Thailand in December is a travelerโs dream. With the rainy season gone, the weather is cooler, drier, and ideal for everythingโfrom exploring Bangkokโs temples to relaxing on the beaches of Phuket or Ko Samui.
Whether you’re hiking in Chiang Mai or island-hopping in the south, you’ll want a mix of modest and beachwear, lightweight layers, and sun protection. It’s also high season, so plan ahead and pack smart!
๐ Note: This article is all about what to pack for Thailand 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 ๐ฆ๏ธ
- ๐ก๏ธ Northern Thailand: 18ยฐCโ28ยฐC (64ยฐFโ82ยฐF)
- ๐ก๏ธ Southern beaches: 24ยฐCโ32ยฐC (75ยฐFโ90ยฐF)
- ๐ค๏ธ Dry season โ low humidity, ideal for travel
- โ๏ธ Cool mornings in the north โ bring a light jacket
What to Pack for Thailand in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereโs 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
๐งณ 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
- ๐งณ Rolling suitcase or backpack โ depends on your route
- ๐งผ Packing cubes โ organize warm and tropical clothes
- ๐ Shoe bags โ keep sandals away from clean gear
- ๐งด Toiletry bag โ for all the essentials
- ๐งพ Travel doc wallet โ keep visa, passport, cards safe
- ๐ Foldable daypack โ perfect for day tours
- ๐งบ Portable laundry kit โ great for longer stays
- โ๏ธ Travel scale โ prevent overpacking
- ๐ Lock โ hostel and hotel safety
- ๐งป Travel towel โ quick dry for beach or temples
- ๐๏ธ Neck pillow + ๐ด sleep mask โ for overnight buses/trains
๐ Clothes
- ๐ Breathable tees/tops (4โ6) โ cotton is best
- ๐ Modest tops with sleeves โ for temples
- ๐งฅ Light jacket or cardigan โ Chiang Mai mornings
- ๐ Lightweight pants (1โ2) โ for temples and travel
- ๐ฉณ Shorts (2โ3) โ casual and cool
- ๐ Sundresses โ cute and easy for the heat
- ๐ง Activewear โ for hikes and yoga retreats
- ๐ฉฑ Swimsuits (2โ3) โ for beaches and hotel pools
- ๐ง Sarong or cover-up โ temple visits and sun cover
- ๐งฆ Undergarments + bras (quick dry)
๐ Skincare
- ๐งผ Face wash โ gentle for humid weather
- ๐ง Hydrating toner โ refresh skin
- ๐งด Moisturizer โ light & non-greasy
- ๐ High SPF sunscreen โ temples + beaches
- ๐งฝ Makeup remover โ micellar or wipes
- ๐งด Exfoliator โ once or twice a week
- ๐๏ธ Eye cream โ for dry air flights
- ๐ Face mist โ cool and refreshing
- ๐ SPF lip balm โ protect from sunburn
๐ Makeup
- ๐งด BB cream w/ SPF โ breathable coverage
- ๐ Concealer โ post-flight fix
- ๐ธ Blush or tint โ tropical glow
- โจ Highlighter โ radiant evenings
- ๐งด Setting spray โ stay flawless in heat
- ๐๏ธ Waterproof mascara โ stays put
- ๐ Lip tint โ long-lasting & fresh
๐ Hair Care
- ๐ชฎ Comb + ties โ basic but essential
- ๐งด 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner โ save space
- ๐งผ Dry shampoo โ tropical lifesaver
- ๐ฅ Heat protectant โ if using tools
- ๐ธ Styling cream โ smooth out humidity frizz
- ๐ Bandanas or clips โ cute + practical
๐ Shoes & Accessories
- ๐ Sneakers โ for walking cities or hikes
- ๐ฉด Flip-flops โ easy temple or beach days
- ๐ก Cute sandals โ dinners or temples
- ๐งข Sun hat or cap โ must-have for midday heat
- ๐ถ๏ธ Sunglasses โ polarized is best
- ๐ Anti-theft daypack โ for Bangkok & night markets
๐ Documents & Essentials
- ๐ Passport + copies
- ๐ Thailand eVisa (if needed)
- ๐ Local ID copy
- ๐ฑ SIM card or eSIM QR code
- ๐ณ Travel card + cash in Thai Baht
- ๐บ๏ธ Printed hotel/resort addresses (for taxis)
๐ First Aid
- ๐ฉน Plasters โ for walk-heavy days
- ๐ Antacids โ street food backups
- ๐งด Antibacterial gel โ public restrooms
๐งผ Health & Hygiene
- ๐ Prescriptions โ clearly labeled
- ๐ง Hydration tablets โ prevent fatigue
- ๐งป Tissues โ toilets often lack
- ๐งด Hand sanitizer โ use often
- ๐ชฅ Toothbrush/paste/floss
- ๐งฝ Mini deodorant
- ๐ช Razor + nail kit
๐ฑ Tech & Electronics
- ๐ฑ Phone + power bank
- ๐ Adapter โ Thailand uses types A, B, C
- ๐ง Bluetooth earbuds
- ๐ท Travel camera or phone lens kit
๐ง Entertainment
- ๐ Kindle โ for long travel days
- ๐ง Music/podcasts โ essential on buses
- ๐ Cards or small games
๐ Extras
- ๐ฅค Water bottle with filter โ safe hydration
- ๐งต Sewing kit โ temple clothing repairs
- ๐๏ธ Foldable shopping bag โ for night markets
๐ Travel Tips
- ๐ซ Book trains/flights early โ itโs high season
- ๐ฒ Grab & Bolt apps โ for local transport
- ๐ Temples require shoulder & knee coverage
๐ Visa Tips
- ๐จ๏ธ Print proof of exit ticket
- ๐ท Passport photos โ some visa offices require
- ๐งณ Prepare customs form for arrival
โญ Must-Haves
- ๐ Passport
- ๐ฑ SIM card or eSIM
- ๐ณ Travel card + Baht cash
- โ๏ธ Sunscreen + water bottle
๐ Good-to-Have
- ๐งด After-sun lotion
- ๐ฆ Mosquito spray
- ๐ค Sleep mask for trains
- ๐ Cable lock for hostels
