Ultimate Packing List for Island Hopping in Southern Thailand (2024)

November 18, 2024

If planning an island-hopping adventure in Southern Thailand gives you a headache, I’m here to help. After spending a month traveling between Thailand’s stunning islands, I can confidently advise on what’s truly necessary and what will only weigh you down.

Even if it’s your first visit to Thailand, packing your luggage shouldn’t be a challenge. Thai islands are not only home to friendly locals but are also well-prepared to cater to western tourists.

Picture the places you’ll explore—turquoise seas, pristine beaches, jungle trails, and lively bars. In Thailand’s hot, tropical climate, you won’t need to pack much clothing or gear to enjoy these destinations fully.

Use this guide to pack smartly and prepare for a hassle-free island-hopping adventure in Southern Thailand!

View of the Koh Phi Phi Leh Maya Bay, tourists on the beach, clear, blue sea and huge limestone cliffs in the distance

Travel Documents: Don’t Leave Home Without These!

Passport and Copies – Always bring your original passport. You won’t need to carry it with you every day, so it’s good to have photocopies. You might need to rent a motorbike or leave a document as a deposit instead of your original.
Visa (if applicable) – Depending on your nationality, you might need a tourist visa. Many countries allow visa-free entry to Thailand for 30 or 60 days, but it’s important to check the latest requirements before your trip since these can change.
Driving License – If you plan to rent a car or motorbike, bring your driving license from your home country. For an island-hopping adventure in Thailand, you won’t necessarily need to rent a vehicle, as most islands are small and walkable. However, if you stay on Koh Lanta or Phuket, having a scooter can be very convenient, and you might even plan an unforgettable road trip.
IDP (International Driving Permit) – Along with your driving license, you’ll need an International Driving Permit to comply with local laws. While rental shops don’t usually ask for an IDP, police might request it during checks. It’s also required by insurance companies. Many travelers skip this, but having one is safer—especially in case of an accident.

Money: Cash and Cards

Cash (Thai Baht) – While card payments are accepted in many tourist destinations, cash remains the most common way to pay in Thailand. When island hopping, you’ll visit small towns and villages where cash will definitely be needed. To get a better exchange rate, try to exchange Thai baht before your trip. Keep in mind that ATMs in Thailand charge a withdrawal fee of about 220 THB per transaction, and airport currency exchange rates are usually poor.

International Credit or Debit Card – Bring a card with good exchange rates and low foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, like Monzo or Revolut. While all ATMs in Thailand charge a fee, using your card is a convenient way to get cash without carrying too much at once. Most hotels and convenience stores accept card payments, but some shops may require a minimum spend, especially on smaller islands.

Footwear: Keep It Simple

Flip-Flops – In Thailand, you’ll notice most locals and tourists wearing flip-flops. They’re ideal for the hot and humid weather and island hopping using speedboats and long tailed boats. They are perfect for trips to the beach, walking around town, and just about everything else.
Sandals or Covered Shoes – In addition to flip-flops, it’s a good idea to bring one more pair of shoes. Light sneakers are a great choice—they’re perfect for hiking, long walks, and even the plane, where the air conditioning can get chilly.

Although island hopping might typically bring to mind water and beach activities, the islands of Southern Thailand are also incredible destinations for jungle hiking. You’ll find a variety of trekking paths in places like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, where covered shoes will protect your feet from rocks and rough terrain. If you prefer to pack light, breathable sandals can work as well.

Clothing: Pack Light and Breathable

Southern Thailand’s tropical climate is hot and humid, so pack clothes that keep you cool and comfortable. Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics, and bring items you can mix and match.

After spending a few days in Thailand, you’ll notice how easily you sweat. Loose, flowing clothes are a lifesaver—I wish I had known that before my first trip! When hopping from one island to another and being surrounded by water, having comfortable clothes is priceless.

