This is the ultimate Southeast Asia packing list for female backpackers who like (or need) to travel light.
Visiting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam or Cambodia, but no sure what to pack?
I spent 3 months in southeast Asia with only 7kg of luggage, and here is exactly how I did it.
If you follow this packing list, you won’t have to worry about luggage fees AND you’ll have space left over for souvenirs!
In this post, we’ll explore the essential packing list to make sure you’re well-prepared for Southeast Asia’s diverse weather.
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What is the weather like in Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asia likes to keep things spicy (and tricky for light packers), so the region often experiences a variety of weather at the same time.
Although November to February is widely considered to be the best time to travel in southeast Asia, the weather can be highly diverse and unpredictable. For example, in January you will experience chilly temperatures of 15°C in Vietnam’s north while it is a tropical 35°C in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
In general, expect warm, humid temperatures, so light, breathable and versatile clothing is a must.
The region experiences monsoon weather from May to October, with sticky temperatures and frequent rainfall. It’s always useful to pack a rain jacket or small umbrella if travelling during or close to these months.
Although we both want to, I personally recommend not bringing any sweaters; perhaps only a compact, lightweight one that you can wear in the airport.
There are rarely any situations that call for a jumper, and if it really is that cold, I guarantee you’ll find someone’s grandma desperate to sell you one.
Backpack vs Suitcase?
Ah, the age-old debate: should you travel with a backpack or a suitcase?
The answer to that lies in what kind of trip you want to do.
I prefer a backpack because I like to traverse long distances and move cities frequently. Backpacks make it easier to use transport and walk to your accommodations.
I also don’t need a lot of clothes to survive, so I am happy with a carry-on size backpack.
Suitcases are suited to longer, slower travel. If you are spending a long time in each destination and need more clothing, then suitcase is the way to go.
Miscellaneous Bags: Do you need them?
Money belt
Money belts are another controversial travel bag.
They are small, flat waist bags that are designed to be discreetly worn under clothing.
Some people say they are annoying and unnecessary, however, I think there is a time and place for them.
Money belt are useful when travelling, I mean literally travelling: when moving destinations via plane, bus, boat or train.
I can put my valuables like my passport, bank cards and money in there, tuck it into my pants, and relax knowing that no one will swipe them when I’m busy sleeping or sorting out my other belongings.
Fanny Pack
Fanny packs have become all the rage recently, but I’m not really sure if I’m on the bandwagon.
They create a false sense of security because they are so easy for others to unbuckle or unzip without you knowing.
They also serve as a huge red flag, letting everyone know that you’re a tourist and that you’ve got some valuables on you.
If you’re looking for something to store your valuables like passport and money, I’d recommend a money belt over a fanny pack. They are far safer and far more discreet.
However, while it’s not entirely honest, fanny packs are useful for storing extra items that don’t quite fit into your baggage allowance (why does my portable charger weigh 500g??)
Purse
A purse with a thick shoulder strap is a must-have item for any travels.
I use mine both during the day when exploring the city and at night while hitting the town.
My bag is the one pictured above and I love it because it is quite spacious; I can fit a drink bottle AND snacks in there!
I wouldn’t recommend bringing a nice purse that is fancy or that you really love; you don’t want to make yourself a target for theft, and besides, it will probably end up dirty!
Day Backpack
A day backpack is a necessary item for any traveller.
You’ll use it the while travelling on plane, hiking or going on day trips.
I personally use a FjallRaven Kanken (classic size) because it is the perfect dimensions to pass as a ‘personal item’ on most airlines.
You can fit a surprising amount in there!
southeast asia Packing List
As a backpacker, I always try to bring less than I think I’ll need.
Try to remember that you’re going to be able find anything you need when you arrive in southeast Asia, so if you forget something, who cares!
PLUS, we need space in case we want to bring souvenirs home!
It doesn’t matter how long I’m travelling for, whether it be one week or six months, I always pack enough clothing for one week.
Washing machines exist, and in southeast Asia, it is so easy to find affordable laundry services.
Clothing
I pack enough clothing to last me one week, so that is what I have listed for this southeast Asia packing list.
