Packing List for Southeast Asia: Ultimate Packing Checklist!

Looking for advice on your Southeast Asia packing list? You’ve come to the right place!

If you’re heading off on your first backpacking adventure to Southeast Asia, it can be daunting thinking about what you might need to take. But, fear not — we’ve compiled the ultimate packing list to help you prepare.

With over a decade of travel experience between the South East Asia Backpacker team, we know a thing or two about what you’ll need to pack, and what you definitely don’t! We also consulted our Backpacking Community on their packing essentials to bring you the best advice.

So, before you start throwing things into your case, read this comprehensive Southeast Asia packing checklist…

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The Southeast Asia Packing Checklist 📝

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Packing for Southeast Asia: Top Tips 💡

If there is one piece of advice we could give you when it comes to packing for Southeast Asia, it’s this: less is more! Honestly, you will never regret travelling light, especially in this part of the world.

I’ve met more travellers that I can count who’ve headed off on their adventure with an overloaded bag only to regret it almost as soon as they arrived at their first stop. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with backpacking that’s hard to find elsewhere. But that freedom can feel less liberating if you’re struggling under the weight of your pack!

If you’re looking to lighten the load, these are our top packing tips:

1. Bring Fewer Clothes Than You Think You Might Need

Heed this wise quote when it comes to packing for Southeast Asia: “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” Okay, the money part may not be feasible, but the clothing part certainly is.

Packing just a few outfits will see you through your travels. As most of Southeast Asia enjoys a tropical climate, you’ll mostly need lightweight clothing — a big win when it comes to packing. Laundry can be done cheaply and easily all across the region, so there really is no need to bring more than a week’s worth of clothing, max.

2. Buy Your Toiletries When You Arrive

You don’t need to bring months’ worth of things like shampoo, shower gel or moisturiser with you. You can pick up these items in local shops and supermarkets in any town in Southeast Asia. You’ll even find some of the biggest brands, including Pantene, Dove and Nivea. Don’t waste space or weight in your bag by packing industrial-sized toiletries.

3. Pack Multi-Use Items

Packing items that can be used for more than one purpose is a great way to save space in your travel pack. Some of our favourite examples are:

• A small backpack for travel essentials will also make an ideal day bag.
• Travel towels can also be used as a blanket or pillow.
• A dry bag can double up as a laundry bag.
• Multi-use electronic cables/chargers. (I travel with one cable that charges my phone, laptop, e-reader and headphones.)
• A scarf or sarong is the most versatile item you can pack. Use it as a blanket, pillow, lightweight towel, skirt, to cover your shoulders at religious sites. The list goes on…

4. Only Pack Things That Are Not Readily Available on the Road

Aside from the obvious stuff like clothes and your passport, you might be tempted to take lots of other ‘useful’ things on your travels. As a general rule, most things you might need will be easy to find (and often cheaper) in Southeast Asia. However, there are a few essential items that aren’t very easy to come by in the region (or aren’t particularly good quality) that we would advise you do take with you:

• Mosquito repellent with DEET
• High-factor sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water filter bottle
• Tampons
• Plenty of underwear!

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Backpacks 🎒

If you’re going backpacking, the first thing you’re going to need is — you’ve guessed it! — a backpack. (Although some travellers might prefer a suitcase!) From our experience, the best set up is to travel with two packs: a medium or large backpack for most of your luggage and a small daypack for all your valuables. Your big bag can be checked in on flights and put in the luggage hold on buses, but your small bag should stay with you at all times!

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Clothes 👚

When it comes to clothing for Southeast Asia, think lightweight fabric and ideally material that doesn’t crease easily. Don’t bring your favourite items of clothing as they will inevitably get ruined. Sunscreen, constant re-packing and vigorous laundry washes will do your delicate items no favours!

