You’re headed to Southeast Asia! So exciting! You’ve set the itinerary, booked the flights, and made hotel reservations. Now what? Oh, that’s right, it’s time to pack. Let our Southeast Asia Packing List be your guide.
Arguably the most daunting part of all travel prep, packing and considering what to bring to ensure that your trip is flawless and memorable can be a stressful time.
But not to fear! Below you will find our guide to the Ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List.
Before we
get into specifics, here are the countries that are considered to be a part of
Southeast Asia:
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Singapore
- Laos
- Myanmar
(Burma) - Indonesia
- Malaysia
- The
Philippines - Brunei
- Timor-Leste
Adaptors
There is nothing worse than getting to a new country and realizing (too late) that your cords do not fit in the hotel or Airbnb’s outlets. Having the right adaptor is one of the most important things you should pack! We have compiled a list of plug adaptors for all of our favorite Southeast Asian destinations.
Countries
and Their Plug Types:
- Thailand:
A, B, C - Vietnam:
A, C, F - Cambodia:
A, C, G - Singapore:
G - Laos:
A, B, C, E, F - Myanmar
(Burma): C, D, F, G - Indonesia:
C - Malaysia:
G - The
Philippines: A, B, C - Brunei: G
- Timor-Leste (East Timor): C, E, F,
I
Seeing as though many Southeast Asiancountries have multiple plug types, we highly recommend buying a TESSAN International Power Adaptor to ensure that you will be able to charge your essentials while on your trip.
There is nothing worse than getting off a 13-hour flight and getting to your hotel in your exciting new destination and having your phone run out of battery because you either have the wrong adaptor or no adaptor. Furthermore, this will also come in handy if you plan on visiting multiple countries while in Southeast Asia (which you should!).
Luggage
Types: Backpacks & Suitcases
It is possible to bring just a backpack or just a suitcase to Southeast Asia. We recommend bringing both. Depending on your itinerary and the location of your travels, it might be wise to bring a large backpack, this is the one we use, rather than roller luggage. This is important if you’re on the move. If you tend to stay at a destination for more than 4 or 5 days, then we recommend rolling luggage.
If you are determined to pack light and use a backpack for your trip, you’ll want to take a look at the following backpack packing tips!
How to pack a backpack for travel: Backpacking in Southeast Asia
Backpacking in Southeast Asia is a very popular option for several reasons. The first is that it is easy to maneuver Southeast Asian countries. There is a good infrastructure network for travelers, as they know travelers are the main source of many of their country’s GDPs. Deciding whether backpacking is for you can be based on a few criteria:
- How long do you want to stay in a city?
- Would you rather see more with less comfort, or see less with more comfort?
- Do you want to see rural parts of a country or get to know major cities?
- Do you enjoy the hostel life, or would you prefer hotels?
Using
these questions will help guide your decision to bring a backpack. If you prefer
spending less tie in a city, do not prioritize comfort, want to see rural parts
of a country and do not mind hostels, you should consider backpacking. However,
even if just a few of these are true for you, we would still recommend
backpacking
If you’re considering backpacking in Southeast Asia, consider the following packing tips!
Hand Washable Clothing
Make sure
you pack clothing that is easy to hand wash. Since a backpack has a very
limited amount of space, packing only clothes you can handwash will help
utilize this space as optimally as possible!
Heavier
items closer to your back, lighter items closer to the edge.
If you’re bringing your laptop or camera equipment, make sure that these items are placed close to your backside. This will save your back and shoulders from excessive strain. Conversely, lighter things should be close to the edge of the backpack. Not only is it better for your back, it makes you less likely to break your heavy expensive items.
Purchase
an actual travel backpack!
Although
this might seem like a given, buying a backpack that is built to carry a lot in
a small amount of space can make the world of difference. The key is not to buy
a backpack for school or for work. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Check out this Osprey Backpack
This NEVO backpack is a bargain
So we’ve covered plug adaptors and backpack travel, but we cannot begin talking about our Southeast Asia packing list for countries such as Thailand and Vietnam without first talking about what will be the deciding factor in what you do or don’t bring: Weather!
Weather in Southeast Asia
Although
each country has its own unique weather patterns, there is one common factor. Southeast
Asia is an overall tropical climate, making it hot, humid, AND wet for most of
the year.
Temperatures average 80F degrees (30C degrees). Not to mention, monsoon season sweeps through most countries during the months of June through September.
But don’t let its hot reputation fool you! Parts of Southeast Asia can get a bit chilly.
