Northern Isaan, Thailand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Northern Isaan, Thailand? If you're planning to go to Northern Isaan, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Northern Isaan
- Important essentials for Northern Isaan
- Activities for Northern Isaan
- Northern Isaan in January: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in February: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in March: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in April: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in May: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in June: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in July: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in August: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in September: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in October: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in November: weather and what to pack
- Northern Isaan in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Northern Isaan, Thailand
Based on the climate and weather in Northern Isaan, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Northern Isaan, Thailand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Isaan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Northern Isaan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Northern Isaan, Thailand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Northern Isaan during January, you may find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
February
February in this region is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
March
March in Northern Isaan is unbearably hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to cool you:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. The best suitcases can let moisture in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
April
Traveling to Northern Isaan in April, you will notice that it is unbearably hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should pack extra, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed for cooling:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. Even the finest luggage can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
May
If you vacation in Northern Isaan during May, you might see that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the best suitcases can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
June
If you visit Northern Isaan during June, you might find that it can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the best luggage can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
July
If you go to Northern Isaan in July, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The most durable suitcases can let moisture in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
August
August in Northern Isaan can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. The best suitcases can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
September
If you visit Northern Isaan during September, you will probably see that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The best luggage can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
October
October in Northern Isaan can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. The most durable luggage can let water in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
November
If you visit Northern Isaan during November, you are likely to notice that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
December
December here is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
Activities for Northern Isaan, Thailand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Northern Isaan.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Öland, Sweden, Marado Island, South Korea, Zeist, Netherlands, Landstuhl, Germany, Scarborough, England, United Kingdom, Nazareth, Israel, Pokolbin, New South Wales, Australia, Greenville, Mississippi, United States of America, Damme, Belgium, Asti, Italy, and Volterra, Italy.