Coming to Southeast Asia for your next vacation? Great idea! But, before you break out your heavy suitcase and start throwing in the bikinis and swimming trunks, read this article for some advice on how and what to pack for a holiday in Southeast Asia.
Even if you’re not a “backpacker,” using a backpack as luggage while traveling in Southeast Asia makes sense. For one thing, sidewalks and roads are not always even, so the wheels on rolling suitcases take a beating. In fact, in Thailand, Malaysia or the Philippines, you might find yourself having to haul your belongings from a bus, to a wooden planked dock, to a boat and then onto a beach. None of that is wheel-friendly, especially beach sand.
The other reason that backpacks are a good idea for travel in Southeast Asia is that they’ll limit the amount you bring with you. Not only will this help you save money on your flights around the region–most budget airlines charge you more for heavier luggage–but you’ll have a simpler trip. However, if you’re someone who loves to shop, then you’d best bring an empty suitcase or duffel bag with you, so you can fill it up before you leave.
Generally, though, when packing, you need to first consider what time of year you’ll be going. Will it be monsoon season? Or dry season? The monsoon (also referred to as the “wet” season) is generally from May to October, though each region has its own patterns depending on topography.
If You’re Going in the Monsoon Season, Pack:
- Shoes that are comfortable when wet and when dry. For example, sports sandals like those made by the Teva or Keen brands. Fully waterproof shoes are often too hot for the climate.
- Light-weight rain jacket with a hood.
- Long-sleeved shirt or hoodie to put on when you enter an air-conditioned building after walking in the rain.
- Hat with a brim if you wear eyeglasses, to protect from sprinkles.
- Waterproof cover for your backpack or daypack.
- Silica gel packets to help absorb extra moisture from your camera case or laptop case. You can order these online, or save them from boxes of things you purchase in the weeks before you go on vacation.
- Umbrella (optional).You may want an umbrella while you’re on vacation, but I’d advise buying a cheap one at your destination and saving yourself the hassle of packing it.
If You’re Going in the Dry Season, Pack:
- Loose clothing made out of cotton or another breathable fabric.
Any time of year, Pack:
- Sunscreen. In the wet season it doesn’t rain all the time. You can still get burned.
- Antacid tablets, of your favorite brand. If you try exotic foods and drink plenty of cocktails on vacation, you might be happy to have some antacid tablets in your bag.
- Scarf, sarong or thin towel. From using as a pillow on the bus to a cleaning cloth for your camera at the beach, a length of fabric is handy. Note: these are widely available in Southeast Asia, so you might wait to buy one there.
- Flipflops for wearing inside the hotel room or at the beach.
- Mosquito repellent with a high DEET concentration. Locally sold mosquito repellent may not have much or any DEET. This is probably better for you and the environment, but doesn’t seem to be as effective for keeping the biters away.
- A light, long-sleeved shirt and long-legged pants for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings.
- Extra memory cards for your camera. Store these in a place separate from your camera. I’m still mourning the loss of several cards full of photos that were accidentally left behind when we forgot the camera case in a café some years ago.
- Cash. If you’re like most travelers, you’ll probably use your card a lot while you’re on vacation. However, it’s handy to have a supply of cash, U.S. dollars being the most easily converted, for emergencies.
