Trip readiness checklist for Thailand
Bangkok streets, island beaches, and temples that expect covered shoulders — here's what to know and pack before takeoff.
Build my checklistEntry rules for a US passport
Visa-free for short stays under the visa-exemption scheme (60 days at last check, with talk of shortening it
Visa-free for short stays under the visa-exemption scheme (60 days at last check, with talk of shortening it; confirm for your dates).
- US passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), filed online within 3 days before you land — required since May 2025
- Proof of onward or return travel — a booking on your phone is enough
- Cash or a card statement showing funds, occasionally asked
Source: U.S. Department of State, checked September 14, 2026. Other passports get their own answer in the app. Confirm at the official source before you book.
What to pack
Thailand is hot, humid, and full of temples. Pack light, quick-dry clothes — plus something that covers shoulders and knees, because the temples have a dress code and they mean it.
Temple-appropriate clothing
Covered shoulders and knees are required at temples like the Grand Palace; a light scarf or sarong is the easiest fix.
Light, quick-dry fabrics
It's hot and humid most of the year; you'll sweat through heavy cotton.
Slip-on shoes or sandals
You'll remove shoes at temples and many shops and homes constantly.
Strong insect repellent
Mosquitoes are a real consideration, especially in the evenings and the rainy season.
When to go
The cool, dry season (Nov–Feb) is the most pleasant and the busiest. March–May is scorching; the monsoon (roughly Jun–Oct) brings warm downpours and lower prices. Pick your trade-off.
Money & getting around
Thailand uses the baht (฿). Cash is king for street food, markets, and tuk-tuks, though cards work in malls and hotels. Tipping isn't expected, but rounding up is appreciated. Agree tuk-tuk fares before you climb in.
Local quirks worth knowing
Thailand's social code comes down to two things: keep your cool, and keep respect flowing — upward to the monarchy, inward at the temples.
The monarchy is off-limits
Disrespecting the royal family is literally illegal — no jokes, and don't step on a dropped banknote (it bears the King's face).
Heads high, feet low
Never touch anyone's head; never point your feet at people or Buddha images. Tuck them sideways when sitting in temples.
A smile beats volume
Raising your voice loses face for everyone involved and gets you nowhere. Calm and smiling wins every negotiation.
Return the wai
The palms-together greeting. A nod and smile is a perfectly acceptable foreigner's reply — don't wai children or staff first.
A week in Thailand, the list starts here
Quantities scale with your dates, the weather groups arrive once we have your travel days, and your own plans add their gear on Trip Pass.
- Passport & travel documents1
- Phone charger & adapter1
- Wallet, cards & some local cash1
- Toiletries bag1
- Any daily medicationsenough for the trip
- Underwear7
- Socks7
- T-shirts / tops5
What am I forgetting?
A real answer from Trip Happens for a sample week in Thailand, departing in five weeks with a checked bag and nothing packed yet. Yours is built from your own trip.
Five weeks out, Bangkok in late October. Three gaps.
- 1.
The TDAC, filed near arrival
Thailand's Digital Arrival Card has been required since May 2025, and the entry guide says to file it online within three days before you land. Set a reminder for around 17 October rather than trying to do it now.
- 2.
Temple-legal clothes
A week in Bangkok means temples, and the dress code covering shoulders and knees is enforced. Pack one light long-sleeve layer and trousers or a long skirt in quick-dry fabric alongside the hot-weather clothes.
- 3.
Baht in cash
Late October still falls in the monsoon window, and street food, markets and tuk-tuks run on cash while malls and hotels take cards. Plan how you'll get baht on arrival, and agree tuk-tuk fares before climbing in.
Entry, advisories & health
These change. Confirm at the official source before you book.
Entry and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Confirm the current rules for Thailand with the official source below before you book.
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Thailand — check the current level and any alerts before you go.
CDC traveler health page for Thailand — recommended vaccines, health notices, and a packing checklist.
Get the full Thailand checklist
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