Welcome to my Southeast Asia packing list! 

I consider myself a bit of an expert, as I spent 6.5 months backpacking Southeast Asia in 2023. I’ve also visited Bali too often (jokes, there’s no such thing!) and live in a tropical climate. Therefore, I know a thing or two about packing for Southeast Asia. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of things I recommend adding to your Southeast Asia packing list. Some are obvious, but some are things I wish I had taken. 

35+ items to include on your Southeast Asia packing list

Shoes

1. Thongs

Thongs/flip flops/jandals. Whatever you want to call them, you need them in Southeast Asia. Walking down to breakfast? Thongs. Going to the beach or pool? Thongs. Stuck in the rain? Thongs. I will always recommend Havaianas.

Alternatively, try REEF sandals for something more stylish but just as comfortable. You don’t want to know how many pairs of REEF sandals I have at home 😅. They’re perfect for SE Asia as they can take you from the beach to a bar. Shop the range at City Beach in Australia or directly at REEF overseas.

2. Waterproof sneakers

My white leather sneakers from FRANKIE4 have had as much of an adventure as I have! They’re not cheap, but they’re incredibly comfortable and will keep your feet dry if you travel to Southeast Asia during the wet season. But waterproof REEF sandals also help 😉.  

3. Runners

I love going for a morning walk/jog no matter where I am, so I never leave home without my trusty runners/trainers/walking shoes. Whatever you call them! I’m an Asics girlie myself and have bought the same pair of runners for years.

Clothing

4. Cotton clothing

I won’t go into the exact number of items you should pack for South East Asia. That depends on several factors, like how long your trip is and what time of year you’re travelling. But I will recommend packing breathable cotton clothes for Southeast Asia. My SE Asia uniform typically consists of cotton singlets/tank tops and shorts. Roll everything and place them in packing cubes (Aussies, pick up a pack from Kmart). You’ll thank me later!

It’s also helpful to have a cotton dress for going out, although you can pick one up on holiday. The perfect souvenir to take home with you.

5. Bathers

From hotel pools to waterfalls and beautiful beaches, you’ll definitely want to pack bathers/swimsuits for your Southeast Asia backpacking trip. I’d recommend packing at least two sets so you can wear one while the other dries. 

Another helpful item for storing wet bathers is a waterproof dry bag. Amazon has several affordable dry bags. But if you’re in Australia, I got one from Kollab for Christmas, and it’s too cute!

Finally, if you’re participating in prolonged water-based activities, I’d pack a rashguard (this rashguard is similar to my Big W one with a front zipper). I used mine recently on a trip to Gili Trawangan to protect my skin while snorkelling and kayaking. I also found this rashguard set, and I want one 😂.

6. Temple outfit

You’ll undoubtedly visit a temple while travelling Southeast Asia; most require covering your knees and shoulders. I wore wide-legged culottes similar to this style and a striped cotton t-shirt and had no problems. It also doubles as the perfect outfit for travel days, if I don’t say so myself!

Accessories

7. Hat

Another way to protect yourself from the sun is by slapping on a hat! I typically pack a quick-drying hat for morning walks and to wear in and around the pool. I also like to have a wide-brim hat for prolonged walks in the heat.

8. Sunglasses

I’m a glasses girlie, so I always have my prescription glasses with me in Asia. But if you’re lucky and can wear whatever glasses you want, I’d choose a polarised option like these polarised Carrera sunglasses. 

Where to put your travel gear? I used a backpack in my younger years, but now I’m a four-wheel suitcase person. My suitcase didn’t let me down in 6.5 months!

In your handbag

9. Crossbody bag

First, what kind of handbag do you need for SE Asia? I know some people love backpacks, but I prefer my crossbody bag. Mine is a Mooloola handbag from City Beach (this handbag looks similar). It’s a good size that comfortably fits my reusable bag, wallet, water bottle and umbrella. I love that I can place it in front of me in busy areas or when it’s raining!

Now, what should you put inside?

10. Reusable bag

Some Southeast Asian countries have discontinued single-use plastic and plastic bags, but not all of them. So, I strongly recommend bringing a foldable, reusable bag with you and keeping it in your handbag or backpack at all times.

11. Headphones

I got these wireless earbuds from Tozo last Prime Day, and I love them! They’re much more affordable than AirPods (which I’m terrified of losing) but just as good.

12. Hand sanitiser

A particular world event made hand sanitiser a hot commodity. But I strongly recommend bringing some with you (or purchasing it when you arrive). I religiously use it before eating every meal and after touching money. 

13. Umbrella

As someone who grew up in and lives in a tropical climate, I understand wet season. If you visit Southeast Asia during wet season, you’ll want to have an umbrella on hand at all times. You never know when an afternoon storm will roll in. Something like this compact travel umbrella (with a case) is perfect.

14. Power bank

If your phone is your camera, navigator, and travel organiser, your battery will probably drain quickly. I have this portable charger, and I love its slim style. Add it to your South East Asia packing list!

15. eSIM

I used an eSIM from Sim Local on my most recent Bali trip, and I’m obsessed! It’s so easy to use, and I was connected in about a minute. I never had any issues connecting, even while on Gili Trawangan. Sim Local’s global eSIM gives you 10GB across five countries if you’re travelling around SE Asia. 

16. Debit card

One of my overseas clients introduced me to Wise a couple of years ago, and it’s the best travel card. The fees are minimal, the exchange rate is fantastic, and you can have multiple currencies on the go. 

17. Kindle

I am a Kindle girlie (shameless plug for my Bookstagram if you need romance book recommendations 😂). The new Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof (perfect for reading by the pool), anti-glare, and has a great battery life. I have a clear cover on the back of mine protecting stickers, so I use a Kindle sleeve like this to protect it further. 

