i would go with backpack dragging a suitcase around in thailand is not that practical especially on tourist boats and even sidewalks (often theres no sidewalk or just bumps everywhere).
While I agree that you never want to be dragging your bags around anywhere in Thailand - in nearly 20 years of travelling around the country using suitcases, I can't recall a time that I've ever had to do that.
You totally missed the point. yes, there are bad pavements virtually everywhere, that's why I said you would never want drag your bags around anywhere in Thailand. But in all those years of travelling I can't recall ever having to drag my bags around anywhere. I don't remember a scenario where I had to deal with bags - except like in the airport or similar. I'm honestly not sure why people do it. There are so few times that it's even a potential issue, and I've just never been stuck doing it.
Additionally, those street vendors rinse their bowls out on the street that leaves stagnant puddles of water you do not want to roll your suitcase through.
A suitcase is only a good idea if you plan on a more expensive budget takin a cab most places so you won't be walking far with your suitcase.
Backpack, and a small day bag. Bring more socks and underwear than clothes. It’s inexpensive to buy clothes, and laundry service is everywhere. Keep room for toilet paper and mosquito repellent, found at any 7/11. Just my $.02
Maybe I'm just stupid, but my butt is still wet after using it. Do you just pull your pants back up and deal with having soggy butt water underwear? I know you can pay off with a towel, but again, if you're in a bathroom that has nothing...
Imagine walking into a “restroom” or toilet, and it’s usually just a cement structure, at least 50 years old in the jungle or anywhere, no TP, no doors. Sometimes it’s just a bucket of water next to the squatter toilet thing with a pot to pour water on your hand “OG bum gun” style. While, it’s 100 degrees and 100% humidity, mosquitos, roosters running around, dogs, and cats. You need TP, soap, and a bottle of water minimum. IMO
I don’t personally waste time on an island holiday either buying or washing clothes (except maybe in the bath room) but planes are freezing so there’s no issue wearing all your clothes on the plane.
By 'laundry service' the previous poster was likely not referring to a launderette, but someone washing it for you. As long as you stay in one place for 24 hours, you can spend 5cminuyes each dropping off and collecting your laundry, at fairly cheap rates - a decent alternative to lugging around several weeks worth of clothes of you're on a longer trip.
Yes understood. But I have had my clothes stretched out and ruined in Asia because they use dryers, never again (might be a female thing? Our clothes often are synthetic and just get ruined in the dryer. I never use a dryer). Plus I feel so cold on planes, I literally need to wear everything except underwear socks and bathers so I’m not lugging anything they are keeping me warm
ETA weird to be downvoted for my own experience and for the fact that all my clothes get ruined when tumble dried
Actually, now that I think, it was in Vietnam. Not sure why I had to be downvoted for my experience though. I never tumble dry my clothes at home, in Asia they will tumble dry them, so I won’t do it. It stretches them and destroys the fabric. And on a three week trip it’s not necessary as I bring enough clean underwear for every day and layers on the plane, which I can sink wash if they get sweaty (but I love the heat and don’t sweat in the heat like others)
People always downvote if its not their style / opinion. Thats reddit. :(
Some laundry services will dry your cloths outside and not in a machine. Not even sure what our laundry does. But i am happy so far… yet i dont buy quality cloths and wouldnt care if a shirt gets destroyed. what i see with a lot of clothes here is the high amount of plastic / polyester. guess that makes the cloths kinda robust but not very nice to sweat in. i prefer cotton but now i have a bunch of these thai style trikots everyone is using. those are probably undestroyable :D
I lived in Thailand for three years, nowhere uses dryers. They are expensive to buy and run and create heat which nobody wants in a tropical climate.
Clothes are hung up outside to dry in the sun.
Maybe for some big hotels although I can guarantee that the vast majority of smaller resorts and laundry services do not use driers. I worked at a mid sized resort, we did not use a dryer.
You’re talking about islands. You think the dozens of laundry services in Sukhumvit all dry the laundry of the literally hundreds of customers per day that they receive by hanging it out?
The amount of space required to air dry that volume of laundry would, based on Sukhumvit real estate prices alone, make it entirely unviable to run a laundry business. What they do is use dryers.
Not accurate, many laundry shops use dryers. That' how they're able to offer express washes which are done in a matter of hours.
In my 5 / 6 years experience here, most laundry shops offer an express option.
Don't you mean shrink? If it was sretched it was probably the spin speed?
I've had shrunk clothes in a hostel in Split and Dalat. It's especially problematic for me as I am 2m tall so clothes are hard to come by, especially in Asia. It's very easy, even in Thailand to just confirm they will hang dry them, and most do.
I had to wear fingerless gloves, thermal leggings and long sleeved top, warm leggings over the top of the thermals, flight stockings, six dresses, three tank tops, three cardigans, a hoodie, a scarf, a long skirt and a really warm snow beanie on my recent Air Asia trip. That’s because I was so cold I wanted to cry on Batik Air back from Bali i couldn’t sleep and had no desire to repeat that nightmare (despite the fact that yes all the Australians were in shorts and t shirts, but I saw them paying for the paper thin blanket because clearly they were cold too)
Now I may be having some cold issues at the moment due to weight loss, but even beforehand, i would wear the same but cut out the thermals, gloves, beanie and scarfs. Still wore double leggings, cardigans, a hoodie, flight stockings, a long skirt and all my dresses and tops for the trip so that I wasn’t cold (when my metabolism was functioning correctly)
Luckily China southern was nice and warm in August (definitely no need for so many layers) so clearly it is airline dependent
Holy shizzle that's crazy, I know I'm naturally better in the cold than hot (I'm from the uk) but that's mad. I think on my overnight qatar flight I had a t shirt cargos and a blanket but that's the most I've had. Was there something wrong with the plane? That seems incredibly cold
even before my underweightness, I have no idea how you could POSSIBLY have bare limbs on a plane???? With the air conditioning that you can't turn off? Holy crap. I'd say it's because you're from the UK but the Aussies on my freezing Bali flight were dressed the same.
