It is typically very hot and humid in Southeast Asia, so you won’t want to spend a lot of time in long pants during your visit. However, to visit many of the temples, pagodas, and other shrines, you need to have both your knees and shoulders covered. This means you can’t see many of the amazing temples wearing shorts.

This is why I love the versatility of zip off pants. You can wear them as shorts for most of the time, then zip the pant legs back on when you need them to enter a temple. It saves you from having to pack long pants that you will wear for only short periods during your trip.

It can get incredibly hot and humid in Southeast Asia, so you are going to want to plan your outfits accordingly. If you aren’t visiting a temple or other location that requires your knees to be covered, you will definitely want to be in shorts those days. Packing a few pairs of quality shorts to wear on your trip is essential. If you are looking for some new shorts to try for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below.

In addition to having shorts and\or zip off pants, it is also important to bring shirts with you that will keep you cool and protected. One of my favorite things to bring to warm climate destinations is breathable T-Shirts with SPF protection. Not only do these shirts keep you cool by allowing air to ventilate thru them, but they also have built in sun protection. If I were you, I would pack one of these shirts for each day you plan on traveling. If you’d like some recommendations, I have included a link to my top picks below.

In addition to having a breathable short sleeve T-Shirt with SPF protection, I also recommend having a breathable long sleeve T-Shirt with you as well. It can get a little chilly when you are out on the ocean in the early morning or the evening at times. These shirts can also give you added sun protection if you need it. For recommendations for long-sleeve breathable shirts, please see my link below.

Even though Southeast Asia is very warm in most places, there are times and places where you will want a warm jacket with you. For those who are visiting Northern Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos, this mountainous region can get quite chilly when you are at higher elevations.

Not to mention, some of the establishments you will visit throughout Southeast Asia will have their air conditioning on high, so it can be very chilly in certain airports, restaurants, and other establishments. Make sure you are prepared by browsing my list of recommended fleeces and nano puff jackets linked below.

One of the most important pieces of gear that you will need to bring with you to Southeast Asia is a swimsuit. Even if you won’t be visiting a coastal region, you are going to want to be able to swim in the pools at your accomodations because of the heat.

And for those who will be visiting a coastal region, the beaches in Southeast Asia are some of the world’s finest. You will definitely want to spend some time at the beach, on a boat, or in the ocean snorkeling or diving. If you are looking for a new suit for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations for you to review below.

While a good rain jacket or rain poncho is always handy when visiting Southeast Asia, depending on the time of year you visit it may be absolutely essential. For travelers who plan on visiting during the monsoon season, having a good rain jacket or rain poncho will go a long way in making sure you are comfortable when visiting.

During this time of year, this region of the world gets a lot of rain. I recommend looking for a light rain jacket or rain poncho that is somewhat breathable. You don’t want a jacket that is too insulated as you will roast in it.

Not only are they essential for when you are on the beach or by the pool, but a good pair of beach sandals will come in handy when you aren’t near the water in Southeast Asia. Sandals are an essential piece of footwear in this region of the world because they keep your feet cool and comfortable in the hot, humid weather.

While flip flops are great for the beach, I would suggest getting a good pair of versitile sandals like Teva’s that strap on so that you can use them in a variety of different circumstances. For my recommendations, see the link I included below.

Most likely, you will be doing a lot of walking when you visit Southeast Asia. Chances are, you will be touring a large city like Bangkok, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur. That, or you will be exploring one of the region’s many incredible temples like Angkor Wat, Wat Rong Khun, or the Borobudur Temple. While exploring the region, it will be essential to have comfortable footwear. If you are looking for a good pair of walking shoes for travel, I have included a link to my recommendations for you to review below.

It’s no secret that the sun in Southeast Asia can be intense. When you are out and about exploring temples, on the water, or doing anything else in the sun, you will want extra sun protection. One of the most important pieces of travel clothing that you can bring with you is a good sun or safari hat.

This will help protect your face and neck from sun burn and will keep you cool when the sun is the most intense. If you are looking for a good sun or safari hat, I have included a link to my recommendations below.

Just like having the right pair of warm socks is important for visiting cold climates, having the right socks to wear in warm climates is important as well. The right quick-drying, moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet dry and comfortable while you explore Southeast Asia. For a look at my top recommendations, see the link below.

The weather is typically very hot in Southeast Asia, so you will want to dress accordingly. This means you will want to consider bringing at least a few pairs of shorts with you on your trip. While you won’t be able to wear them when visiting many temples that require your knees to be covered, they will come in handy when you are out and about elsewhere. If you are looking for some new shorts to try for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below.

You aren’t going to want to bring a lot of pants to Southeast Asia because the weather is typically very hot. However, it isn’t a bad idea to have at least one pair of pants in your bag. Most of the temples require your knees to be covered, so you will need to dress appropriately when visiting them.

You may want to consider a sun dress or other attire, but having a pair of zip-off pants that convert into shorts or a comfortable pair of pants can work too. For some options, please see the link to my Amazon recommendations below.

We want to look our best when we travel, but it is also very important that we are comfortable. When your are touring Southeast Asia, you will need to have your knees and shoulders covered when visiting a lot of the temples and holy sites. Packing some summer dresses to wear will allow you to be comfortable while touring the amazing temples of Southeast Asia in the heat.

When you are traveling in warm, tropical locations, it is imperative that you dress appropriately for the hot weather. One of my favorite pieces of travel clothing for hot destinations is breathable T-Shirts with SPF protection. Not only do they allow air to pass thru them, which keeps you cool, but they also provide added sun protection. I recommend packing one of these shirts for reach day your traveling. If you’d like some recommendations, I have included a link to my top picks below.

