What to bring to Southeast Asia: 47 essentials

Updated: March 8, 2024

When you go on a trip to Southeast Asia for the first time, you are plagued by doubts about what to bring. Here I leave you the essentials and several tips to even save money. 🤑

In general, in Southeast Asia you will find everything or almost everything you could need.

Although some products are much more expensive than in the West, especially when it comes to products that in our country we could buy a white label, such as personal hygiene products.

On the other hand, you can get clothes and accessories for very good prices.

Some of the things I recommend will depend on the destination you travel to and the climate, others I have marked as TOP because they are essential for almost any trip.

Below I will tell you about the essential things to take to Southeast Asia and what things you can buy there so that you carry as little as possible.

As a traveler, this phrase below is one of my favorites: 🥰

“He who wants to travel happily, must travel light.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Clothes and accessories

Keep in mind that you will not need too many clothes, if you have about 5 or 6 changes of clothes it is enough and 1 extra change of clothes a little more dressed up for going out at night.

You will find laundromats (coin-operated washing machines) where you can put up to 9 kg of clothes starting at 20 baht. Modern laundries cost at least three times as much but also have a dryer, which is paid separately.

There are also ladies who wash your clothes for 50 bahts per kg and return them to you dry, folded and with a very good smell of fabric softener. This price is in Chiang Mai, on the islands prices are usually more expensive.

Another option is to wash by hand at the hotel, in the dry season, depending on the clothes, they will dry very quickly.

On the other hand, in the rainy season it could take all day to dry, especially for slightly thicker fabrics or towels.

1 Rope

If you plan to wash at the hotel, take a rope to hang your clothes, a couple of meters will be enough and it does not need to be very thick.

You can also take advantage of the hotel's hangers to hang freshly washed clothes.

2 Sink plug

If you want to save money and do your laundry at the hotel, sometimes you will find that there is no stopper for the sink or they are so bad that all the water leaks in a few minutes.

There are some universal plugs like this one from the link that will work for any sink, so you can let the clothes soak.

These plugs also work for the sink and bathtub, because there are usually no plugs.

3 Clothes washing bag – TOP

The laundry washing bags Like these ones in the link, they serve to protect delicate clothing or underwear when washing them and are extremely practical when you travel.

I give them two uses, one is to store the dirty clothes and not mix them with the clean ones, I fold the dirty clothes and put them in the bag, that way when you put them back in the backpack or suitcase you can distinguish them from the clean ones.

Then, when I go to put them in the washing machine, I take advantage of them to put underwear or anything I want to protect, even long tights that get tangled with all the clothes.

4 Clothing that covers you

In your luggage, include clothes that you can use to enter temples and on public transport, because they turn the air conditioning on full blast.

When I say clothing that covers I mean some long pants and a shirt or t-shirt with sleeves, short sleeves are fine, but don't let your shoulders show.

temple thailand - what to take to southeast asia

Also remember that Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei are predominantly Muslim countries, although in the big cities it is very modern, try not to “show too much”.

You can wear shorts or a skirt, but they should not be too short and it is better not to wear very pronounced necklines.

In Indonesia, Bali is the exception, there you can wear Western clothes without problems on a daily basis because they are mainly Hindu, you will only need to cover up to enter the temples, in this article you can read more about What to wear to Bali. In Vietnam and Thailand, it is the same as in Bali.

Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off! If you’re after something more budget-friendly, IATI has basic plans for backpackers.

5 Pareo

You can give it various uses such as covering yourself when entering temples, to dry off, or covering yourself on train or bus routes and using it on the beach.

6 Raincoat

If you are going to travel to Southeast Asia during the season you are traveling, you will need a good raincoat that covers you and your backpack. It is much more practical than an umbrella, because when it rains, it rains with gusto.

In Southeast Asia you can buy single-use raincoats for less than 1 euro in all 7-eleven and other stores. If you are careful you can use it more than once, but they are nylon and break easily.