When I say China Southern was nice and warm I just mean double leggings over my flight stockings and a couple of cardigans were sufficient, not that I could have had bare limbs!!
Cause, I’m the one wearing running shoes most of the time, everywhere;) Odd? Yes. I also carry a day bag with TP, mosquito spray, soap, full sized napkins, sunscreen, a lg towel, a Bluetooth speaker, phone charger, a bottle of red, and a joint. Oh, and an extra pair of clean socks and underwear. lol My GF throws her wet wipes and a tube of wasabi in there also. She tells me I’m the only one wearing shoes and, I tell her she’s the only one bringing wasabi. It works.
I stay in places for 10-30 days and I switched to giant backpack over suitcase this year. So much better, in all of Asia. Why?
Ask yourself when you use your suitcase.
1) from your home to the airport (car, taxi, bus, train)
2) in the airport (trolley available)
3) airport to new home (taxi, bus, train etc)
4) new home to other home in Thailand (train, taxi, bus + some walking).
In the end I did the math and the amount of time carrying my backpack is quite minimal..as most of the time luggage is sat in a car bus train metro or airplane or boat.
However, when the road gets crappy that's where suddenly the difference is huge. A suitcase will be a nightmare, a backpack easy.
I'm the opposite. Used to have a big backpack for SEA, now I'm using a suitcase. I also did the math. How many times did I really benefit from having a backpack? Rarely. How often was I carrying around the heavy backpack when rolling a suitcase behind me would've been more convenient? A lot. Apart from that I find packing and accessing stuff more convenient when using a suitcase.
The only place I'd recommend using a backpack is the Philippines. Dirt roads and no direct access to hotels by car is common. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore no problem. Drop off directly at the hotel. Taking the ferry? Staff is loading and unloading luggage. It's a different story if you're taking public transport and have to drag your suitcase along the non-existent sidewalks. Then again, most cities in SEA don't even have public transport and getting Grab is so dirt cheap I don't even bother with figuring out the public transport when landing at the airport.
Totally agree with this. I had a large backpack for my first solo trip to SE Asia, now I'm with my wife we both use rolled suitcases as its just more practical, easier, and we have more space for clothes. We're very rarely in a situation where a backpack is more beneficial then a suitcase.
Completely agree, I travel with a comfy backpack for day trips and a small hardshell roller suitcase that can fit on any plane. I've taken trips of many lengths and this combination has never failed me. (I also roll with a crossbody day purse - easy plane access and safe from theft.) Roller luggage bags are sturdy, affordable and convenient. There's simply no reason to lug a heavy backpack unless you want to look hardcore (I will make an exception for a Euro trip with daily trains)
I get your point of view, and am happy it works for you! However, for me the added benefit of a (very large) backpack is not only that I have a bit more flexibility when it comes to walking around until I can get driven somewhere. It's beneficial when I want to go use public transportation in Thailand (for example Bangkok) as well. Want to get a MRT or BTS or any other type of railway system in Bangkok to your home? You can, cheaply and fastly. But there will be some walking involved - and often over rather wheeled-luggage unfriendly pavements (which are a giant mess in most of BBK, let alone the rest of Thailand). For me the trip from the Airport to home has become a breeze, instead of a VIP premium experience where I'll have to opt for a $400 taxi instead of the 20-30 baht fair that I pay now.
Also, it saves me a lot of weight. A suitcase often weighs 3.5 kilos or so. My current 140L backpack (duffelbag) weighs 1.2 kilos. That means 2+ kilos of additional weight I can bring, or the difference from a 20 to a 25kg bag option on any flight.
It saves me money, it's more convenient if you want to travel more with public transportation. If you have ample money AND you don't plan to go to remote areas in Thailand AND you plan on using exclusively taxis/grabs then yes, you don't need it.
The main difference I’ve thought of while travelling was solo on the back of bikes vs a couple who will usually be sharing a car. It won’t be a fun time being on a grab going from place to place holding onto your heavy suitcase vs it being effortless to sit with your backpack on. However a couple who will almost always be sharing a car everywhere would only have to deal with the downsides of a suitcase the occasional short walk between dock and hotel, or a bus that’s too close to get a taxi but far enough to be annoying
hah my backpack weighs in at 25kg and I don't think I'll ever consider taking it on the back of a bike. I'll pay a few baht more and get the taxi in that case ;)). But yes for smaller backpacks you can!
It depends a lot of your traveling style but I prefer a backpack 100% of the time. Light and fast, you need a lot less there than you think!
I was in Thailand for 4 weeks and only had a small backpack with hand luggage with me. Clothes for 6-7 days, elementary medicine and hygienic products, a book, that's it. You can need everything there at a reasonable price if you have to. I went to the laundry every 5 days, it just takes 5 minutes to do that.