Here’s all the clothing you’ll need in Southeast Asia:

• T-shirts and vests – You won’t need more than a week’s worth of tops, but make sure you have some that cover your shoulders for visiting temples and more conservative areas. 
• One long-sleeve top – Handy for protecting yourself against mosquitoes in the evening and the sun during the day, especially if you’ve already caught sunburn!
• Shorts – Two or three pairs, and ideally ones that cover your entire backside! Showing cheek will not be appreciated in Southeast Asia.
• Trousers – One pair of light, loose-fitting trousers for visiting temples and/or comfort on overnight transport.
• One jumper/hoody/jacket – Evenings in some areas (like North Thailand and North Vietnam) can get chilly in the evening, as can buses when the AC is on full blast!
• Dresses – Sundresses can come in handy for throwing over swimwear, and a casual dress will be all you need for nights out, ladies.
• Underwear – This is the only item where we would recommend bringing more rather than less! Finding underwear to fit Western body shapes (and isn’t made of tight/itchy fabric) is notoriously difficult in Southeast Asia. You have been warned! 
• Sportswear – This depends on what activities you’re planning on doing. You might want to consider packing stretchy pants (plus a sports bra, girls – good for yoga, running, the gym, Muay Thai) and a moisture-wicking t-shirt (perfect for hiking in humid weather).
• Swimwear – Two or three options will be plenty.
• Sarong – Use as a towel on the beach, a blanket on the bus, a skirt to cover up at temples; a sarong’s uses are endless.
• Sun hat – A necessity to protect yourself from the fierce sun.
• Packable rain jacket – Even in dry season you might get caught out by a downpour. Full-length rain ponchos are also available in convenience stores across the region.
• Buff – A versatile little piece of material you won’t regret taking to protect your neck, face and head from the elements. It can also be used as an eyemask to help you get some shut-eye.
• One pair of socks – To use with your hiking shoes (see below) or to keep warm on AC-chilled transport.
• Sunglasses – Buy a decent pair with UV protection before you travel. The cheap ones you can pick up in Southeast Asia are unlikely to provide adequate UV protection.

Leave at Home:

• Dressy clothes – unless you’re planning to visit swanky city bars, you won’t need them
• Your favourite dress/shirt – it will get ruined 
• Jeans/denim – it’s heavy and too hot in the humidity

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Footwear 🩴

In our experience, the optimum number of shoes to take backpacking is three pairs:

1. Flip flops (or thongs for our Australian friends) – Most travellers live in flip flops. Many opt for Havaianas as they are durable and comfortable.
2. Trainers/sneakers – These are good for walking around cities, for long travel days when you want to be comfortable and for running/going to the gym.
3. Hiking shoes/boots – If you’re planning on doing any hikes in Southeast Asia, then a decent pair of hiking shoes or boots is highly recommended!

If you can get away with fewer pairs, all the better. Some people swear by travel sandals, which are casual enough for everyday wear and comfortable enough to wear on long walks.

Leave at Home:

• High heels – sandals or flip flops are the party footwear of choice

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Health, Medical and Toiletries 🩹🧼

Disclaimer: We are travel experts, not medical experts. Always speak to a health professional before travelling to ensure you get appropriate and up-to-date medical advice.

If you’re looking to travel super light, then this is probably where you can shed some weight. Most health, medical and toiletry items that you might need are readily available across Southeast Asia, particularly in convenience stores like 7-11.

However, there are some essential items we recommend that you don’t leave home without! There are also some things that are harder to come by in the region (noted below), so it’s best to buy these at home before you travel.

Health & Medical

Essential Items to Pack – Buy Before You Leave Home

• High-factor sunscreen – Make no mistake, the sun is intense in Southeast Asia, and you will need sunscreen with a high factor (50+ SPF is best). Make sure you get one with both UVA and UVB protection. Opt for a reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life! We highly recommend you buy sunscreen at home rather than when you get to Southeast Asia, where it is more expensive. Sunscreen available in Asia also often contains ‘skin-whitening’ ingredients. (Don’t forget protection for your lips too!)

