Complete Southeast Asia Packing List (For Men & Women)
In this post, I’m going to share with you our detailed packing list for Southeast Asia that we used when we spent three months travelling the region.
This packing list was written by both Becca and me, so we include detailed lists for both men and women.
When we were planning for our trip, I found this kind of list useful to make sure we hadn’t forgotten anything, and we used them as the basis of our list. I hope you’ll find this one just as useful!
We have also gone back and edited this list after the trip, adding in things we needed, and removing those we didn’t use. All edits made are in green.
So without further ado, let’s work our way through what to pack for three months in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia Packing List
Men’s List
- Osprey Farpoint 70 Rucksack
- PRO Packing Cubes
- Karrimor Drybag 25l
- Nike Free Run Shoes
- Reef HT, Men’s Flip Flop
- 4 x T-Shirts. My favourites are Under Armour Charged Lock-Up
- 3 x Shorts
- Swimming Shorts
- Kathmandu Men’s Federate Trousers
- Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
- 8 x Boxer Shorts. Under Armour Boxerjocks
- 10 x Socks. A mix of Altura Coolmax (thin) | Altura Thermolite (thick) | Bridgedale (liner socks, very thin)
- Mac in a Sac (Regatta)
- Fleece (Craghoppers Micro Fleece)
- Sunglasses (Ballo Handmade Wooden Sunglasses)
- Washbag (H&S Hanging Washbag)
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Shaving Gel & Razor plus Spare Blades
- Hairbrush
- 2 x Inhalers
- Chapstick
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Suncream
Women’s List
- Osprey Farview 70 Women’s Rucksack
- PRO Packing Cubes
- Flip Flops (Havaianas Flip Flops)
- Sandals
- Nike Flex Trainers
- 3 x Shorts. 1 x Sports Shorts Under Armour Play Up, 1 x Denim Shorts, 1 x Linen Shorts
- 1 x Linen Trousers. 1 x Plain Elephant Pants
- 2 x Linen Long Sleeve Shirts
- 6 x Strappy Tops
- 3 x T-Shirts
- 1 x Maxi Dress
- 1 x Beach Dress
- 1 x Bikini
- 1 x Swim Suit
- 10 x Underwear
- 3 x Bra (1 Sports Bra)
- 5 x Ankle Sports Socks
- 1 x Thin Cotton Scarf
- Mac in a Sack
- Sunglasses
- Hie Travel Washbag
- Deodorant (inside washbag)
- Shampoo (inside washbag)
- Razor
- Hairbrush (inside washbag)
- Chapstick (inside washbag)
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste (inside washbag)
- Suncream (inside washbag)
- Contact Lens Solution
- Tampons
- Diva Cup
- Obsession Make Up Pallet
- Travel Mascara and Travel Eyeliner
- Facial Moisturiser
- Hair Clips
- Wet Wipes
- Micro-Fibre Flannel
Accessories
- Bedtime Bliss Eye Mask
- Rolson Travel Clothes Line
- ECOdept Microfibre Travel Towel
- Leatherman Wave & New Wave Nylon Leatherman Pouch
- Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand
- Passport !!
- Uni Ball Jetstream Pens
Electronics and Cases
- Petzl Tikkina Headlamp
- iPhone 7 Plus
- Waterproof Sealable iPhone Case with Strap
- Travel Adapter
- Power Bank (Anker Powercore 20100 High Capacity Power Bank)
- Camera (Sony a5100 Mirrorless Camera with a Zenness PU Leather Case)
- Amazon Kindle E-Reader
- Laptop (Apple MacBook Pro 13″ 2013 Model with a Aqua Quest Monsoon Waterproof/Padded Laptop Case)
- Mobile Internet (TEP Wireless Device)
- Cable Organiser (Bagsmart Travel Cable Organiser)
- Headphones (Rhythmz Harmony 3)
- Memory Cards (2 x SanDisk Ultra SDHC Memory Card 32gb)
- Phone Cable (Anker Braided iPhone Cable)
- Micro USB Cables (2 x Anker Braided Micro-USB Cables)
- Headphone Splitter
- Folding Dual USB Plug
- Retractable USB Mouse
- HD Cable
- Flash Drive (Sandisk USB Flash Drive)
First Aid Kit
- First Aid Kit Bag (Lifeventure Travel Washbag)
- Hand Sanitiser
- Insect Repellant Spray (3 x Trek Pyramid 55% Deet Mosquito Repellant)
- Insect Repellant Wipes (Ben’s Insect Repellant Wipes)
- Germoline
- Painkillers
- Imodium
- Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream
- A mix of Bandages, Plasters, Gauzes, Eye Pads
- Saline Solution
- Vinyl Gloves
- Blister Plasters
- 32 x Nurofen
- 24 x Imodium
- 20 x Rennies
- 10 x Cold and Flu
- 10 x Rehydration Sachets
Men’s Southeast Asia Packing List (Detailed)
Bags & Packing
- Osprey Farpoint 70 Rucksack (not pictured)
THE rucksack for backpack travel. A large main bag, with a clip-on daysack meaning you don’t always have to take your big bag with you. The top of the bag zips open, suitcase-suitcase style for easy packing. The straps can be packed away so they don’t get caught in luggage carousels, and there are lots of handles that turn it a suitcase when needed. - PRO Packing Cubes (not pictured)
Until I started using packing cubes I wondered what all the fuss was about, now I’ll never look back. They organise your bag so you can quickly find what you need, without unpacking everything. They barely add any weight, but add lots of convenience. - Karrimor Drybag 25l (just below sleep-mask)
Just in case of monsoon style rains, or days at the beach. Also useful to hold washing.
