✅ Essentials Checklist
- Backpack 40–55L (not a suitcase — you'll carry it everywhere)
- Passport valid 6+ months with multiple blank pages
- Travel insurance documents — carry physical copy
- USD cash — widely accepted across Southeast Asia as backup currency
- Unlocked phone for local SIMs (buy at airports — cheap and fast)
- Padlock for hostel lockers and bag zips
- Lightweight clothing — wash as you go, everything dries overnight in the heat
- Flip flops plus one pair walking shoes
- Sarong — temple cover, beach towel, blanket on night buses
- Insect repellent — DEET-based
- Water purification tablets or filter bottle
- Basic first aid kit including oral rehydration sachets
👕 Clothing Checklist
- T-shirts × 3–4 (buy more cheap ones as you travel)
- Lightweight trousers or shorts × 2
- One modest outfit for temples (loose trousers, shoulders covered)
- Swimwear × 1
- Flip flops
- Light trainers or walking sandals
- Sarong
- Light rain layer for tropical downpours
⭐ Nice to Have
- Dry bags for island boat trips
- Microfibre towel (hostels rarely provide)
- Small combination padlock × 2
- Hidden money belt for passport and cards
- Ear plugs for dormitory sleeping
- Eye mask
- Portable battery pack (large capacity)
- E-reader
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a backpack do I need for Southeast Asia?
40–55 litres is the sweet spot. Bigger and it becomes a burden on local transport and tight hostel stairs. Smaller and you'll struggle with laundry between washes. Front-loading (clamshell opening) backpacks are easier to pack and access than top-loaders. A smaller 10–15L daypack that attaches to the front is useful for daily sightseeing.
Should I take USD to Southeast Asia?
Yes — USD is widely accepted as a secondary currency in Cambodia (almost entirely USD-based), Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. In Thailand and Indonesia, local currency is preferred but USD exchanges easily. Take a supply of clean, unfolded USD bills (post-2006 printing) — damaged or old notes are sometimes refused.
Is it safe to eat street food in Southeast Asia?
Generally yes — and it's some of the best food you'll eat. The rule of thumb: busy stalls with high turnover are safer than quiet ones. Food cooked fresh in front of you is safer than pre-cooked food sitting out. Avoid salads washed in tap water. Your stomach will need a week or so to adapt — mild stomach issues in the first week are almost universal.