Packing List for Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: The Ultimate Multi-Country Southeast Asia Checklist

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group – Your trusted partner for seamless multi-country adventures.

=> Cultural Capitals of Southeast Asia Tour 21-Day

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=> Explore Southeast Asia: A Multi-Country Tour 22-Day

Traveling across Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand means experiencing diverse climates (tropical beaches, misty mountains, and bustling cities), varied activities (temples, trekking, cruising), and different cultural expectations. A well-planned packing list keeps you comfortable, respectful, and ready for anything — whether you're exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, tubing in Vang Vieng, or relaxing on Phuket’s beaches.

Legend Travel Group’s multi-country tours (Vietnam → Laos → Thailand) are designed for maximum flexibility and peace of mind — you only pay a 10% deposit, with the balance due just 30 days before departure. Pack light, travel easy, and let us handle the rest.

Essential Documents & Money

• Passport (valid for 6+ months) + 4 photocopies

• Printed e-visa / visa exemption proof (if required)

• Flight e-tickets & tour confirmation from Legend Travel Group

• Travel insurance policy (highly recommended)

• International driver’s license (if planning to rent a scooter)

• Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted) + USD cash (small bills)

• Money belt or anti-theft neck wallet

• Reusable waterproof document pouch

Clothing (Lightweight & Modest – Pack for 7–10 days, laundry is cheap!)

• 5–7 quick-dry t-shirts/tank tops (breathable fabric)

• 2–3 long-sleeve lightweight shirts (sun & mosquito protection + temple visits)

• 2 pairs of lightweight pants / zip-off convertibles

• 1 modest knee-length skirt or sarong (women) / lightweight long pants (men) for temples

• 1 light rain jacket or poncho (wet season essential)

• 1 fleece or light sweater (northern Vietnam/Laos highlands can be cool Dec–Feb)

• 7+ pairs of underwear & socks (merino wool recommended)

• Comfortable walking sandals + waterproof flip-flops

• Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes (for trekking in Laos or northern Vietnam)

• Swimsuit + quick-dry travel towel

• Hat / cap & sunglasses

• Lightweight scarf (sun protection + temple cover-up)

Toiletries & Health

• Travel-size sunscreen (SPF 50+) & after-sun aloe gel

• DEET or Picaridin mosquito repellent

• Hand sanitizer & antibacterial wipes

• Basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, diarrhea tablets, motion sickness pills)

• Personal medication + copies of prescriptions

• Reusable menstrual products (if applicable)

• Toiletry basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo bar)

• Quick-dry microfiber towel

• Toilet paper packets or tissues (public toilets often lack)

Electronics & Gadgets

• Universal travel adaptor (Type A, C, & sometimes G in Thailand)

• Power bank (20,000 mAh+)

• Unlocked phone + local SIM cards (Vietnam: Viettel, Laos: Unitel, Thailand: AIS/True)

• Lightweight headphones

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Compact camera or GoPro (optional)

• E-reader or tablet loaded with offline maps & guides

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Reusable water bottle with filter (e.g., LifeStraw or Grayl)

• Collapsible daypack (20–30L)

• Dry bag (10–20L) for boat trips & rainy season

• Earplugs & eye mask (for overnight buses/trains)

• Lightweight padlock (for hostels & luggage)

• Ziplock bags (for keeping things dry & organized)

• Small sewing kit & duct tape (wrapped around a pen)

• Snacks from home (energy bars, nuts) for long travel days

Optional but Highly Recommended

• Lightweight hammock (perfect for Laos riversides)

• Travel clothesline & biodegradable soap

• Binoculars (for Ha Long Bay or Luang Prabang waterfalls)

• Sarong (doubles as towel, blanket, or temple cover)

• Playing cards or travel games

• Nov–Feb (Cool & Dry) → Add a light fleece & warm socks for Hanoi, Sapa, or Luang Prabang mornings (can drop to 10°C).

• Mar–May (Hot & Dry) → Focus on breathable fabrics, high SPF, and a wide-brim hat.

• Jun–Oct (Wet Season) → Prioritize quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes, and a strong rain jacket.

• “Pack half the clothes you think you need — laundry is $1–$2 per kilo everywhere!”

• “Bring a scarf — it’s a temple cover-up, sun shield, and blanket on cold buses.”

• “One pair of good walking shoes is worth more than three cheap pairs.”

With this packing list, you’re set for temples, jungles, beaches, and everything in between. Let Legend Travel Group take care of the itinerary, transfers, and local expertise while you travel light and stress-free.

Book your multi-country adventure today — only a 10% deposit required, balance due 30 days before departure. Keep your peace of mind and let the journey begin!

Explore flexible Vietnam Tours, authentic Laos Tours, and unforgettable Thailand Tours at https://www.legendtravelgroup.com