Last Updated on September 4, 2024
Wondering what exactly you need to pack or leave behind? My Southeast Asia packing list has all the answers you’re looking for.
I’ve collectively spent six months backpacking Southeast Asia over the past few years. It’s one of my favorite regions to travel to and I’m anxiously awaiting a return trip which will mark my fourth return to the region.
During my trips, I’ve experienced a lot of what the region has to offer: indulgent street food, unreal waterfalls, humbling temples, amazing cities, and all the cultural moments in between. It’s shaped who I am dramatically and so if it wasn’t already so obvious, I love Southeast Asia.
So, I made this Southeast Asia packing list for travelers who plan to spend weeks, months, or even a year exploring the region. It’s primarily geared towards backpackers, but anyone spending less time, perhaps more luxuriously, will still find important tips and necessary items for their trip.
This packing list is entirely based on my own travel experiences and items I’ve personally purchased and used throughout my trips in Southeast Asia. It’s also chalked full of helpful advice that I learned while on the road so you can avoid the same mistakes as I did.
This is my definitive and detailed Southeast Asia packing list.
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The Fabric of Southeast Asia Backpacking
Eleven countries make up the vibrant region of Southeast Asia.
Stretching as far north as Myanmar and as far south as Timor Lest, different cultures, stories, history, demographics, and climates divide each country into its unique offerings, but for travelers, they have a lot in common as far as itineraries go.
This makes packing heaps easier.
One of the most common routes for anyone backpacking Southeast Asia is the Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos route, but many choose to throw in the Philippines and Indonesia to the mix as well (great idea by the way).
Through all these countries, you’re likely going to spend some time in a larger city like Hanoi, hop around backpacker towns like Chiang Mai, go island hopping, hiking, swim beneath waterfalls, explore ancient temples, and leisure on a beach or three.
So despite traveling through a variety of countries, they all often have the same range of activities. This means you need to carry much of the same stuff despite their differences in views and experiences. Despite visiting one or all of them.
Of course, there might be a few odds and ends you’ll want to take along in case your itinerary has a little more zest to it. For example, if you’re planning on doing some big hikes like Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batur, or the rice fields in Sa Pa, you’ll likely need to cater more space for hiking essentials than someone who is surfing in Siargao for a month and earning their PADI.
Based on these experiences, I created this Southeast Asia packing list and broke it down thematically with specific clothing and gear advice you need for a majority of activities around the region. It includes toiletries, technology, shoes, first aid, essential travel gear I believe no one should travel without, and money/safety-support items.
Versatility and practicality are the foundation of this packing list, with essential and niche items tossed into the mix for those extra-special excursions and memories. It can be easily adapted to your personal style and preferences, with everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Which begs anyone to ask,
What to pack when traveling to Southeast Asia?
Fitting your entire life into +/- 60 liters is no easy feat.
With such limited space, there is a lot that is deemed essential and even more that’s considered non-essential. Like a hair straightener, for example. You definitely do not need to lug one of those around.
Before we get into the details, these are some general packing guidelines to remember as you start to get everything together.
Things To Consider When Packing For Southeast Asia
You can pack a bunch of different ways to backpack Southeast Asia and be comfortable, but these are some specific things you need to consider as you get everything together. Some are good rules of thumb and some are a case-by-case basis, so just take what resonates.
☀︎ Keep things light
Anyone that brings a 70-90 L bag with them finds out pretty quickly they packed too much when they get to Southeast Asia. Not only will the weight start to take a toll, but you’ll find you won’t use maybe 30% of what you packed.
I have a whole section dedicated to choosing bags further down in this article, but a 40-65 L backpack is the sweet spot for packing. Not only does it keep your bag light, but you can take these sizes as carry-on luggage (saving money on baggage fees), and getting around is much easier when you have less to carry around with you.
You also don’t lose as many things because you can keep track of everything. Most things you can live without. I promise.
☀︎ Clothing & temple etiquette
Most, if not all the countries you visit in Southeast Asia err on the conservative side with their clothing choices. Outside of beaches and major tourism areas, locals prefer to wear long garments to be modest and protect their skin from the sun.
