Thailand packing guide for women

Temple note

At the Grand Palace and at most temples, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Skirts and dresses should reach below the knee. Trousers should not be see-through. Sleeveless tops and shorts will turn you away at the gate. Carry a light shirt or shawl and wear loose trousers or a long skirt. Remove your shoes before entering a building. Do not point your feet at a Buddha statue.

• Cover shoulders and knees. No exceptions at the Grand Palace.
• Wear slip-on shoes, since you remove them often.
• A thin long skirt is cool and temple-ready.
• Rent a wrap at the gate if you are caught out, but prices are high.

Outfit formulas

Each with footwear and one accessory.

Packing list by trip length

Three days: two dresses, one pair of linen trousers, one shirt, one swimsuit, sandals, sneakers and a scarf. Five days: add a skirt, a second shirt and a night dress. Seven days: add a second swimsuit and a light rain jacket. Markets sell cheap cotton dresses. Leave room in your bag.

• Three days: six to seven items.
• Five days: nine items.
• Seven days: eleven items.
• Pack a small umbrella for sudden showers.

Moving around the country

Thailand is easy to move through, but the way you travel changes what you wear. In Bangkok, you take the BTS, the MRT and tuk-tuks. You walk a lot, so shoes matter. In Chiang Mai, you visit temples and markets, and trek in the north, so pack trousers and a light fleece for cool mornings. On the islands, you take boats and wade through water, so pack quick-dry shorts and a dry bag. Domestic flights have luggage limits, often 20 kg, and some budget airlines are stricter. Pack light.

• Bangkok: sneakers, light trousers and a cross-body bag.
• Chiang Mai: a light fleece for mornings and a rain jacket.
• Islands: quick-dry shorts, a dry bag and sliders.
• Check the baggage limit on budget flights.

On the plane

Wear comfortable leggings or joggers, a long tee and a cardigan. Slip-on shoes help at security. Put a scarf in your bag. It works at a temple on day one.

Climate note

November to February is cool and dry, with 24 to 32 degrees. March to May is very hot. June to October is rainy and humid. Pack quick-dry clothes and a rain jacket in the wet season. Islands have their own weather. Check before you go.

Colour and silhouette

Thailand is loud, so natural colours look calm. White, sage, cream, sky blue and terracotta suit the humidity. Loose silhouettes in linen and viscose keep you cool. A belt gives shape if you want it. Warm skin tones glow in terracotta and olive. Cool skin tones glow in soft blue, lilac and rose.

• Choose breathable fabrics only.
• Wear dark underlayers if you wear white.
• Pick colours that match so you can mix.
• Carry a tote for market buys.

What to stop buying for Thailand

Stop buying polyester. It traps sweat. Stop buying one-use outfits for photos. Stop buying heavy luggage. Markets sell lovely cotton clothes at low prices. Stop buying shoes you cannot walk in for hours.

Questions

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