Northern Vietnam is an exception to the tropical climate of its neighbors. From December through to February, temperatures can get as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). The entire country of Laos can also be slightly unpredictable in regards to weather, so be sure to keep an eye on it the weeks before you’re leaving.
It is also important to note that Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, The Philippines, and Taiwan all can get direct hits from Typhoons between May and November. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled before you decide to leave. Each country has its own weather alert system, so be sure to download it if there is any chance for a typhoon while you are visiting.
Additionally, if you’re traveling to Southeast Asia during these months, purchase travel insurance so that if a typhoon is forecasted to hit your destination, that you’re prepared for any flight cancelations, or worse, other storm-related dangers.
Time to Pack: The Most Important Things you Need to Bring
There are
essentials you should bring with you to any country that we will briefly cover
below.
- Copies
of your travel documents
You never know what type of rules regarding carrying identification apply to the country you are visiting. It is best to carry two types with you, regardless of whether you are backpacking. A driver’s license for basic identification, and a passport for when you need to prove you’re legally in the country. Definitely do not go around flashing your passport 24/7 – only show it if government officials ask you.
- Write
down hotel information (addresses, names, etc.) on a piece of paper and put it
in your wallet
If, for
some reason, the internet is out or cell phone reception is either inaccessible
or down, you want to have this information with you. Your wallet is usually the
closest thing on your person, so be sure to keep any information that you need
in there.
- Medicine
If you have prescriptions, bring those. However, BE SURE TO CHECK LOCAL LAWS. Not all medicines are legal in all countries, so be 100% sure you check those and come up with a plan if there are potential problems.
Here are some Southeast Asia packing list essentials, specifically, what to pack for popular destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam! While there are specific things for each country, as a rule of thumb, what you bring to Thailand and Vietnam are what you would bring to the rest of Southeast Asia.
What to pack for Thailand:
- Lightweight,
light-colored clothing:
It’s going to be hot and humid, so wearing light-weight, light-colored clothing will help you stay cool.
- Lightweight
raincoat/umbrella:
It may be hot, but odds are it will rain while you’re in Thailand. Bring a light raincoat and/or an umbrella to keep you from getting soaked.
- Waterproof
shoes:
Especially if you find yourself in Thailand during monsoon season, having a good pair of waterproof footwear will help keep your feet dry while exploring.
- Hiking
boots/athletic sneakers:
Your itinerary
will determine whether or not this is necessary. If you know you want to explore
the countryside and historic sites, you might want to bring a good pair of
hiking shoes or sneakers.
But even
if you plan on staying in the city, Southeast Asian cities are expansive and
require a lot of walking. Be sure to pack shoes with good soles to avoid any
sore feet at the end of a jampacked day.
- Comfortable
sandals:
Sometimes
a good pair of sandals is all you need to keep cool while out and about in the
heat, just make sure they are comfortable and meant for walking!
- Mosquito
Spray:
This is something you do not want to forget! To protect you from contracting potential diseases such as malaria, make room for some form of mosquito repellant. Recommended products: DEET, or Icaridin.
- A
Reusable Water Bottle:
Make sure you bring a good water bottle with you to stay hydrated on your trip, like the Yeti Rambler Bottle. Preferably fill it using bottled water, not tap, and you’ll have cold water all day!
- Sunscreen:
A must for any day out in the sun, especially when you’re on vacation! You definitely don’t want to get sunburned while on your trip.
- Anti-Chafe
Products (a personal preference):
Spending
all day walking around in the heat can lead to sweating, which can lead to the
dreaded possibility of chaffing. Bring along some Anti-Chafe products to make
sure you stay comfortable and able to explore! Recommended products: Body
Glide: Anti-Chafe Balm.
- Sunglasses
You will thank yourself for bringing these. We swear the sun shines brighter in Southeast Asia. Definitely bring these so you aren’t squinting for 10 hours a day.
What women should pack for Thailand:
- A
lightweight scarf or kimono:
Especially if you plan on visiting temples in Bangkok, you should have a lightweight scarf or lightweight kimono on hand. Some countries, such as Thailand, value and appreciate your modesty, especially at sacred sites.
- Only
bring tops that cover your shoulders: (No tank tops!):
To blend
in and be respectful, women should stick to tops that cover the shoulders;
especially when exploring outside of tourist hotspots!
- Comfortable
Sandals:
For exploring beaches or temples, it’s a good idea to have a pair of sandals at hand. Sandals that are easy to slip on and off are best!
- Waterproof
Sneakers:
Everyone
needs a good pair of closed-toed walking shoes, but specific to Thailand,
Vietnam, and Cambodia, get waterproof ones!
What men should pack for Thailand:
- No
Tank Tops!
