Packing List for Thailand, Bali and Southeast Asia
Wondering what’s in my bag? This is my full packing list for backpackers and travellers to warm countries such as Thailand and Bali.
I used this packing list while backpacking around Southeast Asia for several months and on a month-long trip to Bali and Java. I used this checklist once more when I returned to Thailand on a short trip in 2020 and refined my list.
Mini tip number one? Whether it’s a 1 week trip to the Thai Islands or a crosscountry country adventure, I use the SAME packing list.
On a long trip, if anything, I actually pack less as I know I’ll have to carry it. Laundry is SO cheap in Southeast Asia and most accommodations provide it or you can pack a plug and washing powder to DIY. Of course, the clothing and footwear etc will vary depending on if you’ll be visiting beaches or religious sites, staying in hostels or fancy resort etc but it’s easy to figure that out.
KEEPING ORGANISED
A secure bag to keep valuables in (such as cash and your passport).
While many people prefer a bumbag design, I personally use this over the shoulder bag from Khatmandu. It’s particularly handy for transit days (such as going through an airport) as my passport, boarding pass and bank card is always easily at hand without having to reach into my other backpack.
A reusable tote bag
Perfect for beach days and buying snacks from the supermarket. 7/11 in Thailand is no longer using ANY plastic bags (hooray) so you will need your own reusable one.
These are also useful for laundry.
Packing cubes for clothing
I use packing cubes from Kathmandu which are made from recycled plastic bottles.
Honestly, I swear by them. Otherwise, everything would be a giant mess in my bag and they also help to keep clothes clean after you accidentally spill snacks in your backpack… 🙂
I DON’T have any affiliate link with Kathmandu – these are all just the products I use. :)
For a cheaper option, these ebag packing cubes are generally considered good quality for the cost.
Generally, when it comes to travel, I recommend good quality items. Get sustainable materials when you can, but if not at least good quality items won’t have to be replaced too often.
Collapsible day bag or Daypack
I initially travelled with a collapsible rucksack. They’re a great idea as they pack up so small and you just take them out on days out.
However, since I ended up basically keeping it out at all times, I eventually switched to a normal day backpack which I consistently kept my day time essentials in. I found it to be much more appropriate and sturdy for hiking as well.
Dry bag
Recommended waterproof bag for travellers who will be spending a lot of time in water.
Honestly, I never used mine, I just tied my bag to the upper deck of the boat on snorkelling/diving trips.
My Backpack: The Osprey Fairview 40L (Carry-On)
I’m a tiny woman who intended to go hiking, something lightweight was integral. I also preferred a carry on as it means it will fit in overheard storage compartments in planes/buses etc, lowering the risk of my belongings getting lost or stolen.
For short trips, personally, I’m a huge carry-on advocate. It’s very freeing to carry all your belongings on your back (as I did for many months).
My Other Backpack: Khatmandu 70L (Wheelie Bag)
As a full-time nomad, I’ve upgraded to a bigger backpack for all of my belongings (including my Winter coat and things I need for work). I used this bag for 4 months while travelling through Europe before Thailand. It was great to not have to worry about carrying my bag and getting sore shoulders. It would be suitable for holiday-makers who don’t want to downsize their luggage to carry-on size.
Next time, I would like to check out one of these eco-friendly backpack options, though my current packs are holding up well for now!
Backpacking in Bali
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Reusable water bottle
To avoid using plastic bottles in Southeast Asia, I used to a Water To Go bottle.
The filters used in their BPA free water bottles are created based on technology originally developed for the NASA space programme. These provide safe water from any non-salt water source in the world.
Read more about reusable filter water bottles on the Water to go website and use the code HAG15 if you like what you see to get 15% off.
Multi-USB port plug adaptor
TIP: If you’re a backpacker, take one with multi USB ports. This way, if you’re stuck in a hostel dorm with only one plug, you can share it with other travellers rather than having to wait your turn.
This is the sort of multi-USB travel plug adaptor I use
Sunglasses
Reading glasses and contact lenses
Hat/cap for sun protection
Raincover for your backpack
Travel towel
Super low-key travellers may double up with a t-shirt (as I once did for three months) but most prefer a microfibre towel. They dry quick and pack up small – perfect.
Some non-budget travellers (who will have towels provided by their accommodation) take a cheaper microfibre towel for the beach
The microfibre travel towel I use
Eye mask and earplugs
Essential for those staying in hostels but also handy on long-flights and travel days.
Optional Additional Items for Backpackers:
- mini torch/head torch
- padlocks
- reusable knife and fork
- sink plug and laundry powder
View this post on Instagram
BEAUTY & MEDICAL KIT
I pack these in two small material bags.
MEDICAL KIT FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA:
When it comes to medicine I try not to overpack. If I’m going off-grid, I’d top up supplies beforehand put there’s no need carrying everything with you full-time when you can still easily access a pharmacy. That’s particularly the case if you’re travelling as a couple. However, it is always worth being prepared.
