Suggested Packing List – South East Asia

Most trips include stops at beaches and mountainous areas so you will need clothes for all temperatures.

Clothing

• swimsuit
• sunglasses
• hat
• t-shirts
• shorts that are not too revealing
• long trousers
• light-weight, long-sleeved tops
• light jacket that is wind and rain-resistant
• hiking shoes
• socks
• slip-on shoes for ease of taking your shoes on and off when visiting pagodas, houses and other places where footwear is inappropriate.
• 1 or 2 sets of going out clothes for the cities – Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket
• In winter, you’ll need a warm coat for mountainous areas

Toiletries & Medication
While imported beauty products are readily available in major cities, you’d be wise to pack staples like

• sunscreen,
• contact lens solution,
• sanitary items
• mosquito repellent
• prescription medication

Travel Documents
You should keep your document wallet on you at all times to safely carry your travel documents and cash, and ensure that your luggage has a secure lock. Bring photocopies of your passport and visa, plus some extra passport-sized photos if you’re applying for on-arrival visas. When flying into or within any of these countries, you will probably be given baggage claim tags (they will be stuck to the back of your ticket). Keep these, as you may need to show them when leaving the airport.

Good Manners
In most of the countries visited, revealing clothing is unacceptable off the beach. Shorts are generally fine – as long as they aren’t too short. People tend to dress as well as they can afford to – the local people are often astonished by some travellers’ choice of dirty and tattered clothing.

When visiting most pagodas and temples, shorts and tank-tops are unacceptable – cameras may not be allowed in all areas either. Your knees and shoulders must be covered. Footwear must be removed in pagodas. Shoes are usually removed upon entering private homes too.

In terms of behaviour, public displays of affection between men and women are considered shocking. On the other hand, it’s perfectly normal for a pair of men or a pair of women to link arms or hold hands. Upon meeting someone new, people may simply nod to each other or may shake hands. Using both hands to shake someone’s hand is a warm gesture of respect.

Beckoning someone by crooking your finger is very rude. The correct way to call someone over is to extend your hand with the palm down and flap your fingers towards your wrist. To ask for the bill in a restaurant or shop, extend one hand in front of you with the palm raised and pretend to write on your palm with the other hand.