You don’t need to pack too much. If you feel you’re short on clothes, don’t worry—you can buy affordable and stylish options at local markets. Almost every island has a small shopping area where you can find iconic elephant pants and other fun clothing!

What Clothing Items to Pack:

T-Shirts (x5) – Lightweight, breathable shirts for everyday wear.
Shorts (x2) – Comfortable and practical for the heat.
Long Trousers (x1) – Useful for temple visits or mosquito-prone evenings.
Underwear (x7) – Plan for one week’s worth, depending on how long you plan to stay in Thailand. The easiest way to manage is to plan for laundry once a week. However, you can bring fewer pairs if you’re comfortable hand washing them with soap during your trip.
Dress or Skirt – Great for casual outings or dressing up a bit.
Light Jumper or Raincoat – You won’t need a jumper outdoors, even at night, but you might want one for air-conditioned ferries or flights. A quick-drying raincoat can double as a lightweight jumper. Skip heavy jackets—they’ll take up space and won’t be necessary.
Swimwear – Bring your favorite swimsuit for beach and pool days. You may want to buy more while you’re there since Thailand’s markets have trendy, affordable options.
Scarf – A light scarf is handy for covering your shoulders at temples without wearing long sleeves all day. It can also double as a light wrap for cooler spots.

Accessories:

Hat – A hat or baseball cap is essential for protecting yourself from the sun. You’ll find it useful while walking, hiking, or sitting on a boat. I usually end up buying a hat at the destination that I visit, as they are easy to find and inexpensive.
Sunglasses – Take a good pair of glasses with UV protection.

Toiletries and Essentials

Packing a small selection of toiletries will save you the hassle of searching for these items on your first day, especially if you don’t plan to do much shopping and want to quickly head to a tiny paradise island in Southern Thailand. Here’s what to consider:

Basic Toiletries

You can buy most toiletries in Thailand, and many hotels provide shampoo and soap. If you’re short on space, you can skip packing these items or opt for travel-sized versions to save room.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Shampoo and Soap (or a 2-in-1 option)
Razor
Hair Conditioner – If your hair needs special care, pack your own. Small convenience stores in Thailand often don’t carry products for specific hair types. For bleached or thin hair, conditioner is a must (especially after swimming in salt water every day during your island hopping adventure).
Skincare Products
Hair Brush
Makeup
Tampons, Menstrual Cup, or Pads – These are available in Thailand but may not match your preferences, so bring enough for your trip.
Contact Lenses and Solution – These can be hard to find outside big cities, so bring your own.
Sunscreen – in Thailand imported brands can be expensive and some local options may contain bleach, so stick to products you trust. Bring a small, high-SPF sunscreen for your face, and you can buy a more affordable body sunscreen locally. Since you’ll likely spend a lot of time swimming and snorkeling around the islands of the Andaman Sea, choose reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine life.
Nail Care – Bringing nail scissors can be an issue with airport security in some countries. Instead, pack a lightweight, non-metal nail file to avoid problems.

First Aid Kit

Band-Aids or Plasters
Antiseptic Wipes
Medicines: Although you will find pharmacies on most of the Thai islands, it’s better to be prepared beforehand. In an emergency, it’s helpful to have painkillers and anti-diarrhea medication with you—and they don’t take up much space. Remember to pack them in your hand luggage.
- Painkillers
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Sea sickness tablets
- Allergy medication
- Any prescribed medicine you take regularly

Quick-Drying Towel

A lightweight, compact, and fast-drying towel is perfect for island hopping. You can buy one locally, but having your own is handy. Hotel towels are often bulky and slow to dry.

Lime stone cliff and mangrove forest Krabi Town

Electronics

Don’t forget your gadgets and apps to make your trip easier and stress-free. Here’s what to consider:

Must-Have Electronics

Portable Charger (Power Bank):
Long days of exploring can drain your phone battery. A small power bank is useful, especially for navigation or taking photos. Make sure it complies with airline rules for carry-on items.
Power Adapter:
Thailand uses 220V electricity with Type A, B, C, and O sockets. If your plugs are different, bring a universal adapter.
Extension Cord:
A small extension cord isn’t necessary but can be handy if you have multiple devices to charge.

