Southeast Asia is an amazingly beautiful and diverse region of the world that will engage all of your senses.
A lot of people were asking me what to wear in Southeast Asia, and what else to pack for this region. I’ve also included a list of what NOT to bring, plus answers to common FAQs.
Be sure to also take your flexibility, open-mindedness, negotiation skills, and gratitude — fortunately, those don’t use up any overhead room. So pack those bags and prepare for an incredible adventure!
Depending on the SE Asian countries and areas you’ll be visiting, the level of healthcare is hit or miss. I personally use and recommend World Nomads which includes evacuation coverage. In countries like Laos, you’ll likely need to be flown to Thailand for anything serious. I believe travel insurance is essential for travel to all parts of SE Asia and it gives great peace-of-mind so you can enjoy your trip!
Packing for any journey is always more fun when you have a place for everything, and you know everything will fit. Enter: packing cubes. These multiple-size packing organizers are washable and easy to use, and while you’re traveling they make moving items around from bag to bag much easier. They also allow you to know exactly where your belongings are so that you don’t have to dig around to find what you’re looking for.
Tap water in Southeast Asia is questionable, and varies widely from place to place. Some tap water is definitely not safe, some is merely unpalatable, and some may even be just fine. Either way, a LifeStraw could very well be your lifeline should you need to re-hydrate on the run or in a less modern area. The high-tech but user-friendly straw has a set of filters within it that filter the water as you drink it so that you can drink from just about any source.
Outlets vary throughout Southeast Asia, so if you have multiple countries on your itinerary, it’s best to go with an all-in-one type adapter like the one pictured. Generally, outlets are 220 volts, but check on the specific country as some of them vary. Also note: most Southeast Asian countries can have strong power surges so you may want to bring some extra fuses for this adapter in case you blow through the two that it comes with.
I highly recommend this compact, portable USB charger. It’s easy to charge and use, and will make your phone or Kindle last almost double as long. Simply charge it while you’re already resting in your room, and bring it with you so that you’ll never be without power in emergencies.
These bracelets come in quite handy in places where mosquitoes are plentiful. They’re deet-free and eco-friendly, and extremely easy to use. For extra protection from bites I also recommend you use an insect repellent spray.
In this day and age, our phones are our connections to just about everything, and we want to have them with us every step of the way. This phone case not only makes that possible, but much less nerve-wracking! The case is a universal fit, and it protects against water, dirt/dust, and light impacts so that you can carry it with you without worrying about your phone getting wet or damaged. You can even use your camera and have full access to the phone touchscreen while underwater!
While I’ve never had an issue with safety during my travels in Southeast Asia, you can find yourself on the move a lot — from airplanes to trains, buses to tuk tuks. Your passport is one of the most important things to keep safe at all times. Wearing a concealed neck wallet that keeps it close and hidden gives you peace of mind. Additionally, keep ATM cards and any large sums of money (after an ATM run) in it until you’re able to get to an accommodation with a safe.
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If you’re planning to stay connected on your trip then a good VPN is essential to ensure you won’t get blocked from censored websites. Laos and Vietnam are particularly bad while Thailand and Cambodia can also be quite restricted. Another HUGELY beneficial aspect of VPNs is that they add an extra layer of encryption security between you and hackers. Trust me, you don’t want to get your credit card information stolen while traveling like I did! NordVPN is both reliable and very affordable – they come highly recommended by experienced travelers, including myself!
Most of the foods you’ll come across in Southeast Asia are perfectly safe to eat, but no traveler is immune to traveler’s diarrhea or the occasional “food-poisoning” from eating new or uncommon foods, or accidentally eating something that isn’t as safe. These issues are fairly easy to resolve simply by using activated charcoal, which absorbs the toxins and helps you rid them from your body. Your digestion will be back to normal in no time, and you’ll be able to get back to eating the delightful cuisine on offer!
Depending on your accommodations, you may find yourself in a BYOT (bring your own towel) situation. While most hotels and guesthouses will provide one, some hostels don’t. If they do provide one, they’re usually pretty nasty. I recommend having a lightweight travel towel that dries quickly and you know where it’s been.
Squat toilets are still widely used in Southeast Asia, and when you’re traveling through the countryside you’ll often find yourself without any toilet at all. This may be easy for some, but it can certainly pose problems, especially for women. Fortunately products like this female urination device exist. This device can really make a lady’s life easier because it makes it possible to stand to pee! 🙂
While it’s a hat toss whether you’ll encounter a western-style toilet or the more ubiquitous squat toilet, it’s even riskier to bet on having toilet paper provided. Keeping a pack of travel TP on you at all times comes in very handy. Hand sanitizer may also be a wise choice, as you never know if there will be a sink or soap.
