Travelling through South East Asia will likely be one of the most enriching and adventure-filled trips you’ll ever have. For many, it’s a bit of a right of passage, backpacking across this beautiful part of the world – eating some of the best street food you’ll ever find, relaxing on picture perfect white sands and staying up all night at epic beach parties!
South East Asia is of course, a varied region and the experience of a traveller in Thailand will be completely different to that of someone in Vietnam, Cambodia or Indonesia. If you’re planning on visiting a few different countries, then planning what to pack for South East Asia with some thought can make your trip more comfortable, practical, respectful and safe! Whether you are backpacking through Laos, cruising through Halong Bay, or temple hopping in Cambodia, a well-thought-out Southeast Asia packing list is essential.
I lived in Hanoi for a year and have travelled extensively across the region – spending hours on night buses, motorbiking around the hills, lugging my backpack on and off boats and staying in hostels, hotels and homestays. To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to pack for South East Asia, ensuring you stay comfortable, prepared, and culturally sensitive.
Luggage choices – Best luggage for South East Asia
Suitcase or Backpack?
The best luggage for South East Asia will depend on your trip – are you hopping on and off tuk-tuks, catching boats, staying in hotels or backpacker hostels?
The phrase ‘backpacking’ has changed somewhat over the years and many people don’t take a backpack as such on these trips. If I’m staying in hostels and carrying my own bag often for fairly long distances, then I’d prefer a backpack as South East Asian streets (especially in more rural or older areas) can be tricky to pull along a suitcase. The Highlander comes in 65l & 85l and is waterproof – handy if you’re visiting during monsoon season.
If you’re going to take a suitcase to South East Asia, it will need to be a hardy one. Often your case will be thrown on top of vans, hauled onto boats, and generally knocked about a lot. I’ve had many cases not even last the trip – ending with me having to tape them up to fly home!
Level 8 suitcases are genuinely the best cases I’ve ever owned. They might be on the pricier end of the scale, but they last, they look great and they can withstand being thrown around. I’ve got the 28 inch large hard shell case and I couldn’t be happier with it!
One of the best luggage options is somewhere between a backpack and a suitcase – and that’s the Osprey Wheeled Luggage. These types of bags are wheeled, but also transform into a backpack with thick straps for when dragging isn’t possible.
South East Asia Packing List – Clothes
I can pretty much guarantee that however much you bring with you – clothes wise, you’ll probably only end up wearing the same few things over and over. It’s always the way! In general in South East Asia requires casual, comfortable clothes that are breathable for the often extreme heat.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that lots of places will do laundry by the kilo at super cheap prices so it’s very easy to get your clothes washed and dried pretty quickly.
Here are some suggestions for clothes to pack for South East Asia.
- Comfortable sandals like Birkenstocks – which you’ll probably see most backpackers wearing – are ideal as you’ll be walking a lot, but possibly taking your shoes off fairly regularly for temples etc. They’re also great as you can wear them casually or to a slightly more formal location.
- Flip flops – Havaianas are the most popular flip flops for good reason. They’re stylish, comfortable and won’t fall to pieces after a few wears.
- Shorts – A few pairs of shorts, a mix of denim cut offs and comfortable/soft shorts will get plenty of use.
- Loose vests or crop tops – It’s going to be hot and you’ll want some loose items to throw over the top of swimwear, so pick something that dries quickly.
- Long skirts or maxi dresses are great, but keep in mind that you don’t want clothes that trail on the floor.
- Loose-fitting linen trousers – Having some long loose trousers will be a good call for night buses, temples and for avoiding mosquito bites!
- Comfortable t-shirts and vest tops – given the heat, I’ll often wear a vest top and then carry a scarf if I feel that I need to appear more modest.
- Loose fitting blouses or shirts – Great for dressing up and down and for covering shoulders when necessary.
- Scarves – Scarves are a must for your South East Asia packing list as they are so useful for covering shoulders at religious sites, shielding from dust, and adding warmth on cool nights or in places with strong air con! I always carry one with me as they can be used for many things (sarongs, towel, modesty item). Amazon have some nice well priced scarves that are lightweight and thin for the hot summer.
