Travel tips · Packing
Packing List for Southeast Asia
What we actually carry across 3 months on the road — full pack weight under 8 kg.
You don't need a huge backpack to travel around Southeast Asia. Everything on this list fits into a carry-on backpack, making travel easier, cheaper and more enjoyable.
Plan Your TripBefore you pack
Pack less than you think you'll need
After months of travelling across Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and the Philippines, we've learned one simple lesson: you always pack too much on the first trip.
Most clothing is cheap to buy locally, laundry services are available almost everywhere, and carrying less makes buses, ferries, airports and long walks dramatically easier.
Our setup
The two bags we carry
Main backpack
40L carry-on backpack
Approximate packed weight
7 – 8 kg
Day bag
15 – 20L backpack
Used for
Day trips · flights · water bottle · camera · power bank · passport · snacks
Wardrobe
Clothing checklist
Tops
- ☐5 lightweight t-shirts
- ☐2 vest tops
- ☐1 nicer shirt or blouse
- ☐1 lightweight long-sleeve top (sun and temples)
Bottoms
- ☐3 pairs of shorts
- ☐1 pair of lightweight trousers
- ☐1 gym outfit
- ☐Swimwear
Underwear
- ☐7 pairs underwear
- ☐5 pairs socks
- ☐Sports bra / bras
- ☐Sleepwear
Shoes
- ☐Comfortable trainers
- ☐Flip flops or sandals
- ☐Hiking shoes (only if trekking)
Toiletries
Pack travel-sized versions of…
Most toiletries are widely available throughout Southeast Asia, so there's no need to carry large bottles.
Electronics
- ☐Phone
- ☐Passport
- ☐Charger
- ☐Power bank
- ☐Universal travel adapter
- ☐Charging cables
- ☐Earphones
- ☐Kindle (optional)
- ☐Laptop (if working remotely)
- ☐Camera (optional)
- ☐SD cards
- ☐Smartwatch (optional)
Travel documents
Don't forget:
- ☐Passport
- ☐Travel insurance
- ☐Flight confirmations
- ☐Hotel bookings
- ☐Visa confirmations
- ☐Vaccination documents (if required)
- ☐Emergency contacts
- ☐Digital copies of everything above
Health
Small medical kit
Consult a healthcare professional before travelling and carry medications appropriate for your own needs.
Leave at home
Things you don't need
Nearly everything on this list can be bought cheaply in Southeast Asia if you genuinely need it once you're there.
Depending on your trip
Optional extras
Digital nomads
- •Laptop stand
- •Mouse
- •External SSD
- •Keyboard
Beach lovers
- •Dry bag
- •Snorkel mask
- •Microfibre towel
Hikers
- •Lightweight rain jacket
- •Trekking socks
- •Head torch
Content creators
- •Tripod
- •Camera
- •Drone (where permitted)
- •Extra batteries
Why you can travel light
Laundry in Southeast Asia
One of the biggest reasons you can travel this light is because laundry services are everywhere — in hostels, hotels and dedicated wash-and-fold shops on almost every street.
Typical turnaround
24 hours
Typical prices
Very affordable compared to Western countries — prices vary by country and service.
The maths
Backpack weight breakdown
| Category | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Backpack | 1.2 kg |
| Clothes | 2.5 kg |
| Toiletries | 0.8 kg |
| Electronics | 2.0 kg |
| Documents & misc | 0.8 kg |
| Total | Under 8 kg |
Exact weights vary depending on gear and personal preferences.
Field-tested
Pro packing tips
- Roll clothes instead of folding
- Use packing cubes
- Wear your heaviest shoes on flights
- Download maps before travelling
- Keep valuables in your day bag
- Carry a reusable water bottle
- Leave room for souvenirs
- Pack versatile clothing that mixes and matches
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