Planning an international trip from India to Southeast Asia? From the bustling streets of Bangkok to Bali’s serene beaches, Indian travelers are flocking to international destinations in Southeast Asia for its affordability, cultural charm, and visa-friendly policies. But packing smartly is key to avoiding overspending and stress!
In this guide, I’ve curated 15 budget-friendly travel essentials under ₹5,000 – all available online.
I have also handpicked a few Thailand, Bali, and Singapore trips for you if you want to book a trip online. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a family traveler, these tips and product picks will ensure your Southeast Asia adventure is smooth, safe, and unforgettable!
To those who are new to this blog, I would like to announce that I am a full-time travel content creator (you can Google about me by the name FOOTLOOSE DEV). I been to Southeast Asia on various trips, including my recent 7-day motorcycle trip across Malaysia, a media-trip to Indonesia organised by Indonesia Tourism, among others.
Why Southeast Asia is Perfect for Indian Travelers
Southeast Asia (particularly Thailand, Bali, Singapore and Malaysia) is a top choice for Indian tourists due to:
- Visa-free/easy visa options for Indian passport holders.
- Budget-friendly flights (IndiGo, AirAsia, Scoot).
- Cultural similarities (street food, temples, tropical weather).
Must-Have Travel Essentials for Indians
1. Lightweight Luggage for Budget Airlines
Do you know you can book low-frills airlines that offer no checkin-luggage and only offer cabin baggage (usually limited to 7kg per person) nearly 30% cheaper than an airlines offering you checkin-baggage?
I always travel with Airlines like Air Asia and Indigo to get deals like these. Recently, for example, I booked a return flight from Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur for less than 25,000 Rupees including taxes for two people. That’s about 6000 Rupees per flight per person.
Having lightweight luggage is important in this case. Because sometimes you suitcase itself weights over 3kg. Now imagine having a 3kg suitcase for a weight limit of 7kgs. How much are you left with to put your stuff for an international trip from India? 4kgs? That’s funny. And that’s why you need a lightweight luggage for budget airlines.
I bet you cannot find a better cabin trolley bag than this one at this price:
Check Product: Safari Thorium Neo 8 Trolley Bag
- Why Buy: Fits AirAsia/IndiGo cabin size limits
- Has a 4-wheel spinner for easy mobility. Also make you look stylist while walking with the suitcase, over a 2-wheel spinner system.
- Tip: Pair with this Foldable Travel Duffel Bag for souvenirs.
2. Anti-motion Sickness Band
I have never felt motion-sickness but my wife does. She gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for her.
At one point she had removed her band because said said it was getting too tight. But after only a few minutes without it, a headache started to come on, so she immediately put them back on and the relief was instant. I have suffered on various trips because my wife gets bad motion-sickness and it ruins both of our enjoyment but now we know better. This is definitely a must-have travel essential for Indians.
Check Product: This anti-motion sickness band
- Why Buy: Because you do not want to have the side-effects of a motion-sickness tablet
3. Portable Neck Fan
Portable neck fans is a fashion in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand and Vietnam. They are moreover useful in the region because it is very humid there.
I had never seen these before but was introduced to them by one of my friends in Malaysia. I purchased these and used them throughout my 1-month Thailand trip once and was surprised how comfortable they were to wear and the wonderful breeze it put out. Also, saw these worn by several others and had people ask me how they were and where I got them.
Check Product: Beautiful Portable Neck Fan
- Why Buy: Because they are fashionable in Southeast Asia.
- They help you keep your face dry in the humidity of the region.
4. Dry Shampoo
I was initially hesitant about this product but decided to try it for my vacation to avoid aerosols and liquids. I’m absolutely amazed!
It has a great scent, leaves no residue, and not only adds volume but also keeps my hair looking fresh. Plus, it lasts much longer than an aerosol, making it perfect for daily or every-other-day use.
The compact bottle takes up little space, yet my first one has lasted for months, and I’m only halfway through!
Check Product: This Dry Shampoo
- Why Buy: Keeps me unworried for spilling liquids in my bag.
5. Suitcase Protector
Suitcase protector keep your luggage new, because while travelling you get mysterious black scratches on your super cute suitcase.
It comes in several sizes to fit many types of luggage, and repels stains, water, and dust. You’ll finally have some type of defense against the potential damages that may happen to your checked bags.
Plus, no one can open a zip and take the valuables out while you’re sleeping next to the luggage. Saves you from petty thefts.
Check Product: This suitcase protector for all suitcase sizes
- Why Buy: Because other than being a travel essential, it helps you keep your luggage look nice while storing it in your home.
6. Bug-bite Suction Tool
A Bug Bite Thing suction tool is perfect for anyone who loves hiking but always ends up being a feast for every bug around. This chemical-free solution helps relieve itching from bee stings, spider bites, and more.