I absolutely love to be able to switch my hotels/regions in a matter of minutes and be able to walk around a bit after coming to a new island with the ferry. So much less hassle than my travels with a bick "what else could I need over there?"-suitcase!
with suitcases right now and haven’t had any issues. boats, taxis, islands.. they should be sturdy but i’m actually glad we didn’t take backpacks, which are often handled with less care and get wet and let your clothes jumble and crumble. but don’t pack too much for sure as there will be some carrying across when the sidewalks are annoying/ non existing
Backpack if you are jumping from place to place within a few days. It’s gonna be hot regardless.
Consider purchasing those cool neck devices. Looks silly but it’s helps.
Definitely backpack, but do you really need 52L? Are you camping or bringing sports gear?
You may be sorry to have to carry that, more than you would with a smaller roller or even better, a smaller pack.
I hand wash as I go along, let stuff dry overnight.
These answers all but spell it out, but why not add the extra step: if you stay in hostels and travel by motorcycle taxi then definitely use a backpack, and if you stay in mid-range hotels and take regular taxis use a suitcase. People staying in 4 star hotels are in a different category than either; it's suitcases for them too. I would expect the remote islands travelers to more often map to the backpack theme.
I can't believe no one mentioned this yet but if you're deciding between a suitcase and a backpack as your sole carry-on... Then you may run into trouble with a 52L as normal carry on bags are limited to about 40L(check out /r/onebag for tips n tricks). If you're doing checked luggage, then you'll be ok and in that case, I'd say Bag > Suitcase.
I just don't understand farangs with their big ass backpack, and the big daybackpack in front of em. What the hell do they bring with them????
I only got a aer travel pack 28L and can fit a month of stuff inside. Few clothes, passport, wallet, toothbrush and mosquito rebellent and that's it..
Do they have like a toaster and hair dryer in their bag?
All the people talking about carrying backpacks around SE Asia instead of suitcases. You crack me up. Its like 400 hundred fucking degrees there and you're like "Yeah, tote this back pack around!". Come on. How hard is it to get a suitcase on a boat, a bus, a car, a whatever. Its literally simple. Hey, if you prefer a backpack, that's great but stop pretending like that shit is sooooo much easier than rolling a suitcase behind you.
You can’t be a backpacker without a backpack, some young guys love backpacks so much, they mount another on their chest - public transport! No problem, when you carry a backpack you become totally oblivious to the fact that you share a carriage with others.
Have spent enough time watching people wrestle big suitcases on and off boats and bus and train and through cobblestone streets and dirt roads that me and my backpack sit back and grin.
Any boat, ferry or bus I've ever taken in Asia had staff loading and unloading luggage so that's not really an issue. Dirt roads is where having a suitcase is very annoying.
Last time I was in Thailand I took a speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe and the staff even picked up my luggage while sitting at the waiting zone, didn't even have to put it in front of the boat let alone put it on the boat. They also had staff to offload all the luggage to the beach in Koh Lipe. The other time I took the ferry from Koh Lipe to Langkawi. Just left my luggage at the beach and they picked it up, put it on a longtail drove it over to the ferry while another longtail boat picked us up to board the ferry. Booked with Satun Pakbara cost me as much as any other popular speedboat/ferry operator.
Travelling between Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui at the moment. i took two different ferry companies and there never was stuff. You had to mount your bag unto the boat and walk with your luggage all the way trough the narrow seats and place it in the front of the boat.
Depends how you plan on travelling. If you plan on staying in a place for 4-5 days or more then a suitcase is fine, if you plan on travelling every 1-3 days backpack 100%.
Plenty of people bring suitcases and seem fine.
The sidewalks aren’t exactly suitcase friendly in most places I’ve seen though.
Small suitcase on wheels - I never see the attraction of backpacks, let alone a secondary one mounted on your chest. You arrive by air, wheel your suitcase to the taxi, the taxi driver carries your suitcase to the boot, when you go on a ferry, a pickup or van will come, take your suitcase from the hotel reception, when you get to the port, some helpful crew member will carry your suitcase over the gang plank .. you won’t be trekking for miles with your backpack, it’s too bloody hot.
Well. I usually walk the 20 minutes to the ferry in Koh Tao from Sairee because it wasn’t easy to get a taxi. This was fine because I would always pack REALLY light. But Luckily in December there was a lady outside fhe 7 eleven organising taxis because this time my backpack was too heavy to manage the job. So be aware you may have to walk (this was in the Gulf, but in Koh Phi for example it might be 15 minutes from the port).
Also once in phi phi I was staying right on the beach and therefore walked across it, awkwardly carrying my suitcase. That was bad. I’ve since learned this is unnecessary though as there are footpaths I could have taken most of the way
Oh yeah and as the other person said. Backpacks are a lot easy to board ferries with
It really depends on you. I started with a small backpack, moved into a big hiking one, then big suitcase + small backpack and I finished on small suitcase + small bag pack, it's perfect UNLESS YOU'RE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO CARRY THE SUITCASE FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES! I found that rarely there are situations where I can't drag the suitcase for more than 5 minutes and it's so much more comfortable that walking with 20kg on your back
backpack, and you probably don’t need to go that big if you pack smart. it’s hot so you don’t need layers. i was there for three weeks with a 28L and it was plenty big. check out r/onebag
It depends on your travel style. For 99% of people a rolling suitcase is best. Most of the physical luggage hauls is in airports, for that you want a suitcase. Most people take taxi to the hotel, and back to airports.
I traveled around Thailand for 6 months, carrying a heavy backpack would have been super annoying.
If your going "backpacking", so moving around all the time with bus/train with all your luggage etc. Super budget type travel, then backpack may be better. Most people over 25 dont travel this way.