Photography Accessories

Tripod or Selfie Stick – If taking lots of photos is important to you, bring a tripod or selfie stick. These tools make it easy to capture great shots without needing help from others. Southern Thailand is full of iconic destinations, offering plenty of opportunities for an original photoshoot!

Optional Items

Hair Dryer – Many smaller hotels don’t provide hair dryers. However, Thailand’s humid weather will dry your hair quickly, and styling can be difficult due to the humidity. Unless you absolutely need one, this is an item you can skip.
Book Reader – Perfect for relaxing on long days at the beach or passing time on the plane.
Tablet – If you’re a tablet user, it can be a great way to entertain yourself during long flights or downtime.
Camera or GoPro – Capture the beauty of Southern Thailand’s landscapes and wildlife.
Laptop and Charger – Bring your laptop if you work remotely or anticipate needing it during your trip.

Sport equipment

The lovely islands of Southern Thailand are perfect for unique adventure experiences. If you’re an active person who enjoys sports, you might want to bring the necessary equipment with you:

Swimming Goggles: If you wear contact lenses, swimming goggles are a must. They’ll protect your eyes from chlorine or saltwater and take up very little space in your bag.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Gear: Bringing your own gear isn’t necessary unless you’re planning a lot of snorkeling or diving. Most tour operators rent equipment, and you can buy basic snorkeling gear locally if needed.
Rock Climbing Shoes: If you’re an experienced climber with favorite gear, bringing your own shoes can be helpful. However, if you’re just planning to try rock climbing once or twice, book a guided experience—they’ll provide all the equipment you need.

Camping Gear

If you’re looking for a more adventurous and nature-focused experience, camping is a fantastic option. Planning an island-hopping vacation doesn’t have to mean staying in resorts all the time!

You can camp at designated campsites, in the jungle, or even on the beach. The islands in the Andaman Sea offer plenty of possibilities. Pack lightweight and compact gear to make it easier to carry. To camp, you’ll need to bring:

Tent
Sleeping Bag
Inflatable Mat and Pillow
Head Torch
Emergency Whistle
Hammock

What to Better Buy in Thailand

Some items are better bought locally due to their availability and cost. Save space in your luggage and purchase these after you arrive—they’re easy to find, even on smaller Thai islands:

Mosquito Repellent – The tropical climate means mosquitos are everywhere. Buy a local repellent—it’s more effective than imported options and available in every shop.
Local SIM Card – Stay connected by buying a SIM card with a data plan from providers like AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC. These offer affordable prepaid options that are easy to set up. You can buy a SIM card at convenience stores like 7/11—just remember to bring your passport.
Dry Bag – A dry bag is essential for keeping your belongings safe during boat trips or unexpected rain. They are widely available in tourist areas at reasonable prices.
Beach Ball – Perfect for a fun game of volleyball on the beach, beach balls are easy to find and inexpensive in local shops.

Essential Apps to Download

Here’s a list of helpful apps to download to make your island hopping experience in Southern Thailand smoother and more enjoyable:

