Should I pack a sleeping bag?

No, unless you're camping. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding. A sleep sheet is lighter and more practical for questionable sheets.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $200-300 USD in clean, new bills. ATMs are everywhere but it's good backup. Many places still prefer cash over cards.

Do I need malaria medication?

Depends on your specific destinations and activities. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Anti-malarials aren't always necessary for standard backpacker routes.

Laundry services cost $1-3 per kg everywhere. Pack for 5-7 days max and wash as you go. Quick-dry clothes can be hand-washed and dry overnight.

Should I bring a water filter?

A LifeStraw or similar is useful for rural areas and long bus rides. In cities, bottled water is cheap ($0.25-0.50) and refill stations are increasingly common.

How to Pack for Backpacking Southeast Asia

Pack light, breathable clothing for hot humid weather, a quality backpack under 65L, and focus on quick-dry materials. Bring less than you think you need - you can buy almost everything there for cheaper than at home.

Choose the right backpack. Get a 50-65L backpack with good ventilation and hip belt. Osprey Farpoint 55 or similar works well. Avoid wheeled luggage - you'll be walking on broken sidewalks and climbing hostel stairs.
Pack for hot, humid weather. Bring 5-7 lightweight, quick-dry shirts, 2-3 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of long pants, and 1 light jacket for AC and mountains. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best. Cotton takes forever to dry.
Get the right footwear. One pair of comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops for hostels and beaches, and optionally lightweight hiking boots if you plan serious trekking. Break in shoes before you go.
Pack essential gear. Bring a good daypack (20-25L), quick-dry towel, universal power adapter, portable charger, headlamp, and basic first aid kit. Skip the sleeping bag unless camping - hostels provide bedding.
Prepare for monsoon season. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof stuff sacks for electronics. Small umbrella is useful in cities. Dry bags protect important documents and gadgets.
Leave room for purchases. Pack your bag only 80% full. You'll buy clothes, souvenirs, and gear locally. Shipping boxes home from Thailand or Vietnam costs $30-50 and takes 2-3 weeks.

Should I pack a sleeping bag?: No, unless you're camping. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding. A sleep sheet is lighter and more practical for questionable sheets.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $200-300 USD in clean, new bills. ATMs are everywhere but it's good backup. Many places still prefer cash over cards.
Do I need malaria medication?: Depends on your specific destinations and activities. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Anti-malarials aren't always necessary for standard backpacker routes.
What about laundry?: Laundry services cost $1-3 per kg everywhere. Pack for 5-7 days max and wash as you go. Quick-dry clothes can be hand-washed and dry overnight.
Should I bring a water filter?: A LifeStraw or similar is useful for rural areas and long bus rides. In cities, bottled water is cheap ($0.25-0.50) and refill stations are increasingly common.