However, it is best that you bring one that will serve you for the entire trip and takes up little space.

Furthermore, in Asia in general and Southeast Asia in particular, they have big problems due to the pollution caused by the high consumption of single-use plastics.

With a oilskin like this one in the link, which is more durable, you help reduce the environmental impact.

7 Outerwear

If you are going to be in the mountains, northern Vietnam, northern Thailand or going to Mount Batur in Bali, depending on the season you will need something warm, at least take a fleece, sweatshirt or jacket.

It will also help you keep warm on bus or train rides because they usually turn on the air conditioning very strongly.

8 Travel towel – TOP

The microfiber towels, Like the one in the link, they take up little space and dry quickly. Many hotels will give you a towel, but it is always advisable to bring one with you.

9 Sheet bag

The sheet bag is recommended if you are going to stay in very cheap hotels or hostels and you don't know what you are going to find.

You are from the link They are super compact and economical.

10 Sunglasses and hat or cap

swing-on-Koh-Tao
Vaccines for Thailand

The sun is quite intense in Southeast Asia, bring good sunglasses and a cap or hat.

In Southeast Asia you will find many sunglasses for a few euros, but they are imitation and of dubious quality.

As for a hat, if you don't have one, you can buy one here if you want a straw one. I bought mine (pictured above) in Thailand, at the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.

If you are going to travel to Vietnam, you can also take the opportunity to buy the typical Vietnamese hat, which are very pretty.

These hats are a tradition dating back 3,000 years and serve to protect from the sun and rain, worn mainly by farmers.

Below you can see a video of how you make them by hand.

YouTube video

👍 Friend's tip: Remember that in Southeast Asia you can and should haggle. Don't hesitate at all, you can start perfectly by offering half the initial price. You will be surprised by the discount you can get, it is also addictive 😅🤑

Footwear

As for footwear, I recommend reducing the amount as much as possible, it is one of the things that weighs and takes up the most. If possible, do not carry more than 2 or 3 pairs, so choose the most versatile footwear.

11 Havaianas-type rubber flip flops

They will be used to go to the beach and to shower if the cleanliness of the place where you are staying is not your strong point.

Even some girls' flip flops can help you go out at night with a little dress.

Yes, I know that in your city you might not go out with a pair of flip flops, but in Southeast Asia in most places people don't go out as dressed up, it's all more casual.

I leave you a link so you can see what kind of flip flops I'm talking about.

12 All-terrain sandals – TOP

It is the ideal type of footwear for walking all day, they are comfortable and resistant. In addition, they are useful for going to the beach or hiking trails.

If possible, choose ergonomic ones, these from the women's link, which are also for dry and wet terrain if not these others for men.

If you really want to save space in your backpack or suitcase, take a good pair of this type of sandals and you will no longer need anything.

13 Closed footwear

You will also need some closed shoes for the plane and if you take a long bus or train ride, these will be the times when you may be cold.

In case you are going hiking, a pair of grippy sneakers. This type of footwear is more versatile than hiking shoes and is comfortable to wear during visits.

Although, if you are going to do demanding trekking routes it is better to wear specialized footwear.

If you prefer to stop shopping in Southeast Asia, you will find many sports brands where you can buy anything you need, there is even Decathlon in some countries.

In some markets they sell imitations of well-known brands at ridiculous prices, although the quality is in line with the price.

14 Water shoes

If your idea is to do water sports such as kayaking, paddle surfing, surfing or bathing in places with rocks, a water shoes Like these ones in the link, they are practical because they take up little space and dry quickly.

They have also been useful to me on hiking trails to bathe in waterfalls, they are useful for entering the water and have good grip to avoid slipping.

👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Southeast Asia, 🤳 I recommend getting this eSIM for Asia that works in multiple countries. Click on that links for a 5% discount.

Hand luggage and organization

15 Small backpack for the whole day – TOP

A small backpack is essential for everyday life in Southeast Asia.

