Packing Information
While Packing, Keep in Mind...
Kitchen
Bring your favorite cookbook or kitchen tool (lemon squeezer, meat tenderizer, etc.)
Documents
Passport, visa confirmation, marriage license, social security card, birth certificate, driver’s license, vaccination card
Consider making and carrying copies of all documents
Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories
You should bring a high-quality raincoat, waterproof shoes, a good sun hat, a swimsuit, and shoes if bigger than a men’s 11.5 or a women’s 9.5
You will find Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo at the mall with sizes XS-XL, but keep in mind some stores carry Thai sizes that fit smaller than American sizes
Plan to bring a week’s worth of cold-weather clothes in case of travel
Miscellaneous
Don’t forget keepsakes, decorations, and favorite games
Local stationary stores carry items that can be used for homeschooling but might be slightly different - for example, two-ring binders instead of three, folders without pockets, and light gray pencil lead
Electronics
You can purchase most electronics in Chiang Mai including phones, computers, headphones, cameras, etc.
Toiletries
You can find many personal care products in Chiang Mai, but you might want to bring a small supply of your own if you prefer a certain brand or style.
Feminine Products: “OB” is the only cheap tampon brand available in Chiang Mai, though you can find other brands on Lazada that cost much more. There are plenty of pads available.
Deodorant: Nike, Nivea, and Dove (original scent only) are the only spray deodorants available locally. Check Lazada and iHerb for other options.
Sunscreen: There are more sunscreen products available than in the past, but are often more expensive than in the States. Many lotions and creams have whitening agents.
Medicine and Vitamins: iHerb has the most vitamins that you would find in the States. It would be wise to bring Tylenol and Ibuprofen, as what’s available in Thailand is more expensive.
Stores in Chiang Mai
Index Living Mall: Dining room tables, stand-up desks, bathroom furniture, storage, barstools, towels, pillows, rugs, mirrors, decor
Home Pro: Furniture, tools, cleaning products, lamps, wall shelves, mirrors
Thai Watsadu + Baan and Beyond: Ovens, lamps, rugs, tools
Decathlon: Athletic and sports supplies
Eve and Boy: Skincare and makeup
Central Department Store: Name-brand clothes and shoes, appliances, dishes, toys, etc.
Yok: Baking supplies, ovens
Chiang Mai Baking Supply on Big Tree Road: A lot of baking, cooking, and kitchen supplies
H’A’FELE: Ovens, appliances
Muji at Airport Plaza: Storage containers, sheets (fitted, jersey knit, etc.)
Office Mate: Wall shelves
Bath and Body Works (inside Central Festival Mall): Same products, but more expensive than in the U.S.
Ikea: Located in Bangkok, but will ship to Chiang Mai
Wicker furniture store
Wicker basket store
Large, round chopping blocks
Chiang Mai Plastics (Hobby Lobby-ish, plus containers, silverware, dishes)
Dish store next door to Chiang Mai Plastics - dishes, silverware
Wicker store around the corner from Chiang Mai Plastics
Chiang Mai Cotton: Cotton dish towels
Baan Tawai: Real wood furniture stores
Celadon Dish Stores:
Second-Hand Furniture:
Wood Furniture on 2nd Ring Road
Huge on Big Tree Road - has a lot of things, but a small selection of real wood furniture
Dish store on the side of the road, across from Mega Furniture on Hang Dong Road
Apps to Download
