What To Wear In Thailand: Thailand is a tropical country, which means that the weather can be quite hot and humid. Therefore, when it comes to packing for your trip to Thailand, you should keep in mind what kind of clothing will be comfortable and appropriate for the country.
Whether you’re planning a resort vacation in Phuket or an urban adventure in Bangkok, it’s important to make sure your wardrobe is appropriate.
With our today’s tips, you will be ready to enjoy the tropical climate and cultural wonders of this beautiful country in comfort and style!
How to Dress in Thailand?
Thailand is a modest country, and it is respectful to dress conservatively when visiting temples or other cultural sites. Light, breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothes are preferred. It is also best to avoid revealing clothing and shorts when visiting temples or other sacred places.
If you’re thinking of dressing or packing according to the weather in Thailand, then you need to know that Thailand is hot and humid almost all year round.
Winter is the most popular season there for tourists and this is usually in the months of November to February but even then, the temperature hardly drops below 25 °C with the sun shining throughout the day time.
So spending winter in Thailand is perfect as you can still get suntans and enjoy it to the fullest.
While you can wear whatever you want in most parts of Thailand, including bikinis as your beach outfit, when you’re visiting a temple or other religious site, your shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect.
What to Pack for a Trip to Thailand?
Packing for a trip to Thailand can be an overwhelming experience, especially for travelers.
Knowing what to pack for your trip is essential to make sure that you have everything you need and don’t forget anything important. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on what to pack for Thailand so that you are prepared for your upcoming trip!
- Light and breathable fabrics: Thailand is warm and humid all year round, so you will need to pack clothes made of lightweight and breathable fabrics. Therefore, Cotton, linen, rayon, and silk are great options that will help you stay cool and comfortable in the heat.
- Sun protection: Thailand is close to the equator, and the sun is strong all year round, so make sure you pack a sunblock. Bring a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect yourself from the sun if you have sensitive skin. You can also opt for lightweight, breathable clothing made from sun-protective fabric.
- Thailand is a conservative country, and visitors should dress modestly. This means avoiding short skirts, shorts, and revealing tops. Strappy tanks and booty shorts may be okay to wear at some of the beaches in Thailand but I definitely would not wear them in cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
- Accessories: Accessories are a great way to add a touch of style to your outfit and keep you cool at the same time. Pack a lightweight scarf to protect your head and neck from the sun. You can also bring a hat or a beach tote to carry your essentials while exploring the island.
- Comfortable shoes: You will do a lot of walking in Thailand, so make sure you pack a pair of comfortable shoes. Sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops are suitable for walking long distances. If you plan to visit temples or other sacred sites, make sure to pack a pair of shoes that can be easily removed, as you may be asked to take them off before entering.
Casual & Comfy Outfits
These are the outfits that you can wear when roaming around the streets and markets of Thailand, for your casual lunches or dinners and for exploring different tourist destinations. If you want to take some fancy pictures for the gram, you can even carry and extra pair of heels or formal shoes with you that you can wear when taking the pictures and then put away when you need to walk.
If you’re traveling solo, you must also learn these tips on How To Take Your Own Outfit Photos.
22 – What to Wear to a Thai Massage?
Almost everyone visiting Thailand has a Thai massage on their itinerary, as the country is famous for its massage parlors. Mostly, these massages are done with you wearing your clothes so f you plan on going to one, make sure to wear something loose that allows freedom of movement. So imagine the kind of clothes you would wear for yoga (but not tight pants or sports bras).
The outfit must be loose fitting but, at the same time, not too revealing as you need to respect their cultural values, so short skirts or shorts also need to be avoided.
21 – white cropped knit sweater with brown pants
If you ever find yourself struggling with what to wear in Thailand, go for the basics in your wardrobe. Pairing a brown pair of pants with a white collared shirt with a white knit cropped sweater as a coverup is your safest bet. To complete the casual yet easy look, you can wear your favourite pair of sneakers and a cute shoulder bag.
20 – dark blue jeans overalls with Red Bandana Headband
If you’re looking for an easy outfit pick that will give you a tourist aesthetic when traveling through Thailand, dark blue jeans overalls with a red bandana headband are a great option. This outfit is comfortable and casual, yet still stylish and put-together. Plus, it’s easy to pack and won’t take up too much space in your suitcase. For extra sunny and hot days, wear sunnies to protect your eyes.
19 – Skin-toned crochet top styled with matching trousers
Thailand is an amazing country to visit, especially during summertime. Beaches in Thailand are some of the most beautiful and alluring in the world, filled with tourists and locals alike.
