The Best Packing List for Southeast Asia

After years of packing for travel, my skills were put to the ultimate test when I decided to venture out on a one-year trip to Southeast Asia.  If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking, “How do you even begin to pack for a year of travels?!”, to which I would have previously said, “no clue”.  Now that I’ve done it, I’m sharing all of the goods with you!  So, as a somewhat minimalist, female, packer – this is the best packing list for Southeast Asia.

Oh, and the countries that I’m traveling to include Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.

 

The Best Luggage to Take to Southeast Asia

For one year of travels through Southeast Asia I packed a carry-on bag, backpack, and a very small checked-bag (the size was between a full checked bag and a carry on bag).  While I’m still searching for that *perfect* luggage, I absolutely love my backpack.  I’ve traveled around the world with it, it’s held up incredibly well, and it fits loads of goods.

 

SHOP MY FAVORITE TRAVEL BACKPACK HERE

 

Southeast Asia Specific Items

Before getting into my full packing list, there are specific items that I ordered for this trip.  And items that I think you should consider ordering too!  Of course, a lot of these things you can get in  Southeast Asia, but I wanted to feel prepared and have my own items so I didn’t have to stress about purchasing on the road.

• Sunscreen
• Microfiber Beach Towel
• Snorkel Set
• Deet Insect Repellent Spray
• Water Shoes
• Shower/Beach Shoes
• Waterproof Phone Pouch
• Southeast Asia Travel Adapter

 

What Clothes to Bring to Southeast Asia

Because it can be incredibly hot and humid in Southeast Asia, I did my best to pack very light clothing.  But I also kept in mind that many places I’d be visiting would be religious sites, which require you to cover up.  I made sure to pack clothing that was appropriate to visit temples and sites of worship; but also clothing that would be appropriate for the beach.  In total, for a year, I packed 17 outfits.  12 dresses, five linen outfits, seven swimming suits, one cover-up, two pairs of pajamas, three workout sets, and 14 pairs of under garments.

• Linen Set (I bought this in red and love it!)
• Casual Swing Dress
• Casual Boho Dress
• Tide Pods (for laundry)

 

What Shoes to Bring to Southeast Asia

As with anywhere you travel to, you always want to make sure to have comfortable shoes to walk around.  In the case of Southeast Asia, because it’s so hot, I recommend both comfortable tennis shoes and comfortable sandals.  Oh, and if you’re planning to visit the beach, you might want to consider water shoes too!

• Shower/Beach Sandals
• Water Shoes
• Tennis Shoes

 

Toiletries for Females Traveling to Southeast Asia

Of course, whether you’re traveling for a short period of time (or a year), you don’t want to forget a few necessary toiletries on your trip.

• Menstrual Cups
• Tampons
• Curling Iron/Straightener (I don’t recommend a hairdryer because most hotels/rentals have one)
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Hair Brush

 

Electronics to Bring to Southeast Asia

If you’re big on photos or creating content, then this section will be particularly useful to you!  If you aren’t big on these things, then you might not find this section as useful.  (However, I would recommend anyone to bring Apple AirTags so you’re able to track your luggage/important belongings).

• Apple AirTag Keychain
• Video Light
• Camera – Canon EOS RP (camera strap, lens cleaning kit, camera bag, tripod)
• Drone
• GoPro
• Laptop
• Phone

 

DON’T FORGET A TRAVEL ADAPTER FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS

 

Medical/First Aid Needs for Southeast Asia

The most important thing that I can stress before traveling to Southeast Asia is to visit an infectious disease doctor and make sure that you’re up to date on all of your vaccines.  I recommend browsing the CDC, where you can find loads of information on travel advisories, and what vaccines the CDC recommends.

Not only was it suggested that I get a few vaccines that I was missing, but my doctor also prescribed medication in case I were to get sick while I was traveling.  You can certainly go to the doctor when you’re in Asia, but for peace of mind, you might want to travel prepared.

• Advil/Ibuprofen
• Bandaids
• Allergy Medicine
• Unisom (I use this to sleep on the airplane/for jet lag)
• Reusable Water Bottle (remember, don’t drink the tap water or use ice in Southeast Asia)
• Liquid I.V. (in case of dehydration)

I also recommend having a photo on your phone handy with all of your medical information/vaccines.  In case you were to go to the doctor, you will want to have this handy.

 

I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE (FOR PEACE OF MIND) – GET YOURS HERE

 

Documents and Finances

Of course, there are other documents you’re going to want to take with you when you travel.  Don’t forget…

• Passport (including a photocopy of your passport (I send this to family and keep one on my phone)
• Visas (make sure to check if you need a visa when you travel to Southeast Asia)
• Credit/Debit Card (I bring both a credit card and debit card and make sure to keep them separate when traveling in case one were to get stolen; I also recommend opening a credit card that does not have foreign transaction fees)
• Cash (when traveling through Southeast Asia, I always think it’s smart to carry cash on you – I don’t recommend more than $100 at a time)
• Travel Insurance

 

Safety Tips for Traveling to Southeast Asia

Just like any country, especially if you’re a female traveling, there are common safety tips to follow when in Southeast Asia.

• Send friends/family confirmation of where you’ll be at all times (hotel/rental addresses, etc)
• Keep a photocopy of your passport/any other important documents
• If you’re a female traveling alone, don’t stay out too late and always make sure to keep an eye on your drink
• Don’t drink the tap water/use ice
• Be aware of raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with tap water
• See the doctor and stay up to date on your vaccines
• Petty theft is common in Southeast Asia, never walk outside with your phone in your hands and never leave your stuff out
• Purchase travel insurance

 

Final Advice for Traveling to Southeast Asia

As for my final advice for packing and planning a trip to Southeast Asia, overall – be prepared.  Southeast Asia is an incredibly different place than what you might be used to (coming from an American perspective), and while it’s beautiful and incredible, it’s also important to stay on top of things and stay safe.  Make sure to check the CDC website on what to know before traveling, make sure to book an appointment with your doctor before leaving, make sure all of your vaccines are up to date, make sure that your bank knows you’ll be traveling so you don’t get your card canceled on accident, etc.  Southeast Asia is amazing; pack light so you’re not lugging a heavy suitcase all over the region, and enjoy!

 

If you have any questions about how to pack for Southeast Asia, let me know in the comments below!

 

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