Southeast Asia consists of Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These are of course, all very hot and humid climates, however they are also majority Islamic and Buddhist.
Going to a country, I want to respect their culture, etiquette and beliefs. Sure it's hot, but wearing short-shorts and tank tops in the major cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City is considered quite rude and disrespectful. When I was travelling in Malaysia and Indonesia I lived in light cotton t-shirts and those baggy elephant pants, yes I was uncomfortable however we as travellers have an obligation to be aware of our surroundings and adapt to them.
When you're in Bali or places like Koh Phangan you can definitely get away with wearing your typical outfits but near the bigger cities and temples that's a no-no.
This is what I'd recommend to pack for South East Asia
Toiletries:
- Get shampoo/conditioner/body wash bars from lush
- Bring makeup wipes, even though you probably won't be wearing much makeup, sometimes you just need to refresh your face/body with a clean towelette
- Razor
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Lotions, sunscreen, aloe, tanning lotion
- Hair products that you may want, it's very humid so dependant on how your hair reacts to that
Shoes:
- flip flops
- runners
- walking shoes
- one nice pair of sandals
Clothing:
- 3 tshirts
- 4 tanks (if you plan to spend more time on the beach's)
- 2 shorts
- 1 leggings/sweats (for travelling, overnight buses also are always freezing)
- Something to sleep in, probably loose shorts and a baggy tshirt or sports bra
- 1 hiking outfit, most likely sports shorts, a tank/sports bra
- 1 hat
- 1-2 pairs of baggy pants for when you're in the city
- Bathing suits (I don't put a limit on these)
- Sundresses 2-3, 1 longer one for temple visits
- Bathing suit covers
- 1 sweater/rain jacket
Additional items:
- Sunnies
- Sarong (perfect for the beach)
- Phone charger
- Camera + charger
- Pocket knife (they come in handy)
- A little purse to carry your day to day belongings in
- Journal
- Books
- Beach bag
I try not to check in my bag and I use a 35 litre backpack and it fits in the overhead! Just beware of your liquids, I fill mini bottles with my favourite lotions and such and it lasts me the time i'm gone. Get the vacuum seal bags and roll your bags and toss them into those for more space!
Wear your running shoes, pants and your sweater on the plane since those are also your biggest items.
Before you go, check what the locals normally wear on day to day basis, you don't want to stick out and come across as arrogant.
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