Worried about what to pack on your next trip to Southeast Asia? Let us help take the guess working out of pre-trip preparations …
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What to bring?
Local airlines may not allow as much luggage as your international carrier. Most domestic Southeast Asia airlines allow two checked bags with a combined total weight of 20kgs (about 44lbs), plus one carryon bag weighing up to 7kgs (about 15lbs).
As it is generally hot, clothing should be light weight, loose fitting and made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Laundry service, usually with same day return, will be available at all hotels so you can limit the number of outfits you bring and wash along the way!
Southeast Asian countries are predominantly Buddhist and have dress standards. We like to encourage our guests to respect their modestly and dress accordingly.
Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially when visiting temples or more remote villages. Women can wear skirts or pants, men usually wear long pants though it is becoming more and more acceptable to wear long shorts when trekking or not visiting temples.
In major cities like Bangkok or major tourist destinations like Siem Reap, standards are not so rigorously maintained. When enjoying some R&R at beach resorts, sun-wear is the norm; but even here, nude or topless sunbathing is definitely inappropriate
You will see people ignoring these suggestions all the time but we like to ask our guests to respect the cultures they are visiting by dressing modestly. Added bonus it endears you to the local population!
When visiting active temples (those still in use, not relics) wearing a comfortable pair of sandals or flip-flops that are easy to slip on and off is recommended. Always remove your shoes (and socks as the tiled floors are often slippery) before entering an active temple and other buildings on site. Following the lead of the locals who are there to pay respects is a great way to maintain decorum.
At historic buildings and temples, such as Angkor Wat, shoes do not have to be taken off so a comfortable pair of walking shoes is recommended.
The sun here is hot so hats, dark glasses and sunscreen are very important.
If you are day trekking you might wish to bring a daypack, using it as your carry-on luggage on the plane.
Above and beyond
What should you bring besides your clothes and your wanderlust? Here are some ideas from the Journeys Within team!
- Visa, passports, tickets, itinerary, money
- Photocopies of passports and credit card numbers (to be kept separately from the originals)
- Sunglasses – preferably polarized
- Hat with a brim (** can be purchased en-route)
- Electrical plug adapter (** can be purchased en-route)
- Binoculars
- Camera and camera equipment (spare battery, charger, film, etc.)
- Tevas/Thongs/flip flops for temple days, around the pools, waterfall visits
- Bathing suit and towel
- Small flashlight /headlamp
- Personal medications
- Wet wipes for all occasions (** can be purchased en-route)
- Insect repellent (concentration of at least 30% DEET) (** can be purchased en-route)
- Sunscreen
- Daypack
- Personal toiletries (including feminine products; most hotels provide shampoo and soap)
- A small laundry bag
Most importantly, don’t stress!
Most goods, from clothing to electronics, will be available along the way. The most important thing to bring is your sense of adventure!