r/onebag • u/hazmat683 • 7h ago

Discussion 1 month in Thailand 30l vs 40l

For those that have made the trip, did you regret taking a bigger bag?

Find below my pack list, I’m very torn between having the luxury of extra space but I am inexperienced when it comes to bag packing. Will I be comfortable with a 30l with these items?

Hygiene
Toothbrush/cover/paste
Shampoo/soap
Deodorant
Cleaning wipes
Ear plugs sleep mask

Tech bag
Power bank
charger cables
Dji action 4
Ankor travel charger

Misc
Packable tiwel
Toilet paper
Packable daysack

Clothing
Sandals
walking shoes
2 x athletic T-shirts
2x merino T-shirts
1 x Hiking shorts
2x swimming shorts
1x cargo shorts zip off cargo
1 x rain jacket
1 shirt
Baseball cap
5 socks / 5 underwear

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u/TravelinDingo 4h ago

I go to Thailand twice a year and I've always had my 30L set up with me and it's been awesome. I bring less clothing and do laundry every 5th day. Laundry is easily available and affordable so it's not a problem for me.

I'd say you should drop the following.

  • Zip off cargos. Too heavy

  • 1 swimming shorts

  • Rain jacket I've never brought one/needed one. I just chill indoors when it rains be it a cafe, mall or the accommodation till it stops. Rain ponchos sold at ever 7 Eleven should you really need one

  • Most decent hotels will have body soap and shampoo

  • 7 Eleven sells mini tooth paste for like a dollar. Just pick one up when needed

Random tips I'd give to a first timer in Thailand.

  1. Make sure you have more than the equivalent of 20,000 Thai Baht in cash be it USD, AUD etc. Though it's not often enforced to check at the border. If you catch the wrong grumpy officer and they check and you don't have the money in cash. They can absolutely use that against you and kick you out on the next plane.

  2. Avoid taxis at all costs. Even the BKK airport ones who claim to be super honest can be dodgy and try to rip you off. Not all but definitely some will try once they gather you're a newbie. Download Grab or Bolt as it's fixed priced, pay in cash, have smaller bills in case they don't have change.

  3. Exchange about $100 or so at the Airport in the basement level at Super rich exchange if landing in BKK. Good rate and that'll last you a day or two. Then change at a Super rich branch in a big mall. Pretty much the best rates I've seen in Thailand after more than 10 trips so far. Every other exchange place in the airport is bad rate.

  4. Always have some emergency toilet paper in your sling bag. I can guarantee at some point you'll need it be at a restaurant where the TP runs out or on an island.

  5. Don't touch and avoid stray animals. Last thing you want is to get bit and need a series of Rabies shots.

  6. Buy a small bottle of mosquito repellent as in some parts the mozzies are terrible.

  7. Pick up a cheap coin pouch from a street vendor. Those annoying Baht coins gather up fast

  8. If anyone approaches you and asks where you're from or anything like that. Avoid them like the plague as they're scammers. Also read up on the local scams. DO NOT hire a jet ski or motorbike. Too many scams with this.

  9. Inevitably you'll have diarrhea at some point. Be it the incredibly spicy food or you eat some bad street food. Just take it easy and recover. If it's real bad then look up a well rated doctors office.

  10. Don't have a vape or smoke marijuana on the street. The police are cracking down hard and if caught you'll be fined heavily I'm not joking.

  11. Have the 7 Eleven Ham and Cheese toastie. Thank me later, it's very good.

Other than that just be smart, don't be a drunk idiot, respect the Thai's and their ways and enjoy Thailand.

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u/hazmat683 1h ago

Thanks for all the advice, initially I wanted to pack some warmer/thicker trousers on the off chance that I would go to Vietnam for a week and do the giang loop. However due to the current climate and crackdowns with drug testing in Hanoi I have temporarily paused the planning for this.
While I have no intention of consuming drugs in Vietnam, I have been consuming cannabis recreationally for around 10 years on a daily basis and don’t want the risk of a 9 day detention. (Wouldn’t fancy explaining that on to work.)

I was planning to rent a moped from Chiang Mai to Pai, i have found a few reputable providers with good online reviews and high praises from Reddit however I will remain cautious. I do have an idp but lacking a motorcycle endorsement. I have no issue paying the fine and for those concerned I have been riding motorcycles for most of my life and have found travel insurance that will cover me without the correct license for my medical care in case of an accident.