Temple Etiquette – Remember to add some modest items to your South East Asia Packing List
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time visiting temples during your trip then you’ll need to make sure you add some more modest clothing for your South East Asia packing list. Most temples at the very least require your shoulders and knees covered, and even if this isn’t always a specific rule, it’s certainly good etiquette to ensure you’re dressed more modestly.
Some temples will rent out long sarong style wraps for both men and women to wear, but if you can arrive wearing long loose trousers or a long skirt it’s easier and cheaper. A scarf or loose t shirt will suffice for your top half. I quite often wear a vest top and then carry a scarf with me to cover my shoulders.
Essential Accessories for your South East Asia Packing List
Electronics and Power Essentials
Most of South East Asia uses types C, A and G plugs – check depending on your country, but to cover everything, take a Universal Plug Adapter. South East Asia operates on 220V and 50Hz, so be sure your electronics can handle this.
A battery pack is essential for those long days on the move. A powerful one with built-in cables is super convenient.
An action camera is perfect for this region. From kayaking in Vietnam to motorbiking in Laos, I’ve swapped my GoPro for the Osmo Action 5 – unbeatable for battery life and it has a built-in mic and brighter screen.
Toiletries for your South East Asia Packing List
Even in the bigger cities, finding certain toiletries that you. might use back home can be challenging – this of course is especially true in the more rural areas. So add some of these essentials to your South East Asia packing list.
- Mosquito repellent is a must, especially if you’re visiting some of the jungle or forest areas. Getting one with deet will be the best idea although if you’re looking for one with a less strong smell then the Avon skin so soft is lovely. Mosquito repellent is quite readily available but finding anything that contains deet can be very expensive.
- Suncream / sunscreen is best bought in your home country as it can also be very expensive in Asia. Consider getting factor 50.
- Another handy one is dry shampoo. Great for overnight trains and other times when you aren’t able to shower.
- Basic medications will be available over the counter in a lot of South East Asia including some medications that you might require prescriptions for back home. Having said that, having paracetamol, plasters and a few other first aid items with you is a good idea.
- Make sure you’ve got toilet paper or tissues with you at all times.
- Hand Sanitiser is always handy to have with you.
- When I’ve spent extended periods of time on the road, I’ve found that my hair starts to come out more than normal. Having a good conditioner with you or hair oil can stop hair fall.
What to Pack for South East Asia: Other travel essentials
- A Money Belt for under your clothes is an essential item to pack for South East Asia, especially if you’re planning on visiting markets and busy areas.
- A refillable water bottle will be super handy for your trip. Firstly of course to cut down on plastic, but also because keeping drinks cold on day trips is really handy! My favourite bottles are Iglu, which keep your drinks cold even overnight!
- A day bag or bum bag will be handy for keeping hand sanitiser and tissues in.
- I don’t travel anywhere without my kindle. Especially if you’re planning on some long train journeys, then having a good book to read is a must!
South East Asia Packing List: A check list!
Clothing
- 2 pairs of loose fitting trousers
- 3 x pair of shorts
- 4 x tank/vest tops
- 2 x linen scarves
- 2 x lightweight cotton type dresses
- 2 x t-shirts (lightweight and breathable)
- 1 x cotton skirt
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks (quick-dry)
- 2 bras
- 1 x hoodie for night buses
- 2 x swimsuit/bikini
- 1 pair of comfortable trainers
- 1 pair of flip-flops and/or sandals
- Sunglasses / Cap
Toiletries & Health
- Sun cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- Dry shampoo
- Basic medications
- Shampoo & Conditioner
Electronics & Travel Gear
- Universal plug adapter
- Battery Pack
- Camera
- Action Cam
- Extra batteries/memory cards
- Secure money belt
- Reusable water bottle
- Kindle or book
Final Packing Tips for South East Asia
Pack Light! – Cheap laundry services are available almost everywhere and you’ll probably buy clothes as you go.
Go for lightweight breathable items! – Clothes that are light to carry and wear will be the best choice.
Expect the unexpected! – Weather shifts, power cuts, and travel delays happen. Having tissues, a battery pack, and water makes all the difference.
By following this South East Asia Packing List, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable journey through this beautiful, complex, and exciting region. Now that you know exactly what to pack for South East Asia, get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