You don’t need to be fully covered your entire trip, but at the least don’t walk around markets shirtless or with minimal clothing. There’s a way you can meet in the middle with long flowy pants, dresses, and breathable clothing.
Also, any temple you visit will require you to have your shoulders and knees covered at a minimum. Man or woman. So you’ll need to have something appropriate for these occasions anyway.
☀︎ Be prepared for rain
Southeast Asia’s weather is divided into two seasons, wet and dry, but even if you plan your trip over the dry season, it won’t make your itinerary rainproof. Just in case you get caught in a downpour, you want to have a rain cover for your big backpack.
☀︎ “Just buy it when you get there”
Yes, this is true.
If you forget something or run out of a product you can buy it when you get to Asia, but there are a lot of situations where this won’t be the ideal choice for some. Here are a few to consider:
clothing for tall people and plus sizes: The size and shape of clothing are particular in Asia. You can find a t-shirt just about anywhere, but specific items like coats, pants, and other tops will be hard to find. Especially if you want them to fit a certain way.
sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is very expensive in Asia and a lot of them have bleaching agents. You don’t need to go overkill and pack your bag full of sunscreen, but consider bringing an extra bottle of your favorite reef-safe sunscreen.
products for specific hair colors & types: I’m white with relatively straight hair, so mine can take the repercussions of using a cheap 7/11 shampoo in the Philippines. This is great for me and many others, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. If you have curly hair or have a specific way of doing your hair, consider getting a protective style for something low maintenance or bring enough of your favorite haircare products. If you’re blonde, consider bringing a purple toning treatment because specialty products like this aren’t widely available in Asia.
makeup in less common shades: Wearing makeup in Asia is next to pointless since it’ll all melt off your face, but if you feel more confident with it, make sure you have enough product for your trip. There are makeup shades that aren’t as common in Asia, like blonde, and will be hard to find if you run out.
shoes in larger sizes: The average shoe size in Southeast Asia is much smaller than in Western countries, so finding a women’s 8+ is going to be difficult in the event you need a certain type or a replacement. It’s better to bring quality, versatile shoes with you to cover all your bases. I talk more about shoes and give recommendations further down in this article.
acne or facial treatments: Whatever skincare you prefer, pack it because it’s not likely you’ll find a replacement if you run out. If you have a complex skincare routine, I recommend whittling it down to a couple of staples and leaving the rest at home.
It’s also worth noting that the quality of the items you buy will not be as good as you can get back home. A lot of the “name brand” stuff in Asia is actually fake, so while it is much cheaper, it’ll fall apart much faster.
Your Backpack for Southeast Asia
It’s an unwritten code of conduct that when you go backpacking in Southeast Asia you bring a backpack and not a suitcase.
It may seem like most choose this for the allure of saying they’re “backpacking Southeast Asia” because “backpacking Southeast Asia… with a rolly suitcase” doesn’t offer the same allure. However, the backpack is and will always be the smartest choice. Here’s why:
It’s going to make traveling around more seamless. Your backpack is going to travel over rough roads, be thrown onto buses, and get loaded on and off scooters. Most suitcases barely make it through TSA- do you think yours will make it three months in Asia? You need something that can take a beating.
So not only do you want a backpack, you want a durable, high-quality one that will last. They’re typically much more comfortable to carry, too. Anything from 40-65 liters is a good range to look at. I err on minimalism when it comes to packing, so I prefer around 45 liters, but if you need more to be comfortable, go with something bigger, especially if you have camera gear.
If you want to travel carry-on only, aim for 40-45 liters. These are the two I recommend:
osprey fairpoint 40 L | This is the travel backpack I use and LOVE. I love it because it opens like a suitcase, so finding items and packing is infinitely easier. It has a laptop sleeve, you can stow away the backpack straps for travel, and it’s carry-on size so you can travel without the burden and price tag of a checked bag.
osprey porter 46 L | If you need a bit more room for your things, this backpack is basically the Fairpoint 40 L, but with six more liters. They also make a 55 L version.