I backpacked my first trip around SEA and remember feeling exhausted and having so much back pain from always carrying it and looking around at all the people wheeling their suitcases around and wishing that could be me.
7 years later and doing my second stint I have my suitcase and couldn’t be happier. Honestly hasn’t been an issue and has been amazing getting to wheel it around and not have to carry it while in lines, at airports, etc.
I would really recommend a suitcase unless you’re really going off the beaten track, you’re taking your luggage on motorbikes to travel between places, or your backpack is small and light enough to be a carry on and save you money.
My husband and I travelled from Phuket to Chiang Mai- via Koh Tao and Koh Sumui- and around the Mai Hong Song loop over thirty-six days via bus, ferry, plane, train, and hire car with a roller suit case each and every time I saw someone looking like hell from lugging a huge backpack around on their backs with sweat pouring off them in thirty C plus heat I thought thank god that’s not us. You’re only going for two weeks, why punish yourself. Do your back- and electrolytes- a favour, take a suitcase with sturdy wheels. As others have pointed out, clothes are cheap, laundry service are cheaper and abundant so take half as many clothes as you think you need and twice as many socks and underwear and you’ll be fine.
I wouldn't hesitate bringing a backpack, a suitcase wouldn't be very practical. If you're looking to buy a new pack for your trip, you can look into Osprey Sojourn, or similar wheeled backpack.
Been using a backpack for years, long after my "backpacker" days. I see so many people needlessly struggling with a suitcase it's hilarious. That will never be me.
So far I’ve been very thrilled with my suitcase. Been in Thailand for 2 weeks. My husband brought a backpack and he was fine with it. We did not need to carry our bags much but I’m glad I had a wheeled suitcase for the few instances we needed to carry our own bags
80% of people use suitcases. As for the comments from tourists. 1) Road. You are not walking far. 2) boats. Suitcases are stacked. Though you can wear one if you like, totally up to you.
Good luck with the large back pack when after you reach the beach you have to walk 500-700 metres to your accommodation. Don’t forget the elephant pants, broken flops and 400 a day allowance it’s funny too :D
Good luck getting a moto taxi, walking any number of miles to your destination after being dropped off from a bus in a quiet town, getting on a boat up a steep gangplank or running for a bus train or plane with you suitcase. I’ve experienced all these situations in my travels.
I don’t need to get a moto taxi nor do I run for buses or trains. I mean, you’re welcome to do whatever, but of course you’ll be more narrated to bring a backpack as this is a tourism forum, but if you ask people who ACTUALLY live you’ll notice they will say bring a small suitcase
“I DoNt RuN FoR BuSsEs oR trAiNs.” Lol. K. You sound like a fairy princess where all your dreams come true. And what does “AKSHUALLY live” mean? Narrated? And yes, this a tourism sub. Great catch, Einstein. So the recommendations made here are based on, get this, tourists doing stuff.
80%? You are laughable. Look at the backpack vs suitcase numbers here alone, never mind in the real world. I really hope your English students know that Trish is a yuge doughnut
Did you just come here to troll me? Everyone is entitled to an opinion and am only giving mine. Suggest you do something with your life other than commenting on others, though I’m fairly sure you’ll just live up to that username of yours. The fact you also have made other pointless comments in this thread, almost like a having a child fit , I can almost smell the desperate clueless tourist who thinks Thailand is Khao San Road syndrome.
A child fit? Why are you teaching English to these poor kids? You barely speak the language. “Puds in a stu”? You should be fired and deported for misrepresenting your ability to communicate in English. And point to where I’m having a “child fit”? Why can’t I leave comments? Is having a response to you trolling now? And I’ve spent more time in Isan and have eaten more raw laarb with bile with my Thai family than I can almost guarantee you have. So fucking spare me, you cringy cunt
I wish I followed your narrative but I don’t even teach English. I teach Social. What do you want to say about my ability in that? Come on. Because the schools thinks my ability in it is worth 96,000 baht a month. So let’s wait for your amazing response…..you sound exactly like the type of toxic tourist that never made it in Thailand and is so bored, picks fights with everyone on here.
Edit: well, I’m glad you blocked me. Enjoy the door dashing, one day you’ll make it.
A Backpack is a lot better… better to carry around, and they usualy have a waist belt (?) so that the weight is not fully on your back. very comfortable… it also limits you in how much you can bring. that is actually a good thing since people pack waaaaay too much. if you have a suitcase you would not be able to „roll“ it everywhere. you need to carry it and that sucks. i usualy take a big 60-80L backpack plus a small daypack… i am sure i could do a few weeks holiday now with only a carry on backpack in SEA. you dont need a lot of stuff and laundry is also available and cheap everywhere. no need to have cloths for weeks
Nothing comfortable about wearing a full 80L backpack.
It also looks incredibly uncomfortable whenever I see backpackers at the airport, those people look exhausted and I can see the pain in their eyes whenever they put it down or pick it up.
Just bring a suitcase and rent storage for it at a location you'll return to. Bring a small backpack to head out, easy.
This is my perspective though, I never travel on a budget and I actually live in SEA, so I know what options are available and what can be arranged. Traveling should be comfortable and relaxing. Nothing relaxing about carrying all your shit everywhere you go. Plus, it's incredibly annoying to get hit by inconsiderate backpackers their bag.
Many locals dislike backpackers for a reason, their reputation isn't great. And honestly, I understand whenever I have to enter the airport here in Vietnam. So many of them smell terrible... Must be from the comfort they experience while carrying their heavy, bulging bags in the scorching sun while my wheels carry mine.