Footwear and Clothing
- Nike Free Run Shoes
All black, including the logo, so they look very smart. Also incredibly comfortable with a cushioned sole. - Reef HT, Men’s Flip Flop
Super-grippy and comfortable. - 4 x T-Shirts. My favourites are Under Armour Charged Lock-Up
- 3 x Shorts
All with ‘jean style’ pockets which are much harder to pickpocket. - Swimming Shorts
- Kathmandu Men’s Federate Trousers
These are the best travel trousers I have found. They look smart – like a pair of chinos – but they are stretchy and quick-drying with lots of zippable pockets. - Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
- 8 x Boxer Shorts. Under Armour Boxerjocks
Quick-drying, comfortable and don’t chafe like cotton boxers can. - 5 x Socks. A mix of Altura Coolmax (thin) | Altura Thermolite (thick) | Bridgedale (liner socks, very thin)
- Regatta ‘Mac in a Sac’
Perfect for Southeast Asia where the rain is intermittent at this time of year. Merino Wool BuffRemoved as I did not use this once.- Craghoppers Micro Fleece
- Ballo Handmade Wooden Sunglasses
Accessories
- Bedtime Bliss Eye Mask
I always take an eye mask travelling. Sleeping on a plane is hard, and you never know when you’re going to get a room with a streetlight right outside! I’ve tried a number of different types, but like this one because it’s indented, meaning the mask isn’t sitting right against your eyes. - Sawyer SP128 Mini Water Filtration System
This is really handy, as it screws onto the top of most plastic water bottles. It is very light and will filter around 10,000 gallons of water. We did not use this at all on the trip. Bottled water was easy to find and we were rarely that far away from the backpacking routes. - Rolson Travel Clothes Line
This has suckers and hooks, so you’ll always find a way to secure it. - ECOdept Microfibre Travel Towel
Super absorbent, but packs down much smaller than a regular towel. - Leatherman Wave & New Wave Nylon Leatherman Pouch
I like this version of the Leatherman because it has the scissors tool, which is really handy on the move but is not included in all the models. It is also great value for something that will last a long time. - Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand
I do a lot of my planning using travel blogs, however, I do find it useful to have a guidebook to hand and the Lonely Planet ones are the best for information in my opinion. - Passport !!
- Uni Ball Jetstream Pens
I like to write in notebooks, as well as on the laptop. These pens are brilliant, really smooth to write with and cheap to buy. Much better than struggling with a biro.
