Hiking & Trekking Gear for Thailand: What You Actually Need

Thailand is not Nepal. You are not hiking Everest. You do not need serious mountaineering equipment or heavy boots that cost $250.

The treks here are stunning but short. The highest peak in Thailand is Doi Inthanon at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet), and you can hike it in a day or two with basic trail runners. The jungle is hot, wet, and gorgeous -- but a ponchos and quick-dry shorts will save you more than Gore-Tex jackets. The biggest challenges are not altitude or technical rock -- they are heat, leeches in rainy season, and finding reliable water sources on multi-day treks.

We have hiked every major trail in Thailand, from the hill tribe homestays of Chiang Rai to the limestone cliffs of Krabi, from Erawan Falls to the Mae Hong Son loop. Here is what actually works.

Thailand's Best Treks at a Glance

Before packing, know where you are going. Each destination needs slightly different gear.

Doi Inthanon (Highest Peak) -- Easy to Moderate

Duration: 1-2 days Elevation: 2,565m Trail condition: Wide, well-maintained paths Water: Multiple checkpoints with restrooms Risk: Leeches June-Oct, chilly at summit in cool season

This is the most popular trek in Thailand and for good reason. You can stay at the national park headquarters and do the summit on a day hike. The trail is not technical, crowds are manageable early morning, and the views from the top feel genuinely isolated (you will feel like you accomplished something).

Chiang Rai Hill Tribe Treks -- 2-3 Day Homestays

Duration: 2-3 days Elevation gain: Moderate (600-1000m per day) Trail condition: Muddy, river crossings, steep sections Water: Rivers (must be filtered/purified) Risk: Leeches heavy, guides REQUIRED (respect for communities), slippery terrain

The best treks in Thailand. You stay with hill tribe families, help with daily life, learn about the region, and actually contribute to the local community instead of extracting from it. These treks are muddy and hard, but the reward is real connection. You must use a licensed guide. The guides are local people earning income from tourism done right.

Khao Sok National Park -- Jungle and Lake

Duration: 1-3 days Elevation: Minimal (sea level to 400m) Trail condition: Jungle paths, sometimes overgrown, rope sections Water: Lake crossings, humid air provides water Risk: Heat exhaustion, slippery rocks after rain, large wildlife (monitor lizards, occasionally snakes)

Khao Sok is ancient rainforest, home to gibbons, hornbills, and wild elephants. The trails are hot and wet but the experience is unmatched. Most visitors do the 1-day lake paddle + jungle hike combination. Longer treks go inland to waterfalls and caves.

Erawan Falls -- Day Hike, Multiple Levels

Duration: Half day to full day Elevation: 1500m elevation gain over 1.5km Trail condition: Slippery, rope-assisted sections, crowded Water: Waterfalls (pristine, safe to drink) Risk: Slipping on wet rocks, knees getting destroyed on the descent

This is the most accessible multi-level waterfall in Thailand. Seven levels to climb, beautiful pools to swim in, and you will meet backpackers from all over. Go early (by 7 AM) to avoid crowds. The descent is harder on knees than the ascent.

Mae Hong Son Loop -- Multi-Day Trek

Duration: 3-7 days Elevation: Variable, mountainous Trail condition: Mixed jungle and mountain paths Water: Villages, mountain streams Risk: Leeches, remote areas, night in mountain communities

The Mae Hong Son loop is for trekkers who want genuine solitude and mountain landscapes. You can do portions as day hikes or combine them into longer treks. Less crowded than Chiang Mai area but also fewer services.

Footwear: Trail Runners Beat Heavy Boots

This is the single biggest mistake casual hikers make in Thailand: wearing heavy hiking boots.

