What to pack for your trip to Thailand

Layers, layers, layers. Thailand is located close to the equator, which gives it a tropical climate with average year-round temperatures around 26-27°C and quite high humidity levels around 85-90%. Wear loose and breathable clothes that are comfortable in the humid heat and dry quickly when wet from either sweat or rain.

Thailand’s climate is characterized by two monsoon seasons. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March, and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. During these periods tropical rain fall in the form of showers or thunderstorms may be quite intense, although usually short-lived. Ideal are lightweight hoodies like the highly weatherproof Arc'teryx Squamish jacket, which is breathable, too – handy for when the weather clears up again.

If you travel during the wet season, you might also opt for an actual rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell.

Lightweight shoes for hiking. Pack a not-too-bulky pair of trail runners that can handle both streets and trails in dry and wet conditions, such as Saucony’s Peregrine 7 for men or women, that hold up well on wet and dry ground.

Mosquito and sun protection. Along with an effective bug repellent and great sunscreen, bring a wide-brimmed hat – when the sun is out in Thailand it's strong year-round. Tilley's LTM6 AirFlo Hat is stylish enough to wear in the city, but also keep you cool and provide a convenient perch for a personal mosquito net, like this one from Outdoor Research.

Don't forget your swimwear! You’ll also want a comfortable, easily adjusted pair of goggles, like Aqua Sphere goggles and a space-saving microfiber towel like the Sea to Summit DryLite towel. A pair of sandals, like Chaco's Z/VOLV or Ecotread, will give you better traction on wet surfaces than a standard pair of flip-flops.

Power adapter and charger. Most Thailand power outlets support one of three different types of power plugs, types A, B, and C. However there are still some older buildings that only support two prong plugs (types A and C). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Type A, B, and C power adapters are included in this world adapter set from Bestek, and a multiport charger, like Anker’s compact Powerport 4.

Packing cubes. They not only keep your suitcase organized, but also compact your clothes to save space. One of frequent travellers'favorites are Eagle Creek‘s Pack-It cubes, which come in different sizes so you can tailor your setup to your needs.

Travel guides. The Lonely Planet's Thailand guide provides great advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes in Chiang Mai, rock-climb the limestone karsts (or watch from the sugar-white beaches) of Railay, and trek through dense jungle and stay in tree-top bungalows in Kanchanaburi.

Also check out the official Thailand Tourism website with lots of useful information.