Southeast Asian climates can range from snowy mountain peaks to balmy tropical beaches. Add to that, various dress requirements for religious sights; annoyingly inconsistent luggage allowances across local airlines and you have the potential for a packing nightmare. After 3-years living and travelling around Asia, these my no-nonsense, all-gender packing tips for Southeast Asia.
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Table of contents
General packing tips for Southeast Asia
Climate
Southeast Asia is generally tropical in climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. However, you can experience cooler temperatures at altitude and in the far north of Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar during the winter months.
In addition, monsoons can bring large storms and high rainfall between May and October, depending on the specific region. Examine the climate of the different destinations in your itinerary, coinciding with the particular time of year you are travelling. You can search climate information for different locations here.
Clothing and comfort
Due to Southeast Asia’s tropical climate, pack lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort. Think cotton, linen and hemp in the summer and a touch of silk and merino wool for cooler months and destinations. Most synthetics such as polyester and nylon will make you sweat and will begin to smell quickly. Reserve these for technical gear, swimwear and rain protection.
Currency
Most Southeast Asian countries still operate on a largely cash economy. You will probably be able to use your credit card in international hotels and mid-high restaurants, but you may need local currency for small purchases at local food vendors, small shops and public transport.
Generally, the best way to get local currency is at an ATM. This will provide you with the best exchange rate. However, you need to do your research into secure and reliable ATMs that will accept your bank’s card. Make sure you know how to check for skimming devices on ATMs and check each time before inserting your card.
Etiquette
Southeast Asia is culturally diverse. Avoid unwanted attention or offending your hosts by erring on the side of relative conservativism. Bikinis and such are fine on the beach and by the pool. However, when exploring urban spaces, keep your chest and shoulders respectfully covered, as well as your legs down to your knees.
All genders need to cover their chest, midriff, legs to the knee and arms to the elbow when visiting religious sites. You are required to remove your shoes in most Buddhist, Islamic and Hindu places of worship. Avoid footwear that has complicated straps or buckles if you are visiting many sites, they will quickly become tiresome to take on and off.
Electronics
Electricity in Southeast Asia is delivered at 220-240 volts, 50-60-Hz. Depending on where you are travelling from and what kind of appliances you are bringing, you may need a voltage converter. Generally, modern phones, tablets and laptops are made for both 110-127V and 220-240V, but it pays to check this detail.
Due to variances in plug configurations, you will almost certainly need an international adaptor. For instance Thailand uses A, B and C plug types, while Indonesia uses C and F. I use this compact adaptor that also has USB-A and USB-C outlets.
Environment
Southeast Asia is full of natural beauty, from lush rainforests to scenic waterfalls, dreamy tropical islands to mountain lakes. It only makes sense to do your part in protecting these incredible ecosystems. Start by taking as few disposables as possible – these guides will assist: 8 Essential Eco-Friendly Travel Products and 5 Steps to More Sustainable Travel.
Luggage
Though I’m generally in favour of roller bags, a backpack the most convenient for Southeast Asia. You may be travelling across many uneven surfaces, dirt, sand or up and down stairs. If you do take a roller bag, ensure it is a size and weight that you are comfortable lifting and carrying.
A smaller backpack or cross-body style make secure and comfortable day-bag options. A dry bag can be useful for water-based excursions—we pack a 5-L (1.3-US gal) dry bag, which is plenty big enough for our camera, money, phones and even a small towel if necessary.
Health
There is a risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as, but not limited to Japanese encephalitis, Dengue Fever and Malaria in Southeast Asia. Pack an insect repellent that contains recommended amounts of DEET, picaridin or other approved product e.g. RID Tropical Strength or OFF Deep Woods. Consult a doctor or travel clinic about your specific itinerary and whether you need vaccinations or preventative medications. Also check out the CDC Travel website for destination-specific health concerns and advice.
Those with specific dietary requirements or serious food allergies, should take the details written in the local language. An easy way to do this is one of these laminated or print-at-home cards, available in various languages.
Passports and visas
Ensure your passport has at least 6-months validity and plenty of pages for your new passport stamps. Check whether you require a visa for the countries you are visiting – it will depend on the country of your passport. Also, check for entry or exit fees so that you will be prepared. These often need to be paid in the local currency and with the exact amount.
Security
Most Southeast Asian countries would be considered developing. In the eyes of locals, foreign tourists are much wealthier than they are. This can make you an easy target for pickpocketing, theft and scams. Keep your valuables to a minimum, secure those you must take, and don’t flash them around. Get more safety and security tips here.