Google Maps – Ideal for navigating streets, finding restaurants, and planning your routes.
Maps.me, Mapy.cz – Excellent offline mapping apps with detailed trail routes not available on Google Maps. Perfect for exploring areas without internet access.
Grab, Bolt, InDriver – Convenient and affordable transportation apps for cities and airport transfers. However, they won’t be useful on small islands.
GrabFood, Foodpanda – Perfect for ordering meals, but only available in bigger towns and cities
Booking.com, Agoda – For finding and booking accommodations on the go.
Momondo, Kayak, Skyscanner – Useful for comparing flight prices and finding the best travel deals.
Google Translate and Google Lens – Essential for communicating with locals and translating signs or menus.
Wise, Revolut – Excellent options for managing money, avoiding high foreign transaction fees, and getting good exchange rates.
Telegram and WhatsApp – Stay connected with friends, family, or fellow travelers.
e-SIM app (like Airalo or Holafly)– An alternative to buying a local SIM; you can activate a data plan before arriving in Thailand or as soon as you land, saving time and avoiding the hassle of visiting a store, although it will be a bit more expensive than local SIM card.
VPN app (like NordVPN or PlanteVPN) – Essential for secure browsing, especially when using public Wi-Fi. It’s also useful if you need to access websites or services that are only available in your home country.
Netflix, Prime Video, HBO – Entertainment apps for long flights or relaxing in your accommodation.
Spotify or Podcast Apps – Perfect for music and podcasts during your travels.
Stipple – A handy app for route planning and organizing your itinerary.
Thai Railway – Plan train trips across Thailand with this official app.

Koh Phi Phi path to long beach, buildings and boat, blue sea in the distance

How to pack light?

Don’t Overpack – Southern Thailand has plenty of markets where you can buy anything you forget or decide you need. Traveling light not only makes moving between islands easier but can also reduce the cost of your plane ticket.
Use Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are great for organizing your clothes and maximizing suitcase space. Vacuum bags can also help save space, especially for bulkier items like jackets or towels.
Plan for Laundry – Laundry services are easily available at many guesthouses and hotels in Southern Thailand. They are affordable and often return your clothes within a few hours, though some places may take until the next day. This makes it easy to re-wear your favorite outfits during your trip.

Suitcase or Backpack?

While you might think a large backpack is more practical for an island-hopping trip, I would recommend a suitcase instead. After doing a three-week backpacking trip in China with a 60-liter backpack that I had to carry everywhere, I now almost always choose a suitcase.

I spent a month in Southern Thailand with a cabin-sized suitcase and a 28-liter backpack and only felt uncomfortable when my backpack was too heavy. Even though you’ll be hopping on ferries and speedboats, a suitcase is surprisingly manageable.

Thailand has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and people working in the industry are used to tourists arriving with suitcases—they know how to handle them. Additionally, small Thai islands are home to communities that rely on similar transportation, often carrying heavy goods themselves.

You won’t find many cobblestone streets or poor-quality roads on the Thai islands. I only had to walk along the beach from the pier once – on Koh Lipe. In other destinations, the biggest obstacles were stairs or, occasionally, a few sandy paths. Still, I never wished I had a big backpack weighing down my shoulders.

If your accommodation is far from the pier, tuk-tuks will likely be waiting nearby. Don’t hesitate to spend a few baht for transportation—it’s worth the convenience and supports the local economy.

A backpack may only be necessary if you plan to hike extensively in the jungle or traverse rough terrain. For simply moving from one island to another, a compact suitcase works perfectly.

Another advantage of a suitcase is that your belongings feel more secure, especially when flying. If you need to check in your luggage at the last minute, a suitcase provides better protection than a backpack.

To sum up, you can choose a backpack if you’re comfortable carrying the extra weight on your shoulders, but it’s absolutely not necessary for most island-hopping trips in Southern Thailand.

Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, trees and mountains in the distance

Final Thoughts on Packing for an Island Hopping Trip in Southern Thailand?

Packing for Southern Thailand’s islands is surprisingly simple, thanks to the warm weather and the availability of amenities. The key is to pack smart, ensuring you can move between islands with ease.

When in doubt, pack less rather than more. Almost anything you need can be bought locally, often at affordable prices. Traveling light not only makes your island-hopping adventure more convenient. Remember, less is more when it comes to exploring paradise!

Ultimate Packing List for Island Hopping in Southern Thailand (2024)

Travel Documents: Don’t Leave Home Without These!

Money: Cash and Cards

Footwear: Keep It Simple