If you’re heading to South East Asia to backpack, you’ve probably read a million pack list posts. This South East Asia, pack list recommendation, isn’t going to be the most minimalistic, as I like to have outfit choices. But as someone who has backpacked South East Asia three times, I have a pretty good grasp on what to bring and what not to bring.
Clothes
Dresses
- 2 day dresses that cover knees and shoulders (ideal for temples)
- 2 linen sundresses
- 2 bodycon dresses for going out at night
Shorts/Skirts/ Pants
- 1 pair of denim shorts
- 1 pair of workout/ hiking shorts
- 1 long maxi skirt (can also be worn for temples)
- 2 flowy mini skirts
- 1 pair of full-length leggings
- 1 Sarong (or you can buy one soon as you arrive)
Tops
- 2 singlets (black and white basics)
- 2 basic t-shirts
- 2 linen shirts
- 1 “cute” going out top
Jackets
- 1 light jumper or flannel
- 1 denim jacket or other light jackets
- 1 chiffon throw
You always need less clothes than you think you do! If you forget to pack something you need or you find you didn’t pack enough clothing, you can always buy it. However, in a lot of parts of South East Asia it is difficult to find diverse sizing options for affordable prices. A lot of the markets only catered to smaller sizes (sizes 0-10).
When deciding what clothes to bring, make sure you consider the materials of the clothing. Try avoid things that crease easily as you probably won’t be ironing and also try to bring things that are made from lightweight materials. I like to make sure I’ve got a good mix of outfits I can wear during the day, cuter things for nights out and things that are temple appropriate. Also really important to have one “cold” outfit to wear on planes or night buses when the AC is turned up high.
Undergarments
- 15 pairs of underwear (if not more!)
- 1 one-piece bathing suit
- 2 bikinis
- 2 bras
- 7 pairs of socks
You will never regret bringing too many pairs of underwear and socks! They take up basically no room in your luggage, and you will always need them. Using laundry services or even laundromats in South East Asia, socks and underwear just seem to disappear. One thing to be wary about overpacking is bras. Half of the time, I ended up wearing my bathing tops as bras as it meant I could go for a swim whenever.
Footwear
- 1 pair of nicer sandals (I love my Birkenstocks)
- 1 pair of trainers
- 1 pair of flip-flops or slides
You really only need three pairs of shoes on your pack list if you’re going backpacking in South East Asia. One pair of everyday sandals like Birkenstocks that you can wear on nights out and during the day. A pair of trainers or runners that you can wear for hikes. You could also bring hiking shoes if you’re massively into hiking; however, most people I met just hiked in runners with good grip and were fine. Flip Flops or Slides are essential for hostel showers and going to the beach.
Accessories
- Sunglasses (and a spare pair)
- Hat
- Small carry bag
- Basic jewellery if you like (e.g. one pair of earrings, one necklace and a couple of rings)
- 2 tote bags
Toiletries
Shower
- Body wash or bar of soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Exfoliating glove/ loofa or face washer
- Razor or other hair removal product
- Face wash and any other skincare products you use
Face
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Any Makeup products you may want
Nail/ Hair
- Nail clippers
- Nail polish
- Tweezers
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties/ pins
One mistake everyone makes is stockpiling toiletries. You will be able to find skincare and toiletries from big brands in major cities. You do NOT need to bring eight bottles of Garnier Shampoo with you. If you want to save space (and save on plastic), consider bringing bars of shampoo/conditioner and soap. I use Ethique bars for all my shower stuff, and they last forever, barely take up any space and are good for the reduction of plastic.
Medical
- Bandaids
- Hydralyte or other electrolyte tablets
- Painkillers
- Antiseptic
- Any other prescription medications you use regularly
- Roll of toilet paper
Another thing people tend to stock up on is medical supplies. In the majority of South East Asian countries, you can buy prescription medicine easily without a prescription at Pharmacies. They have all the same brands as back home (for the most part). I always take some basic medical supplies like bandaids, painkillers etc and then buy more over in South East Asia as I need them.
Technology & Entertainment
- Headphones or AirPods
- Books or Kindle
- Powerbank
- 2 phone chargers (one as a spare)
- Universal Adaptor
You may also want to bring other electronics like a GoPro, Camera, Drone, Tripod and/or laptop. I wouldn’t say these are necessary for the average backpacker, but depending on your interests, you may want to bring them.
Other
- Multiple cards (both Visa and Mastercard)
- International License
- Student Card (you can negotiate discounts at some places)
- Carabiners
- Water Bottle
- Reusable Cutlery
- Passport
- Driver’s license or alternative form of I.D
- Soft copies of all identification documents saved in your email
- Microfibre towel
Carabiners are a literal lifesaver and so versatile, so make sure you buy a few before you leave! I use them to hang my sarong across the bunk bed like a makeshift curtain. Also, they’re so useful to attach shoes or your drink bottle to the outside of your backpack if it’s full.
Are you looking for more packing tips? Check out my guide on packing a travel day pack here.
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