Or you can get the best of both worlds with a rolling backpack. Osprey makes 36 L and 65 L rolling backpacks. They’re more of an investment but are worth looking at if you don’t want to carry a bunch of weight on your back for the entire trip. Other good brands are Deuter, Patagonia, Eagle Creek, Cotopaxi, and REI.
Also, make sure to put something on your bag to make it easier to identify at the airport: a scarf, key chain, etc..
Everyday bags
The more variety of bags you have for your trip, the more successful it will be. Not in an overpack kind of way, but in a disperse your things kind of way. A variety of bags will make it easier to adapt for day trips, snorkel tours, beach days, and other activities.
small day bag | A backpack of any kind is fine for this. Just make sure it’s comfortable to carry around. Anything around 20-30 liters is good for everyday use. If you’re traveling with camera gear, you’ll want to bring an actual camera bag to keep your gear safe. Pacsafe is great for anti-theft, albeit expensive. Otherwise, REI has a great selection of day bags in a lot of different styles.
dry bag | Beach days. Snorkel tours. Ferries. You most definitely need a dry bag. You can even line your day bag with it to protect your things. It’s great if you have wet clothing you want to separate from the rest of your luggage. I recommend getting something around 15 L. They are very common around Asia, so you can always buy one after you get there. However, if you want a cute one, I’m obsessed with this one by Meraki.
fanny pack/belt bag | These days I think everyone has a fanny pack, so bring the one you use. I love this one. This is especially helpful in the airport to hold your passport, headphones, money, chapstick, and other little essentials so you won’t have to go digging for them.
packing cubes | These are crucial to keep your backpack organized. I used a small one for intimates, a medium one for tops, and a large one for bottoms. Whether you pack heavy or not, I recommend grabbing expandable packing cubes so that you have more wiggle room.
Clothes to Pack for Southeast Asia
Versatility is key when considering what clothes to pack for Southeast Asia.
Outside of one-off experiences like hiking Mt. Rinjani, you’ll be cycling through the same tops and bottoms across most experiences you have, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack running shorts and sacrifice looking cute for being comfortable.
As long as you choose natural fibers like wool, linen, cotton, and hemp, you can find stylish and lightweight clothes that you’ll feel cute in. The goal is to create something like a capsule wardrobe with pieces you can mix and match to create a bunch of different outfits.
5 x tank tops | Feel the rain sun on your skin. Cropped. Flowy. Dressy. A good mix that you won’t get tired of wearing. If you go the cropped route, make sure you have high-waisted bottoms so you’re more modest.
3 or 4 x t-shirts | Pack basic colors that match your other clothing and throw in a fun color to spice things up.
2 x long-sleeved shirts | A longer sleeve does a number on a particularly chilly night or bus ride.
5 x shorts | Flowy shorts, biker shorts, and one (loose) pair of denim.
2 x flowy pants | There’s a reason why those elephant pants became the Southeast Asia backpacker stereotype. You may or may not end up with a pair, but bring two from home that you feel comfortable in.
3 x skirts | A mix of short and long.
5 x dresses | A dress is a foolproof way to look or feel put together while on the road. Pack all dresses or throw some jumpsuits into the mix if that’s your style. Pick varying lengths, too.
∞ swimsuits | The limit of bikinis you can take to Southeast Asia does not exist. Pack as many as you can fit because you’ll be wearing these more than your underwear. Also, swimsuits across the pond are either garbage quality, un-inclusive, or cost $150 at those Australian boutiques.
1 x lightweight sweater | For airplane rides, cold nights, or if you’re going to a mountainous area of any kind. I went to Northern Bali after traveling around Ubud and was glad to have a light sweater handy.
1 x lightweight rain jacket | Grab a rain jacket that packs down small and keeps you dry.
1 x sarong | This can be used as a shawl, beach towel, cover-up, or scarf if it gets cold. You can buy them all over Southeast Asia for cheap.
1 x pajamas | Lightweight and something you’ll be comfortable wearing in a mixed dorm.
