Planning a multi-week trip to Southeast Asia? Whether you’re going to Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia or somewhere else in this magical region of the world, this Southeast Asia packing list will help you determine what you should pack for your trip. As someone who’s backpacked SEA three times, these are my must-have Southeast Asia travel clothes, toiletries, tech and more! Keep reading to learn more.
Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure.
Southeast Asia is one of my favorite regions of the world. With its diverse culture, broad range of delicious food, incredible temples and historical sites, amazing beaches, welcoming locals and ease of traveling, there’s really nowhere else like it.
That said, various places around Southeast Asia also feature ridiculously humid air, hot temperatures and strict cultural etiquettes—which is why it’s important to be strategic about what you pack.
To help you get an idea of what to bring along for your adventure, take a peek at my Southeast Asia packing list. This is everything I would bring with me if I were going to SEA for one to three months.
Below you’ll not only find my Southeast Asia packing list but also tips and tricks that will make packing and traveling a breeze. Again, this packing list is what I would bring for a one to three month trip.
As someone who has backpacked Southeast Asia multiple times for varying lengths of time—3.5 months, 2 months and 3 weeks—this tried and true packing list is exactly what I believe would make the most sense for those bringing only one bag.
Without further adieu, let’s jump in. First, let’s talk packing tips and what you should know before you begin building your Southeast Asia packing list.
5 Packing Tips for Southeast Asia
Laundry is Accessible + Affordable
I say pack for “one to three months” because you really don’t need anything more than that—even if you’re staying for longer. Laundry services across Asia are widely accessible and incredible affordable. Most guesthouses and hostels offer laundry for like $1-3 per kilo.
Plus, you can wash quick-drying items, like underwear, socks and lightweight shirts and shorts, with a bar of soap. This is what I do when traveling Southeast Asia.
Consider Cultural Customs
Southeast Asia is home to many sacred temples and religious sites, which often have specific dress codes. Women are generally required to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting these locations, so pack a lightweight scarf or shawl to cover up when needed.
Additionally, pack one or two pairs of loose-fitting pants, long skirts, jumpsuits or a versatile maxi dress. These are ideal for both protecting your skin from the sun and respecting local customs.
Pack Comfortable + Versatile Footwear
Good footwear is KEY to traveling Southeast Asia comfortably, as you’ll be walking around exploring cities, temples and markets! There’s truly nothing worse than getting blisters while on a trip.
I recommend bringing a sturdy pair of sandals that you can easily slip on and off. (Handy for when you’re going in and out of temples and need to continually take off and put on your shoes.)
Personally, I travel Southeast Asia with a pair of Tevas. Not only are they comfortable, they’re easy to take off, fit nicely in a smaller backpack, great for trekking in the jungle and you can wear them in water.
Pack Multi-Use Items
If you’re like me, you’re probably traveling around Southeast Asia with a small bag, backpack or suitcase. Thus, it’s important to focus on packing items that serve multiple purposes.
For example, a cute sarong can double as a beach towel, swimsuit cover-up, picnic blanket or shawl when visiting temples. (This is one of my Southeast Asia packing essentials mentioned below!)
Additionally, use compression packing cubes that help you organize and save on space. I LOVE these from Amazon—I have the green set and use them for every single trip nowadays!
Pack Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
If you know anything about Southeast Asia, you know the humidity can be intense, especially in the tropical regions! This is why I always tell people who are going to this region of the world to forget packing bulkier items like jeans, sweatshirts and thick sweatpants (aka joggers for my Brits).
Instead, stick to lightweight stuff made from moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, linen and quick-dry blends. Not only do they dry faster, they also wick away sweat, keep you cool and protect your skin from the sun.
My Packing List for Backpacking Southeast Asia
With those packing tips out of the way, let’s get to my actual list of items I would pack for a Southeast Asia backpacking trip! Below you’ll find tops, bottoms, undergarments, toiletries, tech stuff and other miscellaneous items.
Teensy side note: you’ll find affiliate links to some of my favorite sustainable brands in each section, including Boody, GRAYL, tentree, MATE the Label and prAna. I genuinely support these companies and their missions to make high-quality, long-lasting and sustainable products.