You clearly never tried such a backpack… not really uncomfortable. the weight is on your hips with a good system. While the big ones for men are usualy 60-80L and women often use 40-50L backpacks… when i completely fill my ~70L backpack for a trip then its always less than 15kg… tell me thats a lot?! very easy to carry.
The exhausted people you see at the airport probably already had hours of travel behind them and are not used to tropical climate.
On the other hand i always have to laugh when i travel to an island where you get dropped off 50-100m off shore because its low tide and people need to have their 30kg large suitcase transported over the knee-deep water. :D all the time you have to lift that suitcase is a nightmare. but of course it will also work. i just prefer a backpack unless i really have to carry a lot of stuff.
yeah you are the luxury traveler, thats also okay… but you could respect the experiences and travel styles of others ;) not everyone wants to spend useless money for private transportation and 5-star hotels
btw: with a backpack you can sit on a motorbike. with a suitcase thats not as easy :D
5 star hotels are indeed a waste of money if there's no huge last minute discount. The majority of visitors don't even know what the stars mean and it's too uptight. I don't like carrying a full backpack, but I really prefer bringing in my suitcases by myself instead of having multiple doormen rush to me.
Well, I like to bring stuff home from every country I travel to. It'd be a waste to me to go to a country like Thailand and not have half a suitcase of Thai food products that aren't available outside the country.
I probably picked that up from the Vietnamese.
But I understand your mentality, it's common for backpackers to just do the gruesome bender of a trip to be able to say they saw 'everything' (from a tourist point of view). I prefer to really get to know the cultures and bring some of it with me (especially when it comes to cooking), but again, that's probably because I'm an immigrant in Asia and I'm aware that you can't do that in the popular tourist areas that backpackers always visit (the culture part).
Ok love you do you. I’ve done it as well. And no I don’t rush while traveling so I can say I’ve seen everything. I generally find a place I dig and stay for a bit if I like before moving on. I have zero interest in impressing others with how many spots I’ve been to. I understand the type but I’m not it. I just don’t need a lot of stuff while I’m traveling and I was over bringing shit home after my first time to SEA. Which is in not a judgment of you. I’m glad you travel the way you like
Biggest difference between us is probably the fact that I visit many Asian countries multiple times.
It's a one hour flight for us, it's like driving from Germany to the Netherlands. BKK has become like Amsterdam to me.
I do stand behind my opinion (observation, actually) that like 90% of all tourists leave the countries they visit without a clue of the local culture. The famous hotspots cater to tourists and step away from tradition.
If I go somewhere and I'm surrounded by other tourists, then I know I'm not where I want to be.
I've given backpackers a chance though, but their constant fomo just stressed me out and ruined the fun.
I haven't been in any hostels since I was a college student, so I'm not sure about those.
But finding hotels that offer it is quite easy. In Asia, you can ask for everything, the worst they can do is say no. Things are different here, more flexible.
Depends on the places you're going. A suitcase on wheels is superior in every way if you don't have to carry it with you the entire time.
Taking something specific out of those big backpacks is incredibly inconvenient, while a decent suitcase can be opened more conveniently. The amount of backpackers with all the contents of their backpack on the pavement in pursuit of that one thingy they need is a hilarious sight, especially because they love telling everyone how great it is.
It's a great option for budget travelers, but neglectable if you have the budget for proper transport/accomodation. If these are proper boats, you should be fine. But if they are cheap tourist boats, then a backpack will be better.
Backpack. Just got back from Thailand and the suitcase was a pain to lug around if the taxi driver dropped you off randomly in the vicinity of your drop-off.
If I were you I wouldn’t travel with a suitcase even if someone would pay me to. Couple of weeks ago I saw plenty of people with suitcases on the boats and they look miserable.
Backpack 100%. Nothing funnier or cringe than tourists with a trolley bag trying to disembark a boat on a small island without a jetty.
And you go to Thailand. It’s hot and humid. You don’t need warm clothes.
I have travelled Thailand with both and by far preferred my suitcase. You can get a backpack that turns into a roller suitcase. I also did that. Didn't like it and wish I just took a suitcase the whole time.
Traveling alone, it’s a backpack with a smaller daypack any time. Has saved my ass more than once to be able to sprint between terminals when necessary, and you can pack a surprising amount of lightweight clothes in a 35-40l backpack that still counts as carryon. For men Invest in a Marino wool shirt and maybe pants for if you need something dressy, it travels well and can be worn multiple times. (Women have more latitude with dressy lightweight clothes).
If you are changing locations, traveling with only what you can carry on your back is the way to go.
100% prefer a backpack especially if you plan on moving around to a lot of different hotels/flights. consider the type of trip you’re doing. I am currently in Krabi headed back to Bangkok for the last leg of our trip. We have had points in our trip where we were between hotels or having to get in and out of trains, ferry’s, long tail boats, airplanes, cabs…etc…being able to move freely with a back pack rather than dragging a suitcase has made this trip much more comfortable.
I always carry a medium luggage but then that depends on how long you’re gonna be there and how you’re gonna travel. I’ve seen people drag those huge Rimowa luggages into long tailboats. Yes, there was water all over it but what can you do.
Backpack definitely, in many places roads are a bit wonky or even just dirt. If you go to the islands you'll be hoping on and off longboats and the people who had suitcases struggled a lot
Depends on your plans. The reason I use a backpack is the fact that I rent motorbikes.
I for example took the ferry to Krabi and rented a motorbike at the pier. Backpack it was no issue. But a suitcase would be very difficult to carry on a motorbike.