In some regions, there are more serious safety concerns. Check your home country’s travel advisories before booking your travel and again before departure. Here are links to advisories by the following countries’ governments:
UK – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
USA – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Singapore – https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Where-Are-You-Travelling-To
Packing List for Southeast Asia
Documents
- Passport
- Covid-19 vaccination card and yellow book (optional)
- Visa if required
- Itinerary, reservations and tickets
- Travel insurance information
Basics
- Underwear, bras and socks – pack just a week’s worth and wash in the shower or bathroom sink.
- Sleepwear – including sleep mask and earplugs
- Shirts – pack 1 t-shirt for every 2 days of your trip.
- Shorts – pack 1 pair of shorts for every 3 days of your trip. I recommend shorts that will be cool, provide sun protection, and are comfortable for extended walking.
- Midi-Skirt or dress- maybe substitute a pair of shorts for a midi-skirt if you feel its appropriate for your itinerary.
- Zip-off khakis – 1 pair or zip-off, quick dry khakis are great for more adventurous pursuits like caving and hiking.
- Jeans – 1 pair of jeans for the evenings and early mornings.
- Fleece or light down jacket – good to have all year round, particularly in the temperate mountainous areas.
- Shoes – Depending on the activities you have planned, you need a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. A nice pair of sandals for the evenings and a pair of flip flops for the beach are also ideal. I recommend packing water shoes if you are doing any caving.
- Hat – preferably with a wide brim that is fitted and won’t blow off easily.
- Sunglasses – UV rated to protect your eyes and polarizing to cut glare.
- Swimsuit – 1-2 swimsuits. In the tropical humidity everything takes longer to dry, so if you prefer to put on a dry suit in the morning pack two and alternate. Also, females should take note of the etiquette section above.
- Boardshorts or swim shorts – 1 pair that provides sun protection, safety and modesty for activities such as waterfall rappelling or caving. I used my quick-dry zip off khakis for this purpose.
- Rash guard – 1 rash guard for added sun protection during long stints in and on the water. Also great for kayaking, caving, snorkelling and other prolonged water activities.
- Accessories – Minimal jewellery (preferably costume jewellery) or other accessories to dress up an outfit in the evening. I travel with one chunky necklace and a light scarf.
- Scarf or sarong – Large, lightweight scarves and sarongs are fantastic multi-purpose items. Use them to cover up at the beach, cover your shoulders and chest on a cool evening or while visiting a religious site.
- 1-2 beach cover-up or sarong to keep you sun protected and modest between swims. See this post for sarong tieing ideas.
- Toiletries
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Aloe vera gel – doubles as sunburn relief and body moisturizer.
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Hair accessories (ties and pins)
- Menstrual cup/ tampons
- Light makeup and perfume
- Muslin cloth – I like taking a super-lightweight, reusable and quick-drying muslin cloth or two for removing makeup or when there’s not wash cloth provided by your accommodation.
- Laundry soap – a cake of laundry soap is great for washing your smalls in the hotel basin and doesn’t add to your liquids if you’re travelling carry-on only.
Gadgets
- Camera – Along with accessories such as charger, spare batteries; SD cards; and tripod. Polarizing and neutral density filters are also be helpful for the powerful, tropical light.
- Waterproof camera – We currently use a ProShot case for our phones and a GoPro Hero 11 for underwater photography and video respectively.
- Phone with charger and accessories.
Day bag
- Money belt, bra pouch or other secure, concealed wallet—Not for your bag, but to keep on your person.
- Refillable water bottle – Many hotels offer filtered water stations where you can refill.
- Hand sanitizer
- Bandana, cloth napkin or handkerchief.
- Toilet paper—Store it in a ziplock bag to keep it dry.
- Female urination device—Great for going in nature or when bathroom hygiene is lacklustre.
- Headphones
- First aid kit – Carry basic first aid and medical supplies in a compact, travel kit.
- Medications and prescriptions
- Dry bag—For keeping your camera, phone and other valuables dry, during water activities.
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF 15+ sun protection
- Insect repellent—Preferably one that contains recommended levels of DEET or other proven active ingredient.
- Flashlight or headlamp – Ideally a headlamp to keep you hands-free.
- Lightweight beach towel – A microfibre travel towel or peshtemal (cotton Turkish towel) are ideal. Note, even in the dry season the humidity prevents things from drying quickly.
- Rain jacket or poncho during the wet season (May-October).
Miscellaneous
- Book
- Sketch pad and pencils/paint
- Notebook
- Tablet device
- Diary
While you’re planning and packing for Southeast Asia, this pre-departure checklist may come in handy.
Peace, love and inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
2 comments
Glad I thought of most things on your least, good to check with someone else’s list haha!
Yes, always good to check against someone else’s list just to make sure. Have a great trip and let me know if you have any questions about SE Asia!