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50 Essential travel tips for first time backpackers visiting Southeast Asia

• July 27, 2023
• curious goose

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Make sure you read these essential tips for Southeast Asia to help plan your trip.

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers. It’s easy to see why – gorgeous sandy beaches, cultural temples, delicious food and bustling cities makes for an attractive mix. It’s also a safe and cheap place to travel, meaning that Southeast Asia is a great place for first time travellers getting to grips with backpacking and those on a budget.

Southeast Asia has been on my bucket list for years and in 2022, I spent 7 months travelling in Thailand , Vietnam , Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia. Based on my experience, I’ve put together 50 essential travel tips to help you plan your trip to Southeast Asia. These tips cover everything from what food and drink to avoid, to how to keep track of your budget while travelling and travel hacks to make life on the road easier.

These travel tips for Southeast Aisa will prepare you for a great trip and hopefully help to prevent you from getting into any tricky situations!

50 Essential travel tips for first-time backpackers visiting Southeast Asia

Practical information for travel in southeast asia, managing your budget and finances when travelling in southeast asia, top tips for getting around in southeast asia, food and drink in southeast asia, local cultures and traditions in southeast asia, travel health, packing tips.

• Lastly…things to remember when travelling

Travelling takes a lot of organisation and planning. Here’s a few hacks to help you have a smoother travel experience.

1. Get yourself a sim card as soon as you land

Often the best sim card deals can be found in the arrivals hall at the airport, with a ‘tourist sim’. I’d recommend getting a sim card as soon as you arrive in the country, especially if you are taking public transport from the airport / ferry / bus terminal to your accommodation. Most likely, you will be dropped off at a location in the centre of town (or at the side of the road as I experienced several times!) and having the internet to figure out where you are is very helpful.

2. Download an offline version of google maps before you arrive at a new place

Even if you have a sim card with data, you might not always have a signal to access the internet. Make sure that you download an offline version of google maps, covering the area you are travelling to. You might need to download several if the area you are travelling to is vast. Another handy tip is to ‘pin’ key locations onto your map, such as your accommodation, attractions, bus terminals and places to eat! That way, if you can’t access the internet you’ll still be able to find your way to key services and attractions.

3. Screenshot or note down your accommodation booking confirmation and address

Don’t rely on being able to access the internet to retrieve the information of your accommodation. You’d be surprised how many travellers get off a bus in a new town and don’t know the address or even the name of the place they are staying at and can’t access their emails as they don’t have internet! Take a quick screenshot of your accommodation and travel bookings, or write the important information down in a notebook or in the notes folder on your phone.

4. Print any important documents you need to enter a country

For entering many of the countries in Southeast Asia, you’ll need a visa (and may need other supporting documents too). It always helps to have a printed copy of any important documents as well as the electronic version on your phone. This way, if your phone gets lost / stolen / runs out of battery, you’ll have a backup copy. If you are travelling between countries, your hostel or hotel might be able to print documents for you, or they can usually point you in the direction of a printing shop.

5. Be aware of scams

Travelling in Southeast Asia is an amazing experience and most of the local people you meet will be welcoming, friendly and helpful. However, you will also encounter locals who will try to take advantage of travellers. The most common scams usually involve taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, or money exchange kiosks. When travelling around in Southeast Asia, always negotiate the price and be clear on what the price covers. Only change money in authorised exchange kiosks – your accommodation should be able to help you with this.

How do you know if something is a scam? Usually you can tell if something doesn’t feel right. If you don’t feel comfortable and are unsure, just say no and move on. It also helps if you do your own research and plan beforehand. For example, if you research how much a specific A to B journey should cost in a tuk-tuk and the price you are being quoted is over double, you know they are trying it on.

6. Don’t put tissue paper down the toilet

As a general rule, putting tissue paper down the toilet is a no-no in Southeast Asia. There are some exceptions to this rule, for example in more modern, and usually more upscale resorts. However, in most places, the pipes cannot cope with the paper and they will block, which is not nice for anyone. Use the bin provided or embrace the water gun!

7. Read reviews

Whilst it’s not a good idea to get hung up on one negative review out of 10’s of positive ones, reading reviews is definitely worth doing. Whether this is for accommodation, attractions or transport. Filter the reviews to ‘Newest first’ and make sure you know what to expect before you part with your money.

8. Check the weather when planning your trip to Southeast Asia

Generally speaking, October – March is the best time to travel in Southeast Asia as this is the dry season and the weather is cooler and more manageable. However, research the individual countries you want to visit to plan which month would be best for you to travel.

9. Plan your route but allow for flexibility

Whether you are visiting one country or several countries in Southeast Asia, plan your itinerary beforehand. Having a rough plan of your route is a good idea so that you have an idea of what you would like to see within your time frame. However, don’t be rigid with your plans. Be flexible and embrace opportunities to visit places you hadn’t included in your original itinerary. Having unexpected experiences is one of the best things about travelling!

Budgeting for your trip is one of the most important things you can do, both before and during your travels. Make sure that you read these top tips to help you manage your budget and keep track of your spending when travelling.

Need help saving for your dream trip? Check out my 12 super simple tips for how to save for full time travel

10. Have a couple of good debit cards

One of the most important things you will need when travelling is a safe way to access your money. Instead of using your normal bank debit card, which may have expensive fees for use overseas, get yourself a new debit card, purely for travelling. I use a Starling Bank debit card, but I’ve also heard good things from travellers about Revolut and Monzo too. Instead of having all your money on your travelling debit card, simply ‘top it up’ when you need and keep just a small amount on the card. That way, if you lose the card, or it gets stolen, you don’t risk losing a lot of money. For this same reason, having two debit cards you can use in this way is also a great idea (just make sure you keep them in different places!).

11. Pay for large items on a credit card

When booking things like accommodation, travel (especially flights) and activities, always use a credit card. Credit cards offer a much higher protection on spending and if something goes wrong with the supplier (for example, if the service provider goes out of business), your credit card company can help you to claim your money back. I have a Halifax Clarity credit card which is great for travelling and using abroad. Shop around and find a credit card with low or zero exchange fees or charges for using it overseas.

12. Always carry some cash

When travelling in Southeast Asia, it’s a good idea to always have a bit of cash on you. If you are travelling to more remote areas, or buying something from a local shop or stall, you will need to pay for it in cash. Just be aware that many of the ATM’s in Southeast Asia charge for withdrawing money and they have a limit for how much you can withdraw, which is annoying!

(Image: Windmill Viewpoint, Phuket, Thailand)

13. Make sure you can access your bank account if you lose your phone

Most of us manage our bank accounts via an app on our phones. However, what happens if your phone is lost or stolen? Make sure that you know how to access your bank account online or over the phone.

14. Set yourself a travel budget and track your daily spend

Possibly THE most important element of travelling is budget management! It doesn’t sound exciting (and it’s not!), but it’s vital if you don’t want your trip to end abruptly because you’ve run out of money.

When planning your trip, do your research and set a daily budget. This should be based on the prices of accommodation, food, transport and activities in your destination and also what kind of experience you want to have (on the scale of budget backpacker – luxury holiday). Read my step by step guide on How to budget for full time travel and create your own Travel Budget (you can also download my FREE Travel Budget Spreadsheet Template).

Make sure you record your daily spend to keep you on track. I use the free version of @travelspendapp . Managing your budget means that if you’re careful in some places, you can splurge on more expensive trips in others, such as an overnight luxury cruise to Halong Bay in Vietnam

15. Take advantage of travel rewards programs

There are plenty of rewards programs available to savvy travellers. One of my favourite reward programs is the Booking.com genius program. The more qualified bookings you make through your Booking.com account, the more genius points you can earn, which can get you discounts and upgrades on certain hotels, transport and experiences.

Another great rewards program, if you are from the UK, is Topcashback . Simply login to your Topcashback account and make your booking with one of the travel providers via the Topcashback site to earn cash back on your purchase.

Southeast Asia is a large, diverse continent and even the individual countries within Southeast Asia are massive, so you’re going to want to travel around and explore as much of it as possible. Getting around in Southeast Asia is not always the most straightforward, so here’s some tips to help you navigate public transport.

16. Shop around for the best deal on public transport

During the 7 months I spent in Southeast Asia, I booked a lot of my bus and ferry journeys online. One of the best booking platforms for transport in Southeast Asia is 12go . Camboticket in Cambodia is also another good option. (For booking tours, Viator , Get your Guide and Klook are all great platforms). But don’t just rely on websites. Speak to your hotel or hostel and get their advice. Sometimes they can tell you about transport routes or tour companies that don’t appear on the larger comparison websites. Whatever you are booking, shop around and get a couple of prices for the best deal.

If you are travelling a longer distance, or between countries, don’t assume that travelling by plane will always be more expensive. Sometimes a flight can be cheaper, or a similar price to a long distance train, especially if you have carry-on only bags. It’s also worth taking into consideration the journey time. If a flight is only £30 more but takes 14 hours less than the bus, it may be a better option for you.

17. Travelling from A to B is not as easy as it sounds!

Travelling from A to B sounds easy (and it should be!), however travelling from A to B in Southeast Asia usually ends up being a lot more complicated than it needs to be! Don’t be surprised if you are asked to change buses several times throughout your journey as different drivers and companies take over each section of the trip. I took a journey in Thailand from Railay in Krabi to Koh Samui which took 12 hours and consisted of 1 boat, 5 buses, 1 ferry and a taxi (which was 4 more buses than expected!) Try to stay patient and go with it, it won’t make you feel any better getting stressed about it.

18. Give yourself plenty of time for transfers

As I’ve mentioned, travel in Southeast Asia is usually not a simple process. Often journeys depart later than scheduled and will take a lot longer as the drivers make random stops along the way. If you are planning a journey that has transfers with different companies (for example, a bus journey followed by a ferry), make sure that you leave plenty of time between each leg of the journey, as you are most likely going to be late!

19. Prepare for delays or things to go wrong

You can see a theme emerging here! Most journeys in Southeast Asia are late, or delayed, or there’s been a miscommunication with your booking. Try to be patient and polite with the locals. Most local people I encountered in Southeast Asia were incredibly warm and friendly and willing to help. So, be respectful and don’t be rude if things don’t go to plan, it’s all part of the travelling experience!

20. Don’t expect formal booking confirmations for public transport

If you’re the kind of person who likes to have written confirmation of everything, then prepare to get out of your comfort zone! As someone who is super organised and over-prepared, I had to learn to accept that formal booking confirmations don’t always exist in Southeast Asia when booking transport. Instead, you’ll be given a flimsy paper slip as confirmation, which at some point will be taken off you and replaced with a coloured sticker (which may later be replaced with another sticker!) They do love a sticker, especially in Thailand! Just take photos of your paper slip or sticker in case you lose it and you’ll be fine.

21. ALWAYS negotiate when ordering a tuk-tuk or taxi!

Rule no.1 when travelling in Southeast Asia – always negotiate! In some of the larger cities you can use Grab, Uber or Gojek which is great as it gives you an idea of what the cost should be. Even if you are getting a ride with a local driver, use the price on Grab/Uber/Gojek to help you negotiate. If that is not available, ask your hostel or hotel how much the prices should be so you have an idea of what is a good price and what is a bad price.

22. Get an international driving licence

If you are considering hiring a car or scooter in Southeast Asia, get yourself an International driving licence. If you are from the UK, you can pick these up in the Post Office for £5. Make sure you keep your licence and your international licence with you at all times when driving. Occasionally local police may stop you and ask to see your licence and if you don’t have it (or the correct one), they may fine you.

23. Don’t feel pressured into riding a scooter

Travelling in Southeast Asia and riding a scooter seem to go hand in hand (if you believe everything you see on Instagram, or read in some blogs). However, don’t feel pressured to ride a scooter if you don’t feel comfortable. The roads in Southeast Asia are uneven and windy and the traffic can be crazy, with people cutting you up and zig-zagging down the road. It is absolutely possible to travel in Southeast Asia without riding a scooter if you don’t want to. If you do want to ride a scooter, make sure your travel insurance covers you and always wear a helmet.

24. Have motion sickness tablets with you on travel days

Even if you don’t normally feel travel sick, you may find yourself feeling queasy. Many of the roads in Southeast Asia are quite hilly and windy and the drivers can be fast and erratic. Also, if you are on a small minibus, it is usually hot and cramped, making you feel even worse. (If you are in the north of Thailand, the Chiang Mai – Pai bus is notorious for making people feel ill). Buses aside, you will likely be taking several boats and ferries during your time travelling in Southeast Asia and some of the boat crossings can be bumpy. Make sure that you have some motion sickness tablets with you for your journey. These can be picked up cheaply from 7/11 in Thailand and also most pharmacies or shops.

25. Pack warm clothing in your day bag on travel days

If you are travelling long distances on a coach or sleeper bus, make sure you keep a warm top or hoodie with you. The buses in Southeast Asia are renowned for having the coldest air conditioning!

Sampling the food and drink in a new country is all part of the travelling experience and one of the best parts of visiting Southeast Asia is to eat the local food. Here’s a few tips to keep you safe and avoid the dreaded traveller’s belly!

26. Don’t drink the tap water

Unless you want to spend a couple of days being ill, don’t drink the tap water! Bottled water is very cheap to buy, Unfortunately, this does often mean that you will be using a lot of single-use plastic, which is a big problem in Southeast Asia. Some larger cities such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai in Thailand have filtered water machines where you can top up your refillable water bottle for a fraction of the cost.

27. Be careful of the fruit!

It can be hard to stay healthy when travelling and the fruit in Southeast Asia is delicious, however, just be careful where you buy it from. There’s plenty of street stalls selling pre-cut fruit. Most of it will be fine, however you don’t know how long it has been sitting there getting warm and also whether it has been washed in clean drinking water. Eating dodgy fruit can make you really sick and wipe you out for several days – believe me! Try to pick places where they cut the fruit fresh in front of you, or buy whole fruit which you can peel/cut yourself.

28. Eat the street food!

The street food scene in Southeast Asia is brilliant (plus its great for your budget too!) The street markets are a lively buzz of noise and smells, creating a great atmosphere. Make sure you go to as many street food markets as you can, it’s all part of the Southeast Asia experience! If you buy meat from a street vendor, make sure that they fry it / cook it in front of you. Eating meat that has been left out for a while is another thing that could leave you chained to the bathroom for a day or two.

29. Try local dishes

When you visit somewhere new, make sure you know what the local dishes are and try them. Ask the locals you meet what food you should eat whilst you are there. There’s often regional variations of national dishes too.

30. Don’t be put off by the interior (or lack of!) a place

Some of the best food I’ve eaten in Southeast Asia has been whilst sitting outside on a tiny plastic stool at a metal table! In my experience, the small, family-run local restaurants have the best food and even better, they are the most budget-friendly too!

31. Bring a reusable water bottle and bag

As I’ve mentioned, some of the larger cities and towns in Southeast Asia do have places where you can top up your reusable water bottle. There are also some cafes which will allow you to top up for a small charge. Reusable water bottles are also vital for taking on some of the amazing hikes Thailand has to offer. Tip – buy an insulated bottle to keep your water cool!

Take a reusable cotton tote bag too for your shopping, rather than asking for a plastic bag each time you go to the shop. This foldable tote bag is perfect as it has a zip to keep your valuables secure too.

32. Check the spice level!

Spicy food in Southeast Asia is on a different level! A ‘mild’ dish is comparable to a medium in the UK. Don’t be afraid to ask for no chilli or for a dish to not be spicy.

Experiencing a different culture and learning about the history and traditions of a place is one of the best bits about travelling. Read these four things you must do to make sure that you are respectful and get off to a great start with the locals when travelling in Southeast Asia.

33. Learn basic phrases

If you are travelling in another country, even just for a couple of weeks, it’s a great courtesy to know a couple of key phrases, such as Hello and Thank You. Even though English is widely spoken across Southeast Asia, locals love it when you try to speak a little of their own language and will be happy to teach you some new phrases.

34. Be respectful

Southeast Asian culture is very different to western culture and each country in Southeast Asia has their own traditions and cultural differences. Make sure that you know how to behave in certain situations and be respectful. For example, women should not approach, converse with or touch Monks. Women also cannot enter certain shrines or temples whilst menstruating.

Travelling to Bangkok? Make sure you visit these three temples

35. Dress appropriately

Whilst both men and women should make sure that they are respectfully dressed when entering a temple or government building, this mostly applies to women. Whether you’re exploring Ankor Wat , in Cambodia or the Grand Palace in Bangkok, women must always cover their knees and shoulders when visiting a temple.

When bathing in certain spots, it is respectful to cover up. Wearing a bikini is acceptable at most public beaches and in your hotel or hostel pool, however, if you are visiting a local bathing spot, you will notice that Southeast Asian women wear shorts and a t-shirt to bathe in. It is polite to do the same.

36. Take off your shoes

This is common practice in many places throughout Southeast Asia, but it is mostly associated with Thailand. Shoes should always be removed before entering a temple, but you will also need to remove shoes before entering other places too. If you are staying in a small guesthouse, or homestay, it is polite to leave your shoes outside. This is the same if you enter a small, local shop and even when you travel on certain boats and buses (especially the sleeper buses in Vietnam).

Prepare for your trip to Southeast Asia by making sure that your health requirements and needs are taken care of before you travel…

37. Check what vaccinations you need before you go

When planning a trip to any new country, it is important to make sure you have received all the relevant vaccinations beforehand. If you are in the UK, you can check the NHS website to see which vaccinations are recommended for the country you are visiting and which vaccinations you can get for free on the NHS.

38. Stock up on sunscreen

Suncream is not widely available in Southeast Asia, especially if you are travelling away from the main tourist holiday destinations. It is also very expensive. You will find lots of ‘sun serums’ or ‘daily lotions with spf’ – be careful with these, whilst they do offer some level of protection, they are not full sun creams and are not recommended for using while sunbathing. If you are only travelling for a short amount of time, take several bottles with you from home, if you have room.

