How to Pack for a Beach Vacation in Koh Samui - What to Pack for a Getaway in Beach Paradise Koh Samui

Ranked among Thailand's top beach holiday destinations, Koh Samui is a dream come true for beach lovers the world over. Whether one is heading to the paradise island for a weekend or a lengthy holiday, there are certain essentials every tourist must have on hand. From stylish swimwear and resort wear to medical necessities and bug spray, here's a comprehensive packing list first-time visitors can use for a  trip to Koh Samui.

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Clothing Wise

When packing for a beach trip to any corner of Thailand, it is important to remember that less is more. Unlike the Maldives and other more conservative beach hotspots in Asia, Thailand is a destination where one can get by with a bikini, t-shirt and shorts, so there's no need to pack your entire wardrobe for a getaway on the island. Having said that, it is crucial to make sure the clothing you choose to bring on holiday is made from cotton and other breezy or breathable fabrics, as wearing synthetic materials can be irritating in humid and warm tropical climates as that of Koh Samui. Apart from a few casual clothing options comprised of t-shirts, tank tops, summer dresses and shorts, every traveller must also bring at least two bathing suits in case their only swimsuit is rendered unwearable due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Footwear and Other Accessories

Whether one is staying at the Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club or any other resort on the island, there's no need to pack more than a pair of flip-flops and sandals for a trip to Koh Samui. That is unless one hopes to engage in outdoor excursions and hikes, as these activities are considered the best things to do in Chaweng. If that's the case, a sturdy pair of sneakers will more than suffice as far as footwear goes. Sunglasses and sun hats are also must-haves during a vacation in this sunny corner of the country, where shading one's eyes and face from harsh and sometimes harmful rays is essential.

Temple Attire

If you intend to visit the Hindu and Buddhist temples in Koh Samui, it is necessary to pack at least one conservative outfit for such excursions. Visitors who are indecently or inappropriately clad are often turned away or made to wear sarongs by officials at most Thai temples that enforce a strict dress code for touring cultural landmarks. This is why packing a pair of long pants and sleeved tops or a long dress or skirt will come in handy, as clothing that does not cover the knees, legs and shoulders is considered indecent.

Medical Needs

While pharmacies in Koh Samui stock nearly every medical brand known to man, it is prudent to pack essential medications into your main luggage if you need to use them daily. Don't forget to bring the prescriptions along, as airport authorities may request to see the slips. Apart from daily medications one takes for chronic conditions, all tourists should have antihistamines, a couple of Band-Aids and antacids for a trip to Koh Samui to steer clear of allergies and upset stomachs. Make sure the sunscreen you choose for the holiday is also one with a high PH value and is suitable for your skin type.

Paperwork

Put your travel documents, traveller's cheques and copies of aeroplane tickets and passports in a Ziploc bag or a waterproof container and store them in a separate area of your luggage away from liquids and toiletries.

Entertainment Devices

Don't forget to throw in a few paperbacks and a memory stick with your favourite movies and holiday films to keep yourself occupied on long, lazy days. A digital camera is another must-have for avid photographers, as a  smartphone can only capture so much with its limited frame and resolution capacity.