5 x socks | Is there where the Gen Z crew sock and Millenial no-show sock debate comes into play? Here’s an idea: bring both to cover all your bases. I love crew socks for hiking but can’t do with the horrendous tan lines.
10 x undies | Not just seven otherwise you’ll have to go commando on laundry day. Pack a bit more if you want to go two weeks between laundry days.
5 x bras | My chichi’s are small, so I can get away with little to no support. Bring a mix of whatever you’re comfortable wearing and two sporty bras for outdoor activities.
1 x sunglasses | Everyone will tell you not to bring your nice sunglasses to Southeast Asia because you’ll lose them. It’s sound advice (that I didn’t listen to), and my Raybans came out of my trip unscathed.
1 x sun hat or ball cap | To protect your face from the relentless sun.
☀︎ Southeast Asia Travel Tip | Every week or so, ideally two, you’ll need to find a laundry service to clean all your clothes. It’s extremely cheap in Southeast Asia and really common when backpacking Southeast Asia. It typically takes 12-24 hours for the turnaround and costs anywhere from $0.75 to $2.50 per kilo (2.2 pounds) depending on where you are.
It’s very easy for things to get mixed up here, so make sure you have everything before you leave the counter. Also, be sure to separate your darks and lights otherwise it’s all tossed into one load. If you’re sensitive to certain detergents or want to avoid chemicals, it’s worth stashing away some laundry detergent sheets. You can ask the workers at the laundry counter to use the sheets instead of what they provide and they’re generally happy to accommodate.
If you’re not going to be in town for days or weeks at a time, it’s common to handwash your clothing and you don’t need anything special to do so. I bring a wash bag, biodegradable soap, and a travel clothesline.
Shoes
You only need two, maybe three shoes for your trip.
A pair that is easy to slip on and off and can get wet, and another that is closed-toe, able to get dirty, and comfortable to walk in. It’s really easy to adapt this to your style, too.
sandals/flip-flops | You’ll constantly take your shoes on and off to enter and exit buildings in Southeast Asia, so something easy to slip on and off is essential. Any flip-flops will work fine, but I recommend something a little more rugged. These are my favorite travel sandals that are stylish and can handle waterfall hikes and light excursions. You also can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Birkenstocks.
everyday sneakers | Ideally this is an enclosed shoe for hiking or if you want to keep your feet clean while traveling around. Everyone has their own preference for this. I took an old pair of running shoes because I knew they were going to take a beating. Nowadays, though, I prefer something a little more stylish.
hiking shoes (consider) | If you’re not going on any grueling hikes, you won’t need sturdy hiking shoes or boots. If you want to channel your inner Indiana Jones while you’re away, I recommend bringing some along. Or at least a pair of trail shoes that can double as an everyday shoe. Don’t be afraid to send it in what you’ve got, though. Plenty of people do.
Toiletries
Hygiene items are one of the least stressful items on a Southeast Asia packing list because anywhere you go, it’ll be easy to find replacements.
But if you have specific products you like (more eco-friendly, less toxic, formulated for your hair type, etc.) you’ll want to make sure you have enough of them for your trip. It’ll be difficult to find similar or good alternatives once you’re in Southeast Asia.
I have a pretty unfussy routine as my skin rarely breaks out and I have a manageable hair type, but even then the 7/11 shampoo I bought in the Philippines rendered some regret after only three washes.
Picky or not, here’s everything I recommend bringing with you.
toiletry bag | I’ve used my Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit for nearly ten years now and my god I love it. It has a bunch of different compartments, a hook to hang it (a crucial feature), a mirror, and comes with small containers to put liquids in. They’re USA-made, have a lifetime guarantee, and are nearly a black hole for your items. So much fits in this thing.
shampoo | I prefer bottled over a bar any day, but when it comes to traveling, shampoo bars are the way to go. They last so much longer than liquid-based formulas and they’re also very compact. I prefer Good Juju because they have a variety of formulas based on your hair needs. Just make sure you grab a metal tin to store it in.
conditioner | This is a different story as I’ve had trouble getting good use out of a conditioner bar. I typically just bring a good amount of my favorite in a few silicone travel tubes and ration accordingly.
