Ultimate Packing list for backpacking Southeast Asia
Planning an epic trip to Southeast Asia? Never backpacked before? Worried about overpacking? Well, I have got you covered! Whether you are going on a 6 week or 6-month trip, this is the ultimate packing list for backpacking in Southeast Asia.
The number one rule of packing for any trip is that the less weight, the better.
Remember, this is going to be on your back for multiple points of your trip. Trust me, I have been an over packer in the past and a cheap skate, walking miles to save money, and when that pack is heavy, it sucks!
Southeast Asia is one of the easier places to pack for, with its tropical climates and its affordable markets. If you forget something, you can always buy it out there.
A few tips before we delve into this packing list:
- Leave your favourite clothes at home. It’s best to pack practical items you won’t mind getting dirty or losing.
- Pack quick-drying, breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen are ideal for hot and humid climates.
- Take neutral colours that go with everything. That way, you can mix and match your outfits.
Southeast Asia backpacking checklist
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog. I appreciate every click.
Backpacking Southeast Asia Essentials
Most of these items can be adapted for any backpacking trip, but these are the non-negotiables that I will always pack.
Packable cubes
Packable cubes for organization
If you haven’t invested in packable cubes yet, you need to! These are game-changers. They are essentially drawers in your backpack. I categorise mine into 3 categories:
- Underwear/socks/bikinis.
- Tops/dresses
- Bottoms/raincoat/jumper.
These cubes are designed to maximise space efficiency in your luggage.
Microfibre towel
Microfibre towel for quick drying
When moving from place to place, you want a microfiber towel. A lot of hostels have a 10 a.m. check-out and a damp towel in your backpack will make your bag smell. Quick-drying towels have come a long way in the last five years, with a lot of brands making them softer.
A powerbank
Southeast Asia is not a small place. You will be spending long periods of time on boats, buses, and planes. It is essential to have a power bank handy for when your phone or devices run out of charge.
There is nothing worse than arriving at a new destination with a dead phone. I suggest getting a slightly heavier one, as it will be able to charge your phone multiple times.
Google your phone’s mAh to see how much power it takes to charge.
For example, my S23 Ultra is just under 5,000 mAh, and my power bank can charge up to 30,000. That means I can get five charges out of it before I need to charge the bank itself.
Universal Adapter
Invest in a universal adapter early. I used to carry a lot of wires and plugs for each destination. But by having one plug that does it all, you will save on space and time.
If you get the one that is linked, you will be able to use the plug and USB sockets at the same time. This is so handy when you have multiple devices that need charging.
Flip Flops
Even though Birkenstocks are the go-to backpacker look, I would not chuck out your flip flops just yet.
Flip flops are a backpacker’s best friend when it comes to hostel showers. Think about how many feet stand in that one spot, and think about how often that cubicle gets cleaned.
DO NOT SHOWER WITHOUT FLIP FLOPS!
Wait, is your trip insured?
SafetyWing covers adventure activities, like surfing, in 185+ countries! I highly recommend getting travel medical coverage. Nomad Insurance starts at just $42 per 4 weeks, and while I hope you never have to use it, it’s there in case of emergencies.
Eye mask and ear plugs
Eye mask and earplugs for a better night sleep.
After living in hostels for as long as I have, I highly encourage you to always have an eye mask and earplugs handy. These two small and light items can be the gateway between good sleep and bad sleep.
Unfortunately, some people do not know backpacker etiquette and will talk loudly at all hours of the night and flick the light on at silly o’clock when they come back from a bar. Having these two items will soften the blow if you get these kinds of roommates.
A padlock
Padlocks to keep your valuables safe.
A padlock is an essential item to take with you on all travel trips. Most hostels will provide lockers where you can store your valuables. I encourage you not to leave high-priced items on display. While most people are respectful, you can never be too careful.
Water Bottle
CrazyCap water bottle that allows you to drink from anywhere.
In Southeast Asia, you will need to buy bottles of water as their filter system does not purify like in western countries.