Why Trail Runners Work Better

Heat and sweat -- Your feet will be wet. Period. Whether it is sweat, river crossings, or rain, waterproof boots just trap moisture and humidity inside. Trail runners drain and dry fast.
River crossings -- Almost every multi-day trek has river sections. Heavy boots become slippery and heavy with water. Trail runners transition easily and dry in an hour.
Terrain -- Thai trails are not rocky Alpine passes. They are mud, roots, and wet stone. Trail runners hug your feet and provide better grip on slippery surfaces than rigid boots.
Weight -- Trail runners are half the weight of hiking boots. Your knees will thank you on descent.
Leeches and bugs -- Long socks work equally well with trail runners, and you can tuck pants into socks easily.

What to Actually Wear

Trail running shoes with good grip:

Salomon Speedcross (the gold standard for muddy terrain, available in Bangkok)
Merrell Moab (durable, wide toe box)
Altra Lone Peak (zero drop, good for natural stride)
Local Thai brands at Decathlon (Kalenji, Quechua) -- cheap and surprisingly good

Essential: waterproof membrane if hiking in rainy season (June-Oct). Salomon Speedcross comes with Gore-Tex option.

Spare socks: Pack 3-4 pairs of merino wool (moisture-wicking, prevents smell). You will be surprised how much this matters.

Gaiters or leech socks: Essential for June-Oct jungle treks. These prevent leeches from crawling up your leg and sit over your shoe + sock combo.

Clothing: Lightweight, Quick-Dry, Functional

Thailand hiking is not about looking stylish. It is about staying cool, dry-ish, and visible.

Shirts and Tops

Base layer:

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirt (merino wool or polyester, not cotton)
Long-sleeve option for sun protection and leech barrier (northern trails)
UV protection sleeves (lightweight arm covers) -- locals wear these constantly

What to pack: 2 quick-dry shirts max. You will launder or wash in rivers.

Skip: Heavy merino wool, thick long-sleeves (too hot), anything cotton

Shorts and Pants

For day hikes: Short athletic shorts with quick-dry fabric. Allows cooling, easier river crossing.

For multi-day jungle treks: Long pants (recommend trekking tights or convertible pants with zip-off legs)

Why long? Leech protection (main reason) and sun protection
Material: nylon quick-dry, lightweight
Avoid: Jeans, heavy canvas, anything that absorbs water

What to pack: 2 pairs (1 shorts for days hiking, 1 pants for multi-day treks)

Lightweight Rain Gear

Packable rain jacket: Absolutely essential, even in dry season (afternoon showers happen)

Weighs under 300g
Packs into its own pocket
NOT a fashion statement -- it is survival gear for sudden afternoon downpours
Budget option: basic nylon rain jacket (500-800 THB at Decathlon)
Premium option: Rab Cloudline or Patagonia Houdini (expensive but bulletproof)

Poncho alternative: Some trekkers swear by lightweight ponchos (covers you and your backpack, popular in Southeast Asia)

What NOT to pack: Heavy Gore-Tex shells, rain pants (you will dry quickly anyway), umbrellas (useless on trails)

Buff or Bandana

These do more work than you think:

Sun protection for neck
Sweat absorption
Leech barrier if positioned right
Face covering in dusty areas

One lightweight buff handles all of these. Pack it.

Essentials: Water, Sun, Heat

Water System

Thailand is hot. Dehydration kills. You will sweat constantly.

Minimum: 2-liter capacity per day on trail

One 1-liter bottle or hydration bladder in your day pack
One spare liter (fill at village checkpoints, streams, waterfalls)

Water purification: Essential for multi-day treks where you refill from rivers

Options:

Purification tablets (lightest, cheapest) -- 200-400 THB for 100 tablets. Takes 30 min to work. Tastes slightly odd but works.
LifeStraw or Sawyer squeeze filter -- 800-1500 THB. Filters instantly. More trust in safety, more bulky.
Boiling -- If you have time and fuel. Most reliable but requires stove.

What NOT to drink: Tap water from village taps in remote areas. River water straight (giardia, parasites). Assume all surface water needs treatment.

