Packing lists

What to pack for Thailand in January

January is the heart of the dry season across most of Thailand, and it is the most comfortable time to visit. Bangkok is still hot, with afternoons around 90°F, but the humidity eases and rain is rare. In the north, mornings in Chiang Mai can be cool enough for a light sweater.

So the list is built from light, breathable pieces, with enough coverage for the temples. The Grand Palace and the big temples require covered shoulders and knees, and you take your shoes off to go inside. Everything else is simple: beachwear, sun protection and one layer for cool mornings and freezing air conditioning.

Checked

The weather

Daytime high
90°F
32°C in Bangkok. The islands are a little cooler.
Overnight low
72°F
22°C in Bangkok. Chiang Mai can drop to 57°F (14°C).
Wet days
~1
Dry across most of the country. The Gulf islands can see showers.
Daylight
11.5 h
Sunset around 6pm all month.

The capsule

Ten days, one traveler, Gilt palette. Gray and ivory that stay cool, with a touch of gold for rooftop evenings. A capsule is a few clothes in one palette (a base color, a neutral and an accent) that all go together. The full list below adds what sits outside it.

Gilt palette · 11 pieces · 18 outfits

Layers

  • Linen shirt, for templesLinen shirt, for temples
  • Light cardiganLight cardigan

Tops

  • Cotton tankCotton tank
  • Boxy cotton teeBoxy cotton tee
  • Silk camisole, for eveningsSilk camisole, for evenings

Bottoms

  • Loose palazzo pantsLoose palazzo pants
  • Maxi skirtMaxi skirt
  • Linen shortsLinen shorts

Shoes

  • Slip-on sandalsSlip-on sandals
  • Flip-flopsFlip-flops
  • Trail runnersTrail runners

Three days from this capsule

Grand Palace and temples
Island beach afternoon
Rooftop bar evening

Shown for one traveler. Packlier packs a capsule like this for each person on the trip.

The full list

Clothes

  • Four or five light tops
  • At least one top with sleeves, for temples
  • Loose pants or a long skirt that covers your knees
  • Shorts for the beach and the islands
  • Two swimsuits
  • Beach cover-up
  • Light cardigan or long-sleeve shirt
  • Something a little dressier for a rooftop bar

Shoes

  • Sandals you can slip off quickly
  • Flip-flops for beaches and showers
  • Sneakers or trail runners for hikes and waterfalls

Sun and bugs

  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • After-sun lotion
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Dry bag for boat trips
  • Sunglasses

Documents and tech

  • Passport, valid for six months
  • Travel insurance that covers the activities you plan
  • Motorbike license, if you plan to ride
  • Some cash in baht for markets, street food and taxis
  • Universal plug adapter (220V)
  • Power bank
  • eSIM or local SIM

Health and toiletries

  • Stomach remedies and rehydration salts
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Any prescriptions, in your carry-on

Accessories

  • Crossbody bag that zips shut

Gear worth the space

  • Loose, lightweight pants

    Cool enough for a 90°F day, modest enough for any temple, and they pack down to almost nothing.

  • Slip-on sandals with a back strap

    Easy off at the temple door and secure enough for a day of walking. Look for a sole with some grip for wet steps.

  • A small dry bag

    Five liters is enough for a phone, cash, sunscreen and a passport on a boat or beach day.

  • Quick-dry fabrics

    In the heat you will change more often and wash in the sink. Linen and other light pieces dry overnight and let you pack half as much.

Bangkok near 90°F, temples that want covered shoulders and knees, air conditioning that freezes. Packlier packs your trip for all of it.

Tell it where, when, why, which bag and which palette, and it packs the capsule, checks it against the bag and adds everything that is not clothing. Launching this year on Android, with iOS to follow.

One email at launch, nothing else.