Bangkok in December is hot, bright, and surprisingly pleasant. This is Thailand’s dry season, making it one of the best months to visit the capital. You’ll enjoy sunny skies, cooler humidity, and festive vibes throughout the city. Think markets, rooftop bars, temples — and lots of walking.
You’ll need breathable clothes, sun protection, and modest outfits for temples. Whether you’re sightseeing at the Grand Palace, hopping between night markets, or relaxing with a Thai massage, smart packing ensures you stay stylish, respectful, and comfortable.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Bangkok in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
December is part of Bangkok’s cool season — but keep in mind, that still means tropical warmth.
- 🌡️ Average high: 32°C / 90°F – hot during the day
- 🌙 Average low: 22°C / 72°F – pleasant at night
- ☀️ Dry, sunny weather – ideal for outdoor exploring
- 🌬️ Some breeze in the evenings, especially by the river
What to Pack for Bangkok in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 compact and easy to maneuver in the city
- Checked bag – 🛄 useful if you plan to shop
- Duffle bag – 🎽 great for weekend trips to nearby islands
- Daypack – 🎒 essential for sightseeing and market visits
- Packing cubes – 📦 organize light fabrics and tropical gear
- Shoe bags – 👟 especially if you bring sandals & sneakers
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof with compartments
- Document organizer – 📁 passport, visa, and travel insurance
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ perfect for shopping at Chatuchak
- Laundry kit – 🧺 for frequent changes in sweaty weather
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ keep track before return flights
- Luggage lock – 🔒 always secure your belongings
- Money belt – 💰 smart for crowded markets
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 great for hostel stays or island trips
- Neck pillow – 😴 for long-haul flights or intercity buses
- Sleep mask – 🛌 for bright guesthouses or flights
👗 Clothes
- T-shirts & tank tops (5–7) – 👕 breathable and quick-dry
- Light blouses or button-downs (2–3) – 👚 stylish and modest
- Maxi dresses or skirts – 👗 ideal for temple visits
- Lightweight pants or culottes – 👖 keep legs covered and cool
- Shorts (2–3) – 🩳 casual wear for non-temple days
- Loose tunics or kaftans – 🧥 stylish and breathable
- Light cardigan or kimono – 🧣 for A/C blasts indoors
- Pajamas – 🛏️ cool and sweat-friendly fabrics
- Swimsuits (2–3) – 👙 pool, rooftop, or weekend island trips
- Swim cover-up – 🧖♀️ for hotel pools or beach days
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 lightweight and breathable
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 mix of sports and regular styles
- Socks (3–5) – 🧦 for sneakers and temple visits
💆 Skincare
- Gel cleanser – 🧴 combat sweat and pollution
- Toner – 💧 refresh and balance skin
- Light moisturizer – 🧴 hydrating but non-greasy
- SPF 50+ – ☀️ must-have under tropical sun
- After-sun gel – 🌿 soothing aloe for any burns
- Makeup remover – 🧽 micellar water or wipes
- Exfoliator – 🛁 once or twice a week
- Eye cream – 👁️ for late nights or dry flights
- Facial mist – 💦 midday skin refresher
- Lip balm with SPF – 💋 protect lips from sun
- Spot treatment – 🎯 in case of tropical breakouts
💄 Makeup
- BB cream or tinted sunscreen – 💄 lightweight and protective
- Concealer – 👁️ for touch-ups
- Blotting powder – 🌬️ control shine
- Blush – 🌺 adds a natural glow
- Highlighter – ✨ for night outings
- Neutral eyeshadow – 🎨 compact and multipurpose
- Waterproof eyeliner – ✒️ ideal for humid days
- Waterproof mascara – 👁️ no smudging in the heat
- Brow pencil/gel – 🧴 easy groomed look
- Lip tint or gloss – 💄 low-maintenance color
- Setting spray – ❄️ help makeup last in heat
- Makeup brushes – 🖌️ minimal travel set
💇 Hair Care
- Brush or wide-tooth comb – 💇♀️ manage tropical frizz
- Hair ties + clips – 🧷 keep hair off your neck
- Shampoo + conditioner – 🧴 travel-sized or refillable
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ extend time between washes
- Leave-in conditioner – 💧 detangle and hydrate
- Heat protectant – 🔥 if using styling tools
- Mini dryer – 💨 optional, most hotels provide one
- Styling tool – 💁♀️ straightener or curler if needed
- Hair accessories – 🎀 bandanas or clips
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Comfortable sandals – 🩴 walking-friendly and breathable
- Flip-flops – 👣 for hotel, pool, or massage days
- Light sneakers – 👟 for long sightseeing days
- Water shoes – 🥾 if heading to waterfalls or islands
- Sunhat – 👒 wide-brimmed for strong sun
- Cap or visor – 🧢 sportier alternative
- Sunglasses (polarized) – 🕶️ protect against glare
- Light scarf or shawl – 🧣 temple-friendly cover-up
- Minimal jewelry – 💍 heat-safe pieces only
- Crossbody or anti-theft bag – 👜 secure in crowds
- Compact umbrella – ☔ sun or sudden rain
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 essential for ID checks
- Thai eVisa or exemption info – 📄 depending on nationality
- ID card or license – 🪪 backup ID
- Travel insurance – 🏥 print + digital copy
- Flight + hotel confirmations – 🏨 keep printed and digital
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 notify bank for international use
- Thai Baht – 💸 carry small bills for transport & food
- Emergency contacts – 📱 store offline too
- Offline maps/apps – 🗺️ Grab, Google Maps, etc.