Sun Protection

Hat: Lightweight, wide-brimmed, quick-dry

Prevent heat stroke and sun poisoning
Buffalo / local style wide-brim hats work great and cost 150 THB
Skip: Heavy hiking helmets (unnecessary on Thai trails)

Sunscreen: SPF 50+, water-resistant, reapply every 2 hours

Your skin is not used to tropical UV intensity
Aloe vera gel in your medical kit (for inevitable sunburns)

UV sleeves: Lightweight arm covers that locals use everywhere

Keeps sun off while allowing evaporative cooling
Super cheap in Thailand (100-200 THB)

Heat Management

Quick-dry towel: Lightweight microfiber towel (weighs almost nothing, invaluable)

Sweat after river crossings
Swim at waterfalls
Sleep pad in humid air

Cooling methods:

Bandana soaked in water around neck (works surprisingly well)
Zinc oxide sticks on nose (locals use this, prevents sun and sweat)
Take shade breaks during midday heat (12-2 PM is too hot anyway)

Daypack: 20-25 Liters

Your daypack holds everything for 8-10 hours on trail.

Size: 20-25 liters is perfect

Fits under airplane seat and can be day pack when you arrive
Carries day-hike essentials without overwhelming your shoulders
Too big and you overpack everything

Key features:

Hip belt (transfers weight to hips, saves shoulders)
Hydration bladder pocket or side pockets for water bottles
Rain cover or waterproof lining
Ventilated back panel (helps with sweat)

What to put in it:

Water (2L)
Trail snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate)
Rain jacket
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, buff)
Basic first aid (bandages, blister kit, pain relief)
Headlamp or small flashlight (if doing dawn/dusk hikes)
Toilet paper + trowel (for backcountry bathroom)
Phone/camera with battery
Quick-dry towel
Extra socks
Salt + electrolyte powder (you will sweat harder than expected)

Recommended packs:

Decathlon Quechua 20L (400-600 THB, incredible value)
Osprey Daylite Plus (1800-2500 THB, lasts forever, has laptop pocket you won't use but nice)
Gregory Day Daypack (1500-2200 THB, lightweight, minimalist)

Leeches: Not Dangerous, Just Gross

Thailand has leeches. Many leeches. They appear in wet season (June-October) in jungle areas.

What to know:

Leeches are not dangerous (they don't transmit disease, just draw blood slowly)
They are deeply unpleasant and creepy
Salt, heat, or firm pulling removes them (locals just pull them off)
They climb from grass into socks, up pants, looking for skin

Prevention:

Leech socks: Elastic gaiters that cover shoe + sock + pant leg (prevent entry point)
Tuck pants into socks: Annoying but effective barrier
Salt in pockets: Sprinkle on leeches to make them drop (works instantly)
Don't try to burn them off (injuries to yourself)

If you get bitten:

Don't panic (they are harmless)
Sprinkle salt, use an insect repellent, or firmly pull
Apply iodine or antiseptic after removal
They bleed a lot (look worse than reality)

Honestly? After 1-2 leeches, you stop caring. Every trekker in Southeast Asia has a leech story. It is a badge of honor.

Guided vs Self-Guided Treks

Day hikes in national parks: Self-guided is fine. Pick up a map at the entrance, start early, be back before dark.

Hill tribe treks (Chiang Rai area): MUST be guided. Here is why:

Local guides earn income (ethical tourism)
You won't damage sacred sites through ignorance
Families benefit directly (homestay fees go to them)
You get authentic stories and context

Khao Sok jungle treks: Local guides are worth it. They spot wildlife, navigate dense sections, and handle logistics.