39. Take any medication / feminine products with you

If you are travelling to some of the smaller islands, or more remote places in Southeast Asia, there is not always a large pharmacy available. So, if you need medication, make sure that you bring it with you and restock it before you run out. Feminine products can be expensive too, so if you can, bring these with you.

40. Always carry medication for ‘travellers belly’

It’s not nice to talk about but almost every traveller will experience an upset stomach at some point during their travels in Southeast Asia (no matter how careful you are). Although the best advice is to rest and let the bug ‘pass through’, that is not always possible, especially if you have a bus journey to get through. With that in mind, carrying some tablets for diarrhoea will be a lifesaver!

41. Always have a toilet roll with you on travel days!

This goes hand in hand with the above – most toilets in Southeast Asia don’t have toilet paper and there’s usually a small fee for using them, so carry some small change too.

Depending on how long you are travelling in Southeast Asia for, your packing list will vary. This is also true if you are planning a long trip and are visiting other places outside of Southeast Asia too. So, rather than include a full packing list in this post, here’s a couple of top tips to help you pack better.

42. Take a Scarf or sarong

A scarf or sarong is one of the most versatile items you can pack in your bag. It is great for covering your shoulders in a temple, laying on at the beach, throwing on over a bikini, using it as a pillow on travel days or keeping you warm on the buses! Plus it takes up virtually no space in your bag!

43. Pack layers

You definitely don’t need as many clothes as you think you do, and you will end up wearing the same things over and over! Pack light things that you can layer and roll up small in your bag. In terms of shoes, one pair of trainers, one pair of flip flops and one pair of Birkenstock or chunky walking sandals will be suitable for pretty much everything in Southeast Asia. I lived in my Birkenstocks for pretty much the whole year!

44. Leave room for new clothes!

Don’t go shopping for everything before you leave home. The clothes in Southeast Asia are so cheap and let’s face it, most of the clothes you will buy at home will most likely come from Southeast Asia anyway! If there’s anything you’ve forgotten or wished you had packed, you will more than likely be able to buy it in Southeast Asia.

45. Be savvy with your chargers

There’s nothing worse than having a bag full of cables and charging wires! A lot of devices will accept the same charger cable and this is a great way to reduce the number of wires you take. For example, my laptop wire will fit my phone and my Go pro, meaning I only need one wire for three devices. (I do also have a single USB cable that will plug into an adaptor so I can charge two things at one, but this takes up hardly any room). I’d also recommend putting your wires into a small organiser case , so they are easy to locate in your bag.

46. Embrace the packing cube!

Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to packing for travelling. Even if you are sceptical about it at first, you will soon realise how handy they are. It’s a great way to separate (and easily locate!) your clothes in your bag. They also help to condense things down in your bag!

Making the decision to go travelling can be scary but it is also super exciting! Have the best time and remember that comparison is the devil!

47. Chat to others

One of the best parts of travelling is meeting other like-minded travellers. There’s a reason that Southeast Asia is one of the best places to travel solo. There’s so many great hostels and Facebook groups, where you can meet up with other people.

48. Everyone has bad days when travelling

You will have THE BEST time travelling, but there will also be some days that don’t quite go to plan and other days where you are tired or may feel homesick. The best advice I can give you is not to dwell on those days, it is completely normal and usually after a good night’s sleep and a comfy bed, you will feel much better.

49. Don’t compare your journey to others

Everyone’s travel experience is different and your trip will be unique to you. Don’t get caught up in comparing your journey to everyone else’s, just enjoy and embrace your own travel experience.

50. Have fun!

Travel is one of the best things you can do (in my totally biased opinion!). Whether you’re travelling in Southeast Asia for a few weeks or a few months, relax, go with the flow and HAVE FUN!

Related Posts

Top 15 things to do on Koh Samui, Thailand

A guide to visiting Koh Samui, Thailand

10 Unmissable hikes in Thailand

Packing for Southeast Asia: How to Travel with 7 Kilograms or Less

Asia Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Packing for Southeast Asia? Expert traveler Lois from award-winning blog We Are Sole Sisters shows you how to travel light with 7 kilograms or less! For more insider tips, download her book “Where Should I Go in Southeast Asia?”

Packing for Southeast Asia with 7 Kg or Less

Written by: Lois Yasay Ribeiro

My first time packing for Southeast Asia I carried a 15 kilogram backpack for a six month trip. I’m barely 5 feet tall and weigh less than 50 kilograms so you can imagine how dwarfed I was by my luggage. By the end of my trip, I had to bring it down to less than half. I either sold, gave away or threw out nearly half of my luggage. Why?

Because it’s really inconvenient to carry around all that weight. Imagine having to run a few kilometers down the road to catch the last bus to your next destination and carrying such a heavy load. You get the picture.

Carrying a lot of weight can be bad for your back. I’ve had chronic back pain for nearly a year now and I suspect it was from my years of extreme backpacking.

You can visit more places faster when you travel light. When I decided to live a life of a full time traveler, this was my mantra: “If you want to travel for a very long time, remember that you only own what you can carry”.

If you also want to save money on airline baggage fees, the most ideal weight for your carry on is 7 kilograms. Find a backpack that fits in the overhead bin and you’re sure to be one of the first people out of the airport.

The key to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing shown in this video!

Another thing you’ll learn is that you don’t really need all that stuff. The irony is that you’ll realize this near the end of your trip.

So what do you need to know when packing for Southeast Asia? Here’s the breakdown:

What you really will need

• Light and Sturdy Backpack –   It took me a while to shop for the right backpack. I started with the North Face Terra 45L and downsized to the North Face Mejor which is only 35L. The material is durable but very light. It was designed for women so it really hugs the female form. If you’re going to invest on one thing for your trip, make it your backpack because you’re sure to be traveling together for years to come. A lot of women love to travel with wheeled luggage.I’ve done this myself in some parts of Asia like South Korea and Hong Kong. It works really well when you’re just going to cities. But if you plan to visit rural areas where they don’t have a lot of paved roads, or if you plan to take a lot of public transportation on your trip, it’s better to use a backpack.

 For more tips, please read TFG’s Step by Step Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack .

• Toilet paper –   This may come as a shock to you, but most toilets in Southeast Asia won’t have any toilet paper . Don’t ask me why but just make sure you have at least one roll when you’re packing for Southeast Asia.

• Sarong/ Large scarf – The sarong will be your lifesaver in Southeast Asia. It’s such a versatile, lightweight and multi purpose item and you can buy it in most markets in the region. You can use it as a scarf, skirt, dress, head cover, shawl, coverup (for getting dressed in public places like the beach) and even a towel.

Check out these 8 Ways to Use a Beach Sarong Wrap !

• Sunblock –   You’ll be in the tropics so the sun is much harsher here. Protect your skin by putting on lots of sun block every day. If you’re not convinced, I have one word for you: wrinkles! You can get sunscreen in most places usually at the pharmacy or grocery. If you prefer a brand from back home, you won’t need more than a bottle. And if you’re planning to bring it with you on your carry on when you fly, make sure it’s 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container. Try to always have some on you because they tend to be expensive when you have to buy them at your beach destination.

• Swimwear –   You will be visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world so you need at least one swimsuit; two or three pairs if you absolutely insist. I prefer to store them separately in ziplock bags . Do mind the norms in the places you’re visiting. Some rural areas encourage modesty and the locals may frown on too much skin exposure. You may have to wear a t-shirt and shorts on the beach in less touristy areas. I know it seems strange, but it’s better not to draw too much attention in certain places.
• Bug spray –   As you start packing for Southeast Asia keep in mind that there will be a lot of bugs so come prepared . If you prefer a certain brand, bring some from home. But it’s pretty easy and affordable to buy bug sprays  where you’re going. Some hostels and restaurants may even have them available for guests. Don’t forget the 100ml rule for liquids in your carry on!
• Medication –   If you need any special medication, make sure to take them with you in the right quantity before your trip. It may be problematic to get the exact brand or dosage in Southeast Asia.

• A week’s worth of clothing and underwear –   This may be the toughest challenge yet. You may want to bring your entire wardrobe when you’re packing for Southeast Asia. But here’s my advice: whether your trip is 2 weeks or 2 months, just carry enough clothes to last a week. What I usually do is bring detergent liquid and wash my clothes every few days. I also bring basic outfits that are multi-wear or versatile so I can easily mix and match. Throw in a colorful scarf and some accessories from the local shops to spruce up your outfit. And you’re set to travel in style! And don’t worry, there’s a lot of laundromats everywhere and they usually charge only 1 USD for every kilo of clothing- you’re safe!Find out why ten is the magic number when it comes to travel underwear .

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

• Fanny pack –   I know, it really isn’t fashionable. I hated bringing a fanny pack with me when I traveled, especially when I want to wear a dress. But it’s really essential in keeping your cash, documents and valuables safe- especially if you actually wear it!

Read more tips about how to keep your passport safe while traveling .

• Poncho and Backpack Rain Cover –   It rains a lot in Southeast Asia especially if you’re visiting during the monsoon months which runs roughly between June and October in most countries in the region. Always have a lightweight, waterproof poncho and rain cover for your backpack. There’s no need to bring an umbrella and certain airports prohibit them anyway. Always be prepared when traveling during the monsoon season as the weather can change with little warning. Carry rain gear, keep flexible travel plans, and place your important documents in a waterproof pack or even just a ziplock to protect them from the water.

• The Right Footwear – When you’re packing for Southeast Asia resist to overpack shoes at all costs. You’ll definitely need a pair of flip flops- you’ll use them practically everywhere. But will you need shoes? It depends on where you go and what you want to do. If you want to do some hiking or mountain climbing, you’re better off bringing some boots or lightweight trainers. If you’re planning to spend more time on the beach, flip flops are okay but still have a pair of comfortable slip on shoes like espadrilles for the plane ride. If you’re going to be in the city, it’s always great to have some shoes or sandals that you can also use at a party or formal event.

Read this and this post to find out out favorite shoes for Southeast Asia!

✓   To read a book on an overnight bus. ✓  To check what’s making that weird noise outside your hut. ✓  To find your way back to your hostel after a few drinks with your couch surfing buddies. ✓  To get to your bed at the dorm when you arrive at 4 AM. If you find more scenarios, let me know!

Learn more about why a travel headlamp is one of our top five essentials for everywhere

What you might  need

• Contact lenses/solution –   You can easily find an eye doctor or optical shop in most cities. But if you need specific lenses, they may not have it available. Always have enough lenses and contact lens solution with you because they are not easily available in rural areas.
• Hiking boots –   If you plan to do a lot of hiking, make sure your feet are covered. I’ve tried to do some hikes on flip flops myself and found myself wishing I had some proper boots with ankle support instead. If you don’t want to carry a heavy pair of hiking boots everywhere, consider bringing some running or cross training shoes.

✓ if you’re going to the mountains and the weather gets colder ✓ if you’re planning to attend some events where you can’t the backpacker uniform of shorts, a tank top or flip flops ✓ if you may need to go inside a government office for visa purposes. Many of them (especially in Manila) require you to actually wear a shirt with sleeves, pants and shoes before you can enter. For real.

A more lightweight alternative would be a pair of leggings .

• Cold weather clothes –   During the monsoon, you’ll need at least a raincoat or a poncho. If you’re planning to climb a mountain or even a high altitude area, it’s best to have thermals, a coat, pants, gloves, and a hat. Otherwise, have at least a sweater or light jacket for the plane ride.
• Book/Kindle –   You will have a lot of time to read whether you’re sitting on a bus or on the beach. I’m more of the book type as I just love the smell and feel of a good book and no digital device comes close. But I limit myself to 1 book and simply trade that at a used bookshop or at the hostel I’m staying next.

What you seriously don’t need:

✓   Photocopy special sections like maps or places to stay, roll up the pages and strap them to your backpack. You can discard the pages you don’t need along the way. ✓ Bring the kindle or digital version of the guidebook. ✓ Just don’t bring the guide at all. Be adventurous and rely on other people’s recommendation. It will make your trip so much more interesting!

• Sleeping bag –   When packing for Southeast Asia the first time I brought a sleeping bag. It was an old model, very thick and quite heavy but comfortable. I never got the chance to use it. On the last day of our trip, I decided to throw it into a garbage bin before our flight. We missed our flight and had to spend the night at the airport. I had to sleep on the cold floor with just my sarong on me. True story.But if you don’t plan to miss any flights yourself, or won’t be doing any camping, you really don’t need a sleeping bag. There are mattresses everywhere. If you do bring a sleeping bag, try to invest in something super light and compact or choose a  sleeping bag liner instead!
• Jewelry –   Having any kind of unnecessary valuables will be a burden on your trip. The rule is to keep anything you don’t want to lose (like your grandma’s heirloom brooch) at home. It’s best to just buy trinkets at the destinations you’ll be visiting. You can wear them as you travel and they make for great souvenirs to take back home.
• Too much Toiletries/Feminine products –   Stick to the basics and bring multi use products like coconut oil which can be a moisturizer for your skin and hair. You will find feminine products in most places so there’s no need to stock up on them. If you do plan to go off the map, you may want to bring as much tampons as those may not be readily available in certain places in Indonesia .

Find out how to travel size toiletries  here .

• Hairdryer/Curling/straightening iron –   You may think you need it, but you seriously don’t. But what about your bangs? They will grow, so don’t worry. Plus you may not even notice that you’re having a bad hair day when you’re having so much fun!
• Too much makeup –   This one is very tricky. Will you need make up? It totally depends on you. But if you want to travel light when packing for Southeast Asia, just go for the basics: tinted moisturizer, natural looking blush (I prefer to use a cream or liquid because the humidity tends to make any powder based make up look to caked or fake) and lip balm. If you’re planning to go to some parties, maybe add dark lipstick and a tube of mascara to your beauty arsenal. But you really won’t need more than that. The secret? A great tan, some sunshine and a big smile- and that’s all you really need to look gorgeous!

How to still look fashionable with less

• Pack some colorful scarves to accentuate your look. This can transform even the simplest outfit and make you stand out. You can also wear them around your neck, on your head, over your shoulders or wrapped around your waist- so many possibilities!
• Accessorize with some cheap jewelry and trinkets from your travels.
• Bring a lot of basics and a few unique, colorful pieces to mix and match.
• Pack multi-wear items like a sarong, or a dress you can wear in several ways. You can also wear a shirt over a dress to make it a skirt. A long sleeved shirt can also be a beach cover up.
• Take the Ultimate Girl Thing with you. Whether it’s a dress you absolutely love or a skirt that simply makes you feel sexy. Bring some lace underwear or form hugging jeans if you want. When you’re traveling for a long time, you tend to blend into a sea of backpackers. And there will be days when you actually want to feel like the sexy, gorgeous woman that you are. And that’s when you need the UGT.

 Southeast Asia Travel Outfit Ideas

Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia and don’t know where to start? Get the ebook “Where Should I Go in Southeast Asia?” and start planning your adventure! Share your own tips below!

For more tips on packing for Southeast Asia, please read:

• Southeast Asia Packing List
• The Ultimate Jungle Trekking Gear Packing List
• Thailand Packing List – Beaches and Islands
• The Ultimate Backpacking Southeast Asia Packing List
• 8 Budget Travel Packing Essentials

Hope you liked this post on packing for Southeast Asia with 7 kilograms or less. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Lois traveled all over Southeast Asia for 6 months across 9 countries with only about 2,500 USD. She is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of We Are Sole Sisters .

10 Comments

This is VERY helpful. I’m currently planning a trip to South Korea and Japan for the fall of 2024. The clothing list is especially helpful. I recently traveled carry on only to Portugal. I didn’t over pack. But- I had more nicer tops than necessary and not enough bottoms! However, my planning paid off as I did have enough outfits for the trip. My problem is needing to carry enough meds and supplements, plus liquid prescriptions and a Cpap machine in addition to my usual liquids and toiletries. Even with minimal makeup or jewelry, my “stuff” far outweighed my clothing in weight and space! I’m all for a backpack but then I cannot rest the cpap case on a luggage handle! Still I may try it.

Thank you for very helpful tips!

Happy to help. Have an amazing time on your travels Kay!

Thank you for all of the tips. U will be traveling for 3 weeks and wondered how I would meet the luggage requirements and have enough for 3 weeks. Going to try your tips now. Wish me luck!

Wonderful news Michelle! Happy to help!

Although menstrual products are available throughout Southeast Asia, it might be worth noting that if you particularly want tampons they may be much harder to find. In Malaysia, and possibly many other regional countries, sanitary napkins exist but tampons do not.

I have found that too Anne! There are products available but it may be worth stocking up on tampons for certain areas!

I love you.

Just one question though. Would I even be able to bring a backpacking backpack weighing less than 7kg onto a plane as a carry on in the first place? I mean, the sheer size of the backpacking backpack is definitely going to be bigger than the 150cm(ish) allowance already. Unless, I just squish it? But, I should be able to though I guess since there would be no point in carrying less than 7kgs to go backpacking with. Other than having a lighter load, of course. But, please just let me know. Just to be sure 🙂 Thanks!

Hi Jason! That is definitely a good question as it seems so many backpacks and suitcases weigh a ton! There are definitely lightweight carryon backpacks – I like the Osprey Farpoint for this: https://travelfashiongirl.com/farpoint-osprey-packs-the-best-travel-backpacks/ You can also use 30-35L laptop bags or fitness bags too.

Great info! This is going to come in handy on my upcoming trip for sure. I was wondering though…some of the items in the first picture aren’t mentioned anywhere else in the post. Can you comment on how necessary they might be?

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Travel Diets: How to Lose Weight While Traveling

Travel Diets: The Backpacker Weight Loss Plan

By Tim Leffel

“What did you notice first?” some friends and relatives would ask when I returned to the US from my year-long trips around the globe.

“There are a lot of really fat people here,” I would respond. Not really positive, but it was certainly the most obvious difference.

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about the lengths some companies are going to with their architects in order to get us “knowledge economy” fat-butts to get some exercise during the day.