I suggest bringing a water bottle like the Beemax to stop your water from getting warm in the humid climate.
Even though these 950ml bottles are heavier, they carry more water, which makes you prepared for most adventures.
If you would rather not buy plastic bottles of water, you can invest in a CrazyCap bottle. I used this in Kenya, and it was brilliant. You can fill this bottle up from a tap, stream, or waterfall; press the button, and the UV technology will kill any bacteria.
Imodium
Imodium in case you get the dreaded Bali belly.
Would you believe me if I told you I have never had bad guts when travelling in Asia? I make sure I eat where the locals eat, that the food is prepared fresh, and I will not buy meat that has been standing out on display.
I also put my luck down to always carrying Imodium in my bag. Chances are, if you don’t have it, you need it.
Travel Wash
A small, 100ml bottle of travel wash is a must. It is easy to use in the sink to wash your delicates. Southeast Asia does have laundry facilities, but sometimes items go missing or get shrunk. I usually do one sink wash, then a laundry facility wash, and repeat.
A sarong
A sarong is a versatile item that should be a staple in any traveller’s bag. Its lightweight fabric and compact size make it easy to pack, while its multiple uses make it incredibly practical. A sarong can be used to cover your legs or shoulders during temple visits, respecting local customs and protecting yourself from the sun. It doubles as a beach cover-up or a soft blanket for relaxing on the sand.
A dry bag
During your time in Southeast Asia, I can guarantee you will be doing a lot of water activities.
Dry bags come in all shapes and sizes. I personally love the brand Vessi. They are not a conventional dry bag brand, but their items are all 100% waterproof, and their bag can double up as a normal day bag.
A waterproof phone case
If you are not ready to splurge on underwater camera equipment, then a waterproof phone case is the perfect alternative. You can take your phone on snorkelling trips, knowing it is safe from the salt water.
Headphones
Like I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of travel time between destinations. I can not go anywhere without my headphones.
What size backpack do I need for travelling Asia?
I will be honest, you will have a love-hate relationship with your backpack, regardless of whether you have a good one or not. This piece of kit will be your home, your wardrobe, and your life for the duration of the trip.
Remember, a backpack is an investment. The cost may be a little shocking in the beginning, but this bag is built to last. My Berghaus was bought in 2016 and has been going strong ever since. I very rarely take a suitcase; it is always my rucksack.
I brought a 60-litre Berghaus that can be compacted down to make the bag smaller. Some Asian airlines will let it go on as carry-on. I usually pack 9kg.
I recently bought a much cheaper carry-on backpack called Asenlin (40L) for smaller trips.
There are a few factors you need to take into consideration before purchasing a backpack.
- Size: If you want to guarantee getting your rucksack on as carry-on you need a backpack that does not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm). 35L-45L should be perfect. If your backpack is a berghaus with a “lid” on it, you can shrink the pack to fit these requirements.
- Comfort: Get a backpack that can be adjusted to your frame. A lot of rucksacks will have adjustable handles, which allow you to pick the height. You also want adjustable hip straps that will help distribute the weight better.
- Design: Do you want the bag to open at the top, or do you want the body to open up? Does it have pockets to add water bottles and smaller items? Can you adjust the straps? These are all questions you want to ask yourself when purchasing a backpack.
- Price: This is not going to be a cheap item; however, it does not need to break the bank. Sometimes you have to pay for quality. If you choose a cheap rucksack, it will still fit its purpose; it just might not last as long.
Here is a list of the best backpacks on the market:
| Brand of Bag: | Litre: | Price: | Best Features |
| Berghaus Womens Wilderness | 60L | £144 | Can be condensed; Bio fit back system to adjust to your frame. |
| Osprey Sojourn Porter Pack | 46L | £155 | Internal and external compression straps, plenty of pockets. |
| Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack | 35L | £154 | Opens out like a suitcase; integrated mesh organisation system. |
What to pack for Asia backpacking
Documents
Remember to pack the following documents for your travels: I personally prefer to have everything printed out, just in case there is a language barrier. My friend didn’t have her visa for Kenya printed, and they denied her, so she had to run around looking for a printer.
