Can You Take A Suitcase Backpacking Southeast Asia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

First things first,

suitcases are incredibly impractical for Southeast Asia and you shouldn’t even consider taking one

. The streets are frequently unpaved, full of potholes and many of the islands in Thailand, fo example, don’t even have roads. You’ll need to bring a backpack, and the smaller the better.

Are backpacks allowed as checked luggage?

Can a Backpack Be Used as Checked Luggage?

Yes – backpacks can be used as checked luggage, provided that they comply with the rules of the airlines

.

Is it safe to backpack in Southeast Asia?


Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel

– even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare.

How much money do you need to backpack in Southeast Asia?

Average costs for Southeast Asia

On a longer trip, plan on spending about

$35/day for one person on average, or about $1000/month

. That’s traveling as a backpacker, using budget accommodation and eating mainly local food. This number does not count pre-trip expenses.

What do I need for backpacking in Thailand?

  • A Good Travel Backpack. Okay, this one might have been a little bit obvious. …
  • Quality Flip Flops. …
  • A Day Bag. …
  • A Reusable Water Bottle. …
  • Mini LED Flashlight. …
  • Waterproof Phone Pack. …
  • Electrolyte Packs. …
  • Travel Insurance.

Can you wear red in Thailand?

When in Thailand and especially near temples you will see tourists wearing these blue and white sarongs very often. By the way,

red, blue, and white are Thai national colors

. Here is a picture from the Grand Palace where you can see that everyone has dressed appropriately. The image is a bit dark as it was a rainy day.

How do I plan a backpacking trip in Southeast Asia?

  1. Plan around the weather. …
  2. Get off the beaten track. …
  3. Try the street food. …
  4. Budget carefully – but have the odd splurge. …
  5. Learn from the locals. …
  6. Embrace the great outdoors. …
  7. Make time for temples. …
  8. Get high.

What is the safest country in Southeast Asia?


Singapore

. According to the GPI, Singapore is the safest country in Asia.

What is the safest country in SE Asia?

1.

Japan

. Japan ranks tops the charts of the Global Peace Index as the safest, most peaceful country in Asia.

Can you fly with a hiking backpack?

Packing a Carry-On Backpack

Like any carry-on luggage,

liquids carried in the cabin of a plane in a backpack are subject to the 3-1-1 rule

. That means you can take as many 3.4-ounce or smaller bottles that fit inside a single clear 1-quart baggie.

Can backpacks be a personal item?

The short answer:

If it fits under the seat in front of you, it’s considered a personal item

. That means small backpacks and daypacks will usually qualify as personal items.

How big of a backpack can you carry-on a plane?

Each airline sets its own guidelines for the maximum allowable size for carry on luggage. Most airlines allow bags

up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) or 22′′ long, 14′′ wide, and 9′′ deep

. To prevent problems at the airport, your bag should be no larger than these dimensions.

How much money will I need for 6 months in Southeast Asia?

On a Budget

I personally spent

$7,958 USD

(without SCUBA diving – $6,095) for six months in Southeast Asia, with a month each in Cambodia, Laos, northern Thailand, southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. With flights and pre-trip expenses, it added up to $11,000.

Is Bali cheaper than Thailand?

The winner:

Thailand works out to be cheaper overall

, has a wider range of cuisines and activities for families and has cleaner beaches. If nightlife is where you’re at though, Bali is the winner. Scroll here for our quick side-by-side comparison of each destination.

How can I travel with no money?

  1. Couchsurfing. …
  2. Research what’s free in the places you are going. …
  3. Start trying to save at least a little / Earn money online. …
  4. Travel somewhere less expensive. …
  5. Travel to that less expensive place at the least expensive TIME. …
  6. Stay in rural areas. …
  7. Consider hitchhiking or car sharing. …
  8. Volunteer.

Is backpacking in Thailand safe?


Traveling Thailand is relatively easy and safe

. You rarely hear of anything going wrong. And when you do, it is often because people ended up doing something they shouldn’t have. However, that doesn’t mean that danger isn’t there.

How much does it cost to go backpacking in Thailand?

If you’re backpacking Thailand, plan to budget

between 825–1150 BHT ($25–35 USD) per day

. This range will get you your own room (fan only) with a shared bathroom (or a dorm room on the lower end), food from the street stalls, a couple of drinks per day, a few tours here and there, and local transportation.

What should I avoid in Thailand?

  • Do Not Touch People’s Heads. Image Source. …
  • Do Not Use Your Feet For Anything But Walking. Image Source. …
  • Do Not Touch The Monks. Image Source. …
  • Do Not Keep Your Shoes On All The Time. …
  • Do Not Take Photos With Captured Animals. …
  • Do Not Get Involved With Illegal Drugs. …
  • Do Not Overstay Your Visa Period.

Is it polite to slurp in Thailand?

Unlike in some some Asian countries,

slurping soups and noodles isn’t a good idea

. Don’t forget to thank your host with a polite kawp khun khrap/kha (“thank you” male/female) at the end of the meal.

Can you wear black in Thailand?


Many Thai people will be wearing black or white, but this isn’t mandatory

. Tourists aren’t expected to dress in the same way as Thai people, but showing respect will be appreciated by locals.

What does red mean in Thailand?

Red represents

the blood of life for the land and it’s people

, white represents purity and is the colour for Theravada Buddhism, the main religion in Thailand, and blue is the national colour of Thailand.

What do I need to pack for 3 months in Asia?

  • Nike Free Run Shoes. …
  • Reef HT, Men’s Flip Flop. …
  • 4 x T-Shirts. …
  • 3 x Shorts. …
  • Swimming Shorts.
  • Kathmandu Men’s Federate Trousers. …
  • Long-Sleeved T-Shirt.

How long does it take to backpack Asia?

Duration: This route is usually completed in

3-6 months

. Average budget per month: $500-$800 USD. See here for a breakdown of how much it costs to backpack Southeast Asia. Best time to go: The most popular time to backpack Southeast Asia is from September to March which misses out the rainy season in most areas.

How long does the banana pancake trail take?


2 months

is the perfect minimum time to enjoy all four countries in mainland South-East Asia without having to rush. You can follow the complete so-called ‘Banana Pancake’ trail, a well-trodden Southeast Asia backpacker route that runs through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

What country is the friendliest in Asia?


Philippines

Deemed as One of the World’s Friendliest Countries | Asia Society.

What is the richest country in Southeast Asia?

Rank Country 2020 GDP (PPP) billions of USD 1

Indonesia

$3,328
2 Thailand $1,261 3 Vietnam $1,047 4 Malaysia $988

What is the most friendly country in Asia?

  • Singapore. The top position for the safest country according to the Global Peace Index goes to Singapore. …
  • Japan. The second spot on the Global Peace Index for the list of safest countries in Asia 2021 once again goes to Japan. …
  • Malaysia. …
  • Taiwan. …
  • Indonesia. …
  • Mongolia. …
  • Laos. …
  • South Korea.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.