If you can fit a couple more small tops then do it, because Asia is really sticky and hot. You might want (or actually need) to change clothes multiple times a day.
- 8 x tops (variety of tee-shirts and singlet tops)
- White button-up over-shirt
- 2 x nicer evening tops
- 2 x maxi skirts
- Linen pants
- Flowy shorts
- Mini black skirt for going out
- 2 x dresses
- 10+ underwear (can’t have too many)
- Bra
- 5 x socks
- Set of sleepwear
- Hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight scarf (for covering up at temples)
- 3 x bikinis (as many as you like)
Shoes
- Versatile sandals for day and night
- Everyday sneakers
- Shower shoes (Flip flops/thongs/crocs/plastic Birkenstocks work)
Travel Essentials
SIM cards: I swear by E-sims like Airalo and Gigago which you can install BEFORE travelling. This saves you the stress of running around to find one while jet-lagged or from being ripped off by local vendors. E-sims are perfect for backpackers who are travelling to multiple destinations in a short period of time.
Insurance: You should NEVER go overseas without getting travel insurance. We hope everything goes as planned, but there is always a chance you might get injured or your plans change. I personally always use Covermore, because the cover is super comprehensive and they were easy to work with when I needed to make a claim.
Banking: Free international transactions are a must when travelling. I use Up Bank, an online Australian bank, that allows fee-free overseas transactions, unlimited savings ‘pools’ and payments in any currency without needing to exchange. If you’re Aussie, join Up with my QR code we both get $14! Two similar and very popular options include Wise and Revolut.
Toiletries
I store my toiletries in a small hanging bag, I use this one from Lapoche (pictured above).
TIP: Bring some small zip-lock bags to store items that might or already have exploded!
- Body/Face Wash (I find bar soap to take up less space)
- Shampoo (I’ve been experimenting with Ethique shampoo bars – so far so good)
- Conditioner
- 100mL toothpaste
- Toothbrush and Container
- 100mL facial moisturiser
- Roll-on deodorant
- 100mL sunscreen
- Nail clippers
- Razor
- Hairbrush
- Spare hairbands/accessories
- Optional: small perfume
Optional: Makeup
As I’ve mentioned, southeast Asia is really hot and sticky, so don’t plan on wearing a lot of makeup.
Makeup is always optional but it can help me feel my best sometimes, especially on nights out.
I learnt from my most recent trip to Thailand that I don’t need to bring blush; sunburn gives me a rosy glow for free.
- Concealer
- Powder
- Blush
- 2 Small brushes (I break the heads off old brushes to save space when travelling; what do I need the handle for?)
- Mascara
- Eyelash Curler
- Eyebrow Brush
- Optional: small pack of makeup wipes (water works fine)
First Aid Kit
First aid supplies are so underrated and often forgotten by travellers.
While you can always buy most of this stuff in Singapore, I like to bring a small amount.
I store most of it in a kit in my main luggage, but I also pack a small case in my purse. This is helpful when I’m out exploring town and I need something.
- Bandaids of various sizes
- Small bandage
- Antiseptic ointment (I like Soov or Betadine [Povidone-iodine] to clean small cuts)
- Mosquito repellant
- Loperamide – antidiarrheal medication
- Metoclopramide – to stop nausea and vomiting
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Antihistamines
- Travel Sickness tablets (I like TravaCalm)
- Hand sanitiser
- Optional: contraceptives
Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Southeast Asia
- Microfibre towel
- Laundry bag
- Small rain jacket
- Locks for hostel lockers
- Phone charger
- Plug adapter (Type C, A and G are the most popular, so get a universal adapter)
- Portable battery pack
- Earphones
- Passport
- Photocopies of passport
- Printed proof of exit (required by airlines for Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia)
- Printed copy of your rough itinerary (useful at border control)
If you follow this Southeast Asia packing list, you’ll be able to travel for any amount of time across Asia without worrying about luggage fees.
Now, go ahead and book that insanely cheap non-refundable carry-on luggage only flight and rest easy knowing we got you!
Let me know below if you have any hacks or tricks to travelling light!
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