What to Pack for Pattaya. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Season-Specific Attire

The clothes you pick adapt to the season.

Layering Guidance

Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Evenings feel slightly cooler. A Light jacket or long-sleeved shirt offers comfort.
Hot Season (Mar-May): Focus on very loose, minimal clothing.
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Quick-drying clothes are useful. A Lightweight rain jacket or Compact travel umbrella is advisable.

Cultural Dress Code

Dress with respect for local customs.

Modesty Requirements

Temples/Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees (men and women). Loose-fitting trousers or skirts are appropriate.
Carry a Lightweight sarong or Scarf for easy coverage.
General Public: Pattaya is easy-going, but dressing modestly away from the beach shows respect in local markets or residential areas.

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Wear

Comfortable walking open-toed footwear or flip-flops-flops work well for daily wear.

Versatile and breathable for heat.

Sightseeing & Walking

Closed-toe walking shoes provide more support and safety for longer strolls.

Good for crowded areas and extended walking.

Water Activities & Temples

Water shoes or quick-drying sandals for water. Slip-on shoes are ideal for temple visits.

Easy to take off at religious sites.

Useful Documents

Critical Papers to Carry

Keep your important papers organized and accessible.

Passport and visa documentation: Originals plus copies (digital and physical).
Travel insurance policy information: Policy number and emergency contact.
International driving permit: For operating a vehicle cars or motorbikes, with home license.
Vaccination records and health documentation: For specific medical conditions or allergies.

Hard copies and electronic copies of bookings: Flights, hotels, tours. Store on a mobile device and cloud.
Emergency contact information: Local embassy or consulate details, plus family/friends.
Ids For student/senior/press discounts: Rarely offer significant discounts inside Thailand, but carry them.
Financial documents: Copies of credit cards, bank contacts.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up.

Voltage & Adapters

Thailand uses 220V, 50Hz. Plug types: A, B, C, F, O.
A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended.
Most modern smartphones work. Ensure your phone is unlocked for a local SIM.

SIM Cards & Camera

Record your memories and continue to be reachable.

Staying Connected

Purchase SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, and mobile provider shops. Airalo offers eSIM options.
A Compact digital camera or Smartphone with a good camera works well. B&H Photo for gear.
Portable chargers and power banks are critical for devices charged on the go.

Data & App Recommendations

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (offline), Google Translate (offline Thai), Grab (ride-hailing, food), LINE (local messaging), Booking.com/Agoda (accommodation), TripAdvisor (reviews).

Data Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage, like Google Drive or Dropbox, for photos and important documents.

VPN Services

Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing, particularly on public Wi-fi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit & Medications

Prepare a personal health kit for minor issues.

Essential Kit Contents

First aid kit: Antiseptic, bandaids, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication.
Prescription medications: Sufficient supply in original packaging, doctor's letter.
Over-the-counter: Remedies for cold/flu, motion sickness pills, mild laxatives.

Tropical Climate Care

Protect yourself from the tropical environment.

Sun & Insect Protection

Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin. Consider Permethrin for clothes.
High SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. After-sun lotion with aloe vera.
Water purification: A Portable water filter for sustainability or emergencies.

Motion Sickness & Hygiene

Motion Sickness Remedies

Motion sickness medication for boat trips (Koh Larn) or long bus journeys.
Ginger candy or acupressure bands may also assist.
If prone to motion sickness, pack enough supply for your trip.

Personal Hygiene Essentials

Tampons are less common than pads; bring your own if needed.
Specific brands of toiletries might be hard to find.
Most common toiletries can be readily obtained in Pattaya.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

Ensure you have the right gear for underwater adventures.

Bring your own Mask and snorkel for comfort.
Fins are typically rentable locally.
Carry your diving certification card (PADI, SSI).
A Dive computer if you prefer your own.

Beach & Swimming

Expect sun and sand.

Pack Swimsuits and board shorts.
Consider Rash guards for extra Sun protection.
A Quick-dry towel is useful.
Water shoes are good for rocky areas.

Hiking & Outdoor

Comfort and practicality for land-based excursions.

Moisture-wicking activewear.
Comfortable Hiking sandals or light walking shoes.
A small daypack for water and essentials.
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Consider Renting

Motorbikes: If experienced and licensed.
Jet skis: Readily available for rent.
Snorkeling/Diving Gear: Often rentable from tour operators.
Beach chairs and umbrellas: Available on beaches.

Good to Bring

Personal Mask and Snorkel: For sanitation and fit.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: For sightseeing and city exploration.
Swimsuits and Rash guards: Essential for aquatic sports.
Certified Diving Gear: If you have specialized or preferred equipment.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items make a big difference for your trip ease and security.

Travel Aids & Protection

Comfort items for transportation: Neck pillow, Eye mask.
Security items: Travel locks for luggage/hostel lockers.
Money belt or Anti-theft bag, RFID blocking wallet.
Cash: Small denominations for local purchases.

Conscious Travel Items

Contribute to sustainable practices while traveling.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Reusable water bottle: Many places offer refill stations.
Reusable shopping bag: For market purchases.
Reusable utensils/straw: Minimize single-use-use plastic.
Offline maps: Download before you go to save data.

Sustainable Travel Items

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Biodegradable or bar toiletries.

Solar Charger

For small electronics.

Local Craft Bag

Support local artisans.

E-Reader

Reduce paper consumption.

Items Difficult to Purchase Locally

Health-Related Items

Specific Western-brand prescription drugs medications.
Specialized healthcare supplies you rely on.
Certain products for feminine hygiene (e.g., specific tampons).

Personal Care & Gear

Preferred brands of specialty toiletries.
Comfortable shoes in larger sizes (if applicable).
Backup prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothing to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Use packing cubes to organize different clothing categories. This makes unpacking and finding items simpler.

What to Pack for Pattaya