20 Must-Haves For A Trip To Southeast Asia

Traveling in Southeast Asia rhymes with adventure, discovery and culture shock and if you’ve never been to this part of the world, you’re missing out on something unique and exciting! Its cultural diversity, rich heritage sites and breathtaking scenery are what make it so famous, and why so many travelers can’t stay away for too long!

But as with any trip, the question is: “what should I pack?”. Well, worry no more and let me give you my 20 must-haves to take with you when exploring Southeast Asia!

Save it for later!

1. Sunscreen

Do you want to look like a lobster or enjoy your holidays to the full without having to spread Aloe Vera all over your body? If so, don’t forget to buy some sunscreen so you don’t regret the burns, sore spots and itching later!

And, please apply it regularly, even on cloudy days, as you may not see the sun and think it’s a waste of product, but the sun always has its rays on you, believe me.

You should also consider buying a mineral sunscreen, not a chemical one, because these aren’t as effective or healthy. Eco-friendly products are also best if you want to help protect our oceans and reefs!

2. Sarong

It’s probably one of the must-haves I can’t live without, thanks to its versitality of use and lightweight fabric. Heading to the beach and don’t have a towel? No problem, use your sarong! Need to cover up in the evening because it’s a bit chilly? The sarong again!

Plus, you can turn it into a skirt, a dress, use it as a blanket on the plane – whatever use you can imagine, the sarong has it all! And the best part is, whether you like classic designs or bright colors, there’s something for everyone! Let’s not forget that’s easy to pack in any suitcase too!

3. Dry bag

Are you traveling solo and don’t know how to enjoy a dip in the sea without constantly worrying about your belongings left on the sand? I’ve got you covered!

Invest in a dry bag (or waterproof bag) and forget about hiding your valuables under your towel, in a diaper (yes, that’s one of the commonly used methods, I mean who would be crazy enough to touch that?), or in the sand as not only will you be able to put your phone, money and other stuff in it, but the bag will keep them totally dry, hence the name!

Quite a life-changing tool, if you ask me! And you can of course use it for all your water adventures!

Here’s a great quality dry bag option for you!

4. Power bank

If I had to pick one item to absolutely include in your packing list, it would most likely be this one! Because, let’s be honest, who hasn’t needed extra juice when traveling abroad? Well, I have and still do!

In addition to giving a second life to your dying phone, it will also, and probably more than once, be the essential you’ll need in dire situations: hiking, camping, lost in the middle of nowhere..!

So do yourself a favor and invest in this external battery for your peace of mind!

5. Lightweight pants

Ever heard of Southeast Asia’s crazy humidity? If not, get ready to feel sticky, sweaty and uncomfortable, and if you think wearing jeans or polyester or nylon materials are going to cut it, you’re very much mistaken!

Opt instead for those lightweight pants you’ll find everywhere in the markets, or buy some in cotton or linen in advance.

Once you’ve tried them on and seen how comfortable and breathable they are, I’m pretty sure you’ll want to wear them all summer long, or even when you’re at home!

6. Mosquito repellent

You may like vampire stories, but I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that you hate mosquitoes. I mean, is there even a single person on Earth who loves them??

Plus, if you’re like me and have delicous blood, you’ve hit the jackpot as these little insects won’t stop eating you until they’ve had their fill. Your best chance of enjoying your vacation without needing to scratch yourself until you bleed and scar all over your body is to buy mosquito repellent!

Prefer DEET-based products for greater effectiveness, and spray it not only on your bare skin but also on your clothes, because fabrics don’t stop mosquitoes, unless you’re wearing leather (not recommended in hot weather, though)!

7. Microfiber towel

Easy to carry, lighweight, quick-drying and highly absorbent, it’s a must-have for your trip to Southeast Asia!

Roll it, pack it and enjoy every adventure with this essential!

8. Swimwear

Of course, you can’t plan a trip to some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen without bringing along your favorite swimwear! Whether you like to embark on water adventures, lounge on the sand or explore underwater treasures, make sure you pack the swimsuit that best suits your needs!

9. Snorkeling gear

Buying or renting snorkeling gear on a trip can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re a bit of a germaphobe, because you never know who’s used it before you, or even if it’s been properly washed.

Besides, if you’re like me and have a small head, good luck finding one that fits perfectly (kids’ sizes are too small, adults too big). Your best bet: to take your own equipment with you, as you already know that it’s the best, and you won’t have to share it with strangers!

No more time wasted trying out different gear or bargaining rental prices!

10. Adapter

Don’t want to find yourself without a way to charge your favorite gadgets? Don’t forget to pack an adapter! Always check which one you need before you leave, and opt for a non bulky-travel adapter – even more so if you’re visiting countries with the same plug.

Forget universal adapters if you don’t intend to travel to many countries, as they’re more expensive and take up space in your luggage that could be used for other must-haves!