The best thing is for it to be a durable backpack that you won't be embarrassed to take everywhere, whether you're spending the day in the city, going to the beach or the mountains.

I am referring to nylon backpacks that if they get dirty you can wipe it with a damp cloth to clean it or even put it in the washing machine.

Furthermore, if it is a foldable backpack Even better because it takes up very little in your main backpack or suitcase.

16 Dry backpack

This dry backpack It is ideal if you are going to do water sports such as kayaking, paddle surfing or snorkeling.

They are also essential if you are going to snorkel for a long time to keep your things safe and at the same time as security so that you can be seen from any boat, kayak or board.

Another useful thing is if you are going hiking or trekking in the rainy season, your things will be safe from any heavy rain.

17 Mobile dry bag

A dry bag for mobile, Like the one in the link, it is very practical for doing water sports and for taking photos with your cell phone if you don't have a waterproof camera or a GoPro.

It is also useful if you are going to swim at the beach and want to take valuable things with you such as your cell phone, motorcycle and hotel keys, money and credit cards.

Thefts are not common in Thailand; However, in tourist areas it is better to be careful.

On the other hand, in other countries like Vietnam thefts are quite frequent.

When I was in Da Nang at the surf school, they recommended that I leave my things in the office and the only thing I took to the beach were my flip flops and they told me that I had to bury them in the sand so they wouldn't be stolen. 😳😆

🤙 In this other article you can read about surfing in Da Nang, with places to rent a board and take classes with prices and many details.

18 Travel waist bag – TOP

This is a travel essential, especially if you are traveling on a night bus or train or if you are going to share a room.

It is a fanny pack to wear under clothes to store the most important things such as bank cards, money and your most precious asset on a trip, the passport.

This one in the link is very good, because it includes an RFID blocking to prevent bank cards from being used without your authorization.

19 Luggage organizer – TOP

There is a before and after in the life of every backpacker, I assure you that nothing will be the same again when you use luggage organizers. How exaggerated I am! 😜

But if you have already traveled as a backpacker and are overwhelmed by the chaos inside the backpack when you can't find anything, organizers are the salvation that they serve for suitcases, but if you travel with a backpack they are essential.

I leave you here a link so you can see what I mean.

For me it is ideal to organize clothes by type in each organizer bag. For example, you can put t-shirts and shorts in one bag, underwear and swimsuits in another.

Best of all is the double zipper that helps compact the contents so that it takes up less space.

20 Ribbon and Identifier for the backpack or suitcase – TOP

If you take a Decathlon backpack or a Chinese suitcase on a trip, the chances that someone else has the same one and the same color are quite high.

Then identify your suitcase very well, a good way is to put some ribbon on one of the handles, much better if it is a color that stands out.

Once on a plane I went to look for my carry-on suitcase in the overhead compartment and to my horror it was not there. However, there was one very similar, I grabbed it and as soon as I was off the plane I ran like crazy through the airport.

Luckily I found the “suitcase thief”.😅 The poor guy got the suitcase mixed up and took mine, as I had his, we made the exchange and it was solved.

From that day on I always put a bright colored ribbon on my carry-on and checked luggage.

In addition, an identification card with name and telephone number is very useful in case someone takes your suitcase by mistake, so they can contact you.

Generally, when you buy the suitcase it comes with some identifier, if not you can buy some like the ones in the link separately.

Personal hygiene, cosmetics and first aid kit

21 Sunscreen – TOP

Sunscreens in Southeast Asia are quite expensive in general and on the islands even more so.

In addition, many have bleaching agents that are harmful to health because here everyone wants to be white. That's why I recommend you bring it with you.

If you are going hiking, biking or trekking, the best thing is a sports sunscreen Make it resistant to sweating so you don't have to apply it so many times.

If you are going to do water sports, sunscreens “reef safe” are an excellent option.

Most sunscreens have chemicals that harm corals, the protectors like the one in the link are a good way to reduce the impact on marine life.