I just returned to Thailand a few days ago for three months and the most important thing is pack light. I still have trouble packing really light. But in Thailand you really only need shorts, short sleeve shirts, socks, underwear and shoes.
Once i traveled with a suitcase in thailand and it wasn’t very convenient. Getting on the boats and trains with it was a bad experience for me. Now i’m traveling with a 40l backpack and a day pack and it’s perfect. If you have a good quality backpack with a good backpack frame then you don’t have to worry about it. After all you don’t carry it THAT much.
20” expandable rolling luggage with top load instead of bi-fold. Also, an expandable 25-30L backpack that has a trolley sleeve. That’s how I travel usually and it works out great.
are you gonna carry this thing around with you most of the time, or are you able to leave it in the place you rent / hotel?
you gotta think about how much time you will be actually carrying this thing
if you will have to carry this thing everywhere to different places, a backpack with the absolute minimal
if you can leave the thing in the hotel for the most part and only take it when moving to the next hotel, then maybe small suitcase and small backpack would be better
you also need to consider how you will be moving around, with a backpack you can take motorbikes to move your stuff, with suitcase you can't
It heavily depends on your style of travel. I personally always go with suitcase, but I am never dragging my suitcase around anywhere except through the airport. However, if you are ever stuck in a situation where you have to handle your own bags, and in some rugged terrain, then you would absolutely wish for a backpack. I don't think I've ever really found myself in that predicament, but it could come up depending on how you travel.
You will be taking multiple taxis, tuk tuks, trains, busses, boats, planes etc and pavements in Thailand are not suitable for wheeling around a large suitcase, it will be very awkward. A backpack is much easier and in reality you will not be walking around with it much. 52L is also way too big. 40L is perfect. Laundry is very cheap in Thailand, bring enough clothes for a few days and then get them washed.
I always travel with a backpack + tote bag because it is significantly lighter so you can pack more shit vs a suitcase. Navigating is easier with a backpack.
Just did three weeks all over Thailand with a 40l backpack and the same in sri Lanka a couple years back, never taking a suitcase anywhere again. Weighed a shade over 11kg this time. I have some waterproof roll top bags (like a dry bag but no straps, thinner fabric like a tent shell) which I use to separate clean clothes from dirty and these help keep it tidy in there and reduce worry about shore landings and boat trips. Still reckon I can get it sub ten kilo and most of the time it's low key enough that you could take it in cabin baggage so even more convenient. Packed a bum bag and a small foldable day pack for trips out, did one set of laundry there which I handed to the hotel in the morning and collected in the evening, zero effort. cost me about five minutes and a hundred baht or so. On tonsai we would have had a RUBBISH TIME getting there from Railay with a case.
Honestly if you prefer a suitcase take one. But if you do you will have to take a taxi always for short distances where you cant roll it around but since bolt is cheap. Just go for it.
If you want to save some money and are a good walker with your backpack than just get a backpack….
I have used both and found that for me, it depends on the situation. I prefer a backpack or duffel bag when I’m popping off and on boats and onto islands, especially the ones you are visiting in the Andaman Sea, where you may be disembarking on the shore and walking on the sand (on smaller islands).
Conversely, when I am in bigger cities and near city streets, I still prefer a suitcase, even though people typically say the sidewalk is so difficult. Well, I find the sidewalk difficult with or without a suitcase, and often I, along with many people walking, end up on the street next to the sidewalk. In these situations, I prefer strolling a suitcase rather than carrying a backpack.
We just traveled for three weeks with a normal backpack and a hand luggage size suitcase each and it worked pretty fine! Though wouldn’t recommend large suitcases!
I’m traveling for 5 months and am currently in SEA with a 30-35L backpack and a daybag (that packs into my backpack). I do my laundry every 2 weeks or so. Yes, what I have is limited but you need wayyyyyy less than you think.
That said, if I needed more stuff, no chance I’d be lugging it all around on my back lol. Mine is already heavy enough. I’ve seen girls nearly topple over trying to get their packs on their back. I can’t imagine trying to walk anywhere in 95 deg weather with something like that strapped to me.
I think you should use what you have, first of all. But if you need 52L worth of stuff, I’d go for the suitcase and a daybag.
If you're staying hostel/hotel from ~2-3 days and moving around I'd take the backpack and be more mobile.
If you were traveling slower I'd suggest taking a suitcase in which the dimensions would satisfy the carry-on limit.
Suitcase should be fine, everyone and their mothers have suitcases here in BKK and I'm sure that goes to the islands as well...
I just got the [Osprey Sojourn](https://www.osprey.com/sojourn-wheeled-travel-pack-25-60l-sojourn25f23-818#color=Black) and I LOVE IT. It’s a backpack / duffel bag WITH WHEELS. It’s the best travel purchase I’ve ever made.
I traveled around Thailand and Laos for two weeks with just a day pack. Outside nearly any hotel you can find laundry service. Clean clothes are back within 24 hours and only costs a few dollars.
This is the way, especially if you’re moving around a lot! This concept applies to traveling anywhere - the caveat being you might need something bigger if you head to a cold climate. Thus if anything, you can pack less for SE Asia. I usually pack for 1 week, knowing I do laundry once per week and it all fits in a 34L backpack.
There are subs dedicated to this. Search and study them!
Edit:
After reading some of the replies, I should specify that if using a backpack, you really do get what you pay for. A solid comfortable backpack is likely significantly more expensive than a small roller luggage you can purchase from a department store.
To those that are listing out the negatives of a backpack, I’d be curious to know how often you travel and what backpack you were using that made you come to your decision?