Of course you’ll need a sarong in Southeast Asia – this region is where this versatile item hails from! Sarongs are unbelievably handy – so much so that I never go on a trip without mine. A sarong can be used for an extra sheet, a privacy screen, a beach towel, a pillowcase, a beach cover-up, and so much more. They’re lightweight and compact so don’t worry about it taking up too much space in your luggage or daybag.
It’s very important to have drinkable water with you at all times while traveling in tropical regions like Southeast Asia. The humidity can be misleading – the air is damp so many people think they won’t need to drink extra water, but in fact it’s the opposite. You’ll need to stay hydrated with safe, drinkable water, and this bottle with a built-in filter makes it easy to fill and go!
When it rains in Southeast Asia, you will definitely need a rain jacket. Rains in this region are heavy and can last for quite a while at a time depending on the season. You’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for going about your business regardless of the weather. This jacket is sleek, comfortable, lightweight, and packable!
One of the beauties of Southeast Asia is the variety of treks and day trips available from wherever you’re stationed. Even if you’re not on the backpacking circuit, an easy-to-carry bag — one without wheels — makes life a lot easier. Going anywhere outside of the main cities, you’ll usually find dirt roads. Try dragging a rolling bag down one of those, and you’ll be happy for something you can throw on your back. A small daypack is best for shorter trips where you’ll need to bring a change of clothes, bug spray and sunscreen, among other essentials.
It’s also crucial to remember that in a tropical environment like that of Southeast Asia, it’s humid. Humidity can really take a toll on you if you’re not wearing breathable fabrics!
With a few exceptions (like in Bangkok), women throughout Southeast Asia typically dress fairly conservatively. While you’ll see tourists wearing short-shorts and crop tops almost anywhere, revealing clothing really isn’t culturally appropriate in most parts of Southeast Asia. In general, short-sleeved and even sleeveless tops are perfectly fine but opt for styles that provide more coverage. Similarly, shorts should be on the longer side, and look for skirts and dresses that extend well past mid-thigh. In the most conservative areas, particularly in predominantly Muslim countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, women should keep their shoulders, their thighs, and their knees covered.
You may also be surprised to learn that locals will dress more nicely than you expect, so wearing safari gear or clothing that looks like pajamas will make you look under-dressed. Flip-flops are most travelers’ top choice of footwear for Southeast Asia, and they’ll be handy in many situations, but make sure you have some shoes that are comfortable for walking. Depending on what you have planned, you may also need some nice flats, a pair of sturdy sandals or water shoes, or some good hiking shoes or boots.
Most men traveling to Southeast Asia won’t have much trouble meeting the expectations for modesty, but it’s still respectful to avoid overly casual clothing. Local men in most parts of the region dress more formally than the average tourist, so skip the elephant pants and beer singlets if you want to fit in.
Because most of Southeast Asia is hot and humid all year, lightweight fabrics will be most comfortable, so look for clothes made from fabrics like wool, linen, or light cotton blends. For men, T-shirts, lightweight polo shirts, short-sleeved button-downs, nice-looking shorts, and lightweight pants are all good options for a Southeast Asia wardrobe. You’ll probably want a pair of flip-flops (has anyone ever visited this region without bringing flip-flops?), but be sure you also have shoes that are comfortable for walking around in. You’ll also want a pair of nicer shoes if you have serious nightlife plans, and you may need some water shoes or hiking boots, depending on what you plan to do during your trip.
Because Southeast Asia is so large and diverse, different areas have different seasons and weather patterns. Rainy season comes in the summer or fall months in many parts of the region, but not all. To decide on your clothing for Southeast Asia, use this section as a guide, but be sure to check on the weather and seasons for the specific places you plan to visit.
In most parts of Southeast Asia, late spring is actually the hottest time of year – even hotter than summer. Temperatures regularly climb over 100°F (30°C), and with the intense humidity, the heat index is even higher than that. Spring is also dry season across most of the region (though rains in some places start in May).
This is the only time of year that you probably won’t have much need for rain gear, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a packable rain jacket just in case. Temperatures average around 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
The summer months are also extremely hot and humid in most of Southeast Asia, and 100°F (38°C) days are still common. However, this is also the rainy season in many parts of the region.
Again, bring lightweight, breathable clothing, and don’t cover up more than you need to. Capris, shorts, dresses, and short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts will be most comfortable. If you’re visiting places that get monsoon rains during the summer, make sure to pack a rain jacket, a sturdy travel umbrella, and some shoes that have good traction and dry quickly. Temperatures average around 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
By late-fall, parts of northern Vietnam and northern Laos are starting to get chilly, while temperatures in the rest of the region usually only drop off a few degrees from the spring and summer highs. The fall months are also rainy in many areas, so check on the specific places you plan to visit.
