Packing for Southeast Asia in Your 20’s (female edition!)

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Southeast Asia is full of diverse interests for every young woman to enjoy! As a budget backpacker, the goal is to pack as lightly as possible, bringing only the essentials. To make your life a smidge easier, here’s the only travel packing list you’ll need for Southeast Asia as a youngin’ in her 20’s!

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Suitcase or backpack?

For budget travelers, backpacking backpacks are the best option! Especially when it comes to staying in hostels and country hopping, they’re literally the most convenient.

In my experience, staying in hostels with a suitcase was MUCH more difficult to travel with (they’re not very “suitcase-friendly”). Their structure can also add unnecessary weight (which is an airline fee you DO NOT want to pay for!) as opposed to backpacks.

Hostels are much more accommodating to backpacks, in fact, you’ll almost never see a suitcase amongst backpackers – hence the name lol.

Check-in or carry-on?

The goal for your travel packing list is to be minimalistic, packing only what you can’t find inside the country. Depending on the airline, you may have to check in your backpack, but aiming to carry-on is the best way to save some $$$ (especially since luggage is charged by weight). 

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Clothing

1) Modest shirts and pants

Temples have a strict dress code! Shoulders and knees are to be covered at ALL times. You won’t be allowed in unless you’re appropriately dressed.

2) Maxi dresses and jumpsuits

Also perfect for temples! (and they make for cute Instagram pictures!)

3) Lightweight/airy shorts and tank tops 

These are your go-to when exploring cities and spending time at the beach. Keywords: LIGHTWEIGHT and AIRY

4) Bikinis/swimsuits

Unlike temples, there isn’t a standard for swimwear in Southeast Asia. Since beach cities are typically the “touristy” destinations, you’ll come across a wide array of swimsuits.

5) Lightweight rain jacket or poncho

Definitely have these ready if you’re visiting during rainy season (May through October). Although you can purchase them in Southeast Asia, their quality may not allow them to last very long (plus, the prices skyrocket due to supply and demand). I definitely recommend purchasing them ahead of time!

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Shoes and footwear

1) Tennis shoes (breathable)

Whether you’re country hopping, hiking, or zip-lining, breathable tennis shoes will do the trick by keeping your feet airy and comfy.

2) Slippers/Flip flops

3) Back-strap sandals

Many rooftops bars and clubs have a specific dress code, which includes back-strap sandals (or shoes). Check their websites ahead of time!

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Daytime accessories

1) Lightweight backpack

Make sure your backpack is sturdy and held on tightly! In tourist hotspots, drive-by robberies are not uncommon! And if you’re relaxing at the beach, don’t let your bag out of your sight!

These are two of my favorite brands when it comes to daytime backpacks!

2) Crossbody bag

An essential accessory for a night out! And if you’re in a tourist destination, keep it wrapped around your body and away from the road.

Pro tip: purchase a woven crossbody bag anywhere in Southeast Asia for $6-$10 USD (see Amazon link for reference).

3) Fanny pack

If you want to be hands-free, this is the way to go. Especially if you’re going clubbing, this accessory is a MUST.

Note: Although you can purchase fanny packs throughout Southeast Asia, I highly recommend purchasing them before traveling. During my time abroad, I purchased 3 and each lasted about a month before breaking.

4) Hat

I recommend saving yourself some luggage space and purchasing these in Southeast Asia! The ones linked below are the most popular (and make for cute beach pics!)

5) Sunglasses

Be sure to remember these before you leave home!

6) Pareo/Sarong (or any sort of wrap skirt)

This is one of the best purchases you’ll make in Southeast Asia! They’re so versatile and can be used either as a beach mat or a wrap when visiting temples! These are most commonly sold on the beach between $5 and $10 USD.

Toiletries

1) Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a MUST when it comes to solo budget travel! Although sunscreen is sold at just about any convenience store, the bottles are smaller and sold at a much higher price compared to the United States. A $2 tube of sunscreen in America retails for around $10 in Southeast Asia.

Sun Bum is my favorite brand! Their products are paraben-free, vegan, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and reef safe!

2) Tampons/Menstrual cup

Tampons are rare in Southeast Asia; I’ve only seen them at a couple of stores during my 8-months there. If you’re planning on staying for an extended period of time, I recommend saving luggage space by taking a menstrual cup!

Lighten the load and purchase the following items IN SOUTHEAST ASIA!

NOTE: many of the following products in Southeast Asia contain whitener! Be on the lookout for labels that say “bright” or “white”. Here are the most common products you can pick up in Thailand!

3) Mosquito spray/lotion

4) Face wash and moisturizer

5) Hand sanitizer

6) Body lotion

7) Deodorant (spray is most common in SE Asia)

8) Shampoo & conditioner

9) Body wash

10) Toothpaste & toothbrush

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Miscellaneous

1) Phone charger

I don’t about you, but as a zillennial traveler, my worst nightmare was losing or breaking my phone charger. You can find chargers abroad (lightning connectors are more difficult to find), but it’s better to be prepared ahead of time!

2) Outlet converter

American plugs fit in most outlets, however, Southeast Asia has a different voltage. For instance, Thailand’s voltage is 220 volts at 50 cycles per second, compared to the 110-volt current in the United States. To avoid burning out your electronics, be sure to pack an outlet converter.

3) Earphones/Headphones

Be sure to pack multiple earphones! The most common earphones you’ll find in Southeast Asia have the original headphone plug (lightning connectors are harder to find).

I also HIGHLY recommend this AirPods case cover! It comes with a snap hook and has a cover for the charging port. This makes it so easy to ensure your AirPods are safe and secured at all times (and easy to spot in your backpack!).

4) Portable charger

ALWAYS have this charged up and ready to go!

5) Camera or GoPro

No travel packing list is complete without a camera to document your experience in Southeast Asia! These are the highest-rated cameras for traveling abroad.

6) Travel cubes and an assortment of mesh bags

These are ESSENTIAL for budget travel! They easily keep your belongings organized and save SO much space in your backpack!

7) Umbrella

When rainy season rolls around, you’ll want to have one on hand! If you purchase one abroad, it’ll likely cost twice as much due to its demand during rainy season.

8) Digital luggage scale

Make sure this gem is on your travel packing list! It’s lightweight, compact, and so easy to use. This relieves me from the stress of guessing the weight of my luggage (and praying they’re under 7 kg). This is by far the BEST purchase I’ve made when it comes to budget traveling!

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Got any other travel hacks?? Share them below!

Looking for other useful tips on traveling Thailand? Check out these!

Choosing an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
How to Properly Wai in Thailand
15 Thailand Travel Tips
Don’t Travel to Thailand Without Knowing These 12 Customs!

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