Packing for a backpacking trip can be extremely overwhelming. I would always recommend packing light as you’ll want to buy everything in Asia (especially if you go to Hoi An in Vietnam).

Here are my top 10 tips for females to pack whilst backpacking Southeast Asia.

1. Tampons – I was shocked at how difficult it was to find tampons in Asia. If I did find them, they were in packs of 5, poor quality and overpriced. I once did find a box of Tampax in Gili T where the shop was charging the Indonesian equivalent of £20 for 20!
   
2. Hair Towel Turban – as you usually only have one towel, this is an absolute lifesaver when you wash your hair. There is nothing worse than being in clean, dry clothes and your hair making them wet. It also increases the speed of drying your hair as it takes a lot more of the moisture out than a normal towel. 
   
3. Multiple bankcards – I would recommend your usual bank card, two travel cards (I have Monzo and Chase) and a Credit Card. It isn’t uncommon for ATMs to swallow your cards so it is better to be safer rather than sorry. A Credit Card is better to book flights as they are insured and sometimes hotels will ask to take a deposit on a Credit Card.
   
4. Small Day Bag – my day bag was a foldable, lightweight rucksack, I could attach it to my larger backpack when I wasn’t using it (this is in additional to your fanny pack). 
   
5. Waterproof Phone Pouch – you can buy these in Asia, but I am not sure that I would trust them. It is much better to buy one in the UK from a reputable company. 
   
6. Backpack Size – one mistake that I made on my last trip was taking a hand luggage size backpack. I assumed that Asian airlines would have the same 10KG rule as Europe, unfortunately, most companies for domestic flights only allow 7KG for hand luggage. I ended up paying for a checked-in bag, I could have taken so many more of my belongings. 
   
7. Carabiners – always have a couple of carabiners on the outside of your backpack. They are great for attaching things to the outside of your bags. For example – shoes, a laundry bag (so you don’t make your backpack smell), coats etc.  
   
8. Cotton Sleeping Bag – these are lightweight and do not take up much space but are so handy if you end up in a bedroom which isn’t as clean as you like or if someone has the AC on too high and you are chilly. 
   
9. Sarong – this is perfect for a beach day or to sit on whilst you are out. It doesn’t take up much space and is so easy to remove sand from. Another benefit is that it can work as a curtain if your dorm bed does not have one. 
   
10. Evening Kit – I found it helpful to have an evening kit which included my PJs, eye mask, ear plugs, sleeping bag and charger. This made it easier when I arrived at hostels as I didn’t have to faff around with unpacking before bed.