I do take: Anti-allergy, Imodium, paracetamol/ibuprofen, throat sweets, plasters,
Some people take: disinfectant spray, bandages, malaria pills, and of course any personal prescriptions. It’s also worth taking some form of antibacterial liquid for cuts and scrapes.
The pharmacys are good and even when I had a disgusting toe infection :):) I just popped into one in Hanoi. They screamed a little bit (just kidding) before suggesting Iodine and cotton wool pads. Sure enough, it cleared up in no time. Unless you have specific medical issues or worries, don’t overpack other than a basic first aid kit.
BEAUTY KIT (ETC) FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA
- Mosquito Repellent
- Toothpaste and bamboo toothbrush (plus toothbrush protector if you’re backpacking)
- Sunscreen – SPF30 or SPF50 for pale skin
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitiser
- Razor, nail scissors and tweezers
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash (personally I just used whatever soap was in the accommodation haha)
- Hairbrush, grips and hair ties
- Depending on the person you will need birth control
- Tampons/moon cup etc.
- Take reusable makeup clothes (rather than makeup wipes or wet wipes) unless you’re travelling with children
Other personal items you’ll use on your trips, such as lotion or make-up.
WHAT ITEMS ARE HARD TO BUY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA?
Sunscreen is surprisingly expensive in Southeast Asia as locals don’t need to wear it. I have also struggled to find good razors, ecspecially bikini razors which don’t really exist over there. Some countries don’t sell tampons (only sanitary towels). Shaving cream is also hard to find. You should also take care to take any specific brands you use – such as specific skincare products / medicinal shampoo – with you just in case.
Pretty much anything else is very easy to find so you don’t need to overpack. In Bali, Kuala Lumpur and many places in Thailand (such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok) they have Western-style pharmacies where you can top up on what you need.
Minimalist backpackers don’t need to worry about taking shampoo/soap as most hostels will provide this. However, if you’re concerned about remembering everything, you can check out this complete hostel packing list.
IMPORTANT ECO TIPS:
Try and avoid buying travel minis as they are worse for the environment
If you’re spending lots of time in water (aka snorkelling, swimming) make sure you take a rashguard OR reef-safe sunscreen.
Under no circumstances should you apply regular sunscreen before getting in the ocean/snorkelling – it washes off your skin, not protecting you, and has a terrible effect on coral. If you don’t have reef-safe sunscreen, apply your regular sunscreen to your legs the appropriate time in advance and then wear a rashguard.
KOH LANTA GUIDE – diving, snorkelling, island-hopping
Scubadiving in Thailand – learning to dive was one of my top activities while backpacking across Southeast Asia.
CLOTHING PACKING LIST
Whether you’re creating a packing list for 2 weeks in Thailand or backpacking in Southeast Asia, clothing seems to be the hardest part for beginners to figure out. Some people say ‘you only need 2 outfits’ and others prepare to have lots of options.
Something I’ve learned since leaving in May 2018 is that is packing only practical ‘fitness’ type clothing doesn’t working for me. You can pack light by still packing your comfy, practical outfits as well as some items that help you feel like ‘you’. However, don’t go overboard packing hundreds of personal items – just pack your favourites!
It also helps to mix and match! I love pinks, reds and yellows but y’know whatever works.
‘ME’ CLOTHES
This will be different for everyone but I recommend packing 3 or 4 lightweight outfits that are your ‘favourites’ so you feel great in them but don’t get tempted to overpack. If you already packed 2 dresses you love, don’t pack a third average dress for the sake of it as you’ll end up not wearing it.
The list below is what I added to my Indonesia packing list in 2019 which were suitable for the climate at the time so I added them to my Indonesia packing list. The skirt also doubled up with one of my casual t-shirts to create a temple-friendly outfit.
In my multi-month trip in 2018, I actually began with NO dresses (just practical ‘backpacker’ clothes) and ended up buying a couple of cheap ones in Thailand because I regretted it.
- Yellow dress x2 (one was a perfect beach dress)
- Red dress
- Long skirt + white vest top
- Yellow cardie
PRACTICAL CLOTHES
For my ‘practical clothes’ I try and imagine every situation I’ll be in during the trip and making sure I have one outfit for each situation. It’s not necessary to have more as you can always buy a new one in an emergency.
Here’s an example based on someone who will do a mixture of chilled activities, long days sight-seeing and also hiking:
- Leggings x1 (for hiking)
- 1 comfy long lightweight trouser and 1 pair of shorts (chilling out, flight days and can double as PJs for both hot and cool weather)
- T-shirt x2 (to double as PJs)
- Vest top x2 (suitable for hiking)
- Long-sleeved top/lightweight jumper or hoodie
- Raincoat
- Underwear (depending on the length of your trip/how often you want to do laundry)
- Hiking socks (I only take good quality socks since you’ll mostly be wearing flip flops or sandals unless you’re hiking)
Southeast Asia Clothing Packing List Tips…
Pack for temples. Make sure you have one cool outfit which covers your knees and shoulders for visiting temples.