If you want to remain moderate in your attire, you may choose to wear a crochet top as a cover-up for your bikini set. A skin-toned crochet top complemented with a pair of matching trousers is perfect for those looking to stay away from the more revealing beachwear.
18 – Sky-Blue Collar shirt with off-white pants
For a casual street outfit in Thailand, consider a sky-blue collar shirt paired with off-white pants and styled with sunglasses, minimal jewellery, and white sandals. The sky-blue colour is both refreshing and stylish, making it a great choice for exploring the city or visiting markets and street vendors.
The collar adds a touch of sophistication to the look, while the lightweight and breathable fabric will keep you comfortable in the heat. Sunglasses are a must for protecting your eyes and adding a touch of cool to the look. Finally, white sandals are a practical and stylish choice for all the walking you’ll be doing.
17 – Graphic T-shirt with blue jeans
This is a great casual and comfortable outfit for a city walk or a coffee date with friends. The combination of blue jeans and a white graphic tee is both classic and trendy, and the chain bag adds a touch of sophistication. The black sandals will provide a chic look.
16 – neon green top with black flapper trousers
Visiting Thailand in the summer can be a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared with the right kind of clothing. Light-colored clothing with bright colors like yellow is a great option for staying cool.
A neon green top with black flapper trousers and a pair of flip-flops is a perfect way to look stylish and remain comfortable during the hot summer days.
With this fashionable and functional outfit, you can walk through the streets of Bangkok in confidence.
15 – dark blue denim jacket with jean shorts
When in Thailand, it’s a must to visit the green hilly areas. To enjoy the whole journey it is important to be dressed right. When hiking it is crucial to stay cool therefore, you can wear your jean shorts with a tank top paired with a dark blue denim jacket in case it gets chilly on the top. Furthermore, Don’t forget to pack a water bottle and your sunglasses!
outfits to wear at temples in Thailand
Thailand is famous for its temples, as they’re simply magical places. But since these are holy sites, you need to be respectful and wear modest clothing.
Shorts, tops that show cleavage and other revealing outfits should be avoided in these temples.
14 – a Red floral dress with brown sandals
If you’re planning a trip to a temple in Thailand, you may be wondering what to wear. Fortunately, we have researched the best outfits for temple visits. To ensure comfort and respect, a good option is to wear a lightweight, modest dress that falls below the knee and covers the arms. To complete the look, pair the outfit with comfortable flat sandals such as brown so you can explore the place with ease!
13 – floral Black and white maxi dress
A floral black and white maxi dress is a great choice for visiting temples in Thailand. This type of dress is both elegant and conservative, making it appropriate for the cultural norms of the country. The black and white colour combination create a classic and timeless look, while the floral print adds a touch of femininity.
Pair the dress with a pair of comfortable sandals, a hat to protect your face from the sun, and a scarf to cover your head and neck when entering the temples. This stylish and practical outfit will have you feeling confident and comfortable while exploring the amazing temples of Thailand.
12 – White top paired with a long lilac skirt
Planning a trip to Thailand is an exciting prospect and should involve a visit to one of the many temples in the country. Wat Pho and Wat Arun are two of the most popular temples in Bangkok, making them ideal locations for a day of sightseeing. When visiting these temples, visitors should ensure that they dress appropriately and respectfully.
A white, loose-fitted top should be paired with a long, loose-fitted skirt; the skirt should be of a light color, such as lilac. Not only is this respectful, but it can help visitors to stay cool in the heat all while showing respect for the local culture and customs.
Outfits to wear at the beach in Thailand
Thailand is all about beach life and you’re free to wear any of your favourite beachwear to these beaches. Bikinis, burkinis, shorts, trunks, speedos – everything is acceptable here. Remember to take your water-friendly flip-flops though, as shoes can get pretty messy there.
11 – Red-Orange Patterned dress with matching sandals
When you’re in Phuket, Thailand and you want to enjoy the beach with your significant other, don’t be afraid to wear red! A red-orange midi-length dress with straps is your best friend. Pair it with matching fiery red sandals and red lips, and your partner will be in awe!
10 – Long White string dress with lace
9 – white zip-up swimsuit paired with funky pants
Going to a yacht party in Thailand? Confused about what to wear? The safest bet is to wear your swimsuit with a pair of pants to avoid sunburn. You can wear a white zip-up swimsuit paired with funky pants.
it is equally important to use sunscreen when going on a yacht! No one wants to get sunburned on their trip to Thailand, so make sure you use sunscreen every day and reapply often if needed.