There are also affiliate links to Amazon. While not sustainable, Amazon does provide the most affordable backpacking essentials, like microfiber towels, padlocks and packing cubes. With that said, let’s get to it!
Tops
- 2 t-shirts // I like these classic t-shirts from Boody
- 5 tank tops // I like these cropped ribbed v-neck tanks and cropped square tanks from MATE the Label
- 1 long-sleeve t-shirt // love this ribbed one from MATE the Label
- 1 lightweight zip-up hoodie // essential for chilly plane and bus rides—I like this one
- Lightweight Rain Jacket // I prefer one that’s packable, too, like this Columbia Arcadia Jacket. I have an older version of it and it’s ideal during unexpected downpours!
- 2 pajama tops
Bottoms
- 1 pair of leggings // I love these from Boody (they have pockets!)
- 2 pairs of bikers shorts // these Boody ones are awesome
- 2 pairs of linen shorts // I like these from tentree
- 1 pair of jean shorts
- 2 pajama shorts
Dresses + Jumpsuits
- 2 long jumpsuits // I prefer longer ones (like Boody this and this tentree one) so I can wear them to temples
- 1 short jumpsuit // I have this one from Toad&Co that I wear all the time—great for walking around markets and cities!
- 1 knee-length dress // this ribbed one from tentree is SO cute and ideal for temples or cute nights out
Undergarments
- 3 bras // Bring whatever you prefer! I love my wireless bras from Boody.
- 10 pairs of underwear // I like to bring a LOT. I get all my underwear from Boody!
- 2 pairs of socks
Shoes
- Teva Sandals // my absolute favorite travel shoe—get here from Amazon
- Flip-Flops // a must for showering in hostels (and potentially for low-key beach days)
- Lightweight Tennis Shoes (aka Trainers) // totally optional but if you plan to hike, they may be worth bringing! I’ve heard good things about Allbirds water-repellent trainers.
Miscellaneous Items
- Sarong // just purchase one when you get to Southeast Asia!
- Bandana // a random but essential, multi-use item when packing for Southeast Asia
- Sunglasses // an obvious (but often forgotten) Southeast Asia packing essential
- Quick-Drying, Microfiber Towel // a must if you’re staying in hostels (I have this one)
- Turkish Towel // I know what you’re thinking… two towels??? But hear me out: the microfiber one is great for hostels but this towel is the best for beaches, snorkeling trips, using it as a blanket on planes, etc. Sand doesn’t stick, it dries quick and it can be pretty warm. I love this one from Etsy but they’re also on Amazon.
- Swimsuits // I usually bring 2-3 one pieces and 2 bikinis. When paired with shorts, one pieces can double as a top. Win!
- Packable Clothesline // another random but really awesome item if you plan to hand wash some clothing items (get this one)
- GRAYL // filtering water bottle that helps you reduce your plastic consumption (I’ve used mine all over the world and have never gotten sick)
- Sleep Mask + Ear Plugs // Manta Sleep Mask is BY FAR the best I’ve ever used
Toiletries
- Toothbrush + Toothpaste // highly recommend switching to a bamboo toothbrush for sustainability purposes
- Hairbrush // I like the Wet Brush for combing through wet, tangly hair
- Bar of Soap // don’t forget a soap container! I bring soap that doubles as cleanser, like the Cerave cleansing bars
- Shampoo + Conditioner // switch to plastic-free shampoo + conditioner bars to be more sustainable
- Deodorant // I love plastic-free, non-toxic deodorant or the salt sticks you can get all over Southeast Asia (they actually work!)
- Plastic Free Safety Razor // I LOVE my Leaf razor! (Psst, I take out the razor blades and stick them in my retainer case to ensure they make it past airport security! They’ve never noticed.)
- Period Cup or Disk // zero waste, sustainable AND saves you space that would otherwise be taken up by tampons
- Sunscreen // both face and body (if you can fit it in your liquids bag or you’re checking a bag)
- Tiger Balm // My favorite item for sore muscles, a headache or even as a bug repellent! Buy this when you’re there.
- Toilet Paper // A little but must-have essential. Public toilets in Southeast Asia seem to never have toilet paper.
- Makeup // I usually bring mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow gel and tinted face moisturizer (I love the bareMinerals complexion rescue—it doubles as face sunscreen)
- Medication // Tylenol, paracetamol, Aspirin, Imodium, etc.
