs around 299–499 Baht. Alternatively buy an eSIM online before you leave (Airalo, Saily) — works on all newer smartphones and skips the airport queue. Full details in our Thailand SIM Card Guide.
💰 Money, Cards & Cash
Thailand is a cash country. At markets, on boats, at street food stalls and for tips you need Thai Baht in small denominations. Credit cards work fine at resorts and larger restaurants — but don't rely on them for everything.
| Option | Exchange rate | Fees | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange in your home country | Very poor | High | ❌ Not recommended |
| Airport exchange desk HKT | 3–5% below market rate | None | ⚠️ Only for a small starting amount |
| Exchange in Khao Lak / Phuket | Best rate | None | ✅ Recommended |
| ATM (Thai bank) | Good | 220 Baht flat fee per withdrawal | ✅ Withdraw larger amounts less often |
| Credit card | Good | Depends on your bank | ✅ For hotels and restaurants |
⚠️ Important: Always reject DCC — Dynamic Currency Conversion
If an ATM or card terminal asks whether you want to pay in your home currency or Thai Baht — always choose Baht. Paying in your home currency sounds safe but is a trap: the machine uses its own (poor) exchange rate, costing you 3–7% extra. Thai ATMs charge a flat fee of 220 Baht per withdrawal — so withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
If an ATM or card terminal asks whether you want to pay in your home currency or Thai Baht — always choose Baht. Paying in your home currency sounds safe but is a trap: the machine uses its own (poor) exchange rate, costing you 3–7% extra. Thai ATMs charge a flat fee of 220 Baht per withdrawal — so withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
How much cash do you need per day?
- Beach day at the hotel: 500–800 Baht (drinks, snacks, light lunch)
- Day trip (tour included): 500–1,000 Baht (souvenirs, tips, extras)
- Street food / local restaurant meal: 80–200 Baht
- Tourist restaurant meal: 200–500 Baht
- Tip per person per day (guide, housekeeping): 100–200 Baht
- Overall daily spending money guideline: 1,500–2,500 Baht
🎒 Suitcase or Backpack?
For a beach holiday in Phuket or Khao Lak without overnight tours: a wheeled suitcase is perfectly fine. For guests booking our Khao Sok overnight tours: a small backpack for the overnight stay is required — large suitcases cannot be taken in our minivans and are completely impractical on longtail boats. Large luggage stays at the hotel.
| Wheeled suitcase | Backpack | |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket/Khao Lak hotel holiday | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Also fine |
| Khao Sok overnight tour | ❌ Not suitable | ✅ Required |
| Similan Islands / boat tours | ❌ Not suitable | ✅ Small day pack |
| Khao Lak main street / markets | ⚠️ Awkward | ✅ Ideal |
❌ What You Definitely Do NOT Need
This list is just as important as the packing list itself. The most common mistake: filling your luggage with things you never use and unpack untouched at the end.
- Sleeping bag — not needed in Phuket or Khao Lak. Even the jungle camps in Khao Sok provide blankets.
- Heavy jeans or thick clothing — you won't wear them. In 32°C and 85% humidity the thought of jeans becomes a form of suffering.
- Large bottles of shampoo, shower gel etc. — buy everything locally at 7-Eleven. Bring travel sizes or solid bars for carry-on.
- Umbrella — impractical on boats and in wind. A poncho beats an umbrella every time.
- Hairdryer — in every hotel. Unnecessary and heavy.
- Detailed guidebook — everything you need is online and at gotravelphuket.com.
- More than 2 evening outfits — Khao Lak and Phuket are relaxed. Restaurants have no dress code. One nice outfit is enough.
- Expensive jewellery or watches — leave them at home. On the beach, on boats and in national parks they're out of place and increase the risk of loss or theft unnecessarily.
🏖️ Khao Lak-Specific Tips
Khao Lak is not Phuket — and that's good news. It's quieter, more family-friendly and less touristy. What that means for your packing:
- Shopping: There are supermarkets, pharmacies and a large market day in Bang Niang. You can buy things locally, but the selection is smaller than in Phuket. Buy sunscreen and mosquito repellent at home or at Phuket Airport — better prices and more choice.
- Money: There are several ATMs along the main street (Bang La On) and exchange offices. The best rates in Khao Lak are at the exchange office near the crossroads in Bang Niang village, next to the Pinocchio Restaurant — several offices competing with each other means better rates.
- Evenings: Khao Lak is not a party hub. Flat sandals or flip flops work for an evening out. A nice t-shirt or dress is all you need for the best restaurants.
- Day trips: Most guests book from Khao Lak: Similan Islands, Khao Sok, Khao Lak Safari or Phang Nga Bay. All tours: early start (usually 05:00–07:00 pickup), long day — being prepared pays off.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Phuket with carry-on only?
Yes, easily for 1–2 weeks. Rules: liquids in 100ml containers (sunscreen, mosquito repellent), light clothing, no bulky items. You can buy things cheaply on arrival. Check your airline's carry-on weight limit — budget airlines often 7 kg, charter airlines (TUI, Condor) usually 10 kg. For families, one checked bag for sunscreen and a first-aid kit often makes sense.
What do you wear in temples?
Shoulders and knees must be covered — for both men and women. A thin scarf or sarong is enough and fits in any bag. Many temples rent or lend coverings at the entrance, but bringing your own is more comfortable and hygienic.
Should I bring cash from home or get it in Thailand?
We generally recommend bringing Euros (€) from home and exchanging them in Thailand. Exchange rates for Euros are usually very competitive, and in most cases you'll receive a better rate than withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Using Thai ATMs also comes with an additional 220 THB withdrawal fee (charged by the Thai bank), on top of any fees your own bank may charge.