Electronics & Cases
- Petzl Tikkina Headlamp
Small, light and with three brightness settings depending on what you need. Runs on 3 x AAA batteries, so easy to get more on the move. - iPhone 7 Plus (not pictured)
I switched to an iPhone plus this year for the extra battery life and improved camera. It’s vital with the right apps. - Waterproof Sealable iPhone Case with Strap
Perfect for the Asian rainy season, and also for hiding your phone out of your pockets if needed. - Travel Adapter
- Anker Powercore 20100 High Capacity Power Bank
Enough juice to recharge a phone seven times from scratch, and two USB sockets. - Sony a5100 Mirrorless Camera with a Zenness PU Leather Case
We debated long and hard about whether to take a camera on our trip or just use our phones. We decided that we wanted the extra photo quality, and we thought having to sort through the photos daily would mean we would keep our photo-taking a bit more in control. Mirrorless cameras are great, a small version of a DSLR meaning you have the benefits of switching lenses at a compact camera size. This camera will grow with us, and adapt to different environments. - Amazon Kindle E-Reader
- Apple MacBook Pro 13″ 2013 Model with a Aqua Quest Monsoon Waterproof/Padded Laptop Case
As a blogger, I always have my laptop with me. It’s also really useful to backup photos as we go. I needed a case that would protect it from the humid weather, and this one by Aqua Quest was the best I could find. Completely waterproof, but also well padded to save your laptop from the inevitable bumping around it will get on the road. - TEP Wireless Device (on top of MacBook)
Small unit that allows you to create wireless networks wherever you are for up to five devices. You can have a contract, or pay by the day. Can be a better solution than buying a local SIM card, as it works off of the phone networks, so can be activated anywhere there is signal.
Washstuff
- H&S Hanging Washbag
- Deodorant (inside washbag)
- Shampoo (inside washbag)
- Shaving Gel & Razor plus Spare Blades (inside washbag)
- Hairbrush (inside washbag)
- 2 x Inhalers (inside washbag)
- Chapstick (inside washbag)
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste (inside washbag)
- Suncream (inside washbag)
Cables & Electronic Accessories
- Bagsmart Travel Cable Organiser
It’s a bit geeky, but I always keep my cables well organised. This travels with me to work every day, so I’ve always got everything with me. - Rhythmz Harmony 3 Headphones
These headphones are great because they have adjustable earbuds, which also block out a lot of noise. A often use them as earplugs instead of headphones. - 2 x SanDisk Ultra SDHC Memory Card 32gb
- Anker Braided iPhone Cable
- 2 x Anker Braided Micro-USB Cables
- Headphone Splitter
You’ll be amazed how often these come in handy when travelling with other people. - Folding Dual USB Plug
This is a brilliant idea for travel, a USB plug where the pins fold in to for easy packing. It has 2 USB ports which is a blessing if you only have a single travel adapter. - Retractable USB Mouse
Sometimes you need a bit more control than a mousepad gives you, so I always carry a USB mouse with me - HD Cable
If you get a room with a TV, a HD cable is useful to view your photos on a bigger screen - Sandisk USB Flash Drive
A flash drive is useful to have in case you need to backup key documents, or download something at an internet cafe.
First Aid Kit
We bought this first aid kit as a base, and then took out of it the non-essential things, and added in our own items. We also removed it from the hard case and put it into a travel washbag that packed down easier and had more compartments..
- Lifeventure Travel Washbag
- Hand Sanitiser
- 3 x Trek Pyramid 55% Deet Mosquito Repellant
Don’t go cheap on this stuff. The higher quality you buy, the less chance you have of being uncomfortable due to bites. It’s expensive in Asia, so take as much as you can fit in. - Ben’s Insect Repellant Wipes
Sometimes much easier to use than spray, and incredibly well named 😉 - Germoline
- Painkillers
- Imodium
- Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream
- A mix of Bandages, Plasters, Gauzes, Eye Pads etc from the First Aid Kit.
- Saline Solution
- Vinyl Gloves
- Blister Plasters
TABLETS
- 32 x Nurofen
- 24 x Imodium
- 20 x Rennies
Heartburn and indigestion tablets. - 10 x Colf and Flu
Just in case - 10 x Rehydration Sachets
Most places will sell Gatorade or Lucozade, but these are really handy if you get very ill.
Women’s Southeast Asia Packing List (Detailed)
I’ve tried not to duplicate any content here, only add in what was unique for my wife’s packing. Alot of the sections above are shared between the two of us I.E. the electronics, first aid kit tablets etc
The below should be used in conjunction with the above list if you are going on a solo tour of Southeast Asia.
Bags & Packing
See above.
Becca used exactly the same bag brand, though their is a women’s specific version caller the Osprey Women’s Fairview. All the other features are the same, it’s just slightly shorter to make it comfortable. She also used the same type of packing cubes and dry bag I did.
