Note:
We could have left all our clothes and toiletries behind.
Bangkok has everything we need.
What we didn’t bring, but got while we’ve been here (& we’re happy to have):
Flip flops (daily drivers)
Bug spray (
dailynightly fragrance)Umbrellas (daily accessory)
OTC medicine
Satchel purse (got tired of the fanny-pack)
Packing shoes with limited space:
If you like to go on hikes and hit the gym/go for runs (like us), this may be tricky but not impossible.
I ended up skillfully wrapping my Altra hiking shoes and Chacos (didn't need, btw) to fit in my travel backpack and wearing my running/gym shoes on travel days. In doing so, I likely sacrificed on clothing selection (that’s ok).
But this is what our experience has actually called for:
Flip Flops.
As mentioned above, these have become daily drivers. Even to the gym. It’s 100% normal. I promise. No, I won’t do leg day in running shoes.
We wear them, rain or shine (unless you like wet, stinky shoes?), because when it rains it pours, and your feet will get wet regardless. So you might as well use footwear that doesn’t take 24 hours to dry.
Running Shoes.
These are nice on travel days with the added weight from carrying backpacks and all the walking that’s done. Even though I’m a flip flop convert, I’m sometimes in the mood to cover up the lil’ nugs. But I’ll only wear my running shoes on sunny days.
Hiking Shoes.
I have worn these once (it’s been exactly 1 month since arriving) with the first time being a week ago, on the 10-miler I won’t be doing again…
They wait patiently by the door.
Chacos.
These were a mistake. Well-intended, but they take up space. And the straps are cloth so when I came back from on our hike up Erawan Waterfalls, they took time to dry and they got stanky. Sigh.
4 pairs of shoes. What’s a girl to do?!
A true test of consolidated packing skills here.
Let’s Get To The Good Stuff
I’m talkin’ about the Essentials.
But instead of talking, I’m giving you pictures:









Good stuff right there. Amazon.
I can’t express enough how happy I am to have thought about the daypack. While the travel backpack with laptop sleeve would’ve been fine, it’s clunky in the context of daily use. The daypack is easy, lightweight, and versatile for laptopping at a coffee shop or going on a sweaty hike.
Another daily driver I absolutely love are the blue light blocking glasses.
We’ve applied circadian rhythm practices (morning/midday/evening sunlight intake + blockers after sundown) and believe me when I say I can feel the difference.
I’m naturally up at 6am, steady in energy through the day, appetite isn’t in a rampant rage (eating at the same time every day helps tremendously), and I’m ready for lights out at 9:30pm. I understand, now, how great a pillar sleep is to overall physical and mental wellness.
Does this make me a boring grandma?
Maybe.
Does this make me a more efficient & motivated person during the day?
Abso-friggin-lutely!
Don’t knock it til you try it, is all I’m sayin’.
If you want to hear someone who has studied this extensively, check out Huberman’s videos:
On that note, I’m wrapping this post up real quick because I am currently writing this at 9:45 pm and I am ready to zonk out.
So, good morning and good night!
I’ll see you in the next post!
x