They’re putting parking lots as far away from the offices as they can, in order to make people walk further. There are ways to lose weight while backpacking, and they don’t involve a gym membership.

They’re installing wide, well-lit stairways and slowing down the elevator speeds to prod people to use their legs.

One big company campuses with a cafeteria, the place where workers get their meal has been moved from the middle to a remote corner, making employees work off at least a little of that 1,000-calorie lunch.

This is what it has come to: as a nation, we’re getting so fat that we have to be forced to keep ourselves from having a heart attack.

Anyone who is overweight already will do wonders for their body by traveling around the world.

Lose Weight While Traveling

Anyone who is a fitness nut will likely weigh the same or less when they return. Long-term travel is a painless weight-loss plan. What do you do all day when you travel on the cheap? You walk, you swim, you hike, you bike, you lift weights (your backpack), and you walk some more. With this kind of lifestyle, Who needs a gym?

Most travelers walk for miles on any typical day: looking around for a place to stay, sightseeing, walking to and from restaurants and bars, running errands, shopping, and getting to the train or bus station. You walk because it’s cheap, it’s convenient, and in many cases, an adventure it\n]\\ itself.

Then there’s the exercise you do for fun. You’ll probably spend lots of time at beaches, swimming and snorkeling. There are volcanoes to hike, rivers to raft, mountain ranges to trek, temples to bike to. If you want, you can easily get into a pick-up game of basketball or soccer with the locals.

Then there’s the food. Yes, in Eastern Europe the heavy food and inexpensive beer can be trouble, but in most of the world, it’s cheaper and easier to eat healthy than not. In most of Asia, the cuisine is based on rice, noodles, vegetables, seafood, tropical fruit, and chicken. Even if you pig out every meal, you’re not likely to gain weight.

Staples in Latin America

In Latin America, you’ll be eating the staples of tortillas, beans, chicken, and rice. Getting fat in Africa is something you would really have to work at. And unlike at home, you’re not tempted by snacks in your pantry, night after night in front of the TV, and fast-food joints on every corner.

You’ll also lose weight in some countries because you need to avoid eating meat. Once you see a butcher shop in some of these places, you’ll know why.

I lost 20 pounds (8 kilos) while I was eating vegetarian-only in India for 6 weeks and was looking thinner than I had since high school when I left. (Thankfully I was off to Turkey next, where they put meat in almost every dish.)

Long Bus Rides

Plus you can’t always get three squares a day: on long bus or train rides, you have to settle for what’s available when you stop. None of this applies to a week-long vacation of course.

A short break from work, with the leisure and hedonism that implies, isn’t much help. It takes some time and movement to get the benefit. But when I think back on my three trips around the globe, I can picture very few overweight backpackers. Most of those had only been away for a month or less.

So don’t let yourself get to the point where you need a slow elevator to force you into exercise. Hit the road instead — it’s a lot more fun than the gym anyway.

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3 thoughts on “ Travel Diets: How to Lose Weight While Traveling ”

Haha totally agree with this. A couple of years ago I was on a trip around Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. Three weeks into the trip in Vietnam, I decided to get a tailored suit made. It fit like a glove. Trouble was I had lost a lot of weight by then. When the time came to wear the suit (Melbourne Cup horse race) several months later, I was back up to my pre-travel weight and the suit no longer fit. Well it did, I just couldn’t close the jacket or trousers.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mikey!

Hey Tim I was wondering if you have heard of this weight loss program before? It looks like a great program to help people lose weight. I was just looking for some opinions before I made my decision. By the way I love the content you have been posting lately!

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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List | What To Bring & Wear

Planning your Southeast Asia adventure but feeling a bit lost in the packing process? Overwhelmed with fitting everything into your travel bag? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Packing for Southeast Asia, especially if it’s your first backpacking trip, can be a bit of a puzzle. The dynamic climates, diverse terrains, and cultural variations across Southeast Asia demand a thoughtful approach to packing. Lucky for you, this article is your go-to packing list guide for Southeast Asia , based on our own experiences exploring the region for years. This packing guide is for anyone up for a variety of outdoor activities , from hiking and swimming to navigating city life in Southeast Asia’s different weather vibes throughout the year.

The motto here is less is more , but traveling efficiently and lightly doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. We’ve put together this super practical Southeast Asia packing list to ensure you don’t forget a thing on your trip. We’ll break it down into different sections – from picking the right travel bag, and organizing and protecting your stuff, to detailed lists for clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other handy travel gadgets. Let’s make sure you’re well-equipped for the adventure of a lifetime!

*  Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Some golden packing list rules for Southeast Asia

Packing for Southeast Asia is actually surprisingly uncomplicated. Given the consistently warm and humid climate, your wardrobe will likely consist of lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics. This not only ensures comfort but also makes packing a breeze as these clothes won’t take up much space. Laundry facilities are readily available in most places, and in case you forget anything, local shops and supermarkets have you covered. However, there are a few items that might be trickier to find once you touch down in Southeast Asia. Depending on your planned activities and regions you’ll be exploring, it’s wise to consider some extra items.

Traversing Southeast Asia is much smoother when your backpack or suitcase is on the lighter side. This proves invaluable when hopping on and off various modes of transportation like buses, boats, trains, tuk-tuks, and ferries to navigate this stunning region.

Southeast Asia stands out as one of the most traveler-friendly continents. Many adventurers effortlessly roam these countries armed with just a handful of essentials and a reliable pair of comfortable shoes.

For your Southeast Asia packing list, keep these key points in mind:

• Opt for lightweight, quick-drying materials as it’s hot and humid all year around.
• Less is more. You will have to pack, unpack, and carry your luggage around in a very hot climate!
• Laundry facilities are readily available in most places.
• Bring a few sarongs, as you have to cover up your shoulders and knees when exploring temples.
• Pack ample reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• Utilize packing cubes for organized and stress-free packing.
• Roll your clothes and arrange them side by side in your packing cubes to maximize space.  
• If you’re moving around Southeast Asia, favor a backpack.
• Avoid bringing luxury or valuable items.
• Keep some space for the treasures and souvenirs you might pick up along the way.

1. Choosing the right travel bag

When it comes to choosing between a backpack and a suitcase for your Southeast Asia adventure, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. But let me tell you, from my own experience, I highly recommend going with a backpack . Southeast Asia is known for its uneven surfaces, rugged terrain, and plenty of stairs. Plus, you’ll likely find yourself hopping on boats to reach some of the beautiful islands, not to mention navigating through various modes of transport.

Trust me, having a backpack makes all of this a breeze. I started my travels with a trusty suitcase at 20, adamantly claiming I’d never go the backpack route. But after a few trips, I quickly converted to the backpacking lifestyle. It just makes everything so much smoother, especially when you’re racing after a bus or making a mad dash through the airport to catch your connecting flight.

Now, if you’re torn between the two worlds, fear not! There are convertible backpacks that can transform into either a backpack or a wheeled suitcase, giving you the best of both worlds.

Having explored most Southeast Asian countries over the past decade, and discovering all sorts of destinations, we’ve narrowed down a list of backpacks that we’ve personally tried and tested. These gems are perfect for carrying your ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia. Let’s dive in!

Our Recommended Travel Backpacks

Selecting the right backpack is a game-changer for your trip. So, when it comes to brand, size, and quality, choose wisely, you want your backpack to accompany you on many journeys to come! The gear you pack can make your journey a whole lot smoother. Remember, in Southeast Asia, you’ll be doing a lot of walking with all your gear in tow, so the size and volume of your backpack definitely matter . It’s essential to know how much space you’re working with before you even start assembling your ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia.

Now, when it comes to your main backpack, we highly recommend trying them on with some weight in person . We’re all unique, and what works like a charm for one person might not be the best fit for your body. Personally, we are big fans of the German brand, Deuter . We’ve been using their gear for years, and it’s never let us down. Good to know, Deuter offers both female and male versions of their various backpack models, catering to everyone’s preferences. We’ve personally experienced these bags as comfortable, practical, and built to last, so be sure to include them on your Southeast Asia packing list.

Woman Travel Backpacks

Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL  –  Standing at 175 cm (or 5’7″), I find the 60L capacity of this backpack to be just right and in perfect proportion. Designed with the female anatomy in mind, it boasts a VariQuick back adjustment system, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. Plus, both the back system and the straps are generously padded, ensuring ultimate comfort even during long hauls. The integrated 10L daypack is a handy addition. What I particularly love is the dual access points – both from the front and the top – and the separate bottom and lid compartments. There is also a transport cover included at the bottom which doubles as a rain cover.

Osprey Fairview 55  – If you’re a fan of the popular American brand Osprey, you’re in luck. The Osprey Fairview 55 is tailored for women and offers an adjustable torso fit. It cleverly separates into a main backpack and a smaller, detachable daypack that can be either attached to the larger pack or worn on the front for easy access. The large front panel makes easy access to the main compartment. Need even more space? Consider the Osprey Fairview 70 for added packing room. And for those times when you’re looking to streamline, the back panel harness can be conveniently stowed away. 

Men Travel Backpacks

Deuter Aviant Access Pro 60 + 10L  – Moritz his backpack from Deuter shares similarities with the Osprey counterpart. It features a single, generously sized main compartment accessible from the front, offering a more suitcase-like feel rather than the traditional top-loading style. This design choice makes organizing and packing your belongings a breeze. Inside, you’ll discover handy side pockets and a dedicated shoe compartment for added convenience.

The exterior boasts a spacious pocket that houses the included 10L daypack with a comfortable, padded back. It can also be securely attached to the shoulder straps if necessary. The entire back panel harness can be neatly stowed away for easy transport, giving the backpack a sleek and streamlined look.

Osprey Farpoint 40  – A fantastic alternative to the Deuter for men. Like the Deuter, it offers a spacious main compartment accessible from the front, providing easy access to your belongings. However, it lacks the additional side pockets which can often be quite handy. We also observed that it doesn’t feature an adjustable strap system in the back for a customized fit. Just like the Deuter, it does come with a practical cover to neatly stow away the straps during transport.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 boasts a convenient size, allowing for a very compact travel experience. If you find yourself in need of more space, there’s also the option of the Osprey Farpoint 70L , which comes complete with an extra attached daypack for added versatility.

Smaller daypack for daily adventures

In addition to our primary travel backpacks, which typically hold our clothes and are checked in during flights, we each carry a compact daypack that accompanies us on board. This smaller pack is reserved for our valuables and personal items like laptops and camera gear. We also bring along one of the extra 10L daypacks that come with our main Deuter backpack. This often serves as a secondary daypack for hiking when we need a bit of extra space. When we’re on the move, our daypacks are carried at the front for easy access, while the larger travel backpacks rest comfortably on our backs.

Deuter Giga 28L  – Depending on your needs, we’ve come to appreciate the 28L Deuter Giga for its ample capacity and well-designed compartmentalization, making it ideal for daily use. Once we reach a destination, it often becomes our go-to for carrying travel essentials like water and snacks while on the move. For a smaller option, take a look at this light daypack from Deuter .

WANDRD PRVKE 21L   – The second daypack in our arsenal is the WANDRD PRVKE 21L , which we got together with their removable camera cube , tailored specifically for safeguarding our camera equipment. It has many discreet compartments to neatly store smaller items, including a hidden passport pocket at the back. There is also side access for easy retrieval of your camera while on the go, and the camera compartment opens from the back, providing a convenient overview of your belongings. Additionally, there’s an expandable section at the top, keeping personal items separate from your camera gear.

2. Organizing and protecting Items

Packing cubes.

When it comes to keeping your clothing neatly organized in your backpack, investing in packing cubes is a game-changer. This way you don’t have to dig through your stuff and create a chaotic mess just to find that one item. We allocate each cube for a specific category – whether it’s t-shirts, bottoms, socks, you name it.

TIP | Roll your clothes and arrange them side by side in your packing cubes. This little hack works wonders, helping you maximize the space within your cubes even further. 

Luggage locks

Luggage locks are an absolute essential on your Southeast Asia packing list to ensure the safety of your belongings while you’re on the move. They come particularly in handy in situations where you can’t secure your backpack in a locker, and they’re a must-have for air travel as well.

If you’re planning on engaging in water-related activities in Southeast Asia, like snorkeling or kayaking, consider adding a dry bag to your packing list. It’s a smart move to keep your belongings safe and moisture-free. This particular dry bag even comes with a waterproof phone case, which proves incredibly useful for capturing moments by the beach. All in all, a dry bag is a valuable addition to your packing list, especially considering the climate and occasional sudden downpours in Southeast Asia.

Backpack Covers

The same principle applies to your larger backpack – you will be happy having a rain cover to shield it from getting completely soaked. If you’re considering renting a motorbike to embark on the Mai Son Loop in Thailand or the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam , this addition will be a true lifesaver on your Southeast Asia packing list.

Anti Theft Bags

For an added layer of security, especially if you’re a frequent hostel-goer, consider investing in a Pacsafe bag. These anti-theft bags are purpose-built to safeguard your valuables and are often referred to as “portable safes” . The stainless steel wire mesh integrated into the fabric is highly resistant to cutting. Whenever we found ourselves in accommodations without door locks or safes, we’d stow our passports and laptops in it before heading out. Fortunately, we didn’t have to use it too often. While it’s a bit of an investment, it provides peace of mind, and we always bring it along. It’s incredibly compact, lightweight, and can be easily stashed flat at the bottom of our backpack.

Cross-Body Bag

We each also have a cross-body bag that we carry next to our big backpack and a small daypack. This is to carry our phone, wallet, and other small things on the go and for easy access. Also handy to have for in the evening or if for once you don’t want to wear a backpack.

Carabiners are yet another handy addition to our arsenal. We make sure to pack a few every time. They typically find a home on our bags, ready to swiftly link them together, or secure items like a water bottle or a camera to our backpacks when we require hands-free convenience.

Travel Document Organizer

Personally, we’re a bit fanatical about the organization, so while this item may not be an absolute necessity, we find it incredibly valuable. A travel organizer allows us to keep all our crucial documents, including passports, boarding passes, and various currencies, neatly together. It streamlines the check-in process and ensures that all our paper documents are conveniently in one place .

Electronic Cable Organizer

If you’re anything like us, traveling with a multitude of chargers for your phone, laptop, and camera gear, this electronic cable organizer is a game-changer. It effortlessly fits into our smaller daypacks, providing a tidy home for all our cables, chargers, SD cards, and portable chargers. Say goodbye to the hassle of tangled cables; everything is neatly organized and easily accessible.

3. Clothes Packing List for Southeast Asia

Opt for light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen when selecting clothing for your Southeast Asia packing list. Choose versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched and dry quickly. Steer clear of overly tight or synthetic materials that can feel sticky in the heat. Comfort should be your priority – leave delicate fashion dresses at home , as they’re likely to suffer wear and tear. The combination of sunscreen, constant packing and unpacking, and rigorous laundry sessions can lead to fading and damage to delicate fabrics. In most cases, you won’t need an extensive wardrobe for your Southeast Asia trip. Laundry shops are plentiful and will wash your clothes for just a dollar or less. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t rock fashionable outfits! Just keep in mind that Southeast Asia generally experiences warm and humid weather year-round . The exception might be if you plan on hiking in places like Sapa ( Vietnam ), Pai (North Thailand ), or the Cameron Highlands (Malaysia), where you’ll need some extra outdoor gear.

With the exception of the beach area, it’s crucial to remember that many parts of Southeast Asia are more conservative , and locals tend to dress modestly. When visiting religious sites, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, so keep this in mind when choosing your outfits.

Below, you’ll find a suggested packing list for Southeast Asia, tailored for both men and women . Keep in mind that these items are just recommendations and may vary based on your individual travel style.

Southeast Asia Packing List Women

• 3 pairs of shorts – Active shorts ,  Denim Shorts  &  Linen shorts
• 1  pair of leggings  – Perfect for the colder areas when you go hiking, but I also use these as loungewear
• Hippie pants (buy those in Asia!) 
• 1  long skirt
• 3 dresses – two long dresses  and  one short dress   
• 4 tank tops  or  light shirts
• 2 lightweight shirts with sleeves
• Long-sleeve base layer   – I usually wear this when flying from home, where it’s often significantly colder, and use it as loungewear for overnight train rides and hiking in colder areas.
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1   Sports Bra
• 2 Bralettes
• 2-3 Bikinis
• Hat for sun protection, definitely if you go hiking to prevent heat stroke
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 2 or 3 lightweight cotton scarves  (in some fun colors) for covering up when visiting temples, often I also use them to protect myself from the sun when I am wearing a sleeveless top. We always carry one in our backpack as it comes in handy on numerous occasions, as well as a sarong or beach blanket!
• 5 pairs of socks  +  1 pair of trekking socks  (we really like the ones from Falke!)
• L ightweight sneakers   (we personally enjoy the ones from Adidas)
• Birkenstocks  are always a comfy option to explore a town and go temple hopping all-day
• 1 pair of comfy flip-flops  
• Fleece  or  hoodie  – to be comfortable on train rides and definitely if you plan on visiting Northern Thailand (can be rather cool in the morning), North Vietnam like Sapa or plan on trekking Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia.

All of the above fit into my Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL  backpack divided over packing cubes. I highly recommend the roll-and-stuff method!

Optional items for women:

• Lightweight Rain Jacket  – We, personally, don’t pack rain jackets as we’ve never found the need for them. Whether or not you should bring one depends on whether you’re traveling during the peak of the rainy season. In our case, we usually opt for compact foldable ponchos or simply purchase disposable ones on the spot if necessary.
• Hiking Shoes  (lightweight and low cut) – The need for these depends on your planned activities. Everyday sneakers work perfectly for standard hikes. However, if you’re venturing into more intermediate terrain, it’s highly recommended to bring an additional pair of hiking shoes. I was immensely grateful for mine in L a os , where the landscape was rougher. Personally, I really like the brand Salomon , as they provide extra support, excellent grip, and stability on challenging surfaces like pebbles and gravel. Plus, these shoes are equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane, making them waterproof. You’ll certainly appreciate this feature if you encounter a sudden rain shower or find yourself in a muddy area.