soap | If you haven’t been introduced to the wonder that is Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 castile soap, today is the day. This stuff can clean nearly anything you need it to. It’s also extremely concentrated so even a little bottle goes a LONG way. They also come in soap bars, in which case I recommend grabbing a leakproof travel soap bag, which prevents your toiletry bag from getting gross, but also allows the bar to completely dry.
toothbrush | Use what you’ve got, but I can’t recommend my Philips Sonicare One toothbrush enough. It’s electric, but compact and perfect for travel.
toothpaste | I’m not too picky with my toothpaste, but I prefer to pack toothpaste tabs when I travel because I know exactly how much I have before I run out. Plus, regular travel-size toothpastes are expensive and are only good for short-term trips.
floss | On and off the road, my dental health is really important to me. I bring a refillable dental floss plus a refill which can last me around four months.
facewash | Whatever does the job for your skin type.
moisturizer & other skincare | Acne treatments, that snail goo, and anything else. I recommended choosing one or two must-have products and leaving the rest behind. Traveling with a 10-step skincare routine is just a headache, trust me.
body lotion | I’d consider this more of a luxury item since you’ll need a lot to last you a few months, but bring a good size.
razor | I haven’t used disposable razors for almost 10 years now thanks to my brass safety razor. While I love mine, they’re difficult to travel with because you can’t take blade replacements in a carry-on (ask me how I know lol). If you’re planning to check your bags, a safety razor is what you should be traveling with if you’re not already. The razor lasts a lifetime and blade replacements cost pennies, so you won’t have to worry about finding disposables abroad. If you’re not checking a bag, try this travel-friendly razor.
deodorant | To feel clean and to respect the nostrils of other travelers, bring this with you.
I’ve spent years trying (and regretting) most natural deodorants. After some time, I found myself always going back to the same crystal mineral deodorant. It’s inexpensive, lasts for at least a year (as long as you don’t drop it), and won’t ding TSA going through airport security.
reef-safe sunscreen | Bring a minimum of 30-50 SPF with you. A good majority of your days will be spent in the ocean so a reef-safe sunscreen is very important to support healthy reefs.
Raw Elements travels with me no matter where I am in the world. A sunburn or two used to be standard for me before that nice tan sets in, but now this protects my skin and prevents sunburns, even in Southeast Asia. It’s rather thick, though, and tends to leave a white sheen, so recently I’ve been grabbing for Badger, which uses clear zinc and is just as effective.
microfiber travel towel | Most hostels and guesthouses these days provide their own towels, but for beach days and waterfall hikes, you’ll want one of these. My xl multi-lite is about the size of a beach towel and compacts into my backpack nicely.
hairbrush or comb | Grab a smaller, travel-size brush for your trip to save space. Don’t knock the comb, though. I once used one on a trip to Big Bend and now I won’t ever go back to a regular hairbrush.
hair ties / hair clips| These things tend to run off into the night, so a pack is good to have with you.
nail clippers | To keep your hands clean and tidy. Although, cheap manicures are one of the many upsides to backpacking Southeast Asia.
tweezers | A splinter here, a stray eyebrow hair there, these will be handy in some way or another.
reusable q-tip | Not as gross as it sounds. Easy to clean with an endless life, I swear by Last Swab.
lip chap | Your favorite one. Bonus if it has SPF.
retainer | If applicable.
a few makeup essentials | I’m talking maybe a liquid blush, eyebrow gel, and clear mascara. That’s it. You’ll sweat everything else off within an hour or two and eventually find it’s a waste of space in your bag. Plus, think of the tan you’ll have… Right? You won’t even need it.
perfume or perfume oil | A creature comfort more than an essential, traveling with one or two small bottles of perfume oil is one of my small joys.
condoms | Falling for at least one Australian accent is part of the female Southeast Asia experience.
menstrual disc | If you’re going to be traveling for at least a few months, it’s senseless to lug around dozens of pads or tampons with you for your menstrual cycle. While it would make a lot of sense to grab them as needed in Southeast Asia, they’re quite tricky to get your hands on, and quite expensive when you do. That’s why I recommend switching to a menstrual disc that allows you to go a little more hands-free with your cycle. I swear by my small Saalt disc.
emergency sanitary supplies | There are some circumstances where you’ll want to have a tampon or two when changing your cup out is difficult or the bathroom situation is less than ideal.
contraception | This is a deeply personal decision from woman to woman. Some women feel liberated with birth control while others have found themselves by getting off of it. Either way, it’s important to do your research and find what aligns with your values and long-term travel plans.
