Joining our Film & Photography Thailand Tour? Get ready for epic landscapes, mountain villages, and golden light you’ll want to capture at every turn. Whether you're bringing pro-level gear or just your phone, here’s a complete guide to what to pack and how to get the most out of your setup.
Do I Need a Professional Camera?
Nope. While an interchangeable lens camera (full-frame, APS-C, or Micro Four Thirds) will give you the most flexibility, even your phone or a basic mirrorless camera will work. The best camera is the one you're comfortable with.
Best Lenses to Bring
- Wide-angle zoom (16–35mm): Ideal for landscapes and storytelling shots.
- Telephoto: Great for mountains, wildlife, and distant scenes.
- Standard zoom or 50mm prime: Perfect for portraits and everyday shots.
Do I Need a Gimbal or Drone?
A gimbal isn’t essential, but bring one if you want smooth cinematic movement. Drones are allowed in Thailand, but must be registered. We’ve got a full Drone FAQ to guide you through that.
What About Tripods?
Not required, but a lightweight travel tripod is highly recommended for time lapses. Just avoid bulky ones — we’ll be hiking a bit.
How Many Batteries Do I Need?
Bring at least two, ideally three. We’ll have access to charging every night, so a multi-USB charger or dual battery charger is a good idea.
Can I Leave Gear in the Hotel?
Yes. Theft is extremely rare in the areas we stay. Many guests leave laptops and camera gear in their rooms without issue.
Laptop or iPad for Editing?
Optional, but useful. We’ll be sharing footage during the tour, so having a device to edit or back up clips makes things more fun and easier to manage.
What Bags Should I Bring?
- Main bag: A roller or duffel bag for clothes.
- Daypack (15–25L): Enough to carry your camera, lenses, drone, and accessories.
Can I Just Use My Phone?
Absolutely. Phones like the iPhone can capture incredible video and photos. You may miss some optical depth and lens variety, but for storytelling — it’s more than enough.
Can I Buy Gear in Thailand?
Yes! Chiang Mai has excellent camera stores like BigCamera. Prices are often lower than in Europe or the US, and many stores qualify for VAT refunds. Arrive a day early if you'd like help finding or reserving specific gear — email hello@pascalbasel.com and we’ve got you.
What Clothes Should I Pack?
- 2–3 warm layers (it gets chilly in the mountains, especially at sunrise)
- Rain protection (a small rain cover for your backpack is super useful)
- Plastic bags and rubber bands for quick camera protection
- Comfortable shoes — sneakers are fine, but we’ll be walking a lot
Extra Recommendations
- Travel adapter + multi-USB charger
- Editing drive or SD card backups
Still not sure what to bring? Don’t stress. The tour is built for all levels - from phone shooters to full-kit film creators. Just pack smart, travel light, and get ready to shoot in one of the most photogenic places on Earth.
Check out the tour Film & Photography tour in Chiang Mai here!
