Essential Items to Bring While Backpacking in Thailand

Backpacking through Thailand is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re exploring bustling cities, relaxing on tropical islands, or venturing into the jungle. In a previous post, we wrote about Thailand’s hidden backpacker trail, an alternative route that takes you through lesser-known but incredible destinations. This guide will help you plan for that journey by ensuring you pack smart and travel light—keeping your bag small enough to fit on buses and making your trip more comfortable and hassle-free.

Your backpack is your lifeline while traveling. A 40-50L backpack is usually ideal—large enough to fit essentials but small enough to stay lightweight. Look for a backpack with comfortable straps and good back support. Packing cubes can also help keep your gear organized and accessible.

Thailand is hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothes made of cotton, moisture-wicking fabric, or my personal favorite, linen. Include:

• 3-5 T-shirts/tank tops
• 2-3 pairs of shorts/lightweight pants
• 1-2 long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection and temple visits)
• 1 light rain jacket (especially during monsoon season)
• Swimwear for beach days
• Flip-flops/sandals for the beach
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring

• Passport & copies (keep a digital copy too)
• Travel insurance details
• Waterproof bag to protect electronics
• Power bank (essential for long bus and boat rides)
• Reusable water bottle (many hostels have refill stations)
• Headlamp/flashlight (for power outages or late-night beach walks)
• Notebook & pen (useful for jotting down travel details)

• Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
• Bug spray with DEET (mosquitoes can be relentless)
• Basic first aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Shampoo, soap, and toothpaste (travel-sized)
• Toilet paper or tissues (not all public toilets provide it!)

• Universal power adapter
• Unlocked phone (so you can use a Thai SIM card)
• eSIM or local SIM card for affordable data
• Earphones or noise-canceling headphones
• E-reader or book (for long bus/ferry rides)

• Combination padlock (While some hostels require you to bring your own lock for lockers, at The Cocoon we provide lockers with built-in locks, so you won’t need one here.)
• Money belt or hidden pouch
• Debit/credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted)
• Some cash in Thai baht (for small vendors, transport, and street food)
• RFID-blocking wallet (for added security)

• Quick-dry towel
• Snorkel mask (optional, but great for island hopping)
• Dry bag (to keep your electronics safe at the beach – can be rented at The Cocoon Hostel)
• Microfiber sarong (multi-use: blanket, towel, cover-up)

8. Backpacker Hostel Must-Haves

Staying in hostels is one of the best parts of backpacking. To make the most of it, bring:

• Earplugs & sleep mask (for dorm room comfort – We provide free ear plugs at The Cocoon Hostel)
• Lightweight microfiber towel (dries quickly and takes up little space – We provide guests a large microfiber bath towel and a smaller hand towel)
• Small laundry bag (to keep dirty clothes separate)
• USB charger with multiple ports (outlets can be limited in dorms)

At The Cocoon, we provide comfy beds, strong showers, luggage storage, and a social atmosphere, so you’ll have a great base to rest and meet fellow travelers.

9. Bonus: What You Don’t Need

There’s no point in overpacking. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Too many clothes (you can do laundry easily)
• Heavy guidebooks ( At The Cocoon we have a large selection of travel guides you can borrow during your stay)
• Expensive jewelry (not needed and could make you a target for theft)
• Bulky sleeping bag (hostels provide bedding)
• Fancy shoes (one pair of casual sneakers is enough)

10. Buying Essentials in Thailand

If you forget something, don’t worry—Thailand has plenty of stores where you can buy affordable essentials. 7-Eleven is great for toiletries, snacks, and SIM cards. Local markets offer cheap clothing, and shopping malls in major cities have everything from electronics to outdoor gear. You’ll find sunscreen, bug spray, and even travel-friendly clothes at places like Big C, Tesco Lotus, and Boots pharmacies.

11. Comfort & Home Touches

Long-term travel can be exhausting, and a few small comforts can make a big difference. Consider bringing:

• A travel pillow (for long journeys and some dorm beds. At The Cocoon we offer guests two hotel quality pillows but not all hostels are as comfortable as we are 😉 )
• Compression socks (great for long flights and reducing swelling)
• A personal tea set – I personally love tea, so I travel with this Chinese travel tea set to enjoy a relaxing brew wherever I go.
• A small journal (for recording memories or planning trips)
• A lightweight blanket or scarf (for comfort on planes, buses, or chilly dorms)

Final Thoughts

Backpacking is all about freedom and flexibility, so pack smart and stay light. Whether you’re island-hopping in Koh Samet or exploring Thailand’s northern mountains, these essentials will keep you prepared for any adventure. And if you’re staying at The Cocoon, we’ve got the perfect space to relax, meet new friends, and plan your next stop. Safe travels and see you on the island!