Southeast Asia Travel Kit
It doesn’t matter if you’re backpacking Southeast for 3 months, 6 months, or 6 weeks, everyone needs these items.
travel filter water bottle | Tap water all over Southeast Asia is unsafe to drink, let alone brush your teeth with, so I really recommend investing in a filtered water bottle for your trip. They resemble normal water bottles but can filter up to 99.9% of bacteria, heavy metals, viruses, chlorine, and toxins from any freshwater source. Fill one up from the tap, a lake, stream, or other source and you have pristine drinking water in seconds.
You’ll always have access to clean water, save $1-3 every day on bottled water, and save a bunch of plastic waste in the process. It’s a win-win-win. The GRAYL is the most loved filtered water bottle right now, otherwise the Lifestraw is a more affordable option.
refillable water bottle | If you don’t want to invest in a filtered water bottle, the next best thing is to bring a standard reusable bottle like a Hydroflask. Grab at least a 1 L size because anything smaller will go fast in the heat and also make sure it’ll keep your water cold. With your own bottle, you won’t have to buy a bunch of plastic bottles at the airport or on the road as most hostels or restaurants will fill it for free or for a small fee.
tote bag | A cloth or reusable tote is nice to have on hand for markets, takeaway food, and shopping to avoid single-use plastic bags.
ear plugs | No one is immune to a noisy hostel mate.
sleeping mask | Get some shut-eye even when there’s a light or two on.
headlamp | This will come in handy more than you think. Headlamp = hands-free light. Priceless.
metal straw | A coconut a day keeps the Bali belly away… Or something like that. Unfortunately, they’re all served with a plastic straw, so bring a stainless steel alternative to reduce waste.
reusable cutlery | For street food, fruit stalls, and endless plates of pad Thai, this bamboo utensil set will come in handy, and also save a lot of single-use plastic waste.
carabiners | These come in handy in more ways than one. In case you need to strap a pair of wet shoes to the outside of your bag or try your travel towel. Make sure you buy carabiners that lock.
journal + pen | Can you really have your Eat. Pray. Love. moments without a journal and a pen to document it all? If you’re new to journaling or looking for a new one for your trip, take a peek at this Notes to Mindfulness Journal. I’m on my second one.
deck of cards | Nothing better for long bus or train rides than a deck of cards or Monopoly Deal.
small bluetooth speaker | A small piece of technology that completely changes the vibes of your beach days. This JBL Clip is tiny but mighty.
snorkel + fins (consider) | These aren’t 100% necessary as most excursions are going to provide masks and snorkels for you, but it’s more sanitary to have you’re own. Plus, you can snorkel and explore on your own terms which is always a plus. DaFIN makes travel-friendly swim fins that are worth the splurge for your bag. RIFFE has high-quality snorkels that will last through your adventures. With a cheapie set, you’re going to spend all your snorkel time clearing your mask or adjusting your fins because they suck. Don’t skimp.
Safety + Money
There are a lot of stipulations when it comes to safety in Southeast Asia, but generally, the region is safe for travelers.