Semi-Formal Outfits
If you have a fancy dinner planned in Thailand, you might want to pack some semi-formal outfits. These outfits can also be worn for drinks at Bangkok’s sky bar, Island hopping, the all night dance parties or even for visits to the palaces – basically any place where you want to look dressed up.
8 – A long White dress with black corset belt
7 – Multi-coloured Floral Top with Brown Shorts
For a fun and colourful summer look in Thailand, consider a multi-coloured floral top paired with brown shorts and styled with a pleated bag and shoes. The floral top is eye-catching and playful, making it a great choice for a day out in the sun.
The brown shorts provide a warm and earthy contrast to the vibrant top, while also being versatile. The pleated bag adds a touch of sophistication to the look and is perfect for carrying all your essentials.
Finally, comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the streets and beaches of Thailand. Whether you’re sightseeing or shopping, this outfit is the perfect choice for a day in the sun.
6 – a white slit-top with black velvet pants
Going out for a night in a town in Thailand is an exciting prospect. When going to restaurants, it is a cultural norm to dress formally. A white slit top is a great choice for a night out, as it is stylish and provides a touch of femininity, while the slit detailing adds an element of sexiness.
To complete the look, consider pairing the outfit with gold metallic heels and hoops. The gold hue adds a touch of luxury and glitz, while the heels will help you to look and feel fabulous. Finally, don’t forget to finish the look with bold lipstick.
5 – black dress with tweed pockets Paired with green heels
For the perfect dress, you need to find the right shoes. Green heels are the perfect choice for a destination wedding in Thailand, as they give summer vibes! They add a touch of elegance to your outfit and they go great with your black dress.
4 – Red-hot knee-length dress
For a romantic candlelit dinner in Thailand, consider a red knee-length dress paired with white pumps and a matching red purse. The knee-length hemline is both elegant and appropriate, making it perfect for a special occasion. The dress should be made of lightweight and breathable fabric to keep you cool and comfortable in the warm climate of Thailand.
The white pumps provide a crisp and classic contrast to the red dress, while also elongating the legs and making you look taller. The red matching purse adds an extra touch of glamour, pulling the entire look together and making you feel confident and stylish.
Celebrity Style Inspo
3 – Thai Celebrities Celebrating Chinese New Year
Bangkok is known for its celebration of the Chinese New Year. We usually see the elite and Thai celebrities wear something traditional for this occasion:
- Thai actress and model, Araya A. Hargate was seen in a beautiful printed red dress with her daughter looking super cute in a matching outfit. You know we have a thing for matching mother daughter outfits and this one truly stole the show.
- Another renowned Thai actress, Sririta Jensen Narongdej, posted a family picture where she was seen wearing a beautiful silk dress in a traditional print.
- Tha-Norwegian actress Urassaya Sperbund, went for a modern matching set outfit but of course kept it red in the spirit of the new year.
Hollywood celebrities also love visiting Thailand, especially for its luxury spas and massage; here’s a look at what they have been seen wearing during their visits:
2 – Victoria Beckham
The Beckhams are frequent travelers to Thailand; here’s a picture from the couple’s Thai resort.
1 – Angelina Jolie
Angelina has been seen in Thailand many times, including the filming for her movie Tomb Raider and she even got one of her tattoos from Thailand. Here we see her in a cute, casual fit as she visits a Thai spa.
FAQs
Q. Can I wear shorts or leggings in Thailand?
Ans. The answer to this question depends on the context and the location. Thailand is an incredibly diverse country, offering a range of temperatures depending on which region you visit.
While it’s always advisable to consider the local customs, shorts, and leggings are typically considered acceptable attire in tourist-heavy areas. However, if you’re visiting a religious site or a more conservative area, then you should opt for longer and looser clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Q. What should I wear on a plane to Thailand?
Ans. When flying to Thailand, it is important to consider what to wear for the flight. Comfort is key when choosing the right outfit, as you may be spending up to twenty hours on the plane.
Opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, as these materials will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the flight. As for clothing itself, a casual outfit of jeans and a t-shirt, or a dress and a light blazer are both great choices.
Q. What clothes do people wear in Thailand?
Ans. The dress code in Thailand is quite relaxed yet there is a certain level of respect people should maintain when visiting. The most common clothing for daily life is simple and comfortable, such as T-shirts, shorts, and sandals.
In more formal situations, such as government offices or temples, visitors should dress more conservatively. This means wearing long pants or skirts, as well as long-sleeved shirts.