These are tips I gave to a relative who was traveling for the first time to Southeast Asia. It was going to be the early part of the rainy season.
*Pants - Hiking pants are great: wrinkle-free, roll-up, breathable, easy to dry and wash, casual but nice enough to pass for restaurants that have a dress code. A big mistake would be to take blue jeans of any type or thick cargo pants or thick shorts. You could take a pair of khakis if you want to dress a bit nicer at times.
*Shirts - Golf shirts are great (for same reason as the pants). The collar on those shirts helps you get into rooftop bars. T-shirts are still fine. I would go lighter colors to not attract sun. T-shirts with cool designs and logos you can easily buy over there. And so cheap. You can get them in Bangkok or in the mountains or at beach. And then you don’t have to take any from here. The nicer stuff, though, like your pants and collared shirts, can be bought over there, but size could be tougher to get, and can be pricey. Last trip i didn't even carry a t-shirt, except to sleep in. Cotton tees get so hot now, and i sweat a lot in them. The easy-dry golf type shirts are the way i go. So comfy.
*Shoes - a very good pair of walking shoes. I have New Balance. Swear by them. I walk 20-25 miles a week in Asheville and replace my shoes every 3-4 months. Also, i have a very comfy tan pairs of loafers that are also great for walking and look nice for restaurants and what not. I will wear them with my hiking pants that are versatile enough to be smart casual.
*Socks - the socks runners and hikers use are great - very durable, but not very thick. You might end up handwashing them.
*Rain jacket - very little or no insulation, easy roll-up, maybe something you can easily carry in your shoulder bag. You can buy umbrellas over there if you want to stay drier.
*Swimwear for the beach. Something comfy enough to perhaps even wear on scooter when you ride around. I wouldn't worry about flip-flops. You can buy there. Also, your loafers will come in handy. I can wear them with my swimsuit and t-shirt ( or golf shirt). My collared shirts and loafers will do for me at the beach.
*Shorts for the beach - might be smart to bring a pair or two. Sometimes i think a single pair works, and rotate the shirts with them.
*Wallet - just one that has some slots for cards and docs, place for money. Not too big, cause you may want to keep it in your front pockets from time to time. Even in Asheville, I keep my wallet in front pocket. Gotten so used to it. Plus, when i sit, i don't have an object to sit on. Lol
*Readers - If you use readers, i would carry a backup pair. You can still get them over there.
*Toiletries - I try to get creative. You can buy everything over there. But to get through airports and first few days, i make take travel sizes from here. Toothbrush, small toothpaste, small deodorant i will take. We can talk about all this. I buy foam shaving cream there. I just try to keep it smart b/c i don't want an overstuffed bag. I shave my head and face every few days there. If you need clippers, i would get battery-powder. You will also find barbers there who can do whatever you desire...and inexpensive.
*Medication - over-the-counter stuff, easy to find over there. But i take a small amount of tums, advil, cough drops, etc...just to get me there. 7-11 and pharmacies are everywhere.
*A small bottle of cologne or one that's almost empty might be good to take. Finish it and leave the bottle. Dab here, dab there. You can also buy over there. You will be in a sweaty environment around lots of folks. So if you have a favorite cologne, why not bring it? Lol
*Sun hats - definitely have one or two with wide brims. You can wear a baseball cap, too, but won't keep the sun off your face and back of neck. But baseball caps are fairly popular there. I even see Asian girls wearing them. More of a fashion thing.
*I don't wear a watch and wear no rings or necklaces. More to manage. I keep it simple.
*You'll probably end up handwashing some socks, undies and even a favorite pair of pants or a shirt. However, we will go to laundromats and/or pay somebody to do our laundry. Usually very cheap. That's another reason, though, why you don't want to carry expensive brands. Could get damaged, or even lost. Things happen.
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