Southeast Asia is a dream destination for solo travelers and first-timers! Whether you’re craving pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains, or a deep dive into rich culture and food, this region has it all. Whether you’re a laid-back explorer or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find the perfect adventure here—and the budget-friendly prices are just the cherry on top! 😉
Many different sources claim you need all the gadgets and bits and bobs ‘just in case’ but I have compiled a budget friendly list of essentials!
Packing list:
- A Backpack… Any will do but I took this one:
- A small backpack for daily items
- Packing cubes- an essential, it keeps your bag organised, to not lose anything and easier to find things when you’re in a hostel!
- Locks- perfect if you leave your bags somewhere or any valuable items
- Microfibre towel- they are compact and dry quickly! Most hostels usually give you a towel for free.
- Eye Mask- perfect for sleeper buses or annoying hostel mates
- International adapter- Each country differs so its better to get an international one.
- Power bank – Essential for overnight buses and long travel days.
- Clothes- Pack only the basics—you can always buy more once you’re there!
- Shoes: Flip-flops for beaches, sandals for dressing up, and trainers for hikes.
- Suncream: Expensive in Southeast Asia (and often has whitening ingredients). Bring your own!
- Tampons: Hard to find—stock up before you go.
- Makeup-I did bring more than recommended but that’s a personal preference 🙂
- Toilet roll or wipes- the toilets at bus stops or train stations usually don’t have any roll or you have to pay so I would definitely advise to bring.
- Purse- there’s lots of cash and notes so you will need a good purse to hold it all.
- Optional Packing list:
- Carabinas– I personally did not need them but they are good to hang stuff off of bags and hostel beds
- Dry bag- If you have a larger budget, it can be good for any kayaking or boat trips you go on.
- Mosquito repellent- you can get them in south east asia and it usually is cheaper
- First aid kit with any medication or plasters
- Headphones / earplugs for travel days or if you are a light sleeper!
There you have it! Your ultimate packing guide for South East Asia!
Links for all items are down below:)
- Backpack:
- https://www.osprey.com/gb/osprey-fairview-40-f22?size=One+Size&colour=Night+Jungle+Blue
- Packing cube:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/compression-Organisers-Waterproof-accessories-Bags%EF%BC%88Beige%EF%BC%89/dp/B0C4Z7188B/ref=asc_df_B0C4Z7188B?mcid=6353935edf3030479285308865280e65&hvocijid=11124336786093266725-B0C4Z7188B-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11124336786093266725&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045997&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&psc=1&gad_source=1
- Locks:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diyife-Security-Combination-Padlocks-Suitcases-Black/dp/B0773BGZJJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=51897074303&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v7OIRESIU1FnmbE61v8WEqvQhyDswT7IY8lN5KqnjKDro2I2hXpkvdivV3CK3P2eY0f2Uqq7k-eHC6HNmRb37aSbjOwcau4XlAwttZ2lM_A032QNLJMrTNd_rptqwmArpff5A1KgvrKzX1ah9lhGPL2B0GNi-VAavEcsJksVfUtRAAEQtoWb8BVqZlStSNOMtv5mDJ8NNLCDlpcefW49uk4D-wQPgqfkWzGV2LiePLA4c82QkpETRj2MORFIuv-sXVF5Z6Vf1-1gD4yxn_1TYZ707HyVbFRMwDFqIbONcs0.rJkqwxNVeF6kVHYAxYPhBUSc5OgX2q1p65EB93fJ1WU&dib_tag=se&hvadid=607605563434&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9045997&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9170294969941260822&hvtargid=kwd-302185769944&hydadcr=4872_2211775&keywords=travel%2Bpadlocks&mcid=965d81cf936a3932be3243f2c9f884fd&qid=1742462220&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
- Microfibre towel:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eono-Essentials-Microfiber-Absorbent-Backpacking/dp/B07VJ8XFHP?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ARGZR7N1OT5B&gQT=1&th=1&psc=1
- Eye Mask:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Umisleep-Upgraded-Skin-Friendly-Adjustable-Blindfold/dp/B09DXYX7BQ/ref=asc_df_B09DXYX7BQ?mcid=dda956feaa4e3091829e52b10c82f898&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697316259119&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7194499491542274058&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045997&hvtargid=pla-1430039771235&gad_source=1&th=1
- Power bank:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/20000mAh-Charging-PowerBank-Smartphones-Smartwatch/dp/B0DPQ84CQT/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1EyEoRdL6RE3lV_KIBiMyPTKkFgFL28-25g92HRb5nul3KZoQHZtAIXOEH-dnKiT1ZMlBbxha1gLs6w0Gg798kwrHd5b6GeFANhkXrqKtRu8ICTj4PGwkImubHv4EXrYQiYutJumNNEkp0pbaw_rZHKomnFjorkopb4HRfwk7X6awNG_fHhExMd2dJCguM9mNgeh8AzM1SYNjyLtAC_SW0Irug4QapUGx0UmfCAYHoU.RW303t_DHgETTsgxwgn4SNmtYcdPA_sQxr43SEY6Xlw&dib_tag=se&keywords=power+bank&qid=1742462571&sr=8-3
- Carabinas:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/BEEWAY-Carabiner-Aluminum-Carabiners-Traveling/dp/B095P963PG/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=GBY7BKD95SUU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EDXMmoUeOdQqu7IqLos6eCfhMy_u8JrTh3D7qsZEvj7KpeN2CBKo0_sOQF9mE2mXRaWqJMLvQZkuN8pEsOAM4zdhbnkQDfvhFd3Tx5s_xUDNlGlyu4t8QfqpLkgjpgO8jBSKbYzWDBpCyqp0H6LduKd9HDwyXLmGTiT5it7UyqOl0RxFu7blWQOxTcZtZSJXhjbER5rlYR5ZVIzGgV8NrmcxRpgYrlWHbRLvn0Nhx3U.RygWoKq_F15rOraKCm2FHqnp3yW2t9w_PS8x2MCPtGA&dib_tag=se&keywords=caribeana%2Bclips&qid=1742462666&sprefix=carib%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
- Dry bag:
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unigear-Waterproof-Adjustable-Shoulder-Snowboarding/dp/B07FK9R9D3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ETHFGHG1N509&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RggfaksRpltmTDzTNw4il2QoZs8IZcRlWf4fIGtnGqbnYira1jojyI9Yg94LK6ZiYxU5pjyHettgmkhDym00HoGcUh3mkZNSDXBlvoxdHg9NijnCpUkrOIWEX9Z_asPB2sINFc_BucBzBWX28pIlUXyI0Naq8b5JiDJ8knEdQDNJDKeayExQQmNlju8f5CPGCcL1SAP7B5vB3o1gzi7BANe_OSHlZh_qBCszEE-SeBlPvSkkZdrRMj6RfkSfNNeFBZDq2AAhzORLee-cgIfg6Mfs1nE49tcB3P-YtopgFCU.K0WvI5krdMBByX-2d2dtoXsDHtJ9HnfIWeU1hGjQrUs&dib_tag=se&keywords=dry%2Bbag&qid=1742462689&sprefix=dry%2Bbag%2B%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1
If you have any questions DM me on insta! Brookehenley_
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