A lot of these items are for general safety and to cover your bases if anything gets lost or stolen.
combination locks | Most shared hostels in Southeast Asia will provide a locker where you can store your belongings safely, but seldom do they give you a lock, so you need to provide your own. This 10-digit combination lock has proved sturdy and easy to use on all my trips through Southeast Asia.
bank + credit cards | I always bring a couple of different cards with me when I travel: 1 or 2 debit and my travel credit cards. Most debit accounts will charge you foreign transaction fees, so I recommend opening a Charles Schwab debit account if you don’t want to use a credit card. With an account, you can access your money with no fees and other perks. Just don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Redundancy is key.
emergency cash | Have $150-250 per person on hand just in case your bank cards don’t work, you lose your wallet, or you’re traveling in a remote place that doesn’t accept cards. Also be sure to have them in smaller notes like 10s and 20s, rather than 50s and Benjis.
passport | Make sure it’s valid, not near expiration, and has plenty of free pages.
spare passport photos | I’d take 3-4 with you. They’re typically needed for visa renewals.
copies of important documents | Driver’s license, social security card, passport, vaccination documents, insurance details, and anything else important. Redundancy is key so have physical copies and upload everything to a Google Drive.
travel insurance | Do not travel to Southeast Asia without this. Read this guide before you buy.
spare phone | If you lose or break your phone, especially as a solo female traveler, this will be a saving grace. I have an old iPhone 8 that I stow away just incase.
visa | This will depend on what passport you have and how many days you plan to stay in a country. I’m a US passport holder, so I have the privilege of getting a visa on arrival (VOA) pretty much everywhere I go. Even then, some countries, like Thailand for example, only grant VOAs for 60 days. So if you plan to stay in certain countries for extended amounts of time, you need to check the rules and make sure you have all the proper documents for a visa renewal.
First Aid
When backpackers consider their Southeast Asia packing list, first-aid is one of the very last things they consider.
Rightfully so.
I’m not thinking about headache remedies or wound treatment. I’m thinking about all the pho I’m going to eat; all the beaches I plan to leisure at; and everything I’ll be checking off my bucket list.
But having a few staples will save you a headache, literally, and help bring you up from low points throughout your trip. Here’s what I recommend you pack:
first-aid kit | You can purchase this or build your own. I think getting a basic one and then adding a few essentials is better than crafting one from scratch, and is likely much cheaper. This watertight and ultralight first-aid kit has almost everything you need and takes up minimal space in your bag. It provides a great baseline to start but read on for a few essentials you should add.
dramamine | There are more transport methods than you can count to get around Southeast Asia. A touch of motion sickness is bound to happen. I can’t even read while in a car otherwise I’m very susceptible to getting car sick and these motion sickness patches made transiting more comfortable for me.
immodium (anti-diarrhea) | Few stomachs are equipped to handle the street food and new bacteria Southeast Asian food introduces into our systems. Your gut biome will familiarize you with it over time, but at the start, you may need these.
electrolytes | Sweating all day every day is Southeast Asia’s regional pastime. Electrolytes will help you replace all the salt you’re losing and aid in recovery if you get a case of the runs as we talked about above or need a little boost from the traveling. Living in Texas, I’m no stranger to a good sweat and I swear by Ultima. A generous handful of the single-serves and you should do just fine.
supplements | One can only dream of living off mango sticky rice and pho and having all your nutritional needs met, but alas. I like this greens powder from Vibrant Health, aka the king of greens. One of their travel packs covers A LOT of your bases in terms of nutritional needs. I try to take one every other day so I don’t have to pack so many.
bug repellant | I am no stranger to being a mosquito’s favorite all-you-can-eat buffet.
hand sanitizer | To use before meals; after petting adorable island dogs; after many soapless bathroom breaks; and feeling clean overall. Earth Harbor makes this no-rinse gel I love.
toilet paper roll | This depends on where you’re traveling to, but I experienced a few too many bathrooms in the Philippines that didn’t have toilet paper. You can stop into any 7/11 and grab a roll unless you want to perfect the art of the drip dry like me.
prescription medications | Of course, don’t leave these at home.
Travel Insurance
In a perfect world, a small first-aid kit would have you covered for a whirlwind trip across Southeast Asia, but that’s not the case and accidents do happen.
So if you’re wondering if travel insurance is necessary, it absolutely is.
Most travelers opt out of travel insurance when getting quotes. Not because it’s expensive, but because they’d rather put that money towards their adventures. However, no one is immune to an accident and I’ve heard some horror stories about people that weren’t covered. It really can happen to anyone.