Southeast Asia Packing List Men

• 3 pairs of shorts – cotton shorts ,  linen shorts  &  athletic shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants – Moritz really likes these convertible cargo pants from North Face , as they can be worn both long and short, also perfect for hiking in the colder areas.
• 1 pair of long trousers   (for temple hopping and cities, lightweight pants over jeans!)
• 6 T-shirts, a combination of cotton T-shirts   and  dri-fit sports T-shirts
• 1 Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt
• 1 Casual sleeved shirt
• 1 Warm Fleece  or  hoodie
• Lightweight sneakers  (we personally enjoy the ones from Adidas)
• Flip Flops  
• Birkenstock Sandals , a comfy option to explore a town and go temple hopping all-day
• Cap  for sun protection, definitely if you go hiking to prevent heat stroke
• 1 pair of  Sunglasses
• 2 pairs of  swimming shorts
• 10 pairs of underwear (this depends on how long you are on the road, we packed 10 pairs on our 3-month backpacking trip through South East Asia).
• 10 pairs of socks  (can really recommend bamboo ones) + 1 pair of trekking socks from Falke

Optional items for men:

• Light waterproof rain jacket   – As mentioned, we don’t pack rain jackets as we’ve never found the need for them. In our case, we usually opt for compact foldable ponchos or simply purchase disposable ones on the spot if necessary.
• Hiking Shoes  – Moritz got these lowcut ones from Adidas for South East Asia, they are also with Gore-tex.

4. Electronics Packing List for South East Asia

On a personal note, we tend to travel with an abundance of electronics since we work while on the road. Our WANDRD PRVKE 21L backpack is fully geared with everything necessary, from laptops to external microphones. We understand that not everyone shares our passion for photography and shooting, and for those looking to keep their backpacks more streamlined, we’ve listed only the items we believe might make your travel easier and could be fun & easy for capturing your incredible adventure.

General electronics packing list for Southeast Asia

Besides the obvious as not forgetting your phone and phone charger, below are some other electronics that we personally always pack and make our travels more easier and pleasant:

Portable Charger / Power Bank

A reliable power bank for your phone is an essential item on your Southeast Asia packing list for on-the-go charging. Particularly during long bus rides or full days of exploration when you may not have access to power outlets. This specific portable charger from Anker provides almost 5 full charges for your phone.

Travel Adaptor

Don’t forget to pack a universal adaptor to ensure you can charge all your electronic devices during your trip. Different countries in Southeast Asia will require different plug sockets.

Kindle or E-Reader

While we have a deep appreciation for physical books, it’s not the most practical to lug around weighty volumes while backpacking. Opting for a Kindle  or  e-reader allows you to carry an entire library of books for on-the-road entertainment. Given the likelihood of spending considerable time on long bus or train rides, it becomes the perfect companion for passing the hours. The latest e-readers feature a glare-free HD touchscreen, making it possible to read in direct sunlight while also offering adjustable brightness and color temperature. Plus, many of them are waterproof, ensuring they’re always ready for unexpected spills or the occasional dip in the swimming pool.

Another entertainment item for those overnight trains is headphones . We love having a good travel playlist or listening to podcasts while on the road. I’m personally more a fan of classic headphones while Moritz these days prefers earbuds from Anker .

USB Flash Drive

While Southeast Asia is frequently modern and technologically advanced, there may still be instances where you need to print bus tickets or visas. We consistently carry an old-school USB drive from Sandisk with us because it proves to be quite handy in these situations.

Lightweight Laptop or tablet (optional)

While we strongly encourage you to immerse yourself in the outdoors and limit screen time during your Southeast Asia backpacking adventure, having a small t ablet can be incredibly useful. Even before we began working on the road, we found handling emails, making bookings, and checking things on a tablet more comfortable than on a phone. Additionally, for some Netflix indulgence during our journeys :p, a tablet provides a screen size that’s just right. If your tasks involve travel writing or photo editing, a travel-sized laptop might be more convenient in this scenario.

Photography Packing list for South East Asia

While your phone may be sufficient to capture all those unforgettable moments these days, the following gadgets can add a fun touch to your photography packing list for Southeast Asia:

If there’s one item that will truly enhance your travels, it’s an action cam! We personally have been enjoying the Go Pro Hero 10 on our latest travels. Depending on the range of activities you have in mind—whether it’s snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking—a GoPro is an ideal tool to capture your underwater adventures or any extreme environment where using your main camera or phone might be challenging. Its versatility shines as it captures both photos and videos, offering super wide-angle shots and even the option to shoot in raw format. While the GoPro can handle some water exposure, consider an underwater case for deeper dives. The compact size of an action cam is perfect for travel, but for hands-free filming, we recommend using a backpack mount to secure it to your backpack or another attachment .

Tripod or selfie stick

For solo travelers seeking to capture some self-portraits, investing in a versatile selfie stick that doubles as a tripod can add a fun dimension to your journey! Consider the Joby Gorillapods ; they’re compact, sturdy, and flexible, allowing you to attach them to branches or fences for creative shots. With various mounts available, they offer versatility for use with both phones and cameras.

As mentioned earlier, nowadays, you can effortlessly capture all your travel memories with your phone. However, if you’re keen on exploring photography further, consider starting with a budget entry-level model. We’ve always had a soft spot for Canon as a brand, you might want to check their entry-level DSLR model Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D . For a lighter option, a mirrorless camera could be the perfect fit. If you’re just diving into photography, the Sony Alpha A6100   or  Sony α6400 are excellent choices.

Always good to take a few spare SD cards for your camera, we personally don’t like deleting on the go and want to make sure we have enough memory space with us. We can personally advise the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD cards , and we usually buy ones with a minimum of 128 GB to be sure that we have enough space (also depends on whether you shoot in RAW). Lately, we also have been testing the Samsung Pro Plus Micro SD cards   for our Go Pro & drone.

Drone (optional)

Undoubtedly, this falls under the category of a splurge item and isn’t essential. It will occupy a notable amount of space in your daypack. Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly enjoyable addition that provides a unique perspective of your surroundings. We have the DJI Mini 3 , a small and compact model. Before taking flight, make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations, as flying these devices isn’t permitted everywhere. In 2023, it stands out as the smallest, lightest, and best-value mini-camera drone in DJI’s lineup. Not only is it the quietest, but it’s also the simplest and most fun to use. Moreover, it falls below the maximum weight threshold, eliminating the need for additional registrations, and making it a hassle-free choice.

5. Practical Travel Gadgets & Accessories

Listed below are a few more essential accessories that we recommend you take:

• Bring a Reusable water bottle and fill up at refill stations with clean water whenever possible. Alternatively, consider investing in a Life Straw or high-quality filtered water bottle from GRAYL that can turn any water source into safe, drinkable water, ensuring you’re never without a clean water supply!
• Ziplock bags – these always come in handy to store away snacks or leaking bottles.
• Elastic Bands or closable clips
• Duct tape – we have used this multiple times during our travels!
• Microfiber Towel – for at the beach or in case your stay doesn’t have towels.
• Flashlight  or  head torch – useful on poorly lit alleys, or if you stay in hostels and need to find something in your bag without putting on the light.
• Swiss army knife / Multi-tool – Make sure to store this in your checked-in luggage when flying, not your carry-on luggage!
• Sleeping mask – Although we only started bringing this recently, it has been a game-changer for our sleep, especially during overnight rides or in hotel rooms that often lack darkening curtains.
• Noise-cancelling earplugs – Same as the sleeping mask, but definitely recommend if you will be staying in hostels. The walls in Southeast Asia are thin!
• Travel journal – Carrying a compact journal while traveling is an excellent way to reflect on your experiences and chronicle your adventures.
• Waterproof watch – Moritz likes to bring a watch and this waterproof Casio watch in army green is just the perfect men’s accessory.

6. Toiletries Packing List for Southeast Asia

For added peace of mind, in case you’ve forgotten a toiletry item at home or need a replacement, most things are readily available in major cities throughout Southeast Asia . However, if you have specific preferences, such as skincare for acne-prone skin, it’s advisable to bring those along. Some items may not be as easily found everywhere and can be expensive, especially sunscreen. Additionally, be cautious about creams or skincare products that may contain whitening agents . Here’s what we typically bring, categorized for both men and women + items we both share.

TIP | We use travel-size containers for shampoo, body wash & lotion, etc. so we don’t have to bring the full-size bottle.

Products we share together:

• Toiletry Bag – This is the toiletry bag we share together. In case I’m traveling alone, I use the following smaller toiletry bag .
• Sunscreen – As a face sunscreen I can recommend Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion , and for the body Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion , both are oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly. 
• Mosquito repellant
• Wet wipes – keep these in your hand luggage, will often come in handy!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues – Always have some paper with you because a lot of restrooms in Southeast Asia do not have toilet paper. 
• Travel Medical Kit – Carrying a first aid kit is vital for Southeast Asia! The high humidity in the region can easily lead to infections in cuts and burns, making it essential to address such issues promptly. Our travel medical kit includes bandages, plasters, sterile gauze pads, disinfectant, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, and a range of medications, including ibuprofen, paracetamol, diarrhea pills (loperamide), buscopan for abdominal cramps, and motion sickness tablets.

Toiletries Packing List Southeast Asia: Women

• Refill Deodorant
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body lotion – if you have very dry skin like me you will want to bring a travel body lotion as this is also not easy to find in Asia and often holds whitening ingredients. You can also use this after the sun to moisturize.
• Face wash & cream – I am a big fan of products by The Ordinary   &  Origins . Make sure to bring your favorite products, because again most facial products have whitening in them!
• Hair Brush – Tangle Teezer Hairbrush for the win!
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers & file
• Feminine hygiene products & tampons (not easy to find in Asia).
• Basic make-up: I don’t wear that much makeup anymore in general, and trust me in Southeast Asia it melts right off. So keep it basic, some mascara, eyebrow pencil, and maybe some concealer. One product I highly recommend is this tinted moisturizer with SPF from Origins , I wear it on top of my sunscreen, no need for foundation. Check out the following small make-up pouch .
• Chapstick with sunscreen – don’t forget to protect your lips!

Toiletries Packing List Southeast Asia: Men

• Body wash or soap bar – Moritz is a huge fan of this all-around soap bar from Foamie
• Nail clippers 
• Shaver/Razor
• Toothpaste & toothbrush

7. Documents & Finances Checklist

• Passport – stating the obvious here
• International Driver’s License – this is a must if you intend to ride a scooter or motorbike while in Southeast Asia, your driver’s license from back home isn’t sufficient. Fines are really high if you don’t have one.
• Photocopies of your passport – important in case of loss or theft
• Cards – Debit, credit
• Vaccination certificate
• Cash Money – We always carry some euros and dollars with us; often, in major cities, there are exchange offices with favorable rates. Also, just in case you need to exchange a bit at the airport to pay for a taxi or bus fare.
• A printed copy of your booking or stay – in case you don’t have an internet connection yet upon arrival and need to know where to go.
• A printed copy of your travel insurance – Prioritize travel insurance for peace of mind, especially if engaging in motorbiking or adventurous activities.   Heymondo   is a recommended provider; carry a printed copy of your insurance details in case of emergencies.
• Copy of your emergency numbers
• Extra passport photos – always handy for visas.

TIP | We also recommend scanning these documents and storing them online . This is very easy, e.g., with Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose something or it’s stolen, it will be a bit easier if you can present a color copy of the original document for recovery.

Last Piece of Packing Advice for Southeast Asia

When you embark on the packing process, lay everything out on your bed . Personally, I like to envision potential outfit combinations, try them on, and consider the occasions for which I can wear them—whether it’s hiking, beach outings, city explorations, or temple visits. During my initial trips to Southeast Asia, I packed a suitcase filled with the 20kg limit, only to realize I didn’t wear half of it. With some strategic planning and packing finesse , it’s entirely feasible to limit yourself to the essentials listed above. Keep in mind that you’ll be packing, re-packing, and carrying your luggage around frequently in a very hot climate!

To give you an idea, here are the approximate total weights of our backpacks:

• Large backpack: approx. 13-15 kg
• Small daypack: approx. 5-7 kg

Consider getting some items in Southeast Asia:

• Some clothing: Leave space for beautiful pieces you’ll find at night markets for just a few euros! Elephant pants, in particular, will become your favorites.
• Tiger Balm: This magical cream is a must-have for soothing muscle aches (a holy grail among Thai boxers) and easing mosquito bites. Stock up!

Leave the following items at home:

• Jeans: It’s too hot; you’ll never unpack these.
• Laundry line: Laundry services are so affordable that there’s no need to bring your own.
• Mosquito net: Most places provide them in the room, and mid-range hotels often have well-secured windows, eliminating the need for one.

Practical Travel Basics & Links

TRANSPORTATION | For checking and booking bus, boat, and train rides in advance, we recommend using the website 12go . This platform has been our go-to across Asia, saving us from the hassle of queuing at travel agencies or bus stations. If you’re traveling during peak season, consider booking tickets ahead, keeping in mind that peak season coincides not only with the best weather but also with festivals and local holidays.

ACCOMMODATION | Finding affordable places to stay in Southeast Asia is a breeze with Booking.com . It’s the ideal platform to discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals to Southeast Asia on Skyscanner . We love that they highlight the days with the cheapest prices for a destination, and the ability to search by month or region for flexibility. Skyscanner’s filter system simplifies finding the most suitable flight, and you can stay updated on the best prices with price alerts.

TRAVEL INSURANCE | When it comes to travel insurance, especially for backpacking in Southeast Asia, consider Heymondo . It’s our top recommendation for comprehensive and trustworthy coverage. Get 5% OFF through our link .

CREDIT CARD | When it comes to managing your money while traveling, it can be a headache! We recommend getting a Credit Card that doesn’t charge you extra for foreign transactions.

INTERNET | Secure reliable internet access for your Southeast Asia trip with Airalo . Simply install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most affordable city tours, day trip excursions, food tours, and cooking classes in Southeast Asia, check out GetYourGuide or Viator .

VISA ORGANIZATION | Before your trip, ensure you check the visa requirements for your passport nationality in the countries you plan to visit. Explore details on travel documents at iVisa.com .

Southeast Asia Packing List Guide

We hope this Southeast Asia Packing List guide helps you when planning for your exciting upcoming trip. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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12 tips for your first trip to Southeast Asia

Editor's note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials note that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing travel deals and destination content because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures. TPG doesn't advise booking trips for travel until summer or fall — and even then be mindful of cancellation policies. This story has been updated with new information.

Southeast Asia is one of the most magical regions on earth. Filled with stunning beaches , historic temples, verdant jungles and bustling cities, there's something for every traveler there. But staying healthy and safe is something to consider when visiting a region so different from your own, especially for the first time. Things like visa requirements , best times to visit, currency exchange and what to bring may be at the top of your mind, as well as the most obvious question -- which country should you visit?

After a number of long-term visits over the years to varying countries in Southeast Asia, I've learned a thing or two. Beginner travelers should check out these travel tips and follow this Southeast Asia travel advice when considering a visit to the region for the first time.

1. Pick your countries wisely

While it's tempting to visit many countries and cities on a single trip to Southeast Asia, it's worth taking it slow and digging into the culture of a single country and/or just a handful of places, rather than exhausting yourself with a travel itinerary that has you hopping all over what amounts to an enormous territory.

For example, Bali , Indonesia and Hanoi, Vietnam , are both set within Southeast Asia, but beware -- they're a seven-hour flight away from each other. Before you commit to flights and accommodation , pull out the map and choose countries/cities that are relatively close together or are easily accessible by nonstop flights or direct trains.

When deciding on the best country to visit in Southeast Asia, you should also take into account whether you want to explore cities, relax on beaches, see the outdoors or embrace culture, cuisine and history.

The best country to visit for beginner travelers could be Thailand. First-time visitors to the region may also enjoy Bali, Indonesia. Both of these spots are used to an influx of tourists and have plenty of amenities. They're both relatively easy to navigate and have friendly locals that speak English.

More experienced travelers or those wanting an adventure may prefer spots like Myanmar, Malaysia or Laos. While almost all Southeast Asia destinations welcome backpackers with open arms, Cambodia is very backpacker-friendly -- and is extremely affordable, especially outside of tourist destination Angkor Wat. Those wanting to lap a country from top to bottom should head to Vietnam. For unexplored beaches, visit more off-the-beaten-path islands in Indonesia (that aren't Bali) or the Philippines .

Related: 9 of the best sustainable backpacks for travelers

2. Check visa requirements

Several Southeast Asian countries require your passport to have at least six months' worth of validity left or a specific number of empty pages -- and visa requirements seem to be constantly changing. For example, a few years ago, e-visas weren't available online for several entrance points in Myanmar, but now they are. Meanwhile, Vietnam has changed its visa requirements in past years and now citizens from several European countries no longer need a visa to enter.

Check visa requirements ahead of time and apply online if possible. For example, U.K. nationals will find that applying for a visa to enter Laos online is relatively straightforward and can ease hassle upon arrival, especially when you're jet-lagged in a new and unfamiliar country.

If you do end up needing a visa upon arrival at your chosen destination(s), be prepared with the proper currency and passport-size photos of yourself. Many airport visa offices have ATMs/exchange services (albeit with terrible rates) and photo booths, but if you arrive with these items in hand, as well as any forms you might need printed and filled out ahead of time, the visa experience will be quicker and easier.

Also, be sure to grab a couple of extra entrance and exit forms each time you enter a country -- if you end up leaving and reentering that country by bus, boat or train, having the correct forms handy will enable you to save time you'd otherwise spend in a line.

3. Pack light and right

Deciding what to bring to Southeast Asia is a common conundrum. Try to pack as light as possible and do laundry wherever you go rather than trekking around with an overweight backpack or heavy trolley bag. In most Southeast Asian countries, you can get your clothes washed, dried and ironed in under 24 hours for the equivalent of a couple of dollars, and at street markets, you can shop inexpensively for any extra clothes and toiletries you may need.

