What to Wear in Thailand (Weather, Temples & Beaches Explained)

Planning a trip to Thailand? Discover what to wear in Thailand with tips on clothing, temple etiquette, and weather-friendly outfits.

I spent three weeks traveling all around beautiful Thailand. I hiked in the Northern Mountains of Chiang Mai. I walked around the bustling city of Bangkok and swam in the tropical waters of the Phi Phi Islands. And I visited many… many temples.

And as much planning as this trip took, figuring out my Thailand travel outfits took even longer! There are mutliple climates, relaxation days versus exploration days, swimming, hiking… and don’t forget the temple etiquette!

But have no fear! I eventaully put togheter the perfect Thailand Packing List and want to share my suggestions (with links!) with you.

Thailand outfit ideas for travelers

I’ve put together a list of everything I wore in Thailand, from the beaches to the temples to the cooler northern mountains.

One outfit I also recommend is this two-piece knit outfit. It was great for travelling in between parts of Thailand, as well as a comfortable outfit to wear on our overnight train to Chiang Mai.

what to wear in Thailand weather

Most poeple think Thailand is all beaches and humid weather. But if you plan on visiting the northern resgions around Chiang Mai or Chaing Rai, you’ll be in for a big surprise! These ares are often very cool and rain a lot.

In fact, it rains a lot in Thailand, everywhere you go. Even when it’s not rainy season.

Packing this Lightweight Waterproof Raincoat is always a good idea! Not only for the rain, but for the cooler temps if you head north. I love how it easily folds up and is lightweight, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

I also threw some of these Disposable Rain Ponchos in my luggage for Thailand. They take up no room, are easy to put in your purse, and are a great alternative to a full jacket. I used them more than I thought I would!

Not only did we need them when it started raining in Bangkok, but they were especially helpful when we visited a waterfall up close and would have been soaked without them!

Because it’s humid, I highly recommend bringing several pieces of lightweight clothing for hot weather. Even when it rained, it was still pretty warm.

Lightweight Clothing For Hot Weather

Fortunately, I left most of my cold-weather clothing at home. A light sweater or jacket is all you would need. Even in the cooler months.

Thailand really is a humid place, so even when the temperature drops, you still feel pretty warm. I brought a button-down white shirt to throw over my outfits. I love the versatility of a white button-down shirt. It can go over a basic outfit, a nice dress, or even be used as a cover-up for the beach.

Shop This Look! One of my favorite outfits for Thailand. I bought this Knit Two Piece Outfit that was super comfortable and lightweight, making it the perfect outfit to walk around all day in the humidity. I added the white button-down for nighttime when it got chilly, and paired it all with these White Sneakers.

I loved that outfit so much, I bought it in two colors and was so glad I did. I ended up wearing each one more than once because of how comfortable and lightweight it was. Im telling you, I wore this outfit on repeat with my crossbody bag and Birkenstock Slides.

what to wear on Thailand beaches

The Beaches of Thailand are pretty simple; there really isn’t a dress code, so you are free to wear cute bathing suits! I would suggest bringing a few, especially if you visit the southern part of Thailand and all the islands.

I chose this multipattern bathing suit because I thought the design was a perfect fit for Thailand, and strapless was perfect for those sunny days visiting the Phi Phi Islands. This Triangle Bikini Set was also a favorite of mine for visiting Thailand.

For a cover-up, I went with something simple. I love white because it keeps you cool and goes with everything. I used this Casual Sundress with Pockets to go over my suits when going on boat rides, or walking around Krabi and Railay Beach.

what to wear in Thailand temple

One reason Thailand can be hard to pack for is because of the Temples. Temple Etiquette typically states you need to have both your knees and your shoulders covered to enter. This can be difficult to plan for when it’s also really hot outside.

I found this wrap was perfect for temples. It is small and lightweight, easy to pack, and easy to throw in my purse when I’m not in the temple. But also easy to wrap around my shoulders.

These pants were one of my favorite items I brought to Thailand. They are so lightweight, I could walk around all day and not get hot. And they matched everything. Plus, I just thought they were super cute!

Shop: Women’s High Waisted Wide Leg Palazzo Trousers, Cotton Blend Soft Scarf, Crossbody Bag, White Tank, Birkenstock Slides.

I also brought a few pairs of very lightweight pants that would be appropriate for temples but wouldn’t be too hot to wear around Thailand either. I love a good pair of white linen pants for all my tropical vacations. They are so versatile and can be worn several different ways. I paired them with a simple blue tank and the purple wrap.

And simply threw the wrap around my shoulders when it was time to enter the temples! Any kind of lightweight, knee-length skirts would be a great option too.

Cute Thailand Outfits For Women

Let’s not forget some fun outfits! Thailand is a tropical paradise, and hey, you’re on vacation! So you also want some but Thailand Outfits. Here are some of the outfits I packed for Thailand that were just for fun…

Hands down, my favorite outfit of the entire trip. I wore this to walk around Krabi, and it was perfect for both day and night as well. Shop the Look: Summer Two-Piece Sets Boho Floral Set, White Tube Top.

I loved this dres for its tropical look and how easily you can throw on sandals for a casual look or dress it up for a nice dinner.

The two above outfits are a great example of bringing some simple, mix-and-match pieces. Same tank top, one with white shorts, I wore to walk all day around Bangkok for comfort. Then I chose to wear the same tank with the white linen shorts for another temple day.

I would also highly suggest bringing some workout or active clothing. We did this amazing hike in Phuket, and Im glad I threw in some active shorts and a tank, along with these great water shoes that you can hike in but also wear to the beach.

What to Wear in Thailand

Thailand has laundry services everywhere, and they are VERY cheap! So no need to overpack. It’s very easy and affordable to have your clothes washed, so you can pack less.

Just remember to keep it simple, pack mix and match outfits, go for comfort and lightweight clothing options, and you’re sure to have a great trip!

Thailand also has some amazing shopping places at very affordable prices, so its alswyas a good idea to plan to buy a few outfits while you are there as well!

Enjoy your trip!

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