Travel insurance is great for more than just injury, too. If you lose your luggage, experience a trip interruption or cancellation, or other inconvenience, you can be reimbursed or accommodated.
The key is finding the policy that works for you. World Nomads and Safety Wing are the two travel insurance companies most, if not all nomads use exclusively. Some tend to prefer one over the other, but they both offer basic and comprehensive plans that make it easy to select the right one for you.
Travel insurance is your most important packing list item and costs as little as $2 per day.
Don’t leave without it!
Technology
Everyone has their personal preference for what tech they bring to Southeast Asia. It depends on what you’re bringing it for and everyone has different goals for their trip. Below is everything that I brought with me, but it’s divided into two sections so you can go with either route that aligns with your intentions.
Essential
smartphone | As much as I hate to say it, your phone is your lifeline when you’re abroad. Bring it with you to Southeast Asia for maps, podcasts, books, messaging, photos, and videos.
☀︎ Southeast Asia Travel Tip | The best way to stay connected in other countries is by using a local SIM. You can purchase them at the airport or at stalls around the major cities. You swap your home SIM with the local one and it gives you local data to make calls and texts. You’ll have a different number, but you’ll be able to contact loved ones. To do this, make sure your phone is unlocked (able to be used with any mobile carrier) and can remove your physical SIM. Some of the newer iPhones don’t have this feature anymore.
eSIM | eSIMs are a great alternative to stay connected if you don’t have an unlocked phone. Airalo makes the process seamless with their country-specific and regional SIMs that keep you connected for as little as $5 USD. It’s also great if you want to keep your home phone number and save time at the airport.
waterproof phone case | For ease of travel on boats and the occasional kayak, bring one of these.
phone charger | No use in bringing a phone with no charger, eh?
universal plug adapter | At least one, but consider two if you have a bunch of technology with you. Some countries have different plugs than others, so a universal one covers all your bases. Grab one here.
power bank | For longer travel days, multi-day hikes, and day trips.
headphones | My noise-canceling headphones are something I couldn’t travel without. For noisy bus rides, hostels, or other times I need to shut the world out, these are essential. Over the ear is my usual preference, but with how hot Southeast Asia is, my Airpod Pros are more ideal and take up less space in my bag.
corded headphones | Bluetooth is king until you get on a plane and can’t watch any shows or movies. Or your Airpods die ahead of a 12+ hour bus journey. Some airlines hand out corded headphones, but from my experience, they’re not very good and break fast. Bring your own with the original port. Otherwise, they make adapters now that make your Bluetooth headphones compatible with the plane TVs.
headphone splitter | For couples or solo travelers with friends, use this to share music or watch a show on the road.
tablet | Unless you work remotely, a laptop isn’t much of a necessity in Southeast Asia. For most, your phone will do just fine, but a tablet can be great for watching Netflix shows or booking the next leg of your trip.
Additional
kindle | If you don’t need a tablet, the next thing worth the weight is a kindle.
laptop | While not the most ideal, a laptop is still essential for some. My 13-inch Macbook Pro is lightweight and easy to travel with.
laptop charger | To get to your destination and not have a computer charger. Ouch.
adapters | USB to USB-C and an SD card reader are the main two I used with my previous computer. Thankfully with the new Macbooks, they brought back the SD card reader and other useful ports so I don’t need adapters anymore, but you may.
cameras | My Canon 5D Mark III has been my ol’ reliable for years now, but an upgrade is soon in order. Many people love the newer version, the 5D Mark IV.
sd cards | Not just any, SD card. SanDisk Extreme PRO is the way to go. With ample storage, of course.
sd card holder | This Pelican case is trusty and durable.
mini extension cord | If you have a lot of electronics to charge, most hostels only have two ports available, so a travel extension cord comes in handy. This one has USB ports.
harddrive | I’m convinced you could throw this external harddrive into a flaming pit of lava and it would still work.
air tags | Lost bags are slowly becoming an epidemic. Pop an Airtag in your bag and never lose your luggage.
If you have any questions about this packing list for Southeast Asia, please feel free to message me on Instagram if you need more advice.
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