Thailand packing list for families
Thailand mixes busy cities, cooler northern hills, and island beaches, and it's warm the whole way. Temples ask for covered shoulders and knees, and the two coasts get their rain at different times, so pick your stops and the list adjusts.
Kristina's notes on Thailand
- Temples ask everyone, kids included, to cover shoulders and knees and take shoes off. I pack light long pants and a T-shirt for each person so temple days don't need an outfit change.
- It's hot and humid year-round, and laundry service is cheap almost everywhere. Quick-dry clothes and a lighter suitcase are the move.
- The Andaman coast (Phuket) is wettest May to October, while the Gulf (Koh Samui) gets most of its rain October to December. If you're traveling in summer, Koh Samui is usually the drier pick.
Where to go in Thailand
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
Asia & PacificBangkok
Golden temples, river boats, and the best street food.
Asia & PacificChiang Mai, Thailand
Golden temples, night markets, and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Beaches & IslandsThailand: Phuket
Andaman beaches, island boat days, and Phang Nga Bay cliffs.
Beaches & IslandsKoh Samui, Thailand
Palm-lined beaches, island temples, and warm, easy water.
Thailand
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on18
Clothing16
Shoes4
Beach & pool13
Adventure1
Little ones12
Little things20
Health & toiletries20
Documents & tech17
Family basics14
Temple linen
Ivory, wheat, sage, clay
For the grown-ups
For the kids
For photos
- Soft neutrals against colorful markets and temples
- Early morning light, before the heat
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Thailand weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F 32°C | Cool, dry season, the most comfortable time to visit | Peak season on the islands, book early |
| February | 92°F 33°C | Cool, dry season, the most comfortable time to visit | |
| March | 93°F 34°C | The hottest months, very hot in Bangkok | |
| April | 95°F 35°C | The hottest months, very hot in Bangkok | Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, in mid-April |
| May | 93°F 34°C | The hottest months, very hot in Bangkok | |
| June | 92°F 33°C | Monsoon season with heavy afternoon showers, quieter and greener | Koh Samui's drier stretch while Phuket gets rain |
| July | 91°F 33°C | Monsoon season with heavy afternoon showers, quieter and greener | Koh Samui's drier stretch while Phuket gets rain |
| August | 91°F 33°C | Monsoon season with heavy afternoon showers, quieter and greener | Koh Samui's drier stretch while Phuket gets rain |
| September | 90°F 32°C | Monsoon season with heavy afternoon showers, quieter and greener | |
| October | 90°F 32°C | Monsoon season with heavy afternoon showers, quieter and greener | |
| November | 89°F 32°C | Cool, dry season, the most comfortable time to visit | Loy Krathong and the Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai |
| December | 88°F 31°C | Cool, dry season, the most comfortable time to visit | Peak season on the islands, book early |
Thailand with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Thailand with kids?
The best time is Nov–Mar. Cool, dry season, the most comfortable time to visit
What's the weather like in Thailand?
Typical daytime highs range from about 88°F (31°C) in December to about 95°F (35°C) in April. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Thailand?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Thailand?
Types A, B, C and O, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Thailand with kids?
Temples ask everyone, kids included, to cover shoulders and knees and take shoes off. I pack light long pants and a T-shirt for each person so temple days don't need an outfit change.
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Asia & PacificCambodia
Angkor's temples, Phnom Penh, and a quiet stretch of coast.
Asia & PacificCambodia: Siem Reap & Angkor
Sunrise at Angkor Wat, jungle temples, and village life.
Asia & PacificChiang Mai, Thailand
Golden temples, night markets, and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
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Desert dunes, beach resorts, and over-the-top family fun.
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Old Quarter street food and an overnight cruise among limestone isles.
Kristina's edits for this trip
Hand-picked collections to shop alongside this list, so you're not hunting for each piece.
Travel Essentials
The small things that make every trip run smoother.
Shop the edit 10 picksThe Long-Haul Flight Edit
For a more comfortable long flight, for grown-ups and kids.
Shop the edit 7 picksThe Luxury Travel Edit
What I'd pack for a five-star stay.
Shop the editShopping through these links may earn Linen & Luggage a small commission at no extra cost to you. How that works.
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.