- Passport
- Travel insurance: I recommend Safetywing
- Printed visa: Make sure you have the correct visa for entry into the country.
- Drivers Licence.
- Flight details
Medical Kit
I would pack a small medical kit with the basic medications. Obviously, I am not a doctor!
- Bug Spray
- Bite cream
- Imodium
- Ibuprofen
- Plasters
- Antiseptic wipes
- Anti Bac
Day bag / bum bag
To keep your money safe while travelling in Southeast Asia, take a bum bag or a bag that crosses over your body. This will make it harder for robbers to snatch it.
If you take a bag that crosses your body, make sure the opening is facing you and not passersby.
I love the waterproof bum bag from Vessi; it has compartments to store items, it’s 100% waterproof, and it’s small enough to sit nicely.
In my bum bag, I will carry my purse with multiple cards in it (just in case a dodgy ATM swallows my card), my phone, anti-bac, and imodium.
Then take a small day bag with you that can hold your water bottle, your seven eleven snacks, a beach towel, and any souvenirs you buy.
Packing list for backpacking Southeast Asia: Clothing
If you carry light items with you, you will be able to pack more variety. The heavier the items, the less you can take.
This packing list for backpackers can be for a one-month or a six-month trip. It all depends on how light you want to pack!
This is the amount of clothing I took on a three-month trip.
1x long trousers (linen is lighter) 1x long skirt: These are for going to temples, if you are in the jungle and the bugs are everywhere, if you are on a moped and want to protect your skin, or if the AC on the bus is freezing.
2x shorts: One pair of denim and one pair to hike in.
6x tops: All light weight, neutral colours. With a mixture of t-shirts and tank tops.
4x dresses: These are all summer dresses.
1x jumper: Bus drivers crank the AC to arctic temperatures.
1x raincoat: I went to Southeast Asia in April to July which is their wet season. However, it only rained a handful of times and only for an hour-long period.
3x bikinis
10x pairs of underwear
4x pairs of socks
Pair of pyjamas
1x hat
1x sunglasses
Footwear for travelling in Southeast Asia:
- Trainers (that can be hiked in)
- Flip Flops (for the showers!)
- Sandals or Birkenstocks (can be worn comfortably for hours)
Toiletries for travelling in Southeast Asia:
- Soap
- Mini shampoo and conditioner
- Face wash
- Sunscreen (reef friendly)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Eyebrow powder and mascara (you don’t need a full face of makeup)
- Mini micellar water
- Showercap
- Flannel / cotton pads
Electronics for travelling in Southeast Asia:
- Phone and charger
- Camera and memory cards
- Adapter plugs
- Laptop and charger
- Go Pro and charger
- Power Bank
Other things to consider when backpacking in Asia
If you want to save the hassle of looking for individual SIM cards in each country, look into an Esim. Get your Guide offers a range of sims that can be used in different countries while still on the same plan.
If you love your shows and do not want to miss out, have a look into Surf Shark VPN.
Surfshark is the best for whatever your traveling looks like, because with it you can:
- Save money on flights or car rentals;
- Reduce data usage, boost browsing speeds, and lower roaming fees with our CleanWeb feature;
- Stay secure and private in restricted countries with a strict no-logs policy and privacy-focused features;
- Enjoy top-notch encryption and leak protection on public Wi-Fi;
- Navigate geographical and online content limitations during your international travels.
Take a paperback book or download a Kindle book for reading on the beach.
Final Thoughts
Remember, packing light is your secret weapon for conquering Southeast Asia. A lighter load means a happier back, a fatter wallet, and more precious time for unforgettable adventures. From vibrant cities to pristine beaches and ancient temples, this region has it all.
So, ditch the excess, embrace the simplicity, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Southeast Asia. Your journey awaits!
As always, happy exploring!