22 Mosquito repellent – TOP

If you are going to bring one with you, I recommend the Relec Extra Forte that does not allow mosquitoes to even get close to you.

In many places in Southeast Asia you can buy repellent like the one in the photo below (the one with the pink cap on the top shelf) in almost any supermarket or 7-eleven, it is cheaper than Relec and smells wonderful.

mosquito repellent southeast asia

The only drawback is that it is not as effective, so if you come during the rainy season or are allergic to mosquito bites, don't even think about it, bring the Relec Extra Forte.

Whatever the case, always carry a bottle of repellent with you in your backpack, you never know when you will need it. And even more so if you go to the mountains or any place with abundant vegetation, especially early in the morning or at dusk.

23 Deodorant, shampoo, hair softener, toothpaste, shaving foam and others

In general, personal hygiene products are more expensive in Southeast Asia and even more so compared to white label products that you could find in Spain.

Likewise, I recommend that you bring a small bottle even if you check and if you finish it, buy another one there.

The price difference is large, but not as much as in the case of sunscreens, it is better to pay a little more and not carry so much weight or have to pay for excess luggage.

Plus, you'll find plenty of small travel-sized boat options that don't cost a lot of money.

24 Shower gel/soap bar

The shower gel or bar of soap is up to you, but traveling through tropical countries where you probably shower several times a day, it seems to me that the bar of soap is more appropriate.

A bar of soap goes a long way and you will get soaps at a good price, however, shower gel is expensive in Southeast Asia and takes up more space.

Bars of soap like those from Johnson & Johnson for babies are good and at the same time serve to hydrate your skin.

If you're going to follow my advice, bring one plastic soap dish.

You can also use soap dishes as travel organizer boxes to store small things or as a cable organizer, as it is made of plastic it protects what you have inside.

25 Toothbrush

If you plan to travel through Southeast Asia for several months, I recommend taking an extra toothbrush with you for when you need to change it.

In Southeast Asia you will have no difficulty finding brushes with soft and ultra-soft bristles, but depending on where you are you will not find medium brushes and even less hard ones.

When I was living in Koh Tao in Thailand and I needed to change my toothbrush, thank goodness it didn't occur to me to throw away the one I had before buying the new one, because it took more than a month to be able to replace it with another one with medium bristles. 🤦‍♀️

26 Toothbrush cap – TOP

This is always a travel essential. If you've ever taken your toothbrush out of the bottom of your backpack and it was without the cap 😣 you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Other alternatives are travel-type brushes that fold or the box to store the toothbrush.

To me, the cap is what seems most practical and economical because many brush brands already come with it. Then that cap will serve you even if you change your toothbrush.

27 Pads, tampons and menstrual cups

If you are a woman this interests you, because things are a little different in Southeast Asia.

Compresses: You will have no problem finding different sizes, types and at good prices.

Although I recommend staying away from the ones that say “cool” or “cooling fresh” like the ones in the photo below, those are from Thailand.

These compresses have an effect like when you eat strong mint or eucalyptus pills or gum and drink water, since they produce the same type of freshness. 😬

thailand feminine pads

Tampons: They are more expensive and not available everywhere, but you will still find them.

Menstrual cups: Drinks what? That's the general reaction you'll get when asking about menstrual cups. 😅

You will be difficult to find menstrual cups in Southeast Asia, because their use is not widespread in this part of the planet.

The only places where you can buy them are specialized stores in big cities or online, to avoid complications it is better to take them with you.

28 Travel hair dryer      

Hair dryers are not so common in low or mid-budget hotels. Therefore, I recommend you bring a travel dryer small like this one in the link.

Likewise, if you come during the rainy season it will save you trouble if something gets wet, such as it could be your only shoes that you will need the next day.

29 First Aid Kit

When you travel to Southeast Asia you will have no problems finding pharmacies with any type of medication, unless you go to the mountains or a remote area.

The essential medications for Southeast Asia are: paracetamol, anti-allergy, serum, antibiotics, Betadine (iodine) and plasters.