The no shoulder rule is not limited to women. It is just as disrespectful for a man to wear a tank top, or worse, no shirt at all, especially when there isn’t a beach close by. To combat the heat when you’re not visiting temples, just wear clothes that breathe well!
- Comfortable
sandals:
Whether
for walking on the beach, or for easy removal when visiting temples, a pair of
sandals is a must.
- Waterproof
Sneakers:
Don’t let the rain put a damper on your itinerary! Get a pair of waterproof shoes that are good for walking. This is especially true for those of you who are backpacking!
Be sure
that if you are backpacking to bring what makes sense for you. If you are
backpacking, you probably do not need to bring a Kimono. Be sure to think it
through and give yourself several days to pack so you you have time to buy
things you need.
Vietnam Highlight: What to Bring for a Successful Trip
- Lightweight,
light-colored clothing:
Just like
Thailand, Vietnam is known for its humid climate, so it is important to pack clothing
that will help minimize sweating!
- A lightweight raincoat and/or umbrella:
Monsoon season isn’t limited to Thailand alone; Vietnam is also prone to some rainy weather! Make sure to pack a raincoat and/or umbrella so you can still enjoy your visit, even if it’s raining.
- Waterproof
shoes:
A raincoat and an umbrella will help keep most of you dry, but what about your feet? Nothing’s worse than trying to enjoy the sights in soggy socks! Having a good pair of waterproof shoes will help make your trip enjoyable, rain or shine.
- Hiking
boots/athletic sneakers:
Just like Thailand, Vietnam also has amazing tourist destinations that might require a bit of walking! If you’re planning to hike through Sapa, located outside of Hanoi in Northern Vietnam, a good pair of walking shoes is a must.
- Comfortable
sandals:
Depending
on your destination, a comfortable pair of sandals is ideal for hot days and
sandy beaches!
- (For
Northern Vietnam only) light jacket and pants:
As we discussed, Northern Vietnam is prone to temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) During December all the way through February. If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi in January, packing a light jacket and a pair of pants might not be the worst idea!
The next
few items are a must, regardless of your destination, so make sure to bring
these to make your trip to Vietnam all the more memorable!
- Mosquito
Spray:
Mosquitos
are an equal threat to your health in Vietnam! To protect you from contracting
potential diseases such as malaria, make room for some form of mosquito
repellant. Recommended products: DEET, or Icaridin.
- A
Reusable Water Bottle:
Make sure you bring a good water bottle with you to stay hydrated on your trip, like the Yeti Rambler Bottle. Preferably fill it from bottled water, not tap water, and you’ll have cold water all day!
- Sunscreen:
Despite
its rainy reputation, Vietnam is no stranger to sunshine! Sunscreen is a must.
- Anti-Chafe
Products (a personal preference):
Spending
all day walking around in the heat can lead to sweating, which can lead to the
dreaded possibility of chaffing. Bring along some Anti-Chafe products to make
sure you stay comfortable! Recommended products: Body Glide: Anti-Chafe Balm.
Important for women traveling to Vietnam:
- Northern
Vietnam is more conservative than Southern Vietnam:
In
Southern cities such as Ho Chi Min, it is more culturally appropriate to wear
western clothing such as shorts, tank tops, and dresses that fall above the
knee, just as long as they are not too revealing.
- Maxi
skirts:
Having a
loose, flowing, maxi skirt or dress will be a must for visiting less-touristy
areas, and Northern parts of Vietnam.
- A
lightweight scarf or kimono:
Like
Thailand, Vietnam is still warming up to the idea of tank tops. If you plan on
visiting sacred sites, having something to cover your shoulders is a must.
Note about Vietnam for Ladies: Beauty standards in Vietnam differ largely from the western world. As a result, you may not have access to the types of beauty products you need while you are in Vietnam. So be sure to bring everything you will need the entire time you are in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia.
Important for men traveling to Vietnam:
- No
tank tops!
Just like in Thailand, it is frowned upon for men to wear tank tops, or go shirtless unless of course, you are at the beach.
- Consider
bringing a pair of pants:
For
occasions where it is culturally expected that men wear pants, especially when
visiting temples, it is important for men to have a pair of comfortable,
lightweight pants. No jeans! This will help keep you cooler amidst the heat.
That
about sums it up!
Packing is an important part of a successful trip. Some people know exactly what they need to bring, while other people find themselves staring blankly into their empty suitcase. Please use this Southeast Asia packing list as a guide to help direct your packing. Enjoy your Southeast Asian trip!
Let us know your favorite travel accessories you can’t leave home without in the comments section below!
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