Finding guides:

Book through your hostel (they vet guides)
Ask at national park visitor centers
Use Chiang Mai-based trekking companies (Green Gecko Trek, Trekking in Thailand) if you want English-speaking guides
Local guides are cheaper, often better, and support the community directly

Multi-Day Trek Packing

For treks longer than a day, you need additional gear:

Sleeping system:

Lightweight sleeping bag (Thailand mostly doesn't get cold enough to need one in lowlands, but Doi Inthanon and Mae Hong Son do at night)
Or: lightweight sleeping sheet (Thai homestays provide blankets, sheet keeps you separated from bedbugs)
Avoid: Heavy down bags (humid air ruins down, use synthetic)

Shelter:

If staying at homestays / guesthouses: not your problem
If wild camping: lightweight tent (4-season not needed, 3-season is overkill, 2-season is fine)

Cooking (if doing self-catered trek):

Lightweight camp stove + fuel
Pot and utensil
Dehydrated meals (lightweight, not great tasting but functional)
Most treks provide meals at homestays, so this is optional

Pack for multi-day: 45-50L backpack (not huge, but bigger than a daypack)

What You Do NOT Need

Trekking poles: Rarely useful in Thailand. Trails are not technical rock, altitude is not extreme, and poles add weight without payoff. Keep them home.

Heavy hiking boots: Already covered, but: no. Trail runners are better.

Expensive gear: Humidity destroys high-end equipment. A $30 Decathlon rain jacket works the same as a $300 Patagonia one -- it just won't last as many seasons. For a trip, save money.

Moisture-wicking everything: Cotton takes longer to dry but works fine. Your real enemy is not moisture (you will dry) but heat and chafe points.

Altitude medication: Thailand's peaks are not high enough to cause altitude sickness. Even Doi Inthanon at 2,565m is trivial for sea-level visitors.

Technical climbing gear: No rock climbing on standard Thai treks.

Where to Buy in Thailand

You forgot something? Everything can be bought locally.

Decathlon (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket):

Cheapest option for basic gear
Trail runners (Salomon, Merrell alternatives)
Rain jackets, daypacks, sun protection
Prices are 30-50% lower than home
Main location: CentralWorld (Bangkok), Central Airport (Chiang Mai)

Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok):

Section 26-27: Outdoor gear, packs, shoes
Haggle works (start at 60% of asking price)
Surprising quality for cheap price

Local night markets:

Rain jackets (100-300 THB)
Socks (20 THB each)
Torch/headlamps (100-200 THB)
Not branded, but functional

Gear Checklist for Day Hikes

Print this or screenshot:

[ ] Trail running shoes + extra socks
[ ] Moisture-wicking shirt (long or short)
[ ] Shorts or quick-dry pants
[ ] Rain jacket (packed light)
[ ] Hat + sunscreen
[ ] 2L water bottle or bladder
[ ] Daypack (20-25L)
[ ] First aid basics (bandages, blister kit, pain relief)
[ ] Headlamp (if early start)
[ ] Snacks (nuts, fruit, chocolate)
[ ] Buff or bandana
[ ] Quick-dry towel
[ ] Phone + battery
[ ] Toilet paper + trowel
[ ] Electrolyte powder

Gear Checklist for Multi-Day Jungle Treks

[ ] All items from day hike list
[ ] 45-50L backpack
[ ] Sleeping bag or sheet
[ ] Second shirt + second pair shorts
[ ] Underwear (4-5 pairs, dry quickly)
[ ] Leech socks (if June-Oct)
[ ] Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, deodorant)
[ ] Medications (malaria if needed, pain relief, antidiarrheal)
[ ] Torch headlamp with extra batteries
[ ] Lightweight towel
[ ] Nail clippers, tweezers (blisters happen)
[ ] Waterproof bag for electronics

Reading Time Estimate

Most Thailand treks are achievable for average fitness travelers. The difficulty is not technical. It is heat, long days, and distance.

Start with day hikes (Doi Inthanon, Erawan Falls) to learn what your body needs. Then do longer treks. Your body will tell you what gear works and what you actually use.

Pack light. Buy in Thailand. Trust locals. Start early. Drink water. You will have one of the best experiences of your life.

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