Footwear and Clothing
- Havaianas Flip Flops
- Sandals
Similar to flip flops, however these had more support and were prettier so that they could be worn on an evening out. - Nike Flex Trainers
- 3 x Shorts. 1 x Sports Shorts Under Armour Play Up, 1 x Denim Shorts, 1 x Linen Shorts
Denim Shorts are seen to be a controversial move – due to their weight and lack of drying ability. With all of this aside, Becca wanted to take some as they were fashionable (think of the Instagram pics!), more robust and comfortable. Sport shorts are great for travel as they can be used for sleeping in, working out in and dry quickly if wet. - 1 x Linen Trousers. 1 x Plain Elephant Pants.
Trousers are useful for travelling in, and linen ones give you the advantages of being cooler whilst still being smart. Many temples, expect you to have knees covered so these were ideal for Becca when we were out for long excursions. Elephant pants are a right of passage when traveling Thailand, not only are they breathable but are comfortable for both lounging around in and travelling. Becca wore these on the plane to Thailand, however many wait to buy a few pairs when they arrive. - 2 x Linen Long Sleeve Shirts
Becca hates having her arms uncovered so these gave her the cover up option that she wanted without them being to heavy, they also were useful when visiting temples, on the beach and adding extra layers on buses and trains. - 6 x Strappy Tops
Various colours and fabrics. It is so easy to buy new tops in Southeast Asia, that taking fewer tops would have been fine, however Becca wanted to make sure that she had some that she felt comfortable in and that could be dressed up and down depending on the occasion. - 3 x T-Shirts
Quick drying basic t-shirts. Offers shoulders some protection after a heavy day of sun. - 1 x Maxi Dress
- 1 x Beach Dress
Becca took a black beach dress that was able to be dressed up with a scarf for evenings, but could also be worn durning the day on the beach. The key to packing is to take clothing that is versatile in its use. This was one of those pieces. - 1 x Bikini
Can also double up as more underwear if needs be. - 1 x Swim Suit
Although bikinis are accepted in Southeast Asia, some areas are still conservative in their views on beach attire. A swim suit was not only a good way to feel comfortable in some of these areas, it was also more suitable for some of the more active activities that we faced. - 10 x Underwear
Pack as little or as much as you want. However Southeast Asia is known for petite women and many of our friends advised us to take enough so that we wouldn’t have the hassle of finding underwear out there. Again Becca took a selection of underwear but all were comfortable, light weight and quick drying. - 3 x Bra (1 Sports Bra)
Key is to take plain comfortable underwear. Becca packed 1 navy bra, one grey and a white sports bra that could go under any of her tops. - 5 x Ankle Sports Socks
- 1 x Thin Cotton Scarf
Used as a cover up for temples, and on the beach. - Mac in a Sack
Perfect for Southeast Asia where the rain is intermittent at this time of year. - Sunglasses
Accessories
See above.
We both had the same brand of microfibre towels, and the rest of the accessories were used between us and did not require more than one (other than the passport obviously!!).
Electronics & Cases
See above.
Becca and I shared the electronics between us. She decided not to bring a Kindle as she prefers reading on her iPhone. We both have exactly the same phone models, and bought identical waterproof cases to protect them.
In addition:
- Elie Mini Travel Straighteners with Storage Bag
Much smaller than normal straighteners and with dual voltage for world-wide use. A luxury item, but doesn’t take up alot of space.
Washstuff
- Hie Travel Washbag
- Deodorant (inside washbag)
- Shampoo (inside washbag)
- Razor
- Hairbrush (inside washbag)
- Chapstick (inside washbag)
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste (inside washbag)
- Suncream (inside washbag)
- Contact Lens Solution
- Tampons
- Diva Cup
Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. It not only saves space but also is good for the environment and can be a great cost saving. They require some practise before travel, but can give you 12 hours of protection without the need to change them. Ideal for when you are nowhere near a toilet. - Obsession Make Up Pallet
Really useful for travel. Buy the pallet which has 6 or 12 spaces, and they you purchase individual modules to fit into it. For example Becca bought: 2 x eye shadows, a bronzer, a blusher, a highlighter and eyebrow powder. - Travel Mascara and Travel Eyeliner
- Facial Moisturiser
- Hair Clips
- Wet Wipes
- Micro-Fibre Flannel
Cables & Electronic Accessories
See above.
First Aid Kit
See above.
AUTHOR – BEN REEVE
Reeves Roam, is a first-hand travel blog. The Reeves have lived in the UK, South Africa and Australia and have travelled extensively in Europe and Southeast Asia.
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Thanks – Ben, Becca and Gracie