If you’re planning an extended trip to South East Asia you’ll likely have some questions on what you need to pack. The internet is filled with information on what you can and can’t buy whilst travelling through this part of the world, but after living here for almost two and a half years I think I’ve pretty much got it nailed when it comes to packing. So I thought I’d help you out with my Southeast Asia packing list.

For context, myself and my partner previously lived in a two-bed, two-bath apartment in Brighton, and we filled it with trinkets, cookbooks, clothes and lots of other beautiful things, but in May 2021 we decided to sell it, donate it, packed it away into a handful of boxes and travel for a year or two. That year or two has long since passed, and we’re still enjoying the freedom that comes from being able to live out of a suitcase (or a backpack if that’s your thing). We have a condensed wardrobe, a handful of luxuries and very little else.

Settling down on a tropical island often means days at the beach, beers by the pool, nights of live music and dancing and a splash or two of work, but prior to this, we moved around a lot, spending only a week or two in one place, so being able to keep ourselves organised and only carrying the essentials was key. So without further ado, here are my checklists and tips to help you with packing for your South East Asia adventure.

Clothing

First up we have clothing. You have to remember that whilst you’re travelling you might not always have easy access to laundry facilities, so you want to have at least five days of clean clothes, that you can mix and match. You also want some variety as you’ll no doubt be taking lots of great photos and you don’t want to be wearing the same t-shirt and shorts combo in every photo.

Here are a few tips to consider when packing clothing for SE Asia;

1. Don’t pack expensive/designer items of clothing, as things do get lost and they most definitely get dirty and damaged. The same goes for shoes.
2. Lightweight, natural fabrics are going to be your best friend, think linen shorts & trousers, cotton t-shirts, floaty skirts and dresses.
3. Pack extra cotton underwear, if you’re travelling around a lot it might be a week or two until you can get to a laundrette.
4. You won’t need cold weather clothing, I would suggest bringing a hoodie or a jumper, a warm pair of trousers and a lightweight rain jacket in case you plan on any early morning mountain hikes.
5. Use packing cubes to keep your clothes organised, this includes keeping your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes, these are must-have items for us.
6. Don’t overpack, you’ll find so many beautiful items of clothing during your travels, whether it’s cute dresses in Thailand, custom-made pieces in Vietnam or novelty t-shirts from festivals & hostels you’ll want to save some space in your case.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST

• 5 tops/tees
• 4 shorts/skirts
• 3 floaty day dresses
• 1 pair of linen trousers
• 2 nice evening outfits
• Swimwear
• Gym wear
• Sarong
• Undies
• 2 sets of Pyjamas
• A foldable rain jacket
• 1 cosy jumper
• 1 pair of warm trousers
• Comfy trainers for walking & the gym
• Flip flops/Birkenstocks/Crocs (whatever your sandal of choice is)

OUR CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

OUR TRIED AND TESTED Packing cubes

We bought our compression cubes more than three of years ago and swear by them. Whether you’re travelling with a suitcase or a backpack, these cubes are a game-changer. They save space, help with organisation, prevent wrinkles and from personal experience this brand are durable, we’ve been using these for more than three years and they still look and feel brand new. Highly recommend!

Foldable rain jacket

Highly advise bringing a lightweight rain jacket for your Southeast Asia adventures. There are often torrential downpours with very little notice and even when it rains it’s still very, very warm so you don’t want anything too heavy or lined. This foldable jacket from Mountain Warehouse is a great option.

Birkenstocks

My go-to travel shoe! Comfortable, easy to slip off, great beach shoes, also look good with a cute dress for a night out, hardwearing and affordable. I’ve had mine for years now and they are still going strong!

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Toiletries

You can get most of your favourite toiletries throughout SE Asia, but I do have some handy tips that will help when you’re packing for your trip.

1. Suntan lotion, there seems to be a rumour going around that this is really expensive in SE Asia, honestly, it’s no different in price than in the UK. Bring a bottle with you, but in Thailand, you’ll find Boots stores that sell Soltan for around £8.00 a bottle and you’ll find Watsons stores everywhere and you can pick up Nivea and Garnier for around £10.00 a bottle.
2. Make-up, SE Asia is HOT and extremely humid so you won’t be wearing a full face of make-up every day, you’ll also be spending a lot of time at the beach and in the water. Just bring a few products that can double up i.e. a lip and cheek tint, use bronzer as an eyeshadow, and grab some mini brushes to save space.
3. Period products, where we live in Thailand you have very limited choice when it comes to tampons, there’s only one brand I’ve found and they are quite expensive. I made the switch years ago to a cup and more recently invested in period pants which are great for lighter days, but if that’s not your thing I would suggest bringing a supply with you.
4. Compact & quick drying towel, I feel like this is one of my must-have items, for beach trips, pool days, hostel stays, honestly the list goes on.
5. Solid shampoo bars, I’d highly recommend checking out Lush for a solid shampoo bar (make sure to also purchase a tin), these last ages and smell fantastic, space-saving and they are good for the environment, bonus.