In your carry-on

Opt for a day pack, or I personally used this exact beach bag. It’s got so many compartments, has comfortable straps, and fits so much inside! I use it regularly, even when not travelling, as it’s such a handy and stylish tote bag.

18. Travel cable organiser

I love my travel cable organiser. It’s lightweight but fits all of my cords and my portable charger.

19. Travel pillow

I got this memory foam travel pillow from Pillow Talk before I left, and I am so glad I did. It rolls into a travel bag but unfolds into the most lush travel pillow you’ll ever find! Here’s an alternative travel pillow for overseas readers. 

20. MacBook Air

This isn’t Southeast Asia-specific. But can I just say how thankful I am for my MacBook Air? It makes such a difference not lugging around a large, heavy laptop, especially if you’re working on the road like I did.

21. Universal travel adapter

I recommend packing a universal travel adapter if you’re travelling to several countries in SE Asia. Different countries have different adapters, and these universal options also have USB ports, making life easier.

22. Extra cash

You can easily get by withdrawing local cash from ATMs or tapping your card. But I recommend having some extra USD or AUD cash stashed in your carry-on for emergencies.

Miscellaneous travel essentials

23. Quick dry towel

Emphasis on quick dry! My travel towel has come in handy on many occasions, especially when I’ve gone to the beach or if I’m staying somewhere that doesn’t offer pool towels. I got mine gifted for one year for Christmas, and it’s from Dock and Bay. Not only does it dry quickly, but it’s large, lightweight and packs into a bag. However, plenty of pretty and affordable quick dry towel alternatives are available.

24. Sleep accessories

I sleep daily with earplugs and an eye mask because I am a terrible sleeper! But if you don’t (I’m jealous), I recommend bringing them when you visit Southeast Asia. It will block out the morning light, noisy roosters, or, you know, a call to prayer. This is my eye mask (overseas alternative). I recommend one with a contoured nose design.

25. Water bottles

On this trip, I brought three bottles/drink holders:

1. A smaller one to fit into my handbag (here’s a foldable option).
2. A bigger insulated water bottle. If you’re a fellow Aussie, I highly recommend Decor. Woolworths and Coles frequently have them for 50% off, which is my stainless steel bottle.
3. An insulated tumbler. Initially, I didn’t think I’d use it on my extended trip, but then I used it daily!

26. Travel cutlery set

A travel cutlery set was something I wish I had taken with me on my prolonged Southeast Asia backpacking trip. The linked set is similar to what I have now, and I love that it includes a reusable straw.

27. Bluetooth luggage tracker

I may have borrowed my parent’s Tile Mate, but how handy is it to just look at an app on your phone to double-check that your suitcase is where it should be? The peace of mind in this day and age is priceless, I tell you! 

28. Spare glasses

If you’re also a glasses girlie, I always pack a spare pair. Because I’ve had glasses break on me multiple times, and there’s nothing worse than that happening while travelling overseas.

Toiletries

29. Sunscreen (and after-sun lotion)

I often apply sunscreen three times a day in SE Asia 😅. My favourite is the Le Tan SPF50+ Coconut Spray. It’s my daily sunscreen at home because it *smells* like I’m on holiday, okay? It’s also very lightweight for 50+, and the spray is fantastic for travelling. It has a clip that keeps the spray handle in place.

Taking an after-sun lotion with you doesn’t hurt, either.

30. Mosquito repellent

While you can buy mosquito repellent in Asia, I recommend bringing the more potent stuff if you can. Roll-on Bushman has got you covered. 

31. SPF lip balm

On my most recent trip, I noticed that I could’ve used an SPF lip balm when spending so much time in and around the water. Learn from my mistakes!

First aid kit

32. Probiotic

I take a probiotic daily in Australia because my stomach appreciates it. So, I brought enough to keep me going in Southeast Asia. I really do think it makes a difference, especially when eating different foods than you’re used to. 

33. Imodium

I hate to say it, but as someone who’s had Bali Belly multiple times (thankfully not in recent years), take the Imodium (or a cheap alternative). I’ve seen other people recommend taking electrolytes. From my experience, you can find something similar in most Southeast Asian countries.

34. Motion sickness tablets

If you get motion sickness, bring Dramamine or an alternative with you!

Documents

35. Passport

Self-explanatory!

36. Passport photos

Depending on where you’re travelling, some countries still ask for passport photos to accompany your visa. So, double-check before jetting off.

37. Travel insurance

Please don’t do a Southeast Asia trip without travel insurance! It really covers all bases – whether your luggage gets lost, you get sick, or your flight is cancelled.

What I don’t think you need to add to your Southeast Asia packing list

Extra cosmetics/skincare

Now, if you have a particular brand you swear by, then by all means, bring it with you. But if you’re backpacking Asia for an extended period, I actually did okay picking up miniature versions of things I’ve needed along the way.

Most places will have mini Pantene or Sunsilk shampoos and conditioners (if you aren’t fussy). I got more night cream in Vietnam, raided Boots in Thailand and picked up replacement makeup from Watsons in Kuala Lumpur.

The complete Southeast Asia packing list!

I hope this ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia helps you pack and plan your trip. If you have any further questions, leave a comment or reach me via Instagram. Happy travels!

Looking for more Southeast Asia travel guides?

• How To Visit Singapore On a Budget
• The Ultimate Bali Solo Travel Guide
• 15 Best Things To Do in Singapore
• What To Do in Ubud
• Ultimate Sanur Travel Guide

Thank you to 1001 Optometry for partnering with me on this post.