The Ultimate Packing Guide for Backpacking Southeast Asia
- Martha Pillin
- Nov 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2024
Packing for Southeast Asia can feel like a bit of a nightmare, right? With all the beaches, jungles, cities, and random weather changes, it’s hard to know what you’ll actually need. But don’t stress—I’ve got your back! This post will break down exactly what to pack (and what to leave behind) so you can travel light and still feel ready for anything. Whether you’re planning to island-hop, hike, or just chill out, this guide will make sure you’re sorted. Let’s get packing!
1. The Backpack Itself
First things first, you need a good backpack. If you are backpacking for more than 4 weeks the I would recommend taking something between 40-65 litres. It’s the sweet spot for carrying everything you need without being weighed down. Look for one with:
Padded straps for comfort.
A rain cover (trust me, the monsoon season is no joke).
Easy access compartments.
If you’ll be doing shorter trips or day hikes, bringing a small daypack too is useful. A bumbag is also a very helpful for keeping your passport and wallet safe when exploring towns and cities.
2. Clothing: Keep It Light and Versatile
Less is definitely more when it comes to packing clothing. Southeast Asia is hot and humid, so you’ll mostly live in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Laundry services and clothing shops are super cheap so you won’t need to take much!
4-5 T-shirts or tank tops (quick-dry materials are ideal).
2-3 pairs of shorts (casual and comfortable).
1-2 pairs of lightweight trousers or a long skirt (this is necessary for covering your knees when visiting temples as well as keeping you warm on those cooler nights).
1 light sweater or hoodie (for air-conditioned buses and flights).
2-3 swimsuits / trunks (if you plan to hit the beaches a lot you could add another, however you can get nice swim sets for cheap prices in places like Thailand!)
7-10 pairs of underwear (because no one likes running out of these!).
2-3 pairs of socks (especially if you’ll be hiking).
1 lightweight rain jacket or poncho (make sure to prepare for rainfall, monsoon season is something else).
Travel Tip
Southeast Asia is super casual, so there is no need for super fancy outfits. However, packing some ‘smarter’ options (e.g. a couple of nice shirts / dresses / playsuits) is a good option for those nights where you want to get out of those backpacking clothes.
3. Shoes
Stick to the basics:
1 pair of comfy trainers or hiking shoes (if you’re planning on trekking).
1 pair of flip-flops or sandals (a must-have for the beaches and hostel showers).
4. Toiletries: Keep It Simple
Most toiletries can be bought locally if you run out, so don’t go overboard. Here are the basics:
Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Deodorant.
Sunscreen (reef-safe, if possible).
Bug spray with DEET (mosquitoes are relentless).
Razor and nail clippers.
Hair ties and hair mask (if you plan on swimming in the sea alot, hair masks are essential to keeping your hair in good condition).
Preferred sanitary products (sanitary pads can be easily found in SE Asia, however if you prefer to use tampons or other products these are rarely available to buy here).
Any personal meds or prescriptions you need.
Travel Tip
If you have any personal medications or contact lenses it is a good idea to pack a copy of the prescription so that if you lose them or run out you can re stock. Another reason is to clear any prescribed medication through airport security - I have previously been stopped and questioned about medication and having proof of prescription helped me to get it cleared.
5. Travel Essentials
These are the lifesavers that will make your trip easier:
Microfibre travel towel (dries quickly and takes up no space).
Reusable water bottle (many hostels have refill stations - tap water is a NO GO!).
Packing cubes (total game-changer for staying organised).
Dry bag (handy for keeping electronics safe during water activities).
Laundry bag (keeps dirty clothes seperate).
Universal travel adapter (you’ll need it for different plugs types).
Power bank (for charging on the go).
Padlock (for hostel lockers and for keeping your backpack secure
Eye Mask and Ear Plugs (essential for long flights, bus rides or noisy hostels - there is almost always a snorer).
6. Electronics
You don’t need a lot of gadgets, but these are worth bringing:
Phone and device chargers.
Lightweight laptop or ipad/tablet (optional, if you’re working or editing photos).
Travel camera (optional, but smartphones often do the trick).
Earphones or noise-canceling headphones.
GoPro (great for underwater adventures and action shots)
Cable Bag (keeps all of your chargers and cords organised and tangle free).
7. Travel Documents and Money
Make sure you’ve got the essentials sorted - you won’t get very far if you leave these behind!
Passport (with at least 6 months validity and 2 empty pages).
Copies of your passport and travel insurance (it is fine having these on your phone but having physical copies is a good idea too).
Passport sized photo (handy for visa applications or permits).
Travel bank card (like Revolut or Monzo for easy cash withdrawals and avoiding high foreign transaction fees).
A bit of cash in USD (useful for emergencies or border crossings).
8. Extras You’ll Be Glad You Packed
These might not be “essential,” but from my experience in Southeast Asia they’re super handy to have:
Travel laundry detergent (for handwashing clothes).
Sarong or scarf (for temple visits, beach lounging, or staying warm).
A journal (to jot down memories).
Tea bags / instant coffee sachets (great for when you want to relax with a warm drink).
Final Tips
Pack light! Remember, you’ll be carrying this around, so avoid overpacking. If in doubt, leave it out.
Leave space in your bag. You’ll probably end up buying clothes, souvenirs, or snacks.
Embrace minimalism. Southeast Asia is budget-travel friendly, and you can find anything you need on the road.
Now you are ready to explore Southeast Asia! Whether you’re trekking in the mountains, lounging on a beach, or diving into street food markets, having the right gear will make your trip so much easier.
Got any must-pack items I missed? Let me know at hello@readysteadybackpack.com
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