Carrying a small backpack in Thailand
 

Hi - we are trying to pack last minute things for thailand as we are leaving in 2 days.

We are thinking of taking a small backpack - the jansport type you had in college - to carry water, shawl, camera, etc.

So my question is - are you allowed to carry a backpack around to the wats or do they make you check them into a locker or something??

The only places that I know of that backpacks are not permitted are the lobby of the Oriental Hotel and Sky Bar at the Dome. I have not heard of backpacks being prohibited at wats or other tourist sites. I am sure others will chime in on this one.

You can carry a backpack everywhere, even the lobby of the Oriental. I carry one everywhere and have never had any problem whatsoever. The trick in the Oriental is to look as diffident as possible. The staff can sense a misplaced air of formality and they stir clear. This happened even when I was with Bob.

If visiting Vimanmek mansion, you're required to put your backpack, along with your shoes, into lockers provided in front of each of the buildings. No food, drink or cameras are allowed inside.

The backpack rule at the Oriental is for non guests and is essentially a security measure. I used one every day and never had a problem. No problem at wats.

Hi Luvtravelin

I did a month traveling the length of Thailand with ONLY a school bag!

1 sarrong [which doubles as a towl] 2 shirts, zip off shorts/pants and a pair of swimming trunks!

It has got to be the most liberating traveling experience I've ever had!

All you need to do is wash what ever you wore daily and buy what ever you need.

I had no problems getting around Thailand with a stuffed school back pack [25 Lt]

Safe traveling and take the train if you can! its fab

Eek

Thank you so much for all your replies...this makes it much easier to pack stuff.
Eek - thanks for your response - pretty awesome you toured with just a school bag! we are on a tour and will be allowed suitcases - the backback was meant more of a bag to carry around while site-seeing at the wats. thanks again