OUR TOILETRY RECOMMENDATIONS

dock & bay towel

Cannot say enough good things about these towels. I own so many products from Dock & Bay and they are all such good quality. The towels in particular are brilliant as they are fast drying, sand resistant and HUGE so double up as a great picnic blanket/beach blanket to lie on. They also come in the cutest colours and patterns, are super compact and lightweight.

menstrual cup

These cups from Shordy are great for anyone who is new to this type of product as they come in two sizes so you can try them out to see which is better suited to your body. As someone who has been using menstrual cups for almost 10 years, I can promise that once you get used to these and find the perfect size they are so easy and convenient by comparison to tampons and towels. My number one reason is that on busy travel days, I don’t have to worry about carrying spare tampons around with me everywhere plus they are better for your body and the environment.

REAL TECHNIQUES MINI make-up brushes

I love Real Techniques brushes, I just think the quality for the price is fantastic. When we left the UK three years ago I bought this travel set and they are still in perfect condition. They are great space savers for all you make-up girlies.

reusable 100ml bottles

I just find these so useful for short trips and I figured if you’re backpacking around Southeast Asia using refillable bottles will save you money and space and as they are 100ml can also be packed in your carry on, so great if you want to fill with your favourite cleanser and moisturiser for long flights.

REUSABLE AIRPORT SECURITY BAGS

Stay organised and stress-free by sorting your liquids before you arrive at the airport. I’ve had these for three years and they are still going strong. They also have a really good seal on them, so when we’re moving to a new apartment they are great for storing wet sponges and bars of soap.

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Important Documents

This checklist might seem obvious to some, but there might be a few items on here you hadn’t considered.

• Passport, with more than six months validity
• Multiple bank cards, in case one gets swallowed by a cash machine or stopped by your bank.
• Emergency cash in either GBP, EUR, or USD, I’d recommend £100 – £200, these currencies can be changed any where and if you’ve ever been to SE Asia you’ll realise how unreliable cash machines can be but there will always be a Forex booth available.
• Currency for your first destination, you will always get a better rate from your local supermarket or Post Office than you will once you arrive.
• International driving licence, if you plan on hiring a scooter or car you’ll need one of these, you can pick one up for £5.50. More info here.
• A copy of your travel insurance, print a copy and keep it in your suitcase/backpack.
• Copy of any prescription medications, same as above print a copy and keep it in your case.
• Passport photos are an optional extra, but you may need these for visas and it saves you the hassle of trying to find somewhere to have your photo taken/using expensive booths.

OUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

WISE BANK

With the Wise banking app, you can open accounts in various currencies and transfer money with ease. Plus, you can order a physical debit card before you set off, giving you an additional layer of financial security. We always recommend bringing multiple cards to ensure you’re covered if one gets lost, blocked, or swallowed by a machine, making your travels smoother and stress-free.

EKTA HEALTH INSURANCE FOR WORLDWIDE TRAVEL

When travelling to Southeast Asia, having the right health insurance is crucial. After a severe accident in Thailand left us with a hefty £5,000 bill for surgery and aftercare, we realised the importance of comprehensive coverage.

Unexpected illnesses or accidents can happen, and without proper insurance, you could face significant financial burdens. Ekta offers reliable and comprehensive health insurance that provides peace of mind and ensures you’re covered for any unforeseen medical needs, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about potential costs.

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Tech & Gadgets

I know some of these are obvious, but it wouldn’t be a proper checklist without them, plus I’ve got some great recommended products for you below.

TECH & GADGETS CHECKLIST

• Phone
• Laptop
• Headphones
• Chargers
• International travel adaptor
• Extension lead
• Powerbank
• Kindle
• Portable speaker
• VPN

OUR TECH & GADGET RECOMMENDATIONS

Kindle

I used to be a die-hard paperback girlie, with dreams of filling a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with all the books I’d read, but I can honestly say that I’m a convert. Millions of books are available at your fingertips and sometimes for as little as 99p a book. I do miss the smell of a brand-new paperback, but if you’re an avid reader and will be travelling for an extended period, do yourself a favour and invest in one of these.