If your destinations experience rain in the fall, bring an umbrella and a rain jacket, and pack at least one pair of shoes that are sturdy and dry quickly. Temperatures average around 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C).
For the parts of Southeast Asia that actually get cold, particularly northern Vietnam and northern Laos, this is when it happens. It remains hot and humid in most other areas of the region, but temperatures drop a little bit compared to other parts of the year.
If you’re visiting northern Laos or especially northern Vietnam in the winter, you can forget most of the normal rules for what to wear in Southeast Asia. For once, warmer clothes are essential. Plan to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and they don’t need to be made from lightweight fabrics. Instead, bring heavier pants (such as jeans), as well as sweaters, a warm jacket, and closed-toed shoes. But for other destinations, even in the winter, the most you’ll need is a light jacket or scarf. Temperatures average around 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C).
Either way, it’s important to cover up when you’re away from the beach. Tourists walk through town in just their swimsuits nearly everywhere, but it really goes against social norms – I’ve even seen signs in Thailand telling people not to wear their swimsuits off the beach. Put at least a shirt or cover-up over your swimsuit if you’re hanging out near the coast, and bring regular clothes to wear into town. Unless you’re planning to do an activity like kayaking, where sturdy sandals or water shoes are more comfortable, a pair of flip-flops is usually the best beach footwear for Southeast Asia.
Temples – Whether they’re big or small, old or new, rural or urban, famous or unknown, temples are the one thing you’ll find almost everywhere in Southeast Asia (except the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country). For most tourists, visiting temples is one of the highlights of their trip. But temples are sacred places, so appropriate dress is more important there than anywhere else. Most temples have dress codes, and it’s common for inappropriately-dressed visitors to be refused entry (or required to buy or rent an extra garment to cover up with). Temple dress codes apply to both men and women and usually require keeping your shoulders, knees, midriff, and cleavage covered; shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
Male visitors should wear pants and a short-sleeved shirt, and women can wear a short-sleeved top with either capris, pants, or a calf-length skirt (or dress). At most temples (but not the most strict ones), a scarf or shawl worn over a tank top is sufficient. If you’re visiting a big complex like Angkor Wat or just hitting several temples in one day, you’ll end up spending a lot of time on your feet, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. More modern temples (other than those that are in ruins) require visitors to remove their shoes before entering, so something you can slip on and off will make things easier. Many cities in Southeast Asia also have mosques that are open to visitors, and the same clothing rules generally apply.
Nightlife – Nightlife in Southeast Asia ranges from upscale clubs in downtown Singapore to riverside shacks in rural Laos and everything in between. At most bars and restaurants frequented by tourists, especially those that cater to backpackers, you don’t need to wear anything special. However, in the popular areas of major cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh, many of the nicer clubs and restaurants have strict dress codes, which almost always prohibit any kind of open-toed shoes. At these places, local people and ex-pats will be dressed to impress, so you should dress the way you would for a big night out in a U.S. city. Even spots that don’t have an official dress code might turn you away if you’re too underdressed, or you may find that you get terrible service.
Trekking – Almost every country in Southeast Asia has opportunities for trekking, but the conditions vary dramatically. No matter where you plan to trek, though, the right gear is essential for staying comfortable and safe. If you’ll be trekking in northern Laos or northern Vietnam (including the trekking capital of Sapa) during the winter or climbing to a high elevation, the cold temperatures might surprise you. Warm clothes and pieces you can easily layer will be critical. A good rule of thumb is to wear a sweat-wicking base layer (like a wool t-shirt), an insulating mid-layer (like a fleece jacket), and a waterproof outer layer (a rain jacket or outer shell), along with long underwear or leggings and water-resistant hiking pants.
Don’t forget a hat and gloves as well. For other treks, including the popular hill-tribe treks in northern Thailand, lightweight clothes will be most comfortable. Since most treks pass through rural villages, dressing modestly is especially important, and covering up will protect you from the brush, bugs, and sun anyway. You’ll also need the right footwear, which will depend on how difficult your trek is and how much you’ll be carrying. If you’re doing a strenuous, multi-day trip or carrying a heavy pack, hiking boots will protect your ankles and keep you most comfortable. For shorter or less demanding treks, hiking shoes with good traction with probably be sufficient. If you’ll be trekking in cold weather, you’ll need waterproof shoes or boots to stay warm. Otherwise, ventilated footwear is more comfortable in tropical climates because it dries out much faster.