You can use it in India and in most other developing countries. Some countries in Europe also have mosquitoes and flies. Definitely a must-have travel product.
Check Product: This bug-bite suction tool
- Why Buy: Because other than being a travel essential, it helps you keep your luggage look nice while storing it in your home.
7. Universal Travel Adapter
During my first solo-backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia in 2016, I was so unprepared that I did not carry a universal travel adapter. I bought a basic India to Thailand converter charger that worked only in Thailand. Cambodia had different Adapter Chargers.
Naturally, having a Universal Travel Adapter that works across the world is a better choice.
Check Product: Ambrane Universal Travel Adapter
- Why Buy: Works in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia. Includes USB ports.
- Long-lasting and good quality at an affordable price.
8. Waterproof Phone Pouch
Life in Southeast Asia is different than that of India. And so is clothing. While on a beach in Thailand, you don’t want to put your phone on the beach and go in the water. You would like to have it in your pocket. I understand phones are waterproof but to salty-ocean water the waterproofing might behave differently. It’s always a good idea to keep a waterproof pouch for your phone.
If you don’t want to use it for your phone, you will still find a use for it since tropical conditions in Southeast Asia, with more rain than most parts of India. I always carry a waterproof pouch with me on any trip to Southeast Asia, particularly for a trip to the beaches.
Here’s a products I can recommend:
Check Product: Bobo Waterproof Phone Pouch (compatible for all smartphones)
- Why Buy: Protect your phone during Bali and Thailand beach trips or monsoon rains.
9. Handsfree Phone Mount
I bought this about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra long-haul trip to Europe and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers.
However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I’ve clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer.
At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I’ve been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed.
Check Product: Best handsfree phone mountVloggers & heavy phone users
- Why Buy: You can use it at home, office and while travel.
- Think of it as a portable smartphone holder & a help for taking photos and videos.
10. Leakproof Sleeves For Toiletry
Because when the storage space is less, you need to travel organised. And you don’t want the shampoo or your hair-oil to leak open and spoil everything inside of your bag.
These cover various sizes of products — hair care, body wash, etc. Nothing leak out of these whatsoever, even after a lid popped open during a flight. They prevent liquids from leaking out on the other contents of your luggage. Easy to use. Not flimsy. Very flexible. You are going to love them.
Check Product: These 4 Pcs of Leakproof Sleeves For Toiletry by MayCreate
- Why Buy: Save money (water costs ₹50/bottle in tourist areas).
11. Electrolyte Tablets
Never travel without them! These tablets by Fast&up taste good and do the trick when you’re flying. Usually when I travel I feel crummy no matter how much water I drink on the plane. I toss these into my water either once or twice throughout the day and I have more energy after I’ve landed. They also break easily, so I can put them into any water bottle.
Please note that this article includes affiliate links. If you buy from these links, I get a small commission while the original price of the product remains the same for you. There are also chances you will get a discount because you’re being referred from my Affiliate link.
Best Southeast Asia Tours For Indians
All the tours below will give you a chance to travel alongside European tourists. Unlike a trip you will book from India, where mostly Indians are accompanying you, here you will be accompanied by international co-travellers, allowing you to make friends from across the world throughout your trip.
1. 5-Day 4-Night Bangkok Tour
- Tour: Click here to know more details about the tour
- Highlights: You will be travelling with European tourists, enjoying an international vibe. You get an Italian guide for this trip.
2. Bali Instagram Highlights Tour
- Tour: This 3-day Bali Tour
- Highlights: Visit five waterfalls and a jungle swing—ideal for Instagrammers. Enjoy entire day with other international tourists in Bali.
👉 Find more such experiences by clicking on the banner below. You can also save 20% if you use my affiliate link because you get additional discount.
Pro Tips for Indian Travelers
Avoid Excess Baggage Fees
- IndiGo/AirAsia allow only 7 kg cabin baggage. Use a portable luggage scale to avoid ₹3,000+ fees.
Carry Indian Snacks
- Carry some travel snacks for late-night cravings because in Southeast Asia, most snacks include meat. You will be amazed to know that most stores have no instant Maggi noodles that are 100% vegetarian. Because my wife is a vegetarian, she had a hard time the first day of our Malaysia trip. Most fast-food chains like McDonalds have no vegetarian options, other than fries.
Check out this video below with my wife surviving on Cup-Noodles on day 1:
FAQs for Indian Travelers
Q: Do I need a voltage converter for Southeast Asia?
A: No! India (230V) and SEA use similar voltages. Just carry the universal adapter.
Q: Which SIM card is best for SEA trips?
A: Buy an e-Sim rather than a physical sim-card. I got 20GB data for less than 500 Rupees.
Q: Can you drive outside of India using your Indian Driving License?
A: No! You need an International Drivers Permit. Click here to get an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Use discount code FOOTLOOSEDEV10.