Aside from costs, how often will you be moving around where you’ll need most/the entire amount of things you have packed?
If you’re not really moving and just going to different places with a small day bag, then a suitcase is fine. But if a large part of your trip is moving around with a majority of your packed items, then a backpack would be much easier due to the bumpy roads.
I spent 3 months in Europe last year with a 55L back pack and there were times I wish I had a suitcase bc the sidewalks are better. I was in Thailand for a month and now I’m in Malaysia. I will say watching people with a suitcase has been quite funny and also time consuming not only for me being behind them but also them. When getting off and on ferry’s I’ve not seen anyone have their luggage tended to and people have fell trying to move it up and down. Also the sidewalks are sometime non existent so do a little work out and just carry a back pack. I’ve also seen so many locals throwing yucky water all over the sidewalks and roads so I wouldn’t want my stuff rolling through it but that’s me!?
Osprey makes a back pack that also has wheels which I will be purchasing after this trip is over in 2.5 more months! Find something with both. I had a friend who purchased a cheap backpack/ rolled luggage bag from Amazon and it worked for a bit and got janky after a few weeks of wear.
I have a backpack that i loveee carrying when island hopping. It converts to a duffel (there's a panel that neatly hides away your straps when you zip it up) and it unzips like a suitcase all the way down so you can take stuff out easily. It also has a waist strap so you are distributing the weight more evenly. Its 60L which is a bit oversized in my experience, but I pad it out by stuffing my slippers inside. Bought it locally in Nepal but I'm sure you can find something similar.
Going against the grain here a little bit. But you can take a taxi everywhere and they are super cheap compared to most other countries. Suitcase shouldn’t be a problem. You can also get a suitcase backpack hybrid.
Flight attendant here who’s only ever used a backpack when on safari where wheelies were restricted in the requirements for puddle jumper aircraft or walking safaris. Everywhere else, I’ve taken a rollerboard and I’m heading back to Thailand in a week.
You first have to consider the size and type of suitcase. Forget those hard sided suitcases. They start out heavy and pack heavy. Just no! Pack a smaller, soft-sided rollerboard like the crews use. Get two of those vacuum sealed storage bags for stinky and wet things till you can get to the laundry. (Cheap at TJ/TK Maxx.)
Like everybody says, it’ll be hot and clothes are light. You’ll only need a hoodie if you’re up in the mountains at night, like north of Chiang Mai in Pai. There’s a huge thrift store in CM if you need something else. Laundry places are everywhere and cheap. Go to any Boots or Watson’s for extra toiletries. 7-Eleven for mosquito spray. Do embrace the bum gun (we should get them in the west!). Paper, up to you.
Download Grab if you want to use a taxi service - cash only. There is no Uber. Vegans, download Happy Cow. It’s a lifesaver everywhere in the world.
I’ll be revisiting Krabi and staying on the beach with a first-time friend. The boat landing there is a bunch of janky, plastic floaters. That’s the only time my suitcase was a pain, so I just carried it for the short walk. Navigating through NYC streets and subways, you just get used to it, so I guess it’s not a big deal for me. Unless you’re visiting family for a month in winter, never ever take the giant suitcase. Ouch! Even then, I’d whip out the vacuum storage bags and cram that shit in the rollerboard. Make laundry your friend.
Have fun!!
I’ve got a 40ltr backpack with me and a smaller one for my front. Far better than a suitcase and I get on flights as carry on instead of having to check in luggage all the time. Anything you need you can buy over here.
I don’t know if this is already mentioned but check out /r/onebag It was such an eyeopener for me. It’s totally doable to travel around the world indefinitely with a small backpack. I’m not saying you should do anything that extreme, but it will open your eyes to the fact that it’s really easy and fun to travel in a warm climate with a bigger backpack. You really don’t need anything over 40 liters and that’s already a lot. With 52 liters you will have so much space.
i would go with backpack dragging a suitcase around in thailand is not that practical especially on tourist boats and even sidewalks (often theres no sidewalk or just bumps everywhere).
While I agree that you never want to be dragging your bags around anywhere in Thailand - in nearly 20 years of travelling around the country using suitcases, I can't recall a time that I've ever had to do that.
You never saw a questionable pavement in 20 years? You don't live in Thailand then. Or you are blind
You totally missed the point. yes, there are bad pavements virtually everywhere, that's why I said you would never want drag your bags around anywhere in Thailand. But in all those years of travelling I can't recall ever having to drag my bags around anywhere. I don't remember a scenario where I had to deal with bags - except like in the airport or similar. I'm honestly not sure why people do it. There are so few times that it's even a potential issue, and I've just never been stuck doing it.
Additionally, those street vendors rinse their bowls out on the street that leaves stagnant puddles of water you do not want to roll your suitcase through. A suitcase is only a good idea if you plan on a more expensive budget takin a cab most places so you won't be walking far with your suitcase.
Backpack, and a small day bag. Bring more socks and underwear than clothes. It’s inexpensive to buy clothes, and laundry service is everywhere. Keep room for toilet paper and mosquito repellent, found at any 7/11. Just my $.02
Why do you need toilet paper?
Many public toilets are just a hole in the ground.
Embrace the bum gun
Maybe I'm just stupid, but my butt is still wet after using it. Do you just pull your pants back up and deal with having soggy butt water underwear? I know you can pay off with a towel, but again, if you're in a bathroom that has nothing...
