SOUTH EAST ASIA COMPLETE PACKING LIST
Everyone travels differently. This list covers the essentials for South East Asia - add personal items, medications (make sure they are allowed in each country), or tech you need specifically.
THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR SOUTH EAST ASIA:
(we've backpacked across the region countless times. Here is our tried, tested and perfected South East Asia packing list)
(Scroll to the bottom for your free printable checklist!)
Bags
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50 - 70 L backpack
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Small backpack / day bag
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Man bag / fanny pack​​
Toiletaries
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Shower gel
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Deodorant
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Trimmer / razor
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Nail clippers
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Sunscreen (A lot of sunscreen sold out in SEA has whitening products mixed in)
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Insect repellent
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Woman hygiene products (if needed)
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Small med kit (Plasters and painkillers)
What not to take
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Water bottle (Not many places to refill, so you'll be buying water bottles daily anyway and its clunky to carry around.
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Toiletries to last the whole trip (All first time travellers seem to forget - THERE ARE SHOPS out there. Don't weigh your bag down by taking months worth of body wash or toothpaste!)
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Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector (You do not need this in the slightest. Hostels in South East Asia are extremely safe. Put your small bag with your passport and important / expensive items in the locker provided and your main bag can stay on the floor of the hostel or in the locker if it fits.
Essentials
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Passport​
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Travel bank cards X2 (​We recommend Starling and Wise)
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Phone​
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Phone charger​
Tech
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Universal travel adapter
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Power bank
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Earphones
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Spare phone
Extras
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Packing cubes
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Passport holder
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Wire padlocks
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Microfibre towel
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Water proof phone case
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Print out of your travel insurance
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Print out of your passport
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Spare passport photos
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Goggles
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Aftersun
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Dry bag (If you’re going in a group at least one person having one would be ideal)
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Book (Not essential)
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Eye mask (Not essential)
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Ear plugs (Not essential)
Underwear
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7 underwear
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7 pairs of socks
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1 Sleepwear if worn
Bottoms
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1 cotton shorts
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2 sports shorts
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1 light weight smarter shorts
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2 swim shorts / swimwear
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1 lightweight trousers
Tops
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4 t-shirts
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3 vests
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1 long sleeve t shirt
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1 lightweight rain jacket
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1 Jumper / hoodie
Accessories
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Sunglasses
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Cap
Footwear
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Trainers
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Sliders / flip flops / sandals