11. Reusable water bottle

If you want to save money, here’s one of the best tips I can’t stress enough: bring your own reusable water bottle!

You’re going through airport security and you’re thirsty, but you’re frightened by the astronomical prices displayed in the store? There’s no need to spend a day’s budget on a small water with your reusable bottle, which you can fill from the fountains available at most airports.

This vital item will also quickly become your best friend on local excursions, hikes, shopping…

Here’s my eco-friendly reusable water bottle that accompanies me on all my adventures.

12. First aid kit

The must-have of all must-haves! If I have one big piece of advice to give you, it’s to never travel abroad without a first aid kit, and this is perhaps even truer for Southeast Asia! Why? Maybe because the heat, the way of cooking and the hygiene are most likely not what you’re used to, so let me tell you that the chances of getting a stomachache, for example, are pretty high! And not just stomachache, but diarrhea too, sorry!

Clumsy? Here again, your savior: the first aid kit! The real indispensable for all your trips!

Keep it light, though, and inform yourself about what types of medication might be prohibited in the country you’re visiting beforehand.

13. Comfortable shoes

The best way to explore and discover a place is to walk, of course! But blisters and sore feet are probably not what you have in mind when you think of the perfect vacation.

That’s why you should pack comfortable shoes that will take you everywhere!

Pack at least 2 or 3 pairs of shoes, depending on the activities you’re planning: flip flops for the beach and shower, comfortable sandals with good support for walking all day, and hiking shoes for the toughest terrain.

You can also buy water shoes if you intend to go kayaking or to avoid cutting yourself on rocks if the water bottom is rocky!

14. Light raincoat

You never know when traveling in Southeast Asia! Whether it’s a quick shower or a storm, the weather can be quite unpredictable, especially if you visit during monsoon season! I can already hear you calling me crazy, but why plan my trip during the worst season, you might ask? Well, firstly because there will be far fewer tourists, you’ll get lower prices and you know what, sometimes you’d be surprised how little it actually rains depending on where you are.

Also, I’ve been to Indonesia twice and decided to go during one of the best periods for the second time and you know what happened? It rained a lot, even though it wasn’t monsoon season, proving that you never know so it’s better to pack a light raincoat to avert a crisis.

Or you can embrace the rain, dance in it, and enjoy the feeling of freshness it brings, even more so when it’s hot and humid outside!

15. Waterproof phone case & Passport cover

Heavy rains or not, high temperatures and humidity won’t be your passport’s best friends. So you should at least buy a passport cover (waterproof or not, the choice is up to you) to protect the pages of your precious document. And don’t forget to keep it in a safe, dry place!

As for your phone, it might be a good idea to invest in a waterproof case, particularly if you’re planning a lot of water-based activities and don’t want to have to buy a new phone because yours accidentally fell into the water while you were capturing memorable moments on a kayaking adventure.

16. Action camera

If you love the underwater world as much as me, or extreme adventures, a phone will never do quite as well as an action camera. Plus, you don’t always have to hold it in your hands, thanks to all the extra gadgets it contains!

The quality and stability are better too. And don’t forget that if you ever break your phone while filming a video, you can say goodbye to your payment methods, contacts and your means of communication…

And you don’t need to buy the latest action camera if you’re on a budget, because there are great options to suit every need!

17. Daypack

Definitely a must-have if you’re planning day trips, exploring the city you’re in or going for grocery shopping, for example.

Not only will it allow you to organize all your belongings (snacks, reusable water bottle, extra clothes, first aid kit, money…) but it’s also safer as it leaves you hands-free. Small and compact, it can holds all the essentials you’ll need in any situation!

18. Earplugs and Travel pillow

Quality sleep is one of the most important factors in a successful trip, because if you’re too tired, you won’t even have the strength to discover the hidden gems of the place you’re sightseeing, let alone to engage in fun and interesting activities.

So, if you’re not one of those people whom even an earthquake wouldn’t wake up, I recommend that you pack earplugs as well as a travel pillow (particularly indispensable on a long flight)!

19. Laundry bag

It may seem like an unnecessary item, but believe me, you’ll want to separate your dirty clothes from your fresh, clean ones!

I know no one likes doing laundry, so make it easy on yourself and don’t add to the pile of stinky clothes you already have and risk ending up naked, with no extra outfit!

20. Cash

As cash is the preferred option of payment in many Southeast Asian countries, so of course it’s on the must-have list! Always carry some with you, and remember to opt for ATM machines when you need to withdraw money, rather than currency exchange shops, which often charge exorbitant fees!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

💧Dry Bag

🧺 Laundry Bag

🥤Reusable water bottle

🛁 Microfiber towel

What about you? Any other must-haves you always take with you when you travel to Southeast Asia? Don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments!

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