These are the things you should make sure to pack:

• raincoat/umbrella (especially during rainy season)
• modest clothing covering knees/shoulders for temple visits
• first aid kit (including all kinds of stomach medicines)
• small flashlight
• earplugs/ sleepmask
• hand sanitizer
• travel packs of tissues (note that squat toilets usually aren't equipped with toilet paper)
• adaptor/multi-port plug that allows you to charge a few of your electronics at once

Related reading: 14 packing hacks for traveling with just a carry-on

4. Best times to visit Southeast Asia: rainy or dry season?

You can organize your trip in one of two ways: picking a destination(s) first and then selecting the best time to go, or picking your destination(s) based on what will have the best weather during the time you're able to visit. Most countries in Southeast Asia have two main seasons: wet and dry.

Even certain regions within countries can have separate rainy seasons . For example, if you want to have a beach holiday in Thailand over Christmas, it's better to choose islands in the Andaman Sea, which are sunny, like Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Yai and skip the Gulf of Thailand islands, such as Koh Samui or Koh Tao, where it's rainy season.

If you're visiting larger cities, rainy season may not be so bad. You'll experience a downpour or two for sure, but you may get cheaper hotel deals or better value on airfare. But, it may be best to avoid smaller towns or villages during the wet season where lack of infrastructure during floods may complicate your stay.

It's also important to consider additional seasonal situations -- like burning season, where many Southeast Asian regions burn brush and old crops to prepare for planting. Air quality is bad during this time and may affect tourists, especially those with respiratory problems.

5. Safeguard your health

Before you travel to individual countries, check their vaccine requirements and recommendations -- and then actually get those vaccinations. If you're worried about the expense, be aware that you can opt to get your vaccinations upon arrival in Bangkok , where they're often affordable at local health centers. When traveling to any Southeast Asian country, getting tetanus shots and typhoid vaccines are generally a good idea. In addition to any necessary vaccines, seek out strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from dengue fever and malaria.

6. Get travel insurance

Plan to get travel insurance when visiting the region, because health risks in Southeast Asia don't entirely diminish even if you've had your vaccines. As Southeast Asia trips often include adventures like indulging in street food, zip-lining, scuba diving , jungle treks and motorcycle rentals, it's wise to have a policy in place.

During a previous trip to Thailand, I developed an ear infection from snorkeling . Thanks to my travel insurance, I was in and out of a doctor's office within an hour, complete with medicine and a special souvenir bag (see above) -- all covered by my policy. Years ago in Malaysia, my husband cut his foot on coral while diving and required antibiotics. Having travel insurance made the situation an easy (and free) fix. Insurance policies can also cover non-health-related problems such as lost luggage or issues with flights and hotels, so look into getting the best travel insurance policy for you.

7. Consider alternate travel methods

While we love a good points and miles deal, using trains, low-cost airlines and ferries is a great way to save money while moving from place to place. Buses are generally the cheapest method of transport in Southeast Asian countries, but be aware of travel scams and know that you might be in for dirt, dust, unpleasant (or simply strange) smells, crowds, bumpy roads and more.

Ferries can sometimes be crowded, but are a quick, cheap and a direct form of travel between islands, and though often slow, trains are a fun way to explore and see the lay of the land(s). Low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Bangkok Airways , Nok Air, Tiger Air and more offer cheap flights to a variety of destinations -- and some even have frequent flyer programs . Though often a splurge in comparison to bare-bones taxi-boat journeys, river cruises are luxurious, scenic adventures and a great mode of transportation.

8. Rent a scooter at your own risk

If I had a dollar for every 20-something I saw with a bandaged knee, chin or foot in Thailand, I would easily be rich. Renting scooters can be a great way to get around, but in some Southeast Asian countries you'll need to drive on a different side of the road you're accustomed to and you may have to battle intense traffic, hills, curves, stray dogs, dirt or sand roads, crazy taxi drivers -- and worst of all, other foreigners driving scooters who are unfamiliar with these conditions. Even though many locals and tourists don't wear helmets, you still should.

Before you head off with a rental scooter, be sure that your rental agent sees you taking detailed photos and/or videos of the bike, and actively point out any scratches or concerns to them. Though scooter rentals are often just a few dollars per day upfront, scooter scams are common, where a rental agent will insist that you've scratched or otherwise damaged their motorbike, charging you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in damages before they'll return your passport to you.

9. Be smart about currency exchange

Airports and banks often charge excessive fees to exchange money, but you'll usually get a decent exchange rate if you wait to change money once you're in Southeast Asia. However, know that Southeast Asian hotels generally offer terrible exchange rates, so stick to banks or other spots that advertise "Money Exchange." Make sure to change plenty of cash, as street market vendors, taxi drivers and smaller restaurants may not take credit/debit cards.

Many hotels and larger restaurants will take credit/debit cards though, so make sure to use ones that hold no foreign transaction fees.

10. Avoid "temple burnout"

"Temple burnout" happens when you see so many ornate and beautiful temples that they all begin to look the same -- and you lose interest in seeing any more, ever. To avoid this malady, arrange some non-temple-oriented activities on your Southeast Asia travel itinerary, or simply take a day (or two) off to relax and rest your eyes. After a bit of visual reboot, you'll have a whole new appreciation for a region of the globe that has more amazing temples than you could possibly imagine.

11. Don't be afraid to bargain

You should absolutely bargain with local street vendors or at markets -- it's a cultural norm to do so. I've had some great times bargaining and laughing with street vendors and even made friends with a few locals along the way, coming home with memorable souvenirs for my efforts. Just make sure to barter reasonably and always with a smile on your face. The point of bargaining is to engage with locals and agree on a fair price, not to cheat them or get scammed yourself.

12. Be a responsible tourist

It's best to avoid orphanage tourism, hill tribe visits or any activity that exploits children, ethnic groups or animals. When participating in elephant tourism, make sure to carefully vet your organization and make sure they're protecting the animals in lieu of harming them.

While begging children may tug at your heartstrings, the more money they earn from tourists, the more their parents see them as a source of monetary gain and the less inclined they are to send them to school -- where they'd have a shot at a better future.

When diving/snorkeling or out in nature, make sure to adhere to the no trace policy , not littering or taking anything from delicate natural environments.

If you want to lend real support to locals in Southeast Asia, dine at Tree Alliance restaurants . Located in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, these eateries train disadvantaged young adults as chefs and waiters and also donate money to programs that assist low-income locals to get jobs. Offering traditional cuisine, these restaurants provide a delicious way to help.

Related: 5 tourism-supported charities that need your help now more than ever

Or, visit an organization like Big Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang, where tourists can read books, play games or chat with kids and teens eager to practice their English.

Related: How to be a better traveler

Bottom line

Armed with these useful travel tips for Southeast Asia, you'll have a safe, smooth and successful first trip to this beautiful region. Happy travels!

A Guide to Overseas Travel

How To Lose Weight In Thailand

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Although losing weight might not be the first thing you’d think about when you are visiting or living in Thailand, it would usually be something you’d focus on before going, wanting to get that beach body in place!

Nobody really likes to think of themselves as being overweight, and almost everyone would like to lose weight if the opportunity presents itself, but that takes time and effort.

What might surprise you quite a bit is just how easy it is to lose weight in Thailand. The weather tends to be very warm and humid, the food is generally very healthy when compared to the Western diet and you may find yourself walking more than usual.

Ways To Lose Weight In Thailand

As previously mentioned, losing weight in Thailand, particularly for Westerners, tends to come naturally. Although there are some steps you can take to help speed up the weight loss journey.

Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet is a good way to lose weight, and if you eat Thai food regularly then you’ll find that the weight loss will tend to happen quite quickly. When compared to the Western diet, Thai food is often a better choice to eat healthy.

Don’t get me wrong, of course, there are lots of foods in the West that are healthy, but we have a tendency to be in a rush and will eat fast food or heavily processed food. You’ll find that in Thailand, most meals will come with plenty of vegetables and are often quite spicy.

Once you start eating Thai food every day, you’ll begin to see the changes within a few weeks. Often times, the weight loss will be amplified by the hot and humid weather of Thailand, even during the rainy season. Something that I’m sure you aware of is that Asian people tend to eat rice with many of their meals, and rice being high in carbs then it’s probably for the best to not eat too much of the white stuff.

You can very easily get Western food in Thailand, and not just fast food like McDonald’s or KFC, if you go to the supermarket you will find plenty of goods that you’re familiar with but you’ll pay a premium price in comparison to Thai food. In some cases the prices will be the same as back home or maybe even more expensive, considering that the goods are imported then it begins to make sense.

In all honesty, there’s no reason to not eat healthily in Thailand every day, even if you’re on a tight budget then you could go with street food (here’s a tip about Thai street food, go to the vendor that you see the actual Thai people going to, if they have made people sick in past then the Thais will not buy from them). Thai street food tends to be low cost and generally fresh, usually much better than some pre-packaged, highly processed ready meal.

Even if you choose to go to a restaurant or café you can very easily get a healthy, filling meal for about $10, probably less if you keep your eyes open for bargains.  

Drink Water

As I mentioned earlier, the weather in Thailand is very warm and it can get really humid, meaning that if you’re outside or in a room that doesn’t have air conditioning, the bottom line is that you are going to sweat!

The effects of this are only heightened if you are carrying excess weight, so it’s really important that you drink plenty of water during your time in Thailand. Another thing that you could do is to snack of fresh fruit as this will help keep your body hydrated.

Also, try to avoid going overboard with alcohol consumption, especially during the day time. I’m not saying that you need to become a teetotaller, but alcohol will dehydrate you. If the option is available, get bottled water or maybe a fresh mango juice.

Do try to be careful though of not falling into the trap though that lots of smoothies or fruit juices are much better for you than drinking a beer for example. In reality, smoothies are loaded with sugar, and if you think about it, if you were going to eat some fresh fruit, would you really eat 2 or 3 apples, a mango, and maybe a banana or two in a single sitting?

It really just comes down to a bit of self-moderation and some common sense. There’s no harm in spoiling yourself now and then with a tasty smoothie or some ice-cold beer on a hot day,  but maybe just not all the time?

I feel it’s important for me to make a disclaimer here that I’m not a medical professional, it may be a case that you are diabetic and you need to control your blood sugar with a sweetened drink. Obviously, it’s important that you follow the guidance of your own doctor or medical professional.

We all know that exercise is a great way to lose weight, and regular exercise is important if you want to lose weight long term. Thailand has plenty of gyms and fitness clubs, but oftentimes you can begin getting in shape simply by walking rather than driving.

You could join a gym in Thailand, prices are usually very affordable, although this may not be required. In quite a lot of apartment complexes, included in the cost of the rental there will be access to both a swimming pool and a fitness room. This isn’t universal, so it’s worth checking out before you settle where you will rent.

If that isn’t an option then you could look at signing up with a fitness club or gym membership, although depending on whereabouts in Thailand you’re located, this may not be the cheapest option. Prices do vary, but you can expect to pay from about 1,500 Baht (about $48) per month and in some cases much more than that.

If you can’t afford the expense of a gym membership and the place you’re staying in doesn’t have a fitness room or pool then don’t stress, a free alternative would be to just start walking. You’ll find that once you get moving then it will just become easier with time.

If you happen to be staying in Pattaya then one very good weight loss option for you is the walking path that runs almost the full length of Beach Road. The stretch that runs from the North end of Beach Road down to Walking Street is 3km long, meaning if you walked one direction and then back to where you started you’d have walked 6km. While this may not seem like a huge amount, for your first time it’s probably better to start off slow and let your body acclimate to the heat and the weight loss will happen.

If you were able to manage to do this walk every day and you were following a carefully crafted diet then it wouldn’t be too long before you start to have people say that you’ve lost weight. Even if you could do the walk 2 or 3 times each week then it would be helpful and mean that you don’t gain weight.

Weight Loss Retreat And Fitness Camps

Thailand based weight loss retreats and fitness camps are something that have become more popular in recent times. It’s difficult to say if they’re a fad or not but they certainly do hold a certain amount of appeal to some people.  These weight loss retreats are dotted around Thailand, and in a way, they are almost like an “all-in” vacation, but instead of waking in the morning and sitting by the pool, you’ll be doing Yoga classes and jungle runs.

These weight loss retreats will vary in price, but will often provide an all-in experience, so that would include, room, meals, fitness classes, and personal trainer access. Prices will differ, depending on location, but you could likely expect to pay around $500 for 1 week, which in fairness isn’t a bad price if you’re hoping to enjoy some of the beauty of Thailand and work on getting in shape at the same time.

So, as you can see, getting in fit in Thailand is something that can very easily be achieved whether you decide to do it at a premium cost or essentially for free. You can walk in the area and choose to eat healthy Thai food, or you could pay a little premium and attend a gym. Alternatively, if you decide to rent or buy in an apartment block, many will come with a fitness room and pool at no extra cost. This, along with walking and healthy eating would be our recommendation to start making inroads on your weight loss journey.

About the author

Alan Matthews

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The Ultimate Packing List for Southeast Asia (With Checklist)!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Deciding what to pack for a long trip to a foreign country can be unnerving, especially if you’ve never travelled anywhere before. I’m excited to share my uber-researched packing list for Southeast Asia (or any other tropical climate) which contains what many travellers consider the “essentials” as well as an extensive list of “options” that you can consider bringing if you have the space or inclination.

I admit it: this is a lot of reading, and a lot to remember. I made a free printable checklist you can use to help narrow down what you consider your necessities and what you’d like to bring, to help make sure you have everything you want for an awesome trip!

I’ve never been on a long trip to Southeast Asia, and I needed to know what to buy and pack for our upcoming trip. Luckily, I’m an obsessive research nerd who likes to be prepared for as many possibilities as I can, so I can be as comfortable as possible!

I spent countless hours researching countless blogs to learn the commonalities among all the “ultimate packing lists” and the reasons why each item is considered necessary. Then I spent more hours researching the actual supplies we’ll need for our 6 to 7 month trip to a tropical climate. As a result, I’m very proud and confident of this packing list, and hope you find it helpful!

So read on to find out what you need for an essential packing list for Southeast Asia.

Table of Contents

Backpack vs suitcase, packing cubes, crime prevention, waterproofing, miscellaneous organization, actual clothing packing list, electronics, papers and documents, don’t forget….

• Travel Comfort 

Packing and Organization

Wayne and I never really debated this, as we knew from the start that we wanted to try to be as minimalist as possible and keep as mobile as possible; for us, backpacks are the way we want to travel. We don’t want to worry about the weight of a larger/heavier suitcase or the possibility of wheels breaking off a roll-away.

We decided to get smaller backpacks than we would if we were solo-travellers for 2 reasons: (1)  we can sort of split the load between us, and (2) we want to be able to go carry-on as much as possible (as opposed to checking our bags). 

I did do a pile of research and absolutely love the website www.packhacker.com to compare backpacks. They have very comprehensive reviews on a wide range of backpacks.

Eventually, we both chose to buy Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L (Wayne bought the unisex, I bought the women’s fit). We love the suitcase-style opening which gives you the ability to ultra-organize and actually see all your stuff at once instead of having to dig through the whole bag. The Global Companion has an attached rain cover, so I don’t have to buy one separately and then store it. It also has a waterproof storage area (for shoes, rain jackets, etc) underneath.

I got Wayne’s backpack from Amazon on sale, and I found mine on sale at Canada Luggage Depot . I actually received the wrong backpack originally (Unisex instead of Women’s) but the customer service was stellar! The replacement arrived (with a handwritten apology and gift! How often does that happen?!) just a couple of days later, so I would definitely recommend them. 

And what are packing cubes, you ask? Only the best organizational packing method EVER, I answer!

Seriously, though, they are.

Packing cubes are small zip-up fabric pouches to organize, pack and store your stuff so you can actually find what you’re looking for because you know where you packed it! They come in different sizes, colours and weights (if you’re trying to keep your weight down and every oz counts) so you can fit them like a puzzle in your suitcase/backpack and organize literally *everything*. I’d probably use them in a grocery bag to organize my stuff, I love them that much.

Have you figured out yet that I like organization? It makes life less stressful. Anyway, I digress.

We chose the Eagle Creek brand of packing cubes because they’re highly rated and we found a sale. I got a couple of their Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Sets (which have a wrap-around sort of zipper which compresses the pack to a smaller size) for our clothing. And I bought some Pack-It Cube Sets which have more varying sizes for all our other stuff.

I love these things so much!

Misc. Safety/Protective Organization

Sorry, it was hard to come up with a heading for this sub-category, but it’s fairly important. There are two things to consider when it comes to protecting your stuff: crime prevention and waterproofing.

I won’t get into too much detail here, because it really depends on how much you worry about your belongings and your comfort level concerning theft.

You’ll need a couple of combination padlocks (not keyed…keys are too easy to lose!) for lockers, safety boxes, and to lock your zippers together. At least one of your padlocks should be a cable type so you can be sure it’ll fit into any size locker.

A cable wire is good to either lace your bags together or to attach them to a stable pole etc. when you’re in transit.

Some people just aren’t comfortable leaving their bags or valuables unprotected in their room and prefer to take extra safety precautions. The company Pacsafe has you covered! They offer a backpack & bag protector (different sizes are available) to wrap around your bag/suitcase and secure it to an immovable object. They also have a variety of portable safes to help secure your electronics/small valuables; we purchased ours at Sail .

There are also loads of clothing options that contain secret/hidden pockets for hiding valuables and extra money on you when you’re out and about; here’s a cash belt that has a zippered pocket to hold cash.

We also bought a FlipBelt for Wayne to wear, which will hold our passport and some extra money; after we see how hot it feels against his body in a humid climate, I’ll come back and update this post!