On top of the breathable T-Shirts and tank tops that you bring, I would also suggest bringing a breathable long-sleeve shirt as well. The temps can get chilly on a moving boat early in the morning or evening, so they come in handy. These shirts can also give you added sun protection if you need it. For recommendations for long-sleeve breathable shirts, please see my link below.

In addition to T-Shirts, you may want to also bring some nice tank tops with you when you visit Southeast Asia. They keep you cool and let your arms get some extra sun. However, like with your shirts, I recommend paying special attention to the material your tank tops are made out of. I cannot stress enough how hot it gets in this region of the world, so you will sweat a lot while exploring. I recommend tops made of moisture-wicking and quick drying material.

Staying comfortable while you travel starts with the clothes that you wear. And the base layer of your clothes is your undergarments. Making sure you have quality, comfortable undergarments for your travel is essential. This includes having some comfortable sports bras in your bag when you visit Southeast Asia.

A good swimsuit or two is absolutely essential when visiting Southeast Asia. Not only are you going to need one to enjoy the beach and some of the best snorkeling in the world, but you will also want to enjoy some pool time on your trip. If you are looking for a new suit for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations for you to review below.

A good rain jacket or rain poncho is certainly worth its weight in gold in Southeast Asia. Because of the heavy rains the region gets during the monsoon season, you are almost foolish to travel to Southeast Asia without good rain gear. Even during the shoulder seasons it is important.

I recommend looking for a light rain jacket or rain poncho that is somewhat breathable. You don’t want a jacket that is too insulated as you will roast in it.

It’s not an exageration to say that the sun in Southeast Asia is very intense at times. When you are out exploring temples or on the water, you will need to make sure you protect yourself from the sun. Otherwise, you are at risk of getting bad sun burn or heat stroke.

One of the best ways to do that is to have a hat designed to shield your head and neck from the sun. If you are looking for a good sun or safari hat, I have included a link to my recommendations below.

There may not be a piece of clothing as important to your comfort when visiting Southeast Asia than a good pair of sandals. Not only are they critical gear for when you are at the beach or by the pool, but you’ll be glad you have them when you are out in the hot weather touring temples or shopping.

While flip flops are great beach footwear, they are less than ideal if you are touring temples, national parks, or doing something else that requires sturdier footwear. For that reason, I recommend bringing a pair of sandals that are flexible for many situations.

Unless you are visiting to just sit on a beach and enjoy the sun, you will probably be doing a lot of walking when visiting Southeast Asia. There are a lot of incredible temples to explore and cities to see. While doing all of this exploration, you will want to have comfortable footwear. If you are looking for a good pair of walking shoes for travel, I have included a link to my recommendations for you to review below.

In addition to packing a few summer dresses, you might want to consider packing a sarong or beach wrap when you come to Southeast Asia as well. These flexible wraps can really come in handy when you need to cover yourself for a temple tour or wrap up after a dip in the ocean. If you are looking for a nice sarong for your trip, I have linked to some recommendations below.

Southeast Asia can get pretty wet, so having the correct socks with you when you visit is a huge thing. Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks will go a long way in making sure your feet are comfortable as you explore. This is especially important if you visit during the monsoon season. For a look at my top recommendations, see the link below.

You are going to be in the sun a lot when exploring Southeast Asia, so you will want to have a pair of good sunglasses with you. If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses for your trip, I linked to my recommendations for you to review below.

With the strong sun in Southeast Asia, it will be very important to have proper sunscreen with you when you visit. This is especially true if you plan on spending a lot of time in and on the water. If you are looking for some good sunscreen for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below.

Even if you aren’t planning on spending a lot of time in remote areas, I strongly recommend bringing some high Deet insect repellant with you on your trip. Depending on where you visit, both Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis are a risk. It is important to avoid these mosquito-borne illnesses.

Not to mention, there are also tiny biting flies in the region that can leave fairly nasty little bites. Using insect repellant when you are outside for extended periods will keep you protected.

Depending on where you are visiting, many restrooms in Southeast Asia don’t have toilet paper. Instead, these restrooms will have a water sprayer that you can use to clean yourself after using the restroom. For this reason, I would strongly recommend bringing your own travel toilet paper when you visit. If you need to purchase some before your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below.

When you are out-and-about exploring in Southeast Asia, you don’t want to be caught in the rain. One way to make sure you are always prepared is to have a travel umbrella with you. These small, easy to carry umbrellas will give you some protection if a storm moves in quickly. For some recommendations on good travel umbrellas to purchase, see my link below.

If you are going to visit Southeast Asia, you have to get out on the water. There are so many incredible sightseeing and snorkeling tours in the region. For travelers who easily get sea sick, one of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to take Dramamine before getting on a boat. I always make sure to have some in my bag if I think there is a chance I will be getting out on the water.

For travelers who plan on spending a lot of time snorkeling or spending time in the ocean, I strongly recommend bringing a pair of water shoes. Not only will these shoes protect your feet, but they also provide some added traction on slippery boat decks and docks. If you are looking for a pair for your trip, I have linked to some of my recommendations below.

Before you travel to Southeast Asia, you will need to be sure that you have the correct international power adapter with you so that you can keep your devices charged. Otherwise, you might be left stuck without a charged phone or camera. If you are in need of an international power adapter for your trip, I have provided a link to my recommendations below.

Once considered a luxury for travelers, I would almost consider a portable charger as a necessity when traveling these days. We have become so reliant upon our phones and other devices, and being able to charge them wherever and whenever we want is critical. To shop for some good quality portable chargers, please see my recommendations linked below.

When you are out on a day excursion or exploring a city in Southeast Asia, you need to keep your personal belongings safe and organized. You also don’t want to carry something big and bulky. This is where a small, packable day pack or fanny pack comes in handy. Here are my recommendations.