• Mosquito repellent – Not only are bites itchy and uncomfortable, but there are several serious illnesses spread by mosquitoes, such as dengue fever and malaria. Mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET is generally considered the most effective, but this is hard to come by in Southeast Asia, so take some with you. Natural mosquito repellents are readily available in the region.

• Sunglasses – Yes, we know we’ve already mentioned these, but it’s important to remember that these are a health item first and foremost. UV protection is essential for eye health! 

• First Aid Kit – A basic first aid kit can be more useful than you might think. In the tropics, even the smallest cut or graze can easily become infected. Quickly cleaning and covering the wound can save you problems down the line. Medical supplies are easily available at pharmacies in Southeast Asia, but coming prepared is the best option.

Useful Items 

• After Sun – No one plans to get sunburnt, but if and when you do, after sun (particularly aloe vera) can offer welcome relief. Keep in a fridge at night for an extra soothing application.
• Probiotics – The change in water and food can have a serious effect on your system. Many travellers told us that they take probiotics to stay ahead of the game and avoid digestive troubles.
• Tiger Balm – This versatile ointment has myriad uses: soothing sore muscles, calming itchy mosquito bites, relieving headaches, unblocking a stuffed nose and can even be used for soaking your clothes to battle odours. Tiger Balm is available in almost every shop in Southeast Asia, so we recommend picking up a pot when you arrive.
• Condoms/contraceptives – Always be prepared and take precautions. Enough said.
• Period products – If you use tampons, be aware that these are very hard to come by in Southeast Asia, so if you’ll need them make sure to bring some with you. Sanitary towels are easy to find in the region. A menstrual cup, such as a Mooncup, is a great plastic-free alternative.
• Motion sickness tablets – If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring some tablets for those choppy ferry rides and windy bus journeys (Chiang Mai to Pai for example!). They can also be bought in Southeast Asian pharmacies.
• Malaria tablets – Always speak to a health professional before travelling to get appropriate medical advice, including whether you’ll need to take malaria tablets. Generally speaking, unless you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time in remote areas, they probably won’t be necessary.

Toiletries

Unless you’re very particular about certain products or brands, you’ll easily find all you need in Southeast Asia, including:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap and/or shower gel
• Toothpaste and toothbrush (beware the salty variety of toothpaste in SE Asia!)
• Deodorant (avoid anything that says ‘brightening’ or ‘lightening’ as they contain skin-whitening chemicals)
• Moisturizer (again, check it isn’t skin-whitening)
• Razor (we’d recommend packing a re-usable razor over buying plastic disposables in SE Asia)
• Toilet paper (it’s not always available in SE Asian bathrooms, and you’ll never regret keeping a spare roll in your bag)

A quick-drying mesh toiletry bag is best for keeping all your products in.

Leave at Home:

• Mosquito net – Wherever they are required, you’ll find that accommodation includes them.
• Ibuprofen and aspirin – It’s safer to stick to paracetamol as ibuprofen and aspirin are blood-thinning, which can be dangerous in a region where dengue fever is common (always speak to a health professional before travelling for the best advice).
• Make-up – Humidity and make-up don’t go well together. Au naturel is the way to go when travelling.

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Technology 💻

Long gone are the days of travelling with a paper map and a copy of Lonely Planet in your pocket. Love it or hate it, tech is now an essential aspect of most people’s travel experience.

• Mobile phone – Buy a travel e-SIM or pick up a local SIM card when you arrive to stay connected.
• Headphones/earbuds – Please don’t be that person in the dorm/bus who watches Netflix without headphones.
• Head torch – Useful for reading on the night bus, finding your stuff in a dark dorm room and seeing where you’re going on night walks in the jungle! See our top five choices.
• Kindle/e-reader – You’ll never be bored on long bus/train journeys with a library in your pocket.
• Power bank – Handy for when any of the above run out of juice mid-bus journey or on multi-day treks.
• Travel adaptor – You can buy plug adaptors when you arrive in each new country, or you can get yourself a universal travel adaptor to save the hassle.
• Charging cables – Nothing on this list will be much use if you forget the charger (it’s been known)!
• Camera – For most travellers, a decent smartphone will take good enough travel photos, but budding travel photographers may wish to take the real thing. We also recommend taking a proper camera if you’re planning to visit stand-out wildlife destinations, such as Borneo. 
• Drone – Make sure you know the rules on travelling with a drone.
• Lightweight laptop or tablet – Even if you’re not a digital nomad, a laptop can come in handy for things like researching and booking flights/accommodation/activities. Yes, it’s possible to do all that on a phone, but a bigger screen just makes everything so much easier! Check out our article on the best travel laptops.