You can get purses that are slash-proof and have security zippers if you’re in an area prone to pickpockets, but be aware that these purses can be a bit heavy; two trustworthy brands are Pacsafe and Travelon . Here’s my travelon ; I absolutely love it … check out all the pockets!

You have a lot of very important documents to carry which need protection, along with your expensive electronic equipment. It doesn’t cost a lot or take a lot of effort to protect these.

It also only takes a moment to have them soaked in an unexpected downpour, or to have a wave wash over the boat and ruin them (this actually happened to at least a couple of bloggers who I follow). Take a moment and protect your belongings.

Simple Ziploc bags are great for your documents and paperwork, and serve the purpose of both organizing and protecting them.

You can get a dry bag to protect your electronics, especially when you’re on the water (and it can double as a washing machine )!

When you’re swimming or kayaking or whatever and want to bring your phone/passport etc. with you, you can use a small waterproof pouch like this ; apparently, you can also take photos through the plastic with your phone, but we haven’t tried that with ours.

You can use zip ties or velcro cable ties to organize your cables if you plan to store your small electronics in a packing cube, but I’d recommend an electronics organizer similar to this one if your budget allows (I know, again with the organization)!

You should also get a lightweight, hanging toiletry bag for your toiletries; the one we got is a bit heavy and I may yet replace it.

Cheap shower caps are great to put around your shoes to keep them together and away from your clean clothes.

Depending on what liquids you’re bringing you may or may not want silicone travel bottles. If you do bring any, make sure they’re under 100 mL.

Don’t forget the basics like toothbrush covers, soap holders, and soap savers ; the soap savers are great at helping your soap or shampoo/conditioner bars dry out instead of getting soggy. I even use mine at home!

I also highly recommend you bring a small packable daypack for day trips; they’re very light, take up very little space, but still let you bring everything you need for the day without lugging your big backpacks around.

For all of my life, the only criteria I placed on buying clothes was comfort and price; that’s still applicable, but when shopping for our long trip to Southeast Asia I also had to consider the culture.

In general, the countries in Southeast Asia are more conservative than North America, although this seems to be slowly changing. On the whole, though, people still seem to show less skin than we’re accustomed to, especially when you consider the humidity! Also, many temples require that you wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, sometimes even the ankles.

Personally, I don’t like to make people uncomfortable, and I want to be able to go anywhere without borrowing or buying clothes (or running home to change) so I chose some clothes that are more modest than I’d probably pick otherwise.

Along with the culture, you have to consider the weather. For a humid climate such as Southeast Asia, try to choose more natural fabrics such as linen whenever you can. A less fitted (more flowy) fit also allows more airflow and may be less sweaty. I’m prone to infections of tinea versicolor (which causes some skin discoloration) that worsens in heat and humidity (yay!) so I tried to choose less form-fitting clothes for our trip.

Lastly, be aware that it’s not hot everywhere! Some areas of Southeast Asia are cooler, so if you’re not staying planted in a warm place you’ll want at least one long-sleeved, warmer hoodie, sweater, whatever so you can layer if needed. You’ll also want some warmer clothes to wear as layers on the long plane trip since that can be quite cool.

In one way, this is a very general list; how much of what clothing you pack really depends on how you’re travelling (ie/ how much you can actually bring)!

If you’re backpacking and walking a lot with your pack, you’ll definitely want to carry less. If you’re slow travelling with a couple of suitcases and not planning on trekking, you can load up! Also, the amount of clothes depends on how often you plan to do laundry … don’t bring only a couple of pairs of underwear if you’re not planning on nightly washing.

Lastly, try to get dual-function clothing if possible! Shorts that double as swim trunks, pants that zip off to shorts, reversible swimsuits … anything that can extend your wardrobe so you either don’t have to pack as many things, or can pack more of what you want.

What you do *not* want to bring is anything heavily woven that will take a long time to dry, such as denim jeans. But again, it’s a personal choice… for as many times as I’ve read that recommendation (and it makes sense logically considering the humidity), I’ve read packing lists that say to bring a pair of jeans! And there are many people in SE Asia who wear jeans.

As always, do what works for you.

Anyway, here’s my recommended clothing packing list for Southeast Asia:

While the major electronics you bring on your trip really depend on your lifestyle and career, I’ll go over the general travel necessities.

You’ll definitely want your phone (unlocked) and you’ll want to have some apps loaded (see the app section below).

If you need a computer for work then obviously bring it, but if it’s not 100% necessary I’d seriously consider the cons of bringing it: mainly the extra weight and the extra concern, as it’s expensive and you may worry about its safety. Perhaps you could get away with a lighter and cheaper tablet? Just something to think about.

Unless you need professional photos your phone will probably take adequate ones, except for any “adventure” photos, in which case you might want a GoPro or a similar camera . If you bring an extra camera, remember you’ll need some extra accessories which will take up more space and money.

Either way, you’ll probably want a selfie stick/tripod combo.

You’ll definitely want to bring a travel adapter and converter (get one that does both, we bought this one for Southeast Asia). Different countries have different electrical currents, and a converter will change the current so that what you plug in doesn’t die, while an adaptor fits your plug to the outlet.

Ours also functions as an extension cord and has USB ports for charging (which can be convenient, especially if you’re planning to stay in hostels where outlets can be few and far between, or inconveniently located).

A power bank is a really good idea if you have the space, for recharging equipment on the go when you don’t have access to electrical outlets.

For external storage be sure to bring at least a couple of SD cards; if you need more storage, consider a hard drive ; we’re bringing a couple because we’ll be taking lots of photos and videos.

Some smaller electronics you might want to bring for entertainment include your e-reader, noise-cancelling headphones (great for airports!) and wireless earbuds. If you’re travelling with a friend/partner, a y-split would be nice for movies.

A headlamp can be really useful in hostels and on trains and buses, etc.

If you’re not bringing a full-size computer but will be typing a fair bit, you could consider a folding keyboard for typing comfort.

Depending on how fussy you are with your hair and how much space you have, you could bring a portable hairdryer or other hair styling accessories.

You’ll also need the charging cords for every electronic you bring, so double-check that you have them all! 

Now you see why I’m a fan of the electronics organizer!

Health and Beauty

While you can certainly pick up a lot of your toiletries and medications in Southeast Asia, some may be difficult to find and/or very expensive; also you may not find a specific brand if you’re stuck on a certain one. Also, many lotions and creams contain skin lighteners/whiteners.

There are also some items that you should have on hand during your travel to your destination country, so don’t just leave empty-handed thinking you’ll buy anything you need when you arrive!

Lastly, try to pack solids as opposed to liquids whenever possible for the obvious “spill” issues, because they generally weigh less, and because of flight limitations on liquids. Many airlines have a maximum amount of total liquids they permit as carry-on, as well as a maximum mL limit per item, so definitely check rules before travel.

It’s a good idea to bring your own sunscreen to Southeast Asia, as it can be both difficult to find and expensive, and may contain skin lighteners.

Deodorant and face/body lotions are readily available but, again, may contain skin lighteners.

Tampons can be both difficult to find and expensive. Instead of disposable menstrual products, I highly recommend using a menstrual cup (I’ve used them for over a decade); you can read about them here . I use and love the Ladycup .

If you prefer a specific brand of razors, you might want to bring your own. 

You’ll definitely want an insect repellent; we’re bringing < incognito >, an award-winning, all-natural repellent that we’ve personally tested – it works crazily well! If there are any mosquitoes around when I’m outdoors, they’ll be on me and sucking me dry, guaranteed; but with this stuff, I literally walked through *clouds* of them in a damp forest and emerged Without. One. Bite!!! While Wayne, who left one leg untreated, got bitten multiple times… but only on his untreated leg.

If you don’t want to bring repellent, you can easily find both DEET repellents and natural ones pretty much anywhere.

Shampoo and conditioner can also be picked up anywhere. However, if you’re backpacking and trying to keep supplies light, or if you’re flying a good bit and want to avoid the hassle of travelling with liquid, bring shampoo and conditioner bars . They last forever. We use and love the Ethique brand of bar shampoo and conditioners, but there are many more brands as well.

Some other toiletries you might want to pack for the trip include SPF chapstick, disinfectant (gel and wipes), soap, toothbrush/floss and paste, moisturizer, clippers/tweezers, and a hairbrush; basically, your normal bathroom and Covid necessities. And TicTacs, which aren’t exactly a toiletry, but where else could I put them?

I’m also bringing my eyelash dye since I’m blonde and my natural lashes are nearly invisible. I never wear mascara because my eyes run like mad and I look like a raccoon within hours (and that’s in Canada, a not-crazy-humid climate). I can’t imagine what Southeast Asia humidity does to makeup! Think of the humidity. Don’t bring makeup.

While you can probably pick up any medication you need when you arrive at your destination country, I advise travelling prepared! Be sure to bring any prescription medication, including birth control pills, as well as your written prescriptions. 

If you’ve never heard of “traveller’s diarrhea”, you probably will; definitely get a prescription for antibiotics from your nurse when you’re getting vaccinated for the trip, and bring them! Besides antibiotics, you will want Pepto Bismol tablets, Immodium, and Hydralyte or a similar electrolyte powder to rehydrate if needed. 

Some other meds to consider bringing on your trip are probiotics (to help repopulate your gut flora after a round of antibiotics), activated charcoal or ginger chews (for stomach issues and nausea), eye drops and Nasogel (you can easily dehydrate on the plane), and melatonin (a natural sleep aid). If you have allergies, bring Claritin or Benadryl. 

Be sure to bring a small first-aid kit . If it doesn’t include a painkiller (like Tylenol) or an antibiotic (such as Polysporin Complete) add them. I recommend Polysporin Complete because it has lidocaine, which may keep you from scratching at itchy insect bites and infecting them.

Speaking of insect bites, I bought a neat little heat thing similar to this one . It’s supposed to help prevent insect bites from becoming itchy by neutralizing the mosquito saliva with heat. Or you can just get an After-Bite pen!

And of course, be sure to pack disinfectant gel and wipes along with face masks.

Your papers are some of the most important things you will be bringing with you; you should have the originals, as well as copies in case of accident or theft.

You need physical copies of Every. Single. Document. Really. Colour copies of all the pages of your passport, copies of your insurance, your licences. Everything. Also bring extra passport photos (in the appropriate sizes, since some countries have different passport photo size requirements). Keep a copy in each carry-on as well as in each checked bag.

Absolutely everything should also be photographed and backed up on cloud storage. Be sure to make arrangements for someone you trust to have access to this information as well.

Bring originals as well as copies (kept separate from the originals) of all the following:

• Driver’s License, home and International if you have it
• Health card
• Copies of Birth Certificate (don’t bring your original)
• Certificate of Entry, if needed
• Vaccine certificates
• Credit cards, Banking cards.
• Extra passport photos
• Prescriptions – medications and eye (for your eye prescriptions, bring both contacts and glasses if you wear both)
• Emergency contact information

Don’t forget the “short-term” documents you will need to have at times:

• Travel tickets
• Onward travel ticket
• Consulate phone number and address
• Hotel/Hostel, etc.  phone and address

Miscellaneous Stuff to Bring

If you wear glasses, don’t forget your prescription sunglasses and eyeglass cases. The same goes for contact lenses and the accompanying solutions. Also, eye drops (which are nice for the plane, anyway), and non-prescription sunnies if you wear them.

I highly recommend bringing a microfiber towel ; some hostels don’t offer towels, and sometimes you’d just rather use your own. They come in different sizes, are very light, pack small, and are incredibly quick-drying. They’re also great for drying your hair…it doesn’t get as frizzy as with a terry towel.  I use mine at home.

If you want to be able to drink tap water, you can get a filtering water bottle or a Steripen . We haven’t decided to buy either of these yet, but at least if we do I’ve got the ones I want picked out)! At the very least, bring a reusable water bottle to try and help prevent more plastic waste from disposable bottles; it’s a real problem, especially in Southeast Asia.

You may want a packable shopping bag like these to keep on hand for shopping (again, plastic waste).

If you want to be able to exercise anywhere you are, you can add some resistance bands to your workout.

If you think you might be hand-washing laundry, you can either use your dry bag or buy a Scrubba wash bag if you didn’t want to use a sink. Don’t forget laundry strips , although you can use dish soap in a pinch.

Lastly, don’t forget some pens and small notebooks, and possibly a journal. And maybe a sewing kit. I haven’t needed a sewing kit in my 47 years, and have resisted buying one for our trip so far. Knowing me, though, I’ll probably get one before we leave because that’s how I roll.

Travel Comfort

A comfortable sleep mask along with earplugs can help make sure you get a good night’s rest wherever you are.

A travel pillow is nice if you’ve got the room; you can get a “real” (but small) pillow that rolls up small like our Thermarests , or an inflatable one .  Side note: I only paid $16 for that inflatable pillow, but when I posted my link it’s running $50!

If your flight is long, you should honestly have a pair of compression socks . They help prevent your legs and feet from swelling…they’re not just for old people!

Okay, so apps aren’t technically a “packing list” item. But they’re pretty important and you should look into them, upload them and get familiar with them before you travel, so I’m adding them to my packing list for Southeast Asia!

Look into your destination country to see what rideshare/taxi apps they use and download them before you go; that way you can book a ride online and know the fare before your driver arrives.

Also, download a map of your arrival city before you get on the plane.

You should also have an easy-to-access currency converter and, of course, Google Translate.

Lastly, make sure you have the apps for your credit cards, debit cards, banks, etc.

You should also have a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPNs protect you when you’re using public wifi in areas where hackers tend to hang out (airports, train stations, restaurants etc). They also allow you to “change” your location, so you can access your home country stuff from your home country even when you’re not there.

That’s about it! I hope you found my packing list for Southeast Asia helpful. I know it was a lot to take in, so I’ve created this free printable checklist for you to use so you don’t forget a thing. Wayne and I hope you have an absolutely amazing trip!

We’d love to hear from you! Just drop a line below or email us to let us know where you’re travelling!

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How to Travel to Southeast Asia Well: 30 Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia is a fascinating region but it's very different. Before you depart, be sure to read these 30 essential Southeast Asia travel tips that will help you travel around the region like a pro!

1. Pack Light

Pack light, especially if you'll be traveling around Southeast Asia and taking public transportation. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to haul heavy luggage around.

Pack light cotton clothing as it is hot and humid in Southeast Asia. In most Southeast Asian countries, you can get your clothes washed and dried in hotels or laundries for just a couple of dollars. Also, it is easy to buy clothes at the street markets for very reasonable prices.

2. Pack Clothes for Temple Visits

If you are planning to visit temples in Southeast Asia, you need to know the dress code. The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees .

Therefore, make sure to pack an outfit that will cover your shoulders and knees — a scarf or shawl is very useful when you stumble across a temple that was not included in your plan.

3. Get Travel Insurance

It's always a good idea to have travel insurance when you travel to Southeast Asia. You might have prepared well but your body may not be prepared for the Asian spices, high temperature, or way of life.

Southeast Asia trips also often include some adventurous activities, such as trekking and scuba diving, so it's a good idea to have a policy in place.

4. Get Vaccinated

It is vital to get vaccinated against diseases and take necessary precautions for your Southeast Asia trip. Mosquito bites, upset stomachs, and malaria are common maladies affecting people residing in the tropics.

Many countries in Southeast Asia require specific vaccinations before you can enter them. Make sure to check their vaccine requirements and get the recommended vaccinations in advance.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

5. Be Smart about Currency Exchange

It is recommended to change your money in airports or banks where you can get a decent exchange rate even though you might need to pay excessive fees. You can also use local ATMs to withdraw the local currency as they will use the banks' exchange rates.

Be aware that many hotels offer a currency exchange service but they generally offer terrible exchange rates.

Every country in Southeast Asia has a different currency. Calculate how much local money you need so as to avoid having too much money left over that is not accepted in your next destination.

6. Take Some Cash with You

Visa and Mastercard branded credit cards, debit cards, and travel cards are widely accepted in major tourist destinations in Southeast Asia but you will still need some local money. You will need to have cash for street market vendors, taxi drivers, and smaller restaurants.

In rural areas, cards will not be accepted and ATM availability is not guaranteed so make sure you have enough cash to cover your planned expenses.

It is also necessary to carry some US dollars in cash too, as this might be required at the port of entry to pay the fee for your Visa on Arrival.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Bargain

It is normal to bargain in Southeast Asia. It is a way to engage with the local people and try to get a fair price. You can try to bargain with local street vendors or at the markets. Just remember to barter reasonably and always with a smile on your face.

8. Don't Drink the Tap Water

Tap water in Southeast Asia is undrinkable so you should buy bottled water, which is cheap. You can always find cold bottles of water available.

9. Expect Squat Toilets in Most Places

Squat toilets are common in Southeast Asian countries. Expect to find these toilets in most places, such as restaurants, tourist attractions, and other public places.

These toilets require a bit of getting used to but don't worry as most hotels have normal Western-style toilets. 

10. Take Your Own Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is rarely found in public restrooms in Southeast Asia. Carry toilet paper or tissues with you wherever you go.

11. Buy a Local SIM Card

If your current cell phone carrier doesn't offer an affordable service overseas, you can buy a local SIM card that will keep you covered. This could be very helpful for your long trip in Southeast Asia. SIM cards are cheap and the coverage is incredible, even in some remote places.

12. Respect the Local Culture

Southeast Asia is the perfect place for leisure and vacations but be aware that there is a very different culture. It is advisable to learn about the culture before you travel. Here are several common things you should know:

• Cover your arms and legs when you visit temples.
• Don't stare at people praying.
• Avoid taking pictures of monks unless you have permission.
• Don't touch anybody on the head. The head is considered to be sacred in some religions.
• Avoid displaying your soles and take your shoes off at temples.

13. Be Wary of Scams

Travel scams exist all over the world and Southeast Asia is no exception. Here are some common scams in Southeast Asia:

• Beggars, monks, or kids walk around and ask you for money. 
• Fares are overpriced when taking taxis or renting motorbikes. Agree on a taxi price before you get in.
• Scams occur when exchanging money with individuals on the street. Always exchange your currency in legal establishments. 
• Scams occur when you're offered cheap and VIP bus tickets.
• You might be told that an attraction or temple is closed when it actually isn't. Check it in person.