If you live in Spain at the same vaccination center, they will give you recommendations on what to carry in your first aid kit depending on the country you visit.

Of course, do not bring the entire boxes, 1 blister of each medication will be more than enough and 2 or 3 serums too.

30 Alcohol-based gel – TOP

The famous alcohol-based gel is a must-have in Southeast Asia and any tropical country.

With the coronavirus they became a basic, but when you go on a trip to a tropical country, with or without a pandemic, take one with you.

If you are touring places, many times you will find that you will not have access to wash your hands and to try street culinary delights you will need to use your hands. 😋

In those cases, alcohol-based gel is your great ally.

I recommend you bring a small bottle and carry it with you at all times. If you run out, you can buy another one at any supermarket or 7-eleven.

Other essentials

31 Earplugs and eye masks – TOP

Southeast Asia can be very noisy, hotels have thin walls, sometimes they are on streets with a lot of traffic and roosters that start crowing in the middle of the night. Blessed roosters! 😅

If you're unlucky, you may have a nightclub or karaoke nearby that won't let you sleep all night.

For this reason, earplugs are one of those basics that will also be good for you if you sleep in a shared room, or are traveling at night.

My recommendation is that you buy them at the pharmacy so that they are good, otherwise these silicone bond They are excellent and you don't have to renew them as often as the foam ones.

If you need total darkness to sleep, bring an eye mask. Many hotels in Southeast Asia do not have blinds or thick curtains, sometimes you will have to settle for a thin curtain that lets in all the light.

32 Carabiner – TOP

Carabiners are well known by people who are used to going to the mountains (hiking or trekking) and are equally useful for any backpacker.

The number of things you can do with a carabiner is endless, from hanging something to dry or keeping your small backpack attached to your main backpack if you are going to sleep.

You can also use it in the bathroom if there is no towel hanger or if there is no place to rest the toiletry bag.

There are different types and sizes, the ones that seem most practical to me are those that have a climbing type closure and that are double carabiners like this one in the link.

33 Front light – TOP

If you plan to do a hiking, trekking or urbex route, you will need a frontal.

Although it can also get you out of trouble on more than one occasion.

I have used it as a flashlight in times of blackout, on some islands in Thailand you can have occasional blackouts, especially during storms and in some countries like the Philippines, blackouts are quite frequent.

It was also very useful when I went on a bike tour around Koh Samui. I had planned to return during the day, but it became night and it was great because the bike didn't have lights.

34 Swiss Army Knife – TOP

A Swiss knife It is one of the most useful things you can take, it will get you out of more than one trouble and this one in the link even has a corkscrew. 🥂

I recommend this only in case you are going to check in, otherwise don't even bother bringing one, because it will be a nice and expensive gift for airport security.

35 Goggles and snorkeling tube

If your goal is to snorkel, bring your own snorkel kit (glasses and tube).

On snorkelling excursions in general they have more or less decent kits and in theory they sanitize them after each use.

You also have the possibility of buying them there to save space and leave them before leaving.

Although in my experience in island destinations you will get very poor quality snorkelling kits that end up leaking water through the goggles, at the same price that you could buy a decent one in your country that will last you for years.

36 Pen – TOP

Carry a pen in your backpack, you will need it to fill out any forms at airports and hotels.

Electronics and technology

37 VPN – TOP

The VPN means virtual private network and gives you the security that no one will be able to see the information you have on your devices.

Connections in Asia are very insecure and it is normal for there to be many hackers trying to steal information from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop if you connect to open Wi-Fi, including those in hotels.

My debit card information was stolen, I had to call my bank to have the card blocked.

Fortunately, of the 8 purchases they tried to make with my card, only one was effective and then my bank refunded the amount.

In addition, I was also traveling with a credit card otherwise I would have been left without a credit card for the rest of the trip.

There are free VPN alternatives, I have preferred a paid option, which is more secure and the price is ridiculous for the security it provides.

