Travel guide · Forma

Holy grails when travelling to South East Asia

Seven travel essentials for first-timers heading to South East Asia, picked from first-hand experience.

By Tanika ThotaDecember 2025

Two muddy Asian elephants, an adult and a calf, being sprayed with water at a sanctuary

South East Asia could top the list as the regions with the most beginner-friendly travel destinations.

From top travel spots like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Here are the essentials that could make your trip just that little bit easier!

1. Charcoal tablets

Black charcoal capsules photographed from above inside a container — Photograph by Tanika Thota

I took one of these tablets before each meal and did not get food poisoning once! Bali belly begone.

You can also prevent tummy troubles by eating sensibly at restaurants with good hygiene standards. You can find these at Holland and Barrett, Boots or Amazon.

2. Packing cubes

A stack of colourful packing cubes in blue, yellow, orange and pink with clothes visible through the mesh — Packing cubes keep a 60 litre backpack organised.

When you have a 60 Litre backpack, it can be nearly impossible to keep your belongings organised.

These packing cubes came in handy when it came to separating clothing items.

With different coloured packing cubes, I knew where everything was and did not need to rummage for necessary items.

With the amount of packing and repacking between locations was a much smoother process and these saved my time to a great extent.

Here is the link for the packing cubes I used: Amazon.

Chelsea 4 Packing Cubes Black | Travel Accessories | Antler UK – the packing cubes I used for more valuable items, as these were more durable.

3. Bum bag

A person from behind wearing a small navy bum bag across the body — A small bag keeps your passport, phone and wallet close.

When you are constantly on the move, it is of high necessity to have a small bag to keep your belongings safe.

When travelling in Southeast Asia- Thailand particularly, it is essential to carry your passport with you wherever you go.

You also need your passport to purchase any SIM cards abroad. This is the perfect place to put your phone, your wallet, passport, and your hotel/hostel key, plus medicine for the day.

4. Travel towel

Microfibre travel towels in zip cases in grey with orange, blue, pink and green trims — Microfibre travel towels pack down small.

Any large micro fibre towels are good to keep on you when you are staying at any accommodation.

These towels are also nice to have when laying on the beach and as an extra blanket if the AC is too cold on coaches. BAGAIL Microfiber Travel Towel – Pink (Shopping.co.uk)

5. SD card holder

A clear plastic hinged SD card case — An SD card case also keeps your home SIM safe.

These cases came in so handy, not only for carrying my spare SD card when it was not in use, but also for carrying my native SIM card and keeping it safe whilst I changed my SIM card when I visited different countries.

6. Universal Travel Adapter

A black universal travel adapter with USB ports next to its zip case — A universal adapter works across every plug type.

This travel adapter was extraordinarily helpful when travelling between countries that use different plugs.

You can plug multiple things at once making life much easier. Amazon link

7. Powerbank

A slim black power bank with USB ports — A power bank that lasts 3 to 4 charges.

It is 100% advisable to carry a power bank that is fully charged wherever you go.

Invest in one that can last 3-4 charges so that you're never stuck in a foreign country with no phone.

You never know where the nearest power source will be. Juice Eco Max+ 24000mAh Portable Power Bank – Black (Argos)