14. Try Street Food

If you want to taste authentic local food, find places where the locals eat. It is easy to find food streets and food stalls in each country in Southeast Asia.

Most of the restaurants won't look very safe but try to choose restaurants where the local people eat — the more people at a restaurant or food stall the better.

15. Don't Overplan

It is necessary to have a planned itinerary before your trip but an unexpected challenge is often thrown in midway through the plan, such as a flight delay, a visit to an unplanned attraction, or overstaying at a beach you have particularly enjoyed.

Be sure to leave some unscheduled time in your itinerary for downtime and also for wandering around.

16. Try Local Transportation at Least Once

Trying the local transportation is a great way to experience the local culture. Tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, or tricycles are a great way to get around. They are cheap and they always make for an adventure while traveling in Southeast Asia.

17. Watch Out on the Sidewalk

You might think of it as an adventure as you weave your way across the lanes of motorbikes in some Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam.

Sometimes, motorbikes drive on the sidewalks and rarely stop for traffic lights. One trick is to be careful and follow the crowds to get across the roads.

18. Learn Some Phrases in the Local Language

There are different languages in different Southeast Asian countries. Most locals don't speak English.

Learning a few phrases of the local language would further enhance your experience in Southeast Asia. Learning how to say 'hello' and 'thank you' are a good start and the local people will really appreciate it. Everyone loves a foreigner who speaks the local language.

19. Don't Worry Too Much about the Weather

The best time to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April (the dry and cool season) if you care about the weather. Even if you are traveling in the wet season, you don't need to worry too much about the weather as the rain often only lasts for several hours in the afternoon or at night.

You can still enjoy a good time as long as you plan well and make the most of your time when it doesn't rain.

See our detailed information about the Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia and Tips for Traveling in the Monsoon Season .

20. Check Southeast Asia's Travel Visa Requirements

Most Southeast Asian countries allow visa-free entry or a Visa on Arrival for stays ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months for certain nationalities.

See all things about  Visas for Southeast Asian Countries . 

21. Don't Worry — Southeast Asia Is Safe

Generally speaking, Southeast Asia is a very safe place for travelers. It's rare to get robbed or mugged.

People are nice, respectful, and friendly. In fact, it's one of the safest regions in the world for female travelers, solo travelers, and families.

22. Always Carry Your Passport

If anything should happen to you, it would be essential for you to have your passport, especially if you are unable to get back to your hotel. You never know what could happen and it's always better to be prepared for anything.

23. Get Off the Beaten Path

The top cities and attractions will definitely be on your must-see list but don't be afraid to get off the beaten path a bit and explore some alternative destinations and sites around Southeast Asia.

The famous attractions are usually crowded, especially during the peak season. Don't be afraid to leave the usual tourist routes and try something new and different.

24. Learn about Tipping in Southeast Asia

In most Southeast Asian countries, there is no tipping culture . It is not customary to tip in most situations.

Tips are rarely expected in restaurants and bars but porters or housekeepers in hotels and tourism providers, such as tour guides, are likely to be used to receiving tips.

25. Be a Responsible Traveler

With so many tourists visiting each year, cities are getting more and more crowded but much of Southeast Asia is inherently mired in poverty. You can help the local people when you make the right choices on your trip.

Don't give money to beggar children near tourist attractions as the money they make is often turned over to a boss or family member. If the children get money continuously, they will never be given a chance at a normal life.

It's best to avoid orphanage tourism, hill tribe visits, or any activity that exploits children, ethnic groups, or animals. When participating in elephant tourism, make sure to carefully vet the organization and make sure they're protecting the animals rather than harming them.

26. Book Your Flights Early

You can usually get the best deals for international flights to Southeast Asia and flights between countries in Southeast Asia by booking early. Start keeping an eye out for cheap flights as early as possible.

27. Don't Underestimate the Jet Lag

Sleeping in a new bed is hard enough but when you add over 10 hours' time difference once you're in Southeast Asia, it's all over! Leave yourself some time to rest and relax on your first or second day when you arrive in Southeast Asia.

28. Don't Try to See It All

Traveling to Southeast Asia for the first time is very exciting and you're going to want to see as much as you can. You need to know that Southeast Asia is a huge region filled with many bucket list destinations screaming to be visited.

Unless you're staying in the region for a year, don't try to see it all in one trip. See our detailed recommendations about How to spend your time in Southeast Asia: from 2 weeks to 3 months .

29. Get Used to Selfies with the Locals

In some places in Southeast Asia, the locals are not used to seeing foreigners on a daily basis. Do not be taken aback if they stare or ask to take photos with you.

30. Don't Expect Anything to Be On Time

People in Southeast Asia are a lot more relaxed and don't care about time as Westerners do.

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The Perfect Packing List for Your Southeast Asia Trip

Dieser Artikel ist auch verfügbar auf: Deutsch

A packing list for Southeast Asia is important, especially for the first trip. Packing is not an art, but you will probably ask yourself if you have everything you need. This is how we felt before our first major Southeast Asia trip. We have looked at various packing lists for Southeast Asia until we have found our optimal and compact packing list .

What things you should pack for Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines etc., how many kilos your luggage can weigh and all the stuff that we have packed for our travels, you will find here.

Packing list Southeast Asia – everything you need to pack for Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia etc.

For your optimal travel preparation , you will surely ask yourself some questions. What should you not forget, what do you actually need and what can you buy in the emergency. Basically, we can tell you: Do not worry too much about packing.

Traveling in Southeast Asia is very easy in most areas and you can buy everything on the spot if you forget something. Also, washing your clothes is cheap and easy. All things that make you feel you don’t need them, you can leave them at home and buy them when you’re on the road.

Since the beginning of 2013, we have been traveling with a few breaks in Southeast Asia and can say that we have found the optimal packing list for us . In the beginning, you often take too much with you. But to benefit from our experience, you will find our packing list for Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia right here.

Backpack, suitcase or trolley?

It’s obviously a matter of taste, whether you take a backpack, suitcase or trolley with you on your trip. We recommend you a backpack. This is the easiest way to travel in Southeast Asia, especially for island hopping or when it’s time to travel by plane, bus and boat.

The following equipment has accompanied us for many years:

• Large backpack (50 – 60 liters): Tatonka Yukon
• Daypack: Deuter Giga or Dakine Factor
• Tatonka backpack protection

Info: We have been traveling even lighter for almost a year and are still only traveling with hand luggage . This brings some advantages, so that we don’t have to check in early on flights and afterwards no longer have to wait for luggage. This may not necessarily be your way of traveling, but for us it has many advantages.

Packing list clothes

• 10 × T-shirts, tank tops or shirts
• 3 × short pants/shorts
• 1 × long pants/trekking pants/cargo pants
• 2 × swimwear
• 1 × thin jacket/hoodie e.g. Adidas Firebird
• 1 × thin raincoat (alternatively, you can also buy cheap disposable raincoats)
• 1 × hat/cap (as sun protection)
• 7 × underwear
• 1 × shoes/sneakers e.g. Nike Free
• 1 × flip-flops
• each 1 × normal socks and short thin socks
• 1 × bag for dirty laundry

Note : As mentioned briefly in the introduction, you don’t need to worry too much if you have enough T-shirts etc. If something is not enough, you can buy everything in Southeast Asia for a good price. Also, washing is very cheap and anywhere possible for about € 1 per kilo!

Packing list care products

Highly recommended is the compact and mountable toiletry bag by Jack Wolfskin.

• 1 × hairbrush or comb
• 1 × toothbrush + dental care kit
• 1 × shower gel + shampoo
• 2 × sunblocker (mostly very expensive in Southeast Asia, so better don’t forget)
• 1 × mosquito spray
• 1 × deodorant
• 1 × manicure set

Note : Here again, of course, you can buy everything on the spot. At a certain point of your journey you will also have to do this anyway. Except for the sunblocker (and sometimes the mosquito spray), the prices are reasonable everywhere in Southeast Asia.

Packing list documents & finances

• National and international driving license
• Vaccination certificate
• Documents/copy of your international health insurance + emergency number
• Credit card
• Spare credit card (if your main card is locked or lost)
• Cash (about € 50-100 as an emergency change)
• 2 × spare passport photos
• Diver certification etc. (if available)
• Ziploc bag or document bag for storing and protecting documents

Note : We also recommend that you scan these documents and store them online. This is very easy, e.g. with Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose something or something is stolen, it will be a little bit easier if you can present a color copy of the original document for recovery.

Packing list technics

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
• 13″ laptop (Apple MacBook Air or Lenovo ideapad 710S)
• Canon PowerShot G9X
• Mini tripod/Gorillapod for the digital camera
• GoPro Hero5 Black
• GoPro handheld/telescopic stick
• SD memory cards
• External hard drive, including protection case
• Power bank (for charging USB devices)
• Universal power adapter (e.g. important for Malaysia)
• Chargers for smartphone, Kindle, laptop, camera

Note: Of course, you don’t have to take so much tech stuff with you. We travel with all these devices as they are important for us to blog and work on the road. However, if you want to save your photos while you’re on the road, keep your batteries charged or if you just want to make great photos and videos, such devices are essential.

Packing list accessories & other

• Sunglasses (+ case)
• Suitcase lock/padlock
• Fast-drying microfiber travel towels (1 small + 1 large)
• Swiss Army Knive
• Sleeping bag inlet
• Sarong (mainly for temple visits but also a good all-rounder e.g. for the beach)
• Inflatable neck cushion (for long flight or bus trips)
• Small notepad/pen

Our total weight for the backpacks

• Large backpack: approx. 13-15 kg
• Small daypack: approx. 4-6 kg

You can also use our Southeast Asia packing list for outside this region, for example in South America. However, it’s not designed for colder regions. But even for that, it’s not a big thing to buy thicker jackets etc. directly on the spot.

Was our packing list for Southeast Asia helpful for you? Is something missing on the packing list? We look forward to your feedback in the comments!

Hi, I'm Marcel! Blogger, author, web & graphic designer and digital nomad. I love traveling in Southeast Asia and exploring wonderful beaches and trying delicious food. My home base is Koh Phangan, Thailand. Follow me on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

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Packing List South-East Asia

by Charlotte Walton | Asia

Hi everyone, I’ve put together this packing list South-East Asia for you based on previous experience. I have been travelling the world as a digital nomad since 2019 and have been to SE Asia a few times. You can also use this list for any other country that tends to have a tropical climate.

I was definitely not prepared the first time around and with each trip have learned something new. I created this list for you so that you can avoid the unnecessary hassles and mistakes that I made 🙂

Let’s separate it into sections to keep things clean. First up, things to pack in your main suitcase.

P.S. I have written a summary of this packing list South-East Asia for you below in list format. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

P.P.S. This post contains affiliate links where by I receive a small commission for you using my links, at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links help pay for the maintenance costs of running my blog. I thank you for your support.

What clothes should I pack for South-East Asia?

For South-East Asia, I highly recommend taking light-weight clothing with you. It tends to be humid and hot in this part of the world, meaning you will get damp and sweaty. Not only will you be more comfortable wearing light clothing, it also takes up a lot less room in your suitcase.

It’s good to note that whatever clothing items you decide to take with you, will not come back in the same condition that they left in. Think sun cream, sweat, dirt. White clothing does not come back white.

TIP! Less is more. You won’t wear approx 40% of the items you take with you, trust me. Pack less. If you need a new t-shirt while you are away, you can definitely find one.

Bonus tip choose neutral colours and patterns that can be paired with multiple things..

Last trip around Asia I did hand-luggage only and took just 16 pieces of clothing with me, total. However, I managed to make 36 different outfits from that, meaning a whole month of fresh looks!

To give you an idea of what clothing to pack, here is my packing list South-East Asia for my upcoming 2-3 month trip.

Tops – T-shirts, vests, dressy, long-sleeve = total 14 This is enough to keep me going 2 weeks without laundry service. Long-sleeved: I will take 2 long-sleeved tops for night times just in case it’s breezy. They are also good for planes/air-coned buses. The rest is a mix of the above depending on personal style and preferences.

They are small and lightweight, and take up barely any room.

Bottoms – Shorts, trousers, skirts = total 10-12

Shorts = 4-5 pairs of flowy, light-weight shorts and 1 pair of denim. You will wear shorts everyday. Flowy shorts are small and easy to pack.

Trousers (long pants) = 2-3 light-weight trousers. I always travel in trousers, and I like to wear them on a night.

The weather is usually warm enough to wear shorts, but I personally like to cover my legs to try and avoid mosquitoes.

Skirts = 3-4. I take a mix of short and long skirts.

The above is definitely based on personal preference. If you like wearing skirts instead of shorts, obviously adjust the list to your own style.

Dresses / Playsuits I have 2 beaches dresses, and 3 play suits. Both are great for travelling.

Bikinis / swimwear = INFINITE. As many as you can fit it in. I’m not even joking haha. My first trip to Bali & the Philippines, included in my packing list south east Asia were a mere 4 bikinis.

This has to be the biggest mistake I made during that trip. We spent nearly every single day in the water, or at a beach.

TIP! You wear bikinis more than you wear underwear. Take enough.

Getting your hands on swim stuff at this side of the world is also not an easy task. They tend to be rubbish material and ugly designs, OR very expensive Australian-boutique style swims. When you’re in Asia, you’ll notice the $150 price tag sting a little more.

This trip I’m genuinely taking 12 bikinis with me. Yes, this may be a little overboard but I am scarred for life ha. More is more in this case 😛

Jumper (sweater) – Take a jumper with you for travel days. The aircon on boats, planes, buses, taxis can sometimes be unbearable.

Socks & Underwear – Socks are like gold dust. They ALWAYS go missing. Who knows where to? It’s a common question. Make sure you take enough socks with you, considering you will probably lose at least half.

I take enough knickers/thongs with me to last 2 weeks. They are very small and take up 0 room. I also take 3-4 bra’s, yet rarely wear them.

Take a hat and sunglasses with you!

Packing list for South-East Asia – Footwear

We all know that footwear take up most of your space within your suitcase, and so we’re going to take a minimal amount with us.

90% of the time you will be wearing flip flops or sandals. I take 1 pair of each with me.

I then take 1 pair of trainers (sneakers) for hikes / travel days

and ultimately, I take a pair of water shoes for boat days. You may not think they are necessary at first, but I can tell you from experience that having a pair of watershoes would have saved me on countless occasions.

I am 100% travelling with them from now on. I use these ones from Cressi. If you prefer trainers that are waterproof, these are great.

If you are based in the UK, click here for the water shoes

Packing List South-East Asia – Essentials

If you take just one piece of advice from this blog post, be it this:

Take bug spray with you. Preferably with 50% DEET.

Malaria and Dengue fever are present in SE Asia and unfortunately there isn’t much that can be done to prevent them.

For malaria, you can get tablets beforehand, for dengue there’s no prevention.

Your best bet is to use bug spray daily.

The higher the DEET, the stronger the protection. This also means the stronger the smell, ahh. I have this bug spray from Relec.

Also, make sure you have sun cream and at least one hat.

Packing list South-East Asia – Accessories

Dry bag & microfibre towel.

Most of your time will probably involve being close to water. Whether you are at the beach, out on a boat tour, kayaking through lagoons, trekking to waterfalls, you get the point.

I highly recommend taking a dry bag with you, to keep your valuables safe. If you are a photographer like me and carry expensive equipment with you, it’s definitely worth spending $30 on a bag to make sure they don’t get damaged.

I have a 20L bag , which fits my Canon 6D Mark 2 camera plus 24-105 lens, a DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone, spare batteries, SD cards , my wallet and my microfibre towel . These towels are made from quick-drying material – perfect for travelling!

If you are in the UK, click here for dry bag and here for microfibre towel .

Poncho or Raincoat

Oh, the tropics. When it rains, it really rains. I was drenched to the bone within 10 seconds of getting caught in a tropical downpour.

It was epic, but I was soaked.

You definitely need to take either a raincoat or a poncho with you when travelling to South-East Asia.

Especially if you have equipment that you need to keep dry.

There are raincoats that fold up neatly into a tiny bag that can be clipped onto the side of your handluggage. I highly recommend one of these as they take up little to no space.

Scarf or sarong

For entry into all temples you must be covering your head, shoulders and knees. Having a thin light-weight scarf or sarong that you can use to cover your skin definitely comes in handy at this side of the world.

Hair bobbles / ties

Just like socks, these go missing ALWAYS. Pack extra.

First Aid Kit

This kit contains plasters, bandages, alcohol wipes and more.

I can’t tell you how often this comes in handy, especially if you use your phone throughout the day to take videos. I use this amazing power bank that can fully charge my iPhone 6-7 times before it needs recharging! * It is also compatible with Android.

UK link: Powerbank

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are great for keeping things organised, and also save space. I find these ones very useful as they are different sizes and shapes.

Rolling up your clothes into packing cubes keeps them neatly inside my suitcase. I organise them by items (tops, bottoms, accessories, etc) so I know where to find each thing when I need it.

UK link: Packing Cubes

Extension Cable & Adapter

One of my best travel tips is this one: Travel with an extension cable! Most people do not think about bringing one, but they are great for 2 reasons:

• You only need to bring ONE travel adapter to put on the end of your extension cable
• Lots of hotels, and especially hostels do not have enough plug holes! With an extension cable you simple need one, and can charge multiple things at once.

In most countries across South-East Asia they use the 2-plugs, same as in Europe. There are some places that you need the thinner 2-plugs, but it is not common. If that’s the case, you can usually grab one from a nearby shop. Most EU plugs will work in Asia.

If you are in the UK, here is an extension cable , and travel adapter suitable for South-East Asia. Please note, Thailand uses different voltage so check beforehand what you can use there.

Lastly for my packing list South-East Asia, suitcase edition, is a snorkel!