38 Kindle – TOP

kindle-e-book

In case you are passionate about reading, a kindle Like the one in the link, it is perfect for saving you a lot of weight in your backpack. This way you can take several books for relaxing moments and travel guides.

39 Good camera

In Southeast Asia you will find so many spectacular places with breathtaking sunsets that you will want to take many, many photos.

If you don't have a good camera and you like photography, take advantage of buying one like this without mirrors, which takes great photos even at night.

what to see in bali - nusa penida

40 GoPro – TOP

The GoPro It is a must for any trip if you want to take videos with good quality and fairly decent photos. It is the best companion for adventure activities and having video memories of your trips.

I bought it before traveling to Southeast Asia without being a big fan of making videos and now I'm hooked.

The quality of the videos is very good and it takes up very little space, even if you carry GoPro accessories such as tripod, selfie stick or others.

If you take a GoPro, buy an additional battery, in my case 2 batteries are enough for the whole day.

41 Memory cards

If you don't have something to transfer your photos and videos to a hard drive, bring enough memory cards for your camera.

42 Thief (or strip)

Sometimes in hotels the plugs are not in very convenient places and the one that is well located is only one, take a thief and you will surely use it a lot.

Some thieves Like this one in the link, they even come with a USB connection, so you can charge your phone and other things.

43 Adapter

If you travel to Malaysia or Singapore, the plugs there are different from those used in most European and Latin American countries, so you will need to take a plug adapter.

They are the same as the plugs they have in England, that is, type G plugs with 3 flat pins.

44 Headphones

Headphones will come in handy at many times, especially on long transportation trips or waiting at airports to listen to music or watch a movie.

Just in case you don't have an internet connection all the time, load up some good music selection to accompany you on the trip.

45 Adapter for two headphones

If you travel with someone I recommend a headphone adapter, it is ideal to be able to listen to the same music or watch a movie together.

46 Solar external battery

A solar external battery It will be very useful if you are going to do a long hiking route, you are going to spend a night in a remote area or if you are going to visit Khao Sok National Park in Thailand, because there is no electricity at night in the reservoir.

47 SIM or eSIM card – TOP

To have an internet connection all the time you will need to buy a local SIM card or an eSIM.

If you are going to opt for the physical card, buy it at a local telephone office. If you don't buy an eSIM, you simply configure it and it will be ready to use from the moment you land, so you don't waste time.

In case you are going to travel to several countries, I recommend this card eSIM for Asia with unlimited data including: South Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Laos.

If not here you can see the cards for Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia separately. Plus, using those links you get a 5% discount.

Final Thoughts

These are the essentials to take to Southeast Asia so you don't forget anything.

Before saying goodbye, I take this opportunity to leave you the links to the Bali guide, Thailand and that of Vietnam, there you can read the other articles I wrote to travel independently.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me a comment below. And if you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a great trip! 😘

More about Southeast Asia

9 comentarios en «Qué llevar al Sudeste Asiático: 47 imprescindibles»

    • Hello Cristi

      Cyberghost is a VPN that helps prevent hackers from detecting your devices.
      This is especially useful if you are going to use the WiFi, when my card was stolen I was using the hotel WiFi.

      But now where I am I don't need it and I unsubscribed from Cyberghost, I no longer have discount codes, sorry!

      Another alternative you have is to use your mobile data by purchasing a SIM, especially when you are going to make any payment.
      AIS is the telephone company with the best coverage in Thailand although coverage can be poor in some remote places or very small islands.

      Responder
  1. Hello, I am from Argentina and I am about to take a trip in January with my daughter, it is the first time we have traveled to that destination, for 3 to 4 weeks, what route do you recommend I take? We are interested in temples and the beach, thank you very much…

    Responder
    • Hello Maria Gabriela

      What country do you want to go to?

      In Indonesia I know Bali and in Vietnam the central area of the country, you can see articles on both on the blog.
      Then, I have a lot of information about Thailand, where I lived for 3 years.

