Bangkok - What to Pack - Clothing and Supplies Tips

With lush tropical islands, ancient ruins, and friendly elephants, Thailand seems like the perfect place for a vacation. However, any vacation can turn south if you haven't brought the right clothes and supplies for your trip.

It should go without saying that a visit to a city in a rainforest could involve some precipitation. However, visitors from other countries might not understand just how much it rains in Bangkok until they get there, and then it might be too late. Bringing an umbrella is a great first step, although you can purchase them for cheap at most stores, and make certain it is small and portable. A poncho is also a good idea. Sometimes the jetties flood during the rainy season, so visitors traveling near to the Chao Phraya River should bring shorts and sandals.

Unless you plan on visiting Bangkok for a business meeting that requires a nice suit, do yourself a favor and pack clothing that's light and breathes well. Shorts, open shoes, and t-shirts are all good starts, since clothing without ventilation will quickly make you uncomfortably hot.  Since there's not much concern about modest clothing throughout the city, don't be afraid to wear as little as you're comfortable with if you want to keep cool.

The dual combination of sunscreen and bug spray will go a long way towards a happy vacation in Bangkok.  Not only is the sun particularly fierce, but the humidity makes it an unfortunate breeding zone for mosquitoes, including the mosquitoes who carry malaria. Both sunscreen and repellent are available at shops throughout the city, but travelers who have a preferred (or particularly powerful) brand might want to bring theirs from home.

Editor's Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Bangkok what to pack.