What to Pack for Phuket: A Complete Guide for a Comfortable Vacation
When planning a trip, tourists often ask the same question: what to pack for Phuket to ensure a comfortable and budget-friendly vacation. The climate, vacation experience, and local characteristics are very different from those of other resorts, so proper preparation is crucial.
Phuket is a tropical island with year-round hot weather , active excursions , the sea, beaches , and a rich tourist infrastructure. Below is a detailed breakdown of what's truly useful on your trip, and what can safely be left at home.
Documents and finances
The first thing you should check before departure is your documents. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Thailand. It is also recommended to have a printed return ticket and hotel reservation confirmation—sometimes these may be requested at the border. Visa-free entry requires all tourists to provide proof of financial means—a minimum of 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family (independent travelers are rarely asked to provide cash equivalent to this amount). To enter Thailand, everyone is required to complete a TDAC before arriving in Thailand, regardless of their visa status or purpose of visit.
Both cash and bank cards are acceptable for payment in Phuket, but it is important to keep in mind that Cash in baht/dollars/euros remains the most versatile option. You can exchange currency upon arrival (the airport exchange rate is unfavorable) or at exchange offices throughout the island. Larger bills usually get a better rate. To avoid scams, avoid exchanging currency on Telegram channels. We wrote about this in detail in the article "What currency to take to Thailand in 2025-2026: exchange tips and information."
Many tourists also take medical insurance with them. While it's not always formally required, it can save significant money in the event of illness or injury. We strongly recommend not ignoring this, as healthcare in Thailand is very expensive.
Clothing for Phuket
When choosing clothes, it's important to remember: Phuket is hot and humid. "What to pack for Phuket" is one of the most popular search queries, and the answer is quite simple.
Lightweight items made from natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and viscose are best. T-shirts, shorts, dresses, sundresses, and loose shirts will be the most comfortable. A thin sweater or cape is ideal for evening walks and in air-conditioned rooms.
If you plan to visit temples or go on excursions, it's a good idea to wear opaque clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This is a sign of respect for the local culture.
We recommend bringing your own swimsuits, as selection at Phuket's markets and shops can be limited. Despite the perpetual summer, brands offer their collections seasonally—don't be surprised to find warm clothes at H&M and Zara if you're visiting Thailand in winter.
Shoes
For beach holidays and strolls around the island, comfortable sandals or flip-flops are sufficient, as well as one pair of lightweight shoes for excursions. If you're planning trips to observation decks, waterfalls, or strolls through the old town, comfortable shoes will be a big plus.
Closed shoes are rarely necessary, but may come in handy during the rainy season or for active tours (such as ziplining ).
First aid kit and cosmetics
There are pharmacies literally everywhere in Phuket, but tourists still often search for information on what medications to take to Thailand. The reason is simple: it's easier to take common medications from home than to search for similar ones locally.
It is worth putting in the first aid kit:
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remedies for headaches and fever,
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digestive preparations,
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antihistamines,
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individual medications if you take them regularly.
If you still need to find a medication in Phuket, you won't have any problems. We've described the most popular medications and their equivalents in the article "Medicines in Thailand: How to Find Pharmacies and Alternatives."
Pay special attention to sunscreen. The Thai sun is very strong, especially during the first few days of your vacation. A high SPF sunscreen will help prevent sunburn and ruin your vacation. Also note that in protected areas and national parks, the use of sunscreens containing the following ingredients is prohibited: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben. According to new regulations, using sunscreens containing these ingredients can result in fines of up to 100,000 baht. There have been no legal penalties so far, but it's best to play it safe. Choose sunscreens that are environmentally friendly—they're often labeled "eco-friendly" or "coral safe."
Mosquito repellent will also be useful, especially in the evening and during excursions to natural areas. You don't need to bring it with you; you can buy it at any supermarket at the beginning of your vacation.
Technology and useful things
The most common electronic items are a smartphone, chargers, and a power bank. Electrical outlets in Thailand generally accept European plugs, so an adapter is rarely needed, but it can be useful occasionally.
Waterproof phone cases and excursion bags are useful for a beach holiday. If you're planning on snorkeling, you can bring your own mask, but you can easily buy one on site if you prefer. Most of our boat excursions provide masks and snorkels free of charge.
What you shouldn't take with you to Phuket
Many tourists overload their suitcases, packing "just in case" items. In reality, it's easy to buy almost everything in Phuket: clothes, cosmetics, beach accessories. It's best to leave warm clothing, complex electronics, and large supplies of household items at home.
There's also no point in taking too much cash—the island is well-suited for tourists, and currency exchange is available everywhere.
In short, what to pack for Phuket is documents, light clothing, a basic first aid kit, sunscreen, and a good mood. Anything else is either unnecessary or easily found once you're there.
Proper preparation for your trip will allow you to enjoy the beaches, sea, excursions, and nature of Thailand from the very first days, without being distracted by everyday details.
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