What to Pack for a Vacation in Phuket

By Paula Parker

Phuket Vacation Packing List and Packing Tips

What to pack when travelling to Phuket !

The hardest decision when going on holidays is deciding what to pack!

We all tend to pack way too much and pack things that we don’t really need.

It’s important to be organized when planning a vacation, especially a family vacation.

The best idea is to write a vacation packing list with things that you need to do before you leave.

As well as a list of things that you will need to pack, ensuring that you and your family can enjoy a totally worry free vacation in Phuket.

When you are deciding what to pack for your vacation to Phuket keep in mind that it is a tropical climate and that the weather is always warm.

Any kind of jacket is rarely required and lightweight cotton clothing is the most comfortable and will keep you cooler in the hot humid tropical weather.

The dress code throughout Phuket is very casual and you can get away with wearing very casual clothing for almost any occasion at most venues.

Most people usually only wear T-shirts and shorts, skirts, bikini and sarongs.

If you are planning on eating out in upmarket restaurants you might want to pack some short sleeve shirts and lightweight pants for the guys and a dress or two for the ladies.

Phuket is a shopper’s heaven; clothes are cheap so only take with you what you really need as you will need the room in your bags to bring all your shopping home.

Which brings up the question of how big a bag do I need to have?

Bags come in all shapes and sizes and choosing the correct type of luggage is very important.

You don't want a bag that is too large or heavy before you even pack your clothes, so shop around and choose the type of bag that best suits your needs.

We have found some of the cheaper bags are good but they tend to be heavy and they don't seem to last the distance.

If you find that you need washing done throughout your holiday, laundry services are relatively cheap in Phuket.

Most Resorts and Hotels have their own laundry services; however you can find laundry shops throughout the Island which are much cheaper than the Resorts.

What to pack in your hand luggage for your flight to Phuket

Essential Carry On Luggage

• Passport
• Travel tickets
• Insurance information 
• Luggage Keys
• Medications and a copy of prescription
• Cash
• Credit cards
• Travellers cheques 
• Small amount of Thai Baht for when you arrive in Phuket

Non Essential Carry On Luggage

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• makeup
• roll on deodorant
• anti bacterial wipes
• Phone and charger
• Camera and charger
• I Pod
• Support socks/stockings
• A light jacket or cardigan for the flight
• A good book or magazine
• A change of clothes just in case your luggage is delayed
• Lollies and chewing gum can help to soothe ears if you feel discomfort on take off or landing.

What to pack in your hand luggage when flying with kids

If flying with kids to Phuket ensure that you pack lots of in-flight fun activities to keep the kids occupied during the flight.

What you pack for the kids will depend on their age, below is a list of boredom busters to keep them occupied.

• Reading books
• Puzzle book
• Colouring book and pencils
• I Pod
• Game boy
• Portable DVD and movies
• A Cuddly Toy, but be careful if taking a favourite teddy with you, imagine the tears if they get lost
• Card games
• Non sugary snacks
• I Pad / Notebook

It is advisable to check with the airline on what their weight and size restrictions are for hand luggage.

Also make sure that you don’t carry sharp objects such as scissors, metal nail files or tweezers.

Clothing & what to pack for a vacation in Phuket

Pack really, really lightly when going to Phuket, as you will find lots of bargain shopping once you arrive.

The most important item of clothing to pack is your swimmers, as most fun activities in Phuket involves water.

Packing List for Men

• Two pairs of board shorts
• Two singlets or T shirts
• Cotton Shirt for evening wear
• A pair of light weight shorts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Underwear and socks
• Thongs (Flipflops) and/or sandals
• Toiletries

Packing List for Women

• Swimmers and Sarong
• Two pairs of shorts
• Four tops
• Dress and skirt
• Toiletries
• Underwear, Bras and socks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals and/or thongs (Flipflops)
  
  

Packing List for Kids

• Three T Shirts or singlets
• Two pairs of shorts
• Two or three dresses for the girls
• Light weight shorts for the boys
• Cotton shirt for evening wear for the boys
• Board shorts or swimmers
• Underwear and socks
• Sleepwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Thongs (Flipflops) and/or sandals
• Toiletries
  
  

Incidentals & what to pack for a holiday in Phuket

Mosquito repellent and sunscreen is a must, you may choose to pack your favorite or if you don’t you will find lots of pharmacies, 7 elevens or Family marts where you can purchase these items from.

Battery chargers for your phone and laptop chargers are easy to forget and having to find a replacement when you arrive in Phuket is not really a great start to anyone’s holiday.

Always pack a power adapter for your electrical items to be charged such as mobile phone, camera and lap top.

It is a good idea to also take a power board from your country so that you can charge more than one item at a time.

Phuket Packing Tips

Lay all your clothes out on your bed that you think you will need to take with you, and then halve it!!

When packing your suitcase, forget about folding your clothes individually, they will end up wrinkled.

The best way to pack your clothes and avoid wrinkles is to roll them up.

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