- Band-Aids (aka Plasters) // a must for when you will eventually get a boo-boo
- Charcoal Tablets // game-changing for upset stomachs and “Bali Belly” (get them here)
Tech Stuff
- Travel Adapter // essential for being able to plug in your electronics (I like this universal adapter)
- Power Strip // this travel one is fantastic for plugging in multiple things when you’re staying in a hostel and you only have one outlet
- Charging Cords // lightning port, micro-USB, USB-C, etc.
- Airpods Pro // the best for noise cancellation (get them here)
- Portable Charger // this is the best portable charger brand
- Small Camera // optional but if you like taking good pics, then I recommend this one
- Laptop // I work from my computer so this was a must for me
- Kindle // essential if you’re a big reader like me (I LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite)
- Small Portable Speaker // underrated Southeast Asia packing item
Other Backpack Gear
- Carabiner // SO handy for hanging things on your backpack, like a water bottle or shoes
- Dirty Laundry Bag // you can leave it with your hostel or shops when you do laundry
- Bags for Your Gear // like a tech bag for cords, plugs, etc.
- Backpack Rain Cover // a must if your backpack isn’t waterproof (downpours are tough!)
- Air Tag // helpful if you want to be able to track your bag
- Luggage Locks // essential when you’re staying in hostels and have to lock up your things (these flexible ones are the best)
- Compression Packing Cubes // again, an absolute must for organizing + fitting items into a small backpack (I have these)
- Tote Bag // I used mine ALL the time when going to the beach, markets or on day trips
My Recommended Southeast Asia Backpack for Backpacking
What a tongue-tie, amirite? Try saying that 10 times in a row!
But I digress… I personally use the Osprey Fairview 40L Women’s Travel Backpack when backpacking Southeast Asia (or anywhere actually, including the United States and around Europe). This backpack is:
✓ Lightweight
✓ Small enough that it forces you to not overpack
✓ Comfortable to wear
✓ Cleverly designed (opens like a suitcase—SO much better than top loading backpacks)
✓ Easy to check when flying (all the straps stowaway)
I’ve been using mine for years and it’s not failed me on any trip so far! The last couple times I used it, I backpacked Greece for two weeks and Thailand for three weeks. It held up fabulously!
Must-Read Southeast Asia Travel Guides
Before you log off to go pack your bags, don’t miss out on reading my Southeast Asia travel guides! Whether you’re backpacking Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos or somewhere else in Southeast Asia, these guides will help you plan the best possible trip.
General Southeast Asia Guides
- How to Prepare for Your Southeast Asia Trip
- What to Expect When Backpacking Southeast Asia
- How to Budget and Save Money in Southeast Asia
- General Southeast Asia Travel Tips You Should Know
- Southeast Asia backpacking route: how I spent 3 months traveling SEA
Thailand Travel Guides
- The best 3-week south Thailand itinerary
- Backpacking Thailand: the best 10-day Northern Thailand itinerary
- How to spend 3 weeks in Thailand: cities, mountains and island life
- What to wear in Thailand (and what NOT to wear!)
- Visiting the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Vietnam Travel Guides
- How to spend 30 days in Vietnam: the best 1 month itinerary
- 9 reasons to visit Vietnam that you’ll absolutely love
- 17 Sapa travel tips every Vietnam backpacker needs to know
- Top 10 incredible experiences to have in Vietnam
- 16 remarkably useful things to know before traveling to Vietnam
Cambodia Travel Guides
- Remarkably useful tips to know when traveling Cambodia
- Angkor Wat sunrise • The RIGHT way to experience it
Indonesia Travel Guides
- 3 crazy awesome waterfalls around Ubud, Bali
- 10 essential things to pack for Bali
- My first 36 hours in Bali, Indonesia
Laos Travel Guides
- 7 incredible things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos (you can’t miss out on #4!)
- Top things to do in Vientiane, Laos
- Wandering around Laos for a couple weeks
Wowza, that’s quite the Southeast Asia packing list and travel guide! If you have any questions or suggestions, please stick them in the comments below. I’m here to help you plan and pack for the best Southeast Asia backpacking trip!
Sophie xx
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As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here.
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