When exchanging money, always use licensed exchange booths such as SuperRich or other reputable exchange services to get the best rates.
Important: Thai Immigration may ask visitors to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay. The official guideline is 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family (or the equivalent in another currency). While these checks are uncommon, they do take place occasionally, and travelers who cannot demonstrate sufficient funds may be denied entry.
Important: Thai Immigration may ask visitors to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay. The official guideline is 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family (or the equivalent in another currency). While these checks are uncommon, they do take place occasionally, and travelers who cannot demonstrate sufficient funds may be denied entry.
Is sunburn a real risk in Thailand?
Yes — sunburn on the first day is one of the most common mistakes. The sun in Thailand is significantly more intense than in northern Europe, and on open boat decks there's no shade. SPF 50+ from day one, reapply every 2 hours, including on cloudy days. Bring after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel — available in Phuket but more expensive.
Do I need an adapter for Thai sockets?
Usually not. Thailand has Type A and Type C sockets — European plugs typically fit. In older buildings and some bungalows you occasionally find Type A only (flat US pins) — then you need an adapter. A cheap universal adapter from a sports store is good peace of mind.
How much cash should I carry per day?
As a guideline: 1,500–2,500 Baht per person per day for spending money (meals outside the hotel, drinks, souvenirs, tips). On tour days (tours included) 500–1,000 Baht for extras is enough. Larger purchases by credit card. On boat tours and in national parks there are no ATMs — withdraw cash beforehand.
✅ Interactive Packing Checklist — Tick Off Right Here
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📄 Documents & Entry
👕 Clothing
🏖️ Beach & Tours
💊 Travel Pharmacy
📱 Electronics
🎒 Overall Progress
🌤️ What to Pack — By Season
Phuket and Khao Lak have two clear seasons that determine what you actually need:
November to April — Dry Season / High Season
The classic holiday window. Almost no rain, 28–33°C, low humidity. Beach, snorkelling, all tours running. What you need: maximum sun protection, light clothing, sunglasses and hat. What to leave out: rain poncho and heavy jacket.
- Similan Islands and Surin Islands open (15 October to 15 May)
- All Khao Lak Safari and Phang Nga Bay tours run smoothly
- Khao Sok year-round — but dry season makes trekking more comfortable
- Hotels significantly more expensive than in rainy season — book early
May to October — Rainy Season / Green Season
Showers come and go — mostly in the afternoon, short and intense. Mornings are often bright. Great value, quiet, nature at its peak. What you additionally need: poncho, water-resistant sandals, apply mosquito repellent more diligently (mosquitoes more active in rainy season).
- Similan and Surin Islands closed (May to October) — no snorkelling there possible
- Khao Sok, Phang Nga, Safari and Little Amazon run all year
- Prices 30–50% lower than in high season
- Khao Lak in rainy season: quiet, authentic, very few tourists
📅 Full details on rainfall, temperatures, open tours and what's possible each month in our Phuket Rainy Season Guide and our Phuket vs Khao Lak comparison.
👨👩👧 Packing List for Families with Children
Travelling with children to southern Thailand requires a few additions. The good news: Khao Lak is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia — flat beaches, short transfers to the main attractions, family-friendly hotels and tours available from age 4.
👧 Extras for families with children
Children's sunscreen SPF 50+Formulated for children's faces — standard sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin. Reef-safe for snorkelling at the Similan Islands.
Child-safe mosquito repellentDEET-free or low-concentration formula for sensitive skin. Cover children fully in the evenings near water.
Children's paracetamolHard to find in your preferred formulation in Thailand. Definitely bring it. If your child develops a fever, think of dengue — always see a doctor, never ibuprofen.
Life jacket and arm bandsFor younger children on boat tours. We provide life jackets on our tours, but sizes below 20kg aren't always available in every size.
Small child backpackChildren feel more involved with their own pack — and you carry less. Water bottle and snacks inside — important on long tour days.
Sleep mask and earplugs (for long flights)Especially important for early morning or night flights. A neck pillow for children makes long flights significantly more comfortable.
👨👩👧 Family holiday in Khao Lak: Our tours are designed for families. The Khao Sok day tour runs from age 4, the Similan Islands tour from age 4 by catamaran. Detailed age recommendations for all tours on our Khao Lak with Kids page.
💵 Tipping in Thailand
Tipping is not obligatory in Thailand but is greatly appreciated — for many service workers, tips are a significant part of their income. As a guideline:
| Situation | Appropriate tip |
|---|---|
| Tour guide (full day) | 100–200 Baht per person |
| Boat driver / assistant | 100 Baht per boat |
| Restaurant (budget) | 20–50 Baht or leave coins |
| Restaurant (tourist) | 50–100 Baht |
| Hotel housekeeping | 50–100 Baht per night |
| Transfer driver | 50–100 Baht |
| Massage | 50–100 Baht |
| Taxi driver | Round up to nearest 10 Baht |
Always keep small notes (20 and 100 Baht) handy for tipping. In Thailand, tipping is done discreetly — place it on the table or hand it over quietly, never hold money up publicly.
🔍 More Preparation & Travel Tips for Phuket & Khao Lak
📱 Thailand SIM Card Guide →
AIS, True or dtac — which SIM is best for your Phuket & Khao Lak holiday
✈️ Phuket Airport Guide →
Transfer, SIM card, money, TDAC — everything for arrival at HKT
🌿 Khao Sok National Park Guide →
Day tours, overnight stays, packing list for the jungle
🤿 Similan vs Surin Islands →
Which snorkelling tour is right for you?
🏖️ Phuket or Khao Lak →
Where should you spend your southern Thailand holiday?
🚐 Transfers from Phuket Airport →
Private transfer to Khao Lak, Phuket beaches and more
Ready for Your Southern Thailand Holiday?
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