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Birthdays are always special to me and set the tone for the rest of my year. I’ve been looking to get out of my comfort zone and go somewhere new. With so much change happening in my personal and professional life, rest and relaxation were high on my list of wants when thinking of how I wanted to spend my special day. Thailand had always been on my never-ending list of places to go, and it wasn’t hard to convince myself to visit someplace that was drastically different weather-wise than chilly New York City in February. With my sights set on exploring the island, hanging by the beach, and soaking up some sun—I knew packing light was going to be the easy part, but narrowing down what to take and what not to take would be the challenge. Take a look below for the items I packed for a weeklong birthday trip to Thailand.
Luggage and accessories
Away The Carry-On Flex
Away has been a beloved luggage brand of our Traveler editors and I was more than happy to join the list. I chose the Carry-on Flex—even though most of my outfit options were thin and light, I still wanted room for souvenirs. The Flex didn’t disappoint and surprisingly fit in the overhead bin for my Qatar Airways flights where seven pounds was my weight limit.
With souvenirs on my mind, I wanted to optimize as much space as possible. I'd never used packing cubes before, but after checking out our list I went with the Bagail packing cubes: They came in a set of six and included a laundry bag that ultimately proved to be a game-changer when returning home.
My love for Converse stems from scrolling on Tumblr in my adolescence when the classic All-Star high tops were at the center of every aesthetic from bright, thrifty hipster to the resurgence of moody grunge. They’re the shoe I gravitate towards to dress down an outfit. I love to pair Converse with dresses to give a more leisurely look.
A sandal that could endure some walking was high on my list. I opted for the Arizona Essential sandal. Normally Birkenstocks take a bit of “wearing in” before they’re comfortable, but these are made from a soft rubber-like foam. They're great for miles of walking through sand, puddles, and heat.
With seven different beaches on the island of Phuket, I knew most of my days would be spent soaking up the sun. I opted for a tube top style that would leave me with little to no awkward tan lines.
ASOS satin beach shirt and palazzo pants
With so many restaurants on the beach, I was on the hunt for a swimsuit cover-up that could double as possible lunch attire. I went with a matching set that could easily be dressed up or down. The vibrant green color and bubbled texture gave this simple silky set plenty of character.
Not all jean shorts are made equally and I find myself steering away from certain styles. The 501 high rise shorts are the perfect amount of distressed (I won’t have to take my scissors and chop away at strings within a few washes.)
A classic button-down is always a great addition to a beach vacation. It gives an effortless look while also keeping you cool. The Button-Back big shirt gives a unique twist to the adored wardrobe staple. For those who love to tie their shirts at the waist, this is the option you’ve been looking for to combat the bulkiness this can create.
I packed light, but I wasn’t anticipating the heat that Thailand in February would have. I often found myself doing quick changes between different events. This free flowing maxi dress was one of the few outfits that could easily transition from day to night. The open back of the dress adds a flirty look to the romantically billowed, tiered silhouette of the front.
When entering ceremonial and sacred sites in Thailand, it is customary to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. Many of the tours you sign up for might not relay that until you’re checking in a day before, so make sure you have outfits prepared for it.
Buck Mason Pima slim crew
I brought a clean, white tee that I knew could pair with any pants I brought with me. The white tee can also help to make some of your more stringy dresses more modest when visiting temples. I always gravitate towards the Pima crew due to it’s soft, breathable material.
The short sleeves of the Yours midi dress is perfect for anyone that is going to be visiting temples but runs very hot. The pastel green sripes align right with the upcoming spring season and can pair well with neutral shades.
For a bolder option, look towards the Monki Poplin maxi shirt dress. Although many gravitate toward short sleeves in hotter temperatures, the sheer, long sleeves will keep you protected from intense sun exposure.
Instead of going the resort route, I booked a loft about two miles from Kamala Beach. It was within walking distance from convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, which became a daily stop for breakfast and snacks. The Airbnb itself was a beautiful, two-bedroom loft with a balcony. The walk-in shower was an undisputed gem with its pebbled flooring that always was a treat after extremely hot days.
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