      If this is your first time traveling to Southeast Asia, I recommend Thailand, it is the best country to start with.
      It is a safe country, it is easy to get around, the people are friendly and although it is evident that it is an exotic country with a completely different culture, it is easy to feel at ease. Most people who go come back delighted.

      From Thailand I have a couple of itineraries through the country that can serve as a basis for organizing your trip, both include a little of everything, I leave the links below:

      Classic Thailand route: 15 and 21 day itinerary
      Thailand route (July or August): 14 and 21 day itinerary

      You tell me anything!

      Responder
  2. Hello Andrea! I am Valeria from Argentina, I plan to travel to Thailand alone in January and stay a couple of months to explore Thailand and other nearby countries. I am Divemaster Padi, and my plan is to go to work in a diving operator, do you know if it is easy to get a job in that field?
    I also wanted to know if you are required to have a return ticket to enter the country. How long is the stay time for a tourist? I also have a European passport.
    As for accommodation, are hostels recommended?
    And the last one, regarding the language, I know English but not perfectly, is it easy to make yourself understood?
    I appreciate your response in advance.
    Greetings
    Valeria

    Responder
    • Hello Valeria

      Oh, how nice, you're going to love spending some time in Thailand, it's a country where it's easy to feel at ease.
      But be careful, it gets you hooked, I went for 6 months and stayed 3 years. 😄

      I did not work in Thailand, I was on a study visa, I can't tell you much about the work issue.

      The easiest thing to get a job is as an English teacher. I know there are many people who work giving diving classes, if it is easy to get I don't know.

      But if you are a diver you will know Koh Tao is the mecca of diving, there are many Spanish speakers working and living there.
      Another advantage if you go to Koh Tao is that there are many diving schools whose main clients are Spanish speakers, you would not have language problems, in other places in Thailand that is more complicated.

      When it comes to hostels, if it depends on the hostel, look at the reviews of the place.
      Likewise, on the Thai islands there are cheap accommodation options that are much better than hostels, such as studios or bungalows. At least they seem better to me.

      Regarding visas you can read more in this article about 23 Tips for traveling to Thailand 2023 and this other one Tips for Moving to Thailand: pros and cons, which also have more information that can help you.

      Likewise, tourist visas do not enable you to work legally in Thailand, if you get a job at a diving school they can process a work visa for you. But I doubt they will do it for a couple of months, work visas are expensive.

      I recommend that you contact diving schools where you might be interested in working, they will surely know more about labor legal issues and how to resolve them.
      On the internet you will find a lot of schools in Koh Tao, if not as a starting point you can see the diving schools that I recommend in this article: Diving in Koh Tao: tips and prices

      You tell me anything, good luck!

      Responder
      • Hello Andrea! thanks for answering. Regarding having a return ticket, do they ask you for it?
        I'm going to re-read the links you recommended and I'll write to you again if you have any questions.
        Thank you for the time you take to respond🙌
        greetings
        Valeria

        Responder
        • Hello Valeria

          It's nothing, happy to help. 😊

          Yes, the return ticket is one of the entry requirements that may be asked of you.
          I mention this where I talk about visa runs, I will put it in another section of the article so that it is clearer. 😉

          They may also show you sufficient funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another currency) in cash and accommodation reservation for all the days you stay.

          Although, upon first entry into the country they do not always ask for these things, immigration officers have the right to do so and if you do not meet the requirements, they will deny you entry.

          In fact, if you had to apply for a visa to travel to Thailand, the exit ticket is mandatory to apply for it.

          Be careful, an exit ticket does not mean a return ticket, it can be to another nearby country and does not necessarily have to be by plane.
          However, with visa runs it is always better to return to your country or the country where you live.

          Responder
        • Likewise, in immigration matters (visas, entry requirements, etc.) it is recommended that you consult directly with the Thai authorities by contacting the Thai embassy where you live. They are always the ones with the most up-to-date information.

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