Take layers for mountains and sunrise hikes. You won’t necessarily need a hoodie or jumper, it depends on where you’re going. If you going to higher areas, such as Munduk in Bali or the mountains in Thailand, or doing a sunrise hike, it’s definitely making sure you have some thin, warm layers.
Packing List for Bali. In Bali, I noticed people were better dressed in other places across Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. I’m not sure if this is the Instagram effect or if I found myself in more casual backpacker circles elsewhere, but certainly expect to see more maxi dresses and makeup worn here than in the rest of Southeast Asia. If you plan on hiking Mt Batur, be sure to take a warm layer and sneakers.
Snorkelling and Diving: Snorkeling and diving trips always provide equipment so don’t worry about taking your own. If you already own a snorkel and mask, don’t worry about taking it unless you have extra room in your bag.
SHOES
Depending on what you are doing on your trip, take 2/3 of the below – I’d advise two. Walking sandals were my only footwear in Southeast Asia but they’re not for everyone.
- Sneakers
- Walking sandals
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Flipflops
- Nice sandals (for fashun)
BEACH DAYS
Personally, I would take 2/3 bikinis or swimsuits even when packing light as a) they’re so small to pack and b) I don’t know what I’ll feel comfortable in advance.
Also, take a sarong/piece of material that will double up as a blanket on long travel days or cool air-con rooms (especially if you’re staying in hostels – they get cold sometimes)
View this post on Instagram
ELECTRONICS
Phone, charger and headphones
Honestly, a phone should be the only camera most people need to take. Certainly, most of the photos on this blog were taken on a phone. However, small GoPros are increasingly popular for active travellers.
You might also want to take a headphone splitter if you’re travelling with someone.
Normal earphones will do, but these noise cancelling headphones are ideal for anyone who is noise sensitive or staying is hostels.
Travelling solo? How to take great travel photos of yourself – solo travel series
Portable charger for your phone
Perhaps unsurprisingly, a portable charger can be a lifesaver on long travel days.
A kindle (or download the kindle app)
I’m currently using the kindle app but I’m desperate to get a real kindle for my next trip! (Update I just bought this one – also good for downtime during lockdown!)
Travel wifi or E-Sim
If you’re going to a remote area or need WiFi for online work, you might want to try a travel wifi or an e-Sim.
Long-term travellers and digital nomads may also take:
- Camera in its bag with charger, SD cards, and battery
- Camera card reader that plugs into both phone and laptop
- Laptop and charger
- Other necessary gear and equipment
HOLIDAY DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
- Passport
- Bank cards (I always travel with an extra just in case)
- A Travel Card if you have one
- Flight tickets
- Small amount of currency if possible (honestly, I never get money out in advance… I get it from an ATM when I arrive)
- Travel insurance! Find out more about digital nomad travel insurance.
Documents to email yourself:
You can print documents off and keep them in a waterproof wallet OR email them to yourself as appropriate. I recommend both or at least email them so they are never fully lost in an emergency
- ID / Visas as necessary
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of vaccines (to remind yourself in case of emergency)
- Emergency contacts
- Insurance policy info
- Copy of degree/TEFL etc if working abroad
HINT: before arriving in a new country…
- I always screenshot the address for my first accommodation and how to get there from the airport – in English and the native language – so I have essential info handy even if there’s no wifi when arriving into a new country
- I also screenshot travel information of the cheapest way to reach my accommodation from the airport. If it looks tricky, I message the accommodation in advance to ask for the best/cheapest way.
18 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers – solo travel series
One of the more ‘me’ dresses I added to my packing list for Bali and Java
USEFUL APPS TO DOWNLOAD
App Essentials:
- XE Currency Converter (check the prices of items in your own currency)
- GoogleTranslate
- HappyCow – an essential app for vegetarians and vegan travellers to check for the nearest meat-free restaurants
- TripIt – forward all your bookings (accommodation, train tickets and flights etc.) to this app, and they will store all your booking info on one handy app
- TrailWallet – if you want to track your expenses
For Travel and Transit:
- The airline app you’re using (to check in and download boarding passes etc)
- Grab (in Thailand, Malaysia etc.) or Go-Jek (Bali) – these apps are basically the regional versions of Uber
- GoogleMaps / Maps.me
- Rome2Rio – for checking the different transport options between any 2 destinations
Personally, I don’t use the booking.com and Skyscanner apps – I just use WiFi.
For personal-use
- Spotify
- Audible or the Kindle app
- Netflix – good for solo travellers if you will be spending time alone after dark
- Calm app – practise mindfulness and stay mentally healthy on your trip. This is particularly good if you’re a nervous flier as it has flight-specific meditations to listen to.
The Definitive Mental Health Guide for Travellers
What else would you add to a packing list for Bali, Thailand or backpacking Southeast Asia?
