There is nothing more exhilarating than traveling through Southeast Asia.
Depending on the time of year you’re going and specifically which countries and regions you’re visiting, the weather can be quite unpredictable.
Do you pack a sweater? Do you need pants? Do you need bug spray?
Luckily for you, I’m an expert traveler and I’ve come up with a foolproof Southeast Asia packing list that will get you through your adventures.
There’s just one caveat, though – I travel light (as you should when you’re going to that side of the world) and I only bring a single carry-on with me.
But trust me, you don’t want to be dragging a heavy suitcase around on uneven cobbled streets in 40-degree weather anyway.
Here’s the ultimate Southeast Asia packing list for traveling light.
Health and medical supplies
When you’re traveling to Southeast Asia, chances are you’re going to get a little sick or hurt at some point.
Whether you have an upset stomach, a small scratch from stepping on a sharp coral, or a nasty gash from falling off your motorbike, you should always be prepared.
Here’s what you’ll need.
- Hand sanitizer
- Gauze
- Alcohol swabs
- Medical tape
- Waterproof Band-aid
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Advil or Tylenol
- Polysporin
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (can be very expensive in Southeast Asia)
- Birth control pills
- Tampons or menstrual cup
- Condoms
Tip: If you can find a travel size first aid kit, it’ll make your life a lot easier.
Toiletries
Most toiletries can be bought in Southeast Asia. There are convenience stores and pharmacies in all major cities.
But if you’re a creature of habit and you want to bring your toiletries from home, here’s a toiletries packing list you can’t go wrong with.
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss
- Moisturizer
- Wet wipes (a.k.a. life savers)
- Lip balm
- Nail clipper
- Makeup
- Razor (not if you check in your bags. You can buy some from there if needed)
- Hair comb
- Hair elastics
Electronics
You don’t want to be carrying heavy electronics with you. But unless you want to be totally off grid, there are some electronics you’ll have to bring along.
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Headphones (unless you hate music, weirdo)
- Adapter and/or converter
- Portable mini speaker (if it fits)
- Laptop & charger (if necessary)
- Action camera
Clothing
You obviously need some clothes for your trip, although not as many as you’d think. Southeast Asian countries have cheap laundromats scattered everywhere, so you really don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe.
Women
- Shorts
- Leggings
- 1-2 sun dresses
- T-shirts & tank tops
- 1 trusty hoodie
- Underwear & bras
- Socks
- Running shoes
- Flip flops
- Rain jacket/windbreaker
- Bathing suits
- Small travel bag/backpack
Men
- Shorts
- Pants
- T-shirts and tank tops
- 1 trusty hoodie
- Underwear
- Socks
- Running shoes
- Flip flops
- Rain jacket/windbreaker
- Bathing suits
- Small travel bag/backpack
Essentials & miscellaneous
No Southeast Asia packing list is complete without a reminder of all the essentials you need to bring with you, and this one is no different.
- Passport
- Credit card & bank card
- Cash
- Picture of your health insurance card
- Picture/photocopy of your passport
- Travel visas (Vietnam requires one in advance)
- Glasses and/or contact lenses
- Padlock (if you’re planning on biking or staying in hostels)
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Book
This is the Southeast Asia packing list I use every year. It started off with fewer items, but with every trip I added an item or two that I found were very useful.
And yes, all these things fit in my carry-on, and I always have space to spare for small souvenirs at the end of my trip.