If you are planning to be in this side of the world for a while, buying your own snorkel makes so much sense.

Not only will you save yourself money in the long run, you can dive in whenever you like and admire the underwater world!

If you are heading on a short trip and don’t want to take one with you, don’t worry. You will be given one on all boat tours, and there will be places to rent them in other occasions.

Please be wary of how they wash them however. My doctor told me that it’s one of the easiest places to pick up Hepatitis B. Make sure they are using alcohol or strong detergents to clean them before putting them in your mouth.

I have this snorkel from Cressi that I love.

UK link: Snorkel Click here For a full-face Snorkel

So, now that the big suitcase is out of the way, you may be wondering what to pack inside your hand-luggage case.

Here is a checklist for you of the things I always pack in my hand-luggage case:

• Valuables (phone, laptop, camera equipment, money)
• Spare clothes – If your suitcase goes missing, you have another set of clothes to keep you going for a few days. Also, if you are travelling long-haul, it’s sometimes nice to freshen up and get changed.
• Spare underwear – same reason as point two.
• Bikini / swimwear – if your suitcase goes missing, you can still hit the beach
• Headphones – both headphones suitable for iPhone jack and headphones for planes so you can use your own headset for in-flight entertainment
• Roll-on deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, small flannel to freshen up (all 75ml or less).
• Eye mask and ear plugs (most long-haul flights provide this)
• Fluffy socks – I cannot live without these on flights!
• Jumper (sweater) – remember what I said about the aircon
• Sweets. I like to have a packet of sweets for landing that I can suck on to stop my ears hurting.
• If I’m not on long-haul, I’ll take my own sandwich and fruit with me as I always get hungry on flights.
• Re-usable water bottle that I can refill at most airports. Long haul flights will also fill them up for you free of charge. UK link.

Packing List South-East Asia Summary (List Format)

For my 2-3 month trip I am taking

• Light clothing. (14 tops (inc 2 long-sleeved), 10 bottoms (shorts, trousers [pants], skirts), 1 jumper [sweater], 2 beach dresses, 3 playsuits
• Bikinis – A LOT. As many as possible (personal preference)
• Socks always go missing – take extra. So do hair ties.
• Underwear – I take enough to last me 2 weeks.
• Hat & sunglasses
• Footwear – 1 pair of flipflops, 1 pair of sandals, watershoes and 1 pair of trainers (travel days / hikes)
• Essential: BUG SPRAY , preferably 50% DEET
• Dry Bag UK link: Dry Bag
• Microfibre towel UK link: Micro fibre towel
• Raincoat or poncho
• Scarf or sarong to cover head and shoulders at temples
• Powerbank – This one is great . UK link: Powerbank
• Packing cubes – Help keep your things organised! UK link: Packing cubes
• Extension cable & Adapter. Most countries in Asia use EU plugs.
• Snorkel – highly recommend if you plan to be in the water a lot. UK link: Snorkel.

As always, if you found this blog post helpful, please let me know in the comments below or DM me on Instagram ! I love to know that it helped at least one of you for your trip so your messages mean a lot 🙂

• Travel forum
• Idle banter

Weight loss/gain whilst travelling

Idle banter forum

  Click here to add your reply

Posted by luce_uk on 16/1/2010 at 11:30

Hello to all i just am interested in creating a topic where travellers can share there experiences regarding weight gain or loss whist travelling. I have always over indulged whilst in SEA but probs because i have only been on hols rather than proper backpacking....personally i hope that seeing as i will be lugging a backpack around almost every day, swimming, cycling, walking and trekking etc i hope that my body stays really trim but on the other hand, as backpackers in SEA we will be eating a very different diet e.g lots of fried foods, over indulgences, treats etc, it really could go either way! Thank you for comments

#1 luce_uk has been a member since 23/1/2009. Posts: 19

Posted by Thaiman on 17/1/2010 at 14:55

I find that I neither gain nor lose weight when I'm in Asia.I put it down to the fact,that although I eat more than I normally would,I still get a regular amount of exercise.Never eat junk food,Mcdonalds,Pizza Hut etc. and eat only local food which is always with rice or noodles.Don't think either of these is particularly fattening.

#2 Thaiman has been a member since 12/11/2008. Posts: 201

Posted by somtam2000 on 18/1/2010 at 08:00 admin

For me it varies from trip to trip. The most I ever lost was 25kg during three months of travel in India, but I'd say in general for a month long trip in SE Asia, without any bad illness I'd expect to lose 4-5 kg. Mostly because I tend to snack through the day and evening rather than have staple heavy meals like I do at home. Also, as you point out, am on the go all the time -- which as far as I'm concerned, counts as exercise!

#3 somtam2000 has been a member since 21/1/2004. Location: Indonesia. Posts: 8,158

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Posted by MADMAC on 19/1/2010 at 15:21

I lost three kilos when I moved here. That weight has stayed off - so my natural weight in SEA (probably due to both climate and diet) it three kilos less than if I were in Europe.

#4 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957

Posted by christay2009 on 19/1/2010 at 20:37

i lost 11kg in first 2 months in SE Asia with one heavy does of food poisoning (but that was in the first week). i didn't feel like i was eating much less, i'd usually get around 5 meals/snacks in a day but i think the lack of things like bread,cheese,oats and other grains probably had the most impact. Also, few countries in Asia eat meat like we do in the West, eg.huge slabs of it. Of course you can get slabs of meat if you want, whole chickens etc, on BBQs but if you go a cheap bowl of noodles - not much meat - or even a stir-fry type dish - generally not much meat. At least not compared to the west. I think, when in China, i had noodles 3 times a day for about a week. I didn't set out too, it just turned out like that...probably doesn't help that my choices are usually governed by price!

#5 christay2009 has been a member since 8/2/2009. Location: China. Posts: 415

Posted by cdnexplorer on 19/1/2010 at 23:47

I lost roughly 5-6 kg in a single month when I last visited SEA. I think most people will notice a similar loss in weight, depending on how much water weight you bring with you (you sweat it out fairly quickly). Also will depend on how much beer/liquor you consume whilst travelling...

#6 cdnexplorer has been a member since 19/8/2009. Posts: 28

Posted by riverspot on 20/1/2010 at 02:44

I'm the only one I Know who gains weight travelling in India. Five times there and each time the same - must be the great food!

#7 riverspot has been a member since 3/1/2008. Posts: 25

Posted by jay66fr on 20/1/2010 at 03:32

I lost about 4 kg in a month last summer in SE Asia due to the heat (I tend to be less hungry when it's hot), the healthier diet in Asia (less fat) and exercise (walking a lot). I've already put on 3 kg since I got back home. I live in Northern France (which means rich diet with plenty of sauces, chips and so on) where I rarely walk (car commutes) and have an office job (hence little exercise).

#8 jay66fr has been a member since 2/7/2009. Posts: 12

Posted by shaydan_01 on 20/1/2010 at 10:47

My partner and I actually gained a few kg's over two months in Thailand. At home I rarely eat white bread/pasta/rice and have a fairly low carb diet where as in Asia it was white rice and noodles for nearly every meal, plus lots of fried stuff. Plus we drank beer nearly every day which we dont do at home. It really wasnt noticeable though and could probably be avoided through a little less indulgence ;)

#9 shaydan_01 has been a member since 16/11/2009. Location: Australia. Posts: 80

Posted by Gorey on 21/1/2010 at 06:54

i tend to lose a stone/stone and a half if im away for more than a month. I sweat ridiculous amounts (despite being rather healthy) i remember when me and my dad where at the zoo in hong kong sometime ago and we sweat as much as one another, there was an big male orangutan with a big sheet of cardboard over him keeping him cool he was staring at us then after a few minutes came over and put the cardboard through the bars in our direction. He clearly thought we needed it more than him.

#10 Gorey has been a member since 26/3/2007. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 58

Posted by JessandScott on 21/1/2010 at 11:41

I came back from about a month in Thailand and Cambodia a few kilos lighter... lost a fair bit walking around Bangkok, and then exploring Siem Reap and Angkor Wat (walking and biking), and sweating a lot while I was there. The last part of our trip (Thai islands) was much more stationary, but Thai food is generally so healthy that it 'cancelled out' all that beer I was drinking to keep cool! My husband, on the other hand, lost weight during the first part of the trip and then put weight on at the end - he drank a fair bit more beer than me and eat quite a lot more food! Flashpacker that's hilarious about the orangutan!

#11 JessandScott has been a member since 7/12/2008. Posts: 34

Posted by KazAussie on 22/1/2010 at 15:32

I find that the additional exercise is offset by the fantastic food and so after a month, sadly came back the same size. We eat a lot of Asian food at home so none of us suffered from Bali Belly or whatever the equivalent in Vietnam is... We ate "local", not often street food, but low budget restaurants and in the entire time (1 month, three meals a day), the only meal I didn't particularly enjoy was a seafood hot pot, which had some interesting and unidentifiable bits of seafood in it.

#12 KazAussie has been a member since 18/7/2009. Posts: 221

Posted by nzlup on 17/2/2010 at 15:35

Somtam : - 25kgs in 3 mths ! Man I hope u started from a good size. I lost 9kgs in India over 5 mths. Unfortunately I stayed about the same from a mth in Cambodia/ Vietnam. Put it down to lots of Carbs - Rice etc and drinking wine or beer daily which i don't do at home which offset the exercise.

#13 nzlup has been a member since 1/2/2010. Posts: 22

Posted by Sophia_India on 2/6/2010 at 19:12

When im in Asia i eat so much more than i would when i am back at home however being on the road all day, walking and travelling with your backpack in the hot weather really does work those calories as I usually come back slimmer. Plus i tend to eat more fresh fish/fruit etc....

#14 Sophia_India has been a member since 2/6/2010. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 44

Posted by Breggs on 23/6/2010 at 04:03

I lost 20 lbs. between mid-October and January, while rock climbing in Thailand. Even after I left Thailand and stopped climbing I didn't regain any of it. I think the constant sweating and walking to sites and general backpacking lifestyle promotes good health and weight. Between that and the fact that food there is generally more natural and healthy than in the West it seems easy to, if not lose weight, than at least be at peak health. Rob Breger

#15 Breggs has been a member since 23/6/2010. Location: Canada. Posts: 5

Posted by busylizzy on 23/6/2010 at 12:01

It's all good while you are there - just wait til you return home and are deskbound once again! :-(

#16 busylizzy has been a member since 31/12/2007. Location: New Zealand. Posts: 2,152

Posted by Nokka on 23/6/2010 at 18:14

I lost about 10lbs (4kg) in 4 months in south east asia. Its difficult, in my opinion, not to lose weight. You don't need to eat as much when its 35 degrees as you do if you live in a much cooler climate. This is especially the case if you stick to a local diet. Rather depressingly, there seems to be quite a lot of folk who stick to eating like they do at home and I guess they could put weight on. We were constantly surprised to see foreigners (often young backpackers, I'm afraid) eating huge plates of pizza, burgers, enormous club sandwiches and chips, full english breakfasts. Why they want that stuff when its so hot; and how they manage to digest it is beyond me. The food in SEA is healthy, generally light and easy to digest and incredibly tasty. I never once got tired of it.

#17 Nokka has been a member since 6/4/2009. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 259

Posted by MADMAC on 30/7/2010 at 01:13

"The food in SEA is healthy, generally light and easy to digest and incredibly tasty. I never once got tired of it." Nokka I would suggest that's because you don't live here. I eat it EVERY DAY, and have for years. And believe me, it gets old. I don't find it 'incredibly tasty" and they eat plenty of food here that is VERY unhealthy - particularly uncooked meats and poultry. Now, for tourists, I kind of see your point. They're not here long enough to get sick of it, and local cuisine would logically be part of the experience unless you're a sex tourist. So on that point, I don't get it either.

#18 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957

Posted by grado on 15/6/2011 at 14:26

eat fish to instead of meat, don't eat fast food, sleep early and weak up early. that's good habit to lose weight.

#19 grado has been a member since 13/5/2011. Posts: 2

Posted by Voyagner on 18/7/2011 at 12:28

It's odd, I lost about 5kgs on my first trip which was 3 months, Indo, Thailand and Cambo. I've been back to Cambo a number of times now and I seem to gain weight there. Seems to depend who I travel with, I do a lot more walking when I go it alone.

#20 Voyagner has been a member since 12/7/2009. Posts: 30

Posted by MADMAC on 18/7/2011 at 17:29

"eat fish to instead of meat, don't eat fast food, sleep early and weak up early. that's good habit to lose weight." I would die of boredom with this diet and schedule.

#21 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957

Posted by travellingsarah on 18/7/2011 at 18:00 TF writer

Ha ha! So true. I lost weight in China (didn't eat well and walked a lot) then steadily put weight on and now, 2 years in, am around 5kg heavier. I put this down to lack of exercise (I was a gym bunny back home) and too much beer (it's cheap). Sounds like I'm bucking the trend, damn it.

#22 travellingsarah has been a member since 23/3/2010. Location: Vietnam. Posts: 684

Posted by MADMAC on 18/7/2011 at 18:43

Sarah, start dancing and you'll get your exercise. Salsa, baby, salsa.

#23 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957

Posted by tezza on 23/9/2014 at 06:01

I normally lose weight when travelling with all the walking, swimming etc I do. But I just finished a short (8 day) cruise on the P&O Princess to New Caledonia - those unreal buffets played havoc (I'm a good man on the fang) and despite running around the jogging track for a half hour before brekka and hitting the gym for an hour each day I managed to put on 5 kilos. Seeing I'm one of those dudes who normally looks like an underweight over-trained ferret, that's considerable. Lady Tezza's already talking about an 11 day cruise next moth. Bring it on - with the amount of extra workouts I'm doing right now I reckon I'll be back to normal by then.

#24 tezza has been a member since 13/4/2006. Posts: 1,358

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5 Weight Loss Retreats In Asia For Fast Results

It’s hard not to think about weight when it’s coming up to the festive season. We all know the best way to lose weight and keep it off is the slow-but-steady approach, through sustained exercise and a healthy eating programme. Yes, real results take time, dedication and some good, honest hard work: but sometimes we need results, and we need them fast. If you’re looking to start the new year on a lighter note, these five weight loss retreats in Asia focus on delivering a barrage of positive advice and lessons to take aw a y while giving you a great headstart in the process. 

Active Escapes: Bali Padang Padang

Losing weight may not be many people’s idea of a good time – you may be breaking out in a sweat just thinking about it, but getting out and active is probably the best you to have fun while doing it. At Bali’s Padang Padang—one of the island’s best-known surf spots—they truly take the work out of working out. With morning training sessions to get your heart rate going, you’ll find the time soon passing before your next outdoor activity: they’ve been known to host a paintball game or two. The trainers and instructors here pay close attention to your fitness levels, pushing you just the right amount to feel good and get results. Firm believers in the work hard, play hard motto, at Active Escapes second Bali location, you’ll wile your evening away with pampering massages and spa sessions. Prices start around US$1,990.

Contact [email protected] to book your luxury wellness retreat

See also: The Upper House Launches 10x Longevity At Pacific Place Apartments

The Spa Koh Samui: You’ve Changed My Life Detox

Staying true to their principles, The Spa Koh Samui offers detox cleanses that do just as they promise—cleansing the body of toxins and impurities and preparing you for that new and improved healthy lifestyle that awaits! This seven and a half night programme made them famous, and we can see why. The Detox: You’ve Changed My Life package will see you settling into a routine very quickly: with morning meditation and a 90-minute yoga practice followed by your daily detox drink, colonic enema, and steam or sauna session. The experienced staff on site will offer you support, particularly if you’re new to the cleansing process. CompareRetreats.com founder Dervla Louli lost 3kg in a little over a week here—talk about fast results. Prices start around US$398 per night.

Check availability

Unit-27: Premium Package

Phuket’s premium CrossFit gym has definitely earned its stripes as a weight loss hub, rightfully securing their spot in this roundup. A premium package here consists of 48 fitness sessions and a seven-day membership to Primal Fitness. Classes here are aptly named—daunting though they may be, we’re here for a quick fix and this gruelling regime sounds like just the ticket.

Tempted? Choosing from the Drill Sergeant, the Kalorie Killa and the dreaded Punisher, you’ll be pushed to the limits but guaranteed to thank them later. And with small class sizes, your instructors and coaches will be able to focus on you and your body’s needs. This one’s not for the faint of heart but guaranteed to deliver the results you’re looking for. Premium packages cost around US$476.

Chiva-Som: Sustainable Slimming

Taking an entirely different approach, Hua Hin island’s Chiva-Som International Health Resort offers a fortnight-long programme which detoxes the body and cleanses the mind. This award-winning healthy holiday retreat is just a short drive from the nation’s capital, Bangkok.

With up to seven days of a strict detoxification diet, this extended slimming session also includes a nutritional consultation to help you help your body after completing your stay here. A fitness assessment will identify the exercises that work best for you, and the four personal training sessions conducted on-site will give you a working demonstration, straight from the pros. Prices start around US$14,364.

The Farm San Benito: Fitness

With a choice of one, two, or three-week fitness programmes at the Farm San Benito , this little slice of heaven in the Philippines offers a range of things to keep you out and active and shedding those pounds. Trekking and highlands exploration can be included at an additional expense.

Depending on the duration of your stay, experiences include health and nutritional consultations, massages, and seminars on implementing a sustainable lifestyle in the long term. Throughout your holiday at the Farm, you’ll be treated to a high-protein, alkaline diet, and on your down time, rest in your choice of luxury accommodation, including the garden glass villa – which looks as good as it sounds, we promise. Prices start around US$194 per night.

Amanda Sheppard

The former Art & Culture editor at Time Out Hong Kong magazine, Amanda is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Asia's world city. Amanda grew up in Asia, loves hiking, stand up paddle boarding, and a day well spent outdoors. Her last holiday sunrise trekking along Indonesian volcanic landscapes gave her a taste of the healthy holiday bug, and she’s been on the lookout for her next great adventure ever since.

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