DON’T BRING unnecessary books: Packing light is the name of the game in this region. It’s likely that you’ll be on at least one LCC (low-cost carrier) flight during your trip if you’re country-hopping, and many have strict weight limits for bags. Leave the books at home and opt for a Kindle instead.
While it does get a little chilly in some parts of Southeast Asia, you really won’t need a heavy coat. Instead, stick with clothing that can be easily layered in the event that you get cold, and bring a lightweight jacket or fleece to get you by if there is a cold-snap or storm of some sort.
While violent crimes are less widespread, petty theft and crimes of opportunity can be fairly common, particularly in cities and more tourist-centric areas. Best to leave non-essential valuables at home.
Much of Southeast Asia remains a fairly modest culture. Make a good impression: leave distasteful items at home and reserve beachwear for the beach.
In my experience, hairdryers, even if they say they’re under the voltage limit, tend to overheat. Stick with ones specifically set for the country’s outlets. Or better yet, air dry and enjoy the opportunity to rock some beach-waves!
Items like computers are heavy, expensive, and not easy to conceal in your room. They’re not worth lugging them around, and it’s too risky to bring them along for the trip. Take the opportunity to “unplug” from electronics as much as possible!
When it comes to clothes for Southeast Asia, there are a few things you’re generally better off avoiding: outfits that are too revealing or too casual, fabrics that aren’t lightweight, and cold-weather clothing. For women, things like short-shorts, miniskirts, crop tops, and low-cut shirts are only appropriate in a few situations, namely for nightlife in places like Bangkok and Singapore. And items that are overly casual, such as pajama pants and singlets, are best saved for wearing inside your hostel.
Because of the tropical climate in most of Southeast Asia, clothes made out of heavier fabrics, including denim, will be uncomfortable, so don’t plan on wearing jeans. Similarly (outside of northern Laos and northern Vietnam in the winter), you probably won’t need any cold-weather gear, like sweaters, coats, and gloves. Lastly, most female visitors to Southeast Asia have little reason to wear high heels or expensive jewelry, so those items can probably be left at home.
It is not safe to drink tap water in most countries in the region. Many accommodations may provide one or two bottles and/or a water dispenser. Buying bottles from the corner store is easy, but it’s even easier to bring your own water bottle with built-in filter and/or a LifeStraw. This will help you ensure that you’re never without clean, drinkable water.
Given the diverse options and landscapes — from beaches to rainforests to mountains — accommodation options in SE Asia can vary greatly.
Cities will likely have anywhere from top-notch hotels to simple guesthouses or hostels. Your island abode could be anything from a resort to a bungalow to a tent if you wish.
It’s always nice to seek out locally-run accommodations, or even homestays if they are an option.
Maybe. Make sure your insurance has an evacuation policy within it – if it doesn’t, seek additional travel insurance for your trip, as many places in SE Asia don’t have adequate local medical treatment centers for serious conditions. It’s also a good idea to look into travel insurance in case weather or sickness causes a sudden (and potentially expensive) change in plans.
Check to see if it’s unlocked. Usually, you can easily get a local SIM card to use with an unlocked phone. Most phones in recent years are already unlocked, but it’s always a good idea to check well in advance of your trip in case you need to make other arrangements for keeping in touch. If you do find that your phone is unlocked and you plan to switch to a local SIM card, make sure to keep your old SIM in a safe place so that you’re not stuck having to replace it when you get back to the States.
While it’s typically warm year-round during the peak of the daytime, some parts of the region can get a tad cool at night depending on the season, and most places don’t have heat. Rainy season varies a bit, but for Thailand, Laos and Cambodia it usually starts around May or June and runs through September. Fall is a common season for travelers and tends to be busier but more comfortable weather-wise. Each country features its own unique festivals throughout the year — Buddhist New Year is a party of its own in countries like Laos and Thailand. There are pros and cons at any time, so just remember to pack accordingly.
In major Asian cities, English is common. However, the farther away you get, the less common it is. Make sure you print all travel information (hotels, flights, etc.) prior to departure with addresses in the local language. Otherwise, you may find yourself being driven in circles trying to find your destination, as I have on more than one occasion.
This can depend on where you’ll be headed and what you’ll be doing, along with what health issues are a current problem in the areas. It’s best to check with a travel clinic well in advance of your trip (at least several months out) so that you can plan any necessary vaccinations or medications needed.
ATMs are fairly common in most Southeast Asian cities. Outside of expenses like flights or hotels, I found it easiest to work mostly with
cash withdrawn from an ATM (for the best exchange rate). Keep only a portion of it with you at a given time and the rest in a safe at your hotel or guesthouse. Be sure to call your bank before the trip to let them know that you’ll be traveling, and where you’ll be going, otherwise they may mark international activity as suspicious and freeze your account.