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Useful Practical Items 🔒

While these are by no means essential, you might want to consider packing some items on this list to make your travels easier and more comfortable.

• Filtered water bottle – If there is one item on this list that we would urge you to pack, it’s this! It’s not safe to drink tap water in Southeast Asia; do your bit to help tackle plastic pollution by packing a filtered water bottle rather than buying plastic water bottles. 
• Small padlock – Useful for locking your backpack when it goes in the luggage hold on transport and securing your valuables in lockers at hostels. Combination padlocks are the best as it means you aren’t stuck if you lose the key!
• Travel towel – Hostels across SE Asia supply towels, but sometimes it’s useful (and let’s face it, nicer) to have your own. Travel towels are especially handy at pools and the beach and can even double as a blanket or pillow.
• Earplugs – There always seems to be that one loud snorer in dorm rooms. Unless it’s you, some earplugs will be welcome.
• Travel pillow – If you want to make long journeys and sleeper buses more comfortable, it may be worth investing in a travel pillow. The compact and lightweight Trtl Pillow is a popular choice.
• Sleeping bag liner – You’ll never need to worry about questionable stains on hostel bedding if you carry a sleeping bag liner. 
• Duct tape – This multi-functional adhesive can fix lots of things: a tear in your backpack, hole in your shoe, rip in your rain jacket – duct tape to the rescue!
• Waterproof backpack cover – Protect your belongings from rain (and seawater on boat journeys).
• Laundry bag – You’ll want a way to separate your smellies (and very smellies) from your clean clothes. 
• Packing cubes  – The best way to stay organised, once you start using packing cubes you won’t go back!

“My three ‘couldn’t live without’ travel items have to be my Grayl GeoPress, a power bank and my sleeping bag liner. I feel prepared for anything with these things in my pack!” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker

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Creature Comforts 🧘

Beyond the practical, there are some items that just make things more enjoyable when travelling. Here are a few things that can enhance your travels if you’re prepared to give them the space in your backpack.

• Journal or sketchbook – Keeping a written or drawn account of your trip is a great way to reflect on your travel experiences. (It’s also a soothing way to unwind at the end of the day.)
• Yoga mat – Also great for workouts; check out our shortlist here.
• Portable speakers – Whether you’re hosting an impromptu party or just chilling in a hammock on the beach, music elevates any moment. Many travellers recommend JBL speakers, which are compact and powerful (although rather pricey).
• Travel hammock – Swing nights away under the stars on one of these backpacking hammocks.
• Ukulele – Go full boho and channel your inner hippy with a ukulele. Take a look at our list of the best ukuleles for travellers.
• Travel Kettle – Kitchen facilities are a luxury in Southeast Asian hostels. A travel kettle might just provide the warming comfort you’re craving!

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Travel Essentials and Paperwork 🪪

If you’re going to forget something, please make sure it’s not one of these things!

• Passport – You won’t get far without this…
• Photocopies of your passport – Important in case of loss or theft.
• Debit and credit cards – Monzo and Starling are popular choices with travellers.
• Money – Some cash in the local currency is a good idea for taxis or public transport when you arrive at your destination.
• A printed copy of your travel insurance – To keep with you at all times in case of emergency.
• Extra passport photos – Always handy for visas. (And for checking how clean and well-kept you used to look before you set off travelling!)

Do you have an essential backpacking item that we didn’t mention in our checklist? Let us know in the comments!