Should I pack mosquito repellent?

Bring a small bottle of DEET-based repellent from home. You can buy more locally, but Western brands work better and cost the same as buying a large bottle at home.

How many electronics should I bring?

Phone, charger, portable battery, universal adapter. Skip the laptop unless you're working remotely. Tablets are optional but nice for long bus rides.

What about formal clothes for temples?

One pair of long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders handles all temple dress codes. Many temples rent coverings for $1-2 if you forget.

Should I pack a towel?

Bring a quick-dry microfiber towel. Hostels don't always provide towels, and hotel towels take forever to dry in humidity.

How to Pack for Backpacking Southeast Asia

Pack light with quick-dry clothes, rain gear, and versatile shoes. Bring 7-10 days of clothing max, essential medications, and a good daypack. You can buy most everything else there for cheap.

Choose the right backpack. Get a 40-50L backpack. Anything bigger and you'll overpack. Test it fully loaded before you go. Osprey Farpoint 40 or similar travel packs work better than hiking packs in cities.
Pack for the climate. Bring lightweight, quick-dry clothes in neutral colors. 3-4 t-shirts, 2 pairs shorts, 1 pair long pants, 1 light jacket for AC buses. Skip cotton - it stays wet and smells.
Get rain protection. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry pants. Don't rely on umbrellas - they break in monsoon winds. A waterproof pack cover is essential.
Bring versatile footwear. One pair walking shoes (not new), flip-flops for showers and beaches. That's it. Hiking boots are overkill unless you're doing serious trekking.
Pack essential medications. Bring any prescriptions plus basic first aid: ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, oral rehydration salts, antihistamine. Pharmacies are everywhere but may not have your specific brands.
Include tech essentials. Universal adapter, portable charger, phone with offline maps downloaded. Bring backup copies of documents stored separately from originals.
Add laundry supplies. Small bottle of liquid detergent and a travel clothesline. You'll wash clothes every 3-4 days. Hotel laundry services cost $1-3 per load.
Pack a day bag. Bring a small backpack or daypack for day trips. You'll use this constantly for temple visits, beach days, and overnight trips.

Should I pack mosquito repellent?: Bring a small bottle of DEET-based repellent from home. You can buy more locally, but Western brands work better and cost the same as buying a large bottle at home.
How many electronics should I bring?: Phone, charger, portable battery, universal adapter. Skip the laptop unless you're working remotely. Tablets are optional but nice for long bus rides.
What about formal clothes for temples?: One pair of long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders handles all temple dress codes. Many temples rent coverings for $1-2 if you forget.
Should I pack a towel?: Bring a quick-dry microfiber towel. Hostels don't always provide towels, and hotel towels take forever to dry in humidity.