- Notebook + pen – 🖊️ notes, journaling, directions
- Wallet – 👛 compact and RFID-safe
- Valuables – 💎 only what’s absolutely necessary
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 for sandals and mosquito bites
- Sunscreen – 🧴 reapply often in direct sun
- After-sun lotion – 🌿 cool down after long days
- Pain relief – 💊 for headaches or flights
- Allergy meds – 🤧 for food or bug reactions
- Motion sickness pills – 🛥️ for boat trips
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧽 quick wound care
- Gauze + tape – 🩼 basic first aid kit
- Tweezers – ✂️ splinters or stingers
- Mini scissors – ✂️ TSA-approved only
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – 💊 clearly labeled and packed safely
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ carry at all times
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – 🪥 always pack your own
- Floss – 🧵 compact travel size
- Deodorant – 🧼 bring extra-strength in this climate
- Razor – 🪒 travel-safe version
- Feminine products – 🩸 bring your preferred brands
- Wipes – 🧻 essential for sweaty days
- Travel mirror – 🪞 small and lightweight
- Perfume – 🌸 light or tropical scent preferred
- Eye drops – 👁️ protect against A/C dryness
- Contact lenses + solution – 👓 don’t forget backups
- Tissues – 🧻 bathrooms often don’t provide
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 with roaming or Thai SIM/eSIM
- Chargers – 🔌 for all devices
- Power bank – 🔋 essential for full-day excursions
- Plug adapter (Type A/C) – 🔌 for Thai outlets
- Camera – 📷 Bangkok is very photo-worthy
- GoPro – 📸 for floating markets or tuk-tuk rides
- Headphones – 🎧 for flights and downtime
- E-reader – 📚 beach or poolside reading
- Offline maps – 🗺️ key for taxis and walking
- Cloud/photo backup – 💾 store while traveling
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 short, light reads
- Podcasts – 🎧 load your favorites before flying
- Shows/movies – 📺 downloaded for flights
- Journal – 📓 Bangkok is great for daily notes
- Card games – 🃏 travel-size fun
- Travel guidebook – 🗞️ great for offline planning
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 protein bars or nuts for long days
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 stay hydrated
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ Bangkok markets are irresistible
- Detergent – 🧼 for sink laundry
- Sewing kit – 🪡 quick wardrobe fixes
- Whistle – 📣 for solo safety
- Lint roller – 👔 keep clothes fresh
- Neck fan – 🌬️ personal cooling on hot days
- Foot powder or spray – 🦶 helpful after long walks
- Melatonin – 🌙 for jet lag recovery
🌍 Travel Tips
- Pack modest clothes for temples – 🧣 shoulders + knees covered
- Stay hydrated – 🚰 bottled or filtered water only
- Download Grab app – 🚗 rideshare alternative to taxis
- Use hotel laundry – 🧺 it’s cheap and fast
- Bring small change – 💸 for street food & transport
- Wear shoes you can easily slip on/off – 👡 temples require removal
- Get a local SIM/eSIM – 📱 cheap and super convenient
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check Thailand’s visa policy – 🛂 most tourists get 30-day entry
- Apply online if needed – 📄 Thai eVisa available
- Print confirmation – 🖨️ for airport checks
- Proof of onward travel – 🎟️ may be requested
- Know what you can’t bring – 📦 Thailand has strict drug laws
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport + visa – 🛂 always required
- SPF 50+ sunscreen – 🧴 Bangkok is HOT
- Comfortable sandals – 🩴 for all-day wear
- Modest temple outfit – 🧕 scarf + long pants/skirt
- Reusable bottle – 🚰 always drink water
- Daypack – 🎒 carry essentials on tours
- Phone + charger + adapter – 🔌 essentials
- Travel insurance – 🏥 required by many policies
- Offline maps & apps – 🗺️ plan routes easily
- Breathable clothes – 👕 you’ll sweat daily
👍 Good-to-Have
- Neck fan – 🌬️ cooling on the go
- Cooling towel – ❄️ instant relief
- Sleep mask & earplugs – 😴 for flights or noisy areas
- SIM or eSIM – 📶 high-speed data
- Travel blanket – 🛏️ for buses or A/C
- Foldable shopping bag – 🛍️ for market finds
- Luggage tags – 🏷️ ID all your gear