You can also grab a free trial of Kindle Unlimited here.

universal travel adaptor

Coming from the UK we always need to pack travel adapters for our devices. This one linked is a worldwide adapter that can be used in 200+ countries, including Europe, USA, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and areas of South America (It is not suitable for South Africa and India).

This travel adapter has 2 USB and 3 USB C ports (USB C ports are faster than ordinary USB, they are slowly replacing phone chargers with these new ports/cables). The USB ports on this plug can detect multiple devices and allow you to charge your phone whilst using your hairdryer.

power bank

This is one of our travel must-haves! We always make sure our battery pack is fully charged before we set off and make sure to pack it in our carry-on luggage. With everything becoming paperless it’s so important to make sure we always have battery on our phones, whether it’s for flight and train tickets, directions and details of our hotel reservations, or downloaded Netflix shows, we always make sure this is packed.

The power bank linked has four output ports, fully charges in one evening and will give you enough power to charge your device up to seven times on one charge, it also has a display which tells you exactly how much power it has left. Perfect for travel days.

portable & waterproof speaker

A small travel speaker like the HEYSONG Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is a must-have for your Southeast Asia trip. Perfect for poolside lounging, beach parties, or lively hostel gatherings, this speaker delivers exceptional sound quality with enhanced bass and clear treble. It is also waterproof and it can handle splashes, rain, and even full submersion in water up to 1 meter deep, making it ideal for your Southeast Asia adventure.

Available in seven colours and priced at just under £37, it’s a great travel companion and makes for a fantastic gift.

AWARD-WINNING SURFSHARK VPN

A reliable VPN is a must when travelling. Not only does it protect your computer and personal data on public Wi-Fi, but it also helps you find great flight deals and lets you catch up on your favourite TV shows from home. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or booking, Surfshark ensures your online activities stay private and secure. Invest in a good VPN to make your travel experience smoother and safer!

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Little Extras

These are just a few of the little extras that we recommend bringing with you. The first aid kit for example doesn’t need to be huge but some plasters, blister plasters, ibuprofen, antibiotic cream, dioralyte and some Berocca are all good things to keep on hand. A bottle opener for your keyring is also a good shout, you’ll be a hero when you arrive at the beach and no one has thought to bring one for your beers or wine.

• Prescription medication
• Contact lenses/glasses
• First aid kit
• Travel jewellery box (do not bring anything valueable)
• Loop earplugs
• Eye mask
• Neck pillow
• Water bottle
• Bottle opener
• Waterproof phone case
• Uno/playing cards/bananagram

‘LITTLE EXTRAS’ RECOMMENDATIONS

LOOP EARPLUGS

Absolute staple, for travel. I have had my Loop Quiet earplugs for about two years and use them almost nightly. Although we aren’t full time travelling any longer, these are live savers, as living in Thailand can be noisy. Dogs barking, fireworks going off, night markets that pop up behind your house for a month at a time, plane travel, cockerels outside your window that crow from 3 am until sunrise. Seriously, just invest in some of these, they are worth the hype.

NECK PILLOW

This is a must-have when travelling in Southeast Asia, you will be taking a lot of plane, train, bus and boat trips and some of these can be long and uncomfortable. You might find yourself on an overnight bus at some point and without a great neck pillow, you’re going to struggle to get any sleep. This one has a great design which can be used in three different positions, is super comfortable and supportive and is fully machine washable.

CHILLY’S WATER BOTTLE

It’s always a good idea to carry a reusable and insulated water bottle with you when travelling. You will always find places to fill this up at airports, but also when you have long travel days and want to keep your water cool, these are the best solution. I love Chilly’s as these bottles LAST and they also have some really cute colours and designs.

WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

Super inexpensive and definitely a must-have for your trip. You’ll so often find yourself spending the day at the beach, swimming, snorkelling and even boat trips. Make sure to protect your phone and buy these waterproof cases. There’s nothing worse than losing/breaking your phone whilst you’re travelling and it’s an expensive item to have to replace.

TRAVEL GAMES

Make sure to pack some playing cards, or a travel game or two. I’ve tagged P for Pizza, which is a super fun word game, but Uno, Boggle, and Bananagrams are also great options for compact, fun and lightweight games you can play during long travel days or turn them into a drinking game as an ice breaker at your hostel.

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What do you think of our packing checklist, have we missed anything? Is there anything on this list you’ve not previously thought of? What would your must-have item be? Let us know in the comments.

We have some other packing guides and tips which you can find here.

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Until next time…

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