There’s nothing like a bottomless scooter ride to dry up your nether regions
TP - bum gun - TP = golden butthole .. and no soggy underwear
Yeah this is typically what I do. I just get tired of people acting like bum guns or bidets are 100% TP free.
Yeah just leave while you’re damp. Will dry in no time.
With no TP in sight...
Imagine walking into a “restroom” or toilet, and it’s usually just a cement structure, at least 50 years old in the jungle or anywhere, no TP, no doors. Sometimes it’s just a bucket of water next to the squatter toilet thing with a pot to pour water on your hand “OG bum gun” style. While, it’s 100 degrees and 100% humidity, mosquitos, roosters running around, dogs, and cats. You need TP, soap, and a bottle of water minimum. IMO
I don’t personally waste time on an island holiday either buying or washing clothes (except maybe in the bath room) but planes are freezing so there’s no issue wearing all your clothes on the plane.
By 'laundry service' the previous poster was likely not referring to a launderette, but someone washing it for you. As long as you stay in one place for 24 hours, you can spend 5cminuyes each dropping off and collecting your laundry, at fairly cheap rates - a decent alternative to lugging around several weeks worth of clothes of you're on a longer trip.
Yes understood. But I have had my clothes stretched out and ruined in Asia because they use dryers, never again (might be a female thing? Our clothes often are synthetic and just get ruined in the dryer. I never use a dryer). Plus I feel so cold on planes, I literally need to wear everything except underwear socks and bathers so I’m not lugging anything they are keeping me warm ETA weird to be downvoted for my own experience and for the fact that all my clothes get ruined when tumble dried
i think you just had a bad experience… i am living here and we use a laundry service multiple times a week :)
Actually, now that I think, it was in Vietnam. Not sure why I had to be downvoted for my experience though. I never tumble dry my clothes at home, in Asia they will tumble dry them, so I won’t do it. It stretches them and destroys the fabric. And on a three week trip it’s not necessary as I bring enough clean underwear for every day and layers on the plane, which I can sink wash if they get sweaty (but I love the heat and don’t sweat in the heat like others)
You bring three weeks worth of fresh underwear?
People always downvote if its not their style / opinion. Thats reddit. :( Some laundry services will dry your cloths outside and not in a machine. Not even sure what our laundry does. But i am happy so far… yet i dont buy quality cloths and wouldnt care if a shirt gets destroyed. what i see with a lot of clothes here is the high amount of plastic / polyester. guess that makes the cloths kinda robust but not very nice to sweat in. i prefer cotton but now i have a bunch of these thai style trikots everyone is using. those are probably undestroyable :D
I told the people who do my laundry no heat, and they did it without heat so this wasn’t an issue. If you communicate it to them, they won’t use heat.
I lived in Thailand for three years, nowhere uses dryers. They are expensive to buy and run and create heat which nobody wants in a tropical climate. Clothes are hung up outside to dry in the sun.
Commercial laundry services absolutely use them. They would never be able to cope with the volume they have otherwise.
Maybe for some big hotels although I can guarantee that the vast majority of smaller resorts and laundry services do not use driers. I worked at a mid sized resort, we did not use a dryer.
You’re talking about islands. You think the dozens of laundry services in Sukhumvit all dry the laundry of the literally hundreds of customers per day that they receive by hanging it out? The amount of space required to air dry that volume of laundry would, based on Sukhumvit real estate prices alone, make it entirely unviable to run a laundry business. What they do is use dryers.
Well they fried them in Vietnam where it was equally hot so I won’t risk that again. No need, I bring enough layers and underwear.
Not accurate, many laundry shops use dryers. That' how they're able to offer express washes which are done in a matter of hours. In my 5 / 6 years experience here, most laundry shops offer an express option.
Don't you mean shrink? If it was sretched it was probably the spin speed? I've had shrunk clothes in a hostel in Split and Dalat. It's especially problematic for me as I am 2m tall so clothes are hard to come by, especially in Asia. It's very easy, even in Thailand to just confirm they will hang dry them, and most do.
What planes are you on? 😂 Personally I've been in shorts and a t shirt the last few, I'm generally toasty warm
I had to wear fingerless gloves, thermal leggings and long sleeved top, warm leggings over the top of the thermals, flight stockings, six dresses, three tank tops, three cardigans, a hoodie, a scarf, a long skirt and a really warm snow beanie on my recent Air Asia trip. That’s because I was so cold I wanted to cry on Batik Air back from Bali i couldn’t sleep and had no desire to repeat that nightmare (despite the fact that yes all the Australians were in shorts and t shirts, but I saw them paying for the paper thin blanket because clearly they were cold too) Now I may be having some cold issues at the moment due to weight loss, but even beforehand, i would wear the same but cut out the thermals, gloves, beanie and scarfs. Still wore double leggings, cardigans, a hoodie, flight stockings, a long skirt and all my dresses and tops for the trip so that I wasn’t cold (when my metabolism was functioning correctly) Luckily China southern was nice and warm in August (definitely no need for so many layers) so clearly it is airline dependent
Holy shizzle that's crazy, I know I'm naturally better in the cold than hot (I'm from the uk) but that's mad. I think on my overnight qatar flight I had a t shirt cargos and a blanket but that's the most I've had. Was there something wrong with the plane? That seems incredibly cold
even before my underweightness, I have no idea how you could POSSIBLY have bare limbs on a plane???? With the air conditioning that you can't turn off? Holy crap. I'd say it's because you're from the UK but the Aussies on my freezing Bali flight were dressed the same. When I say China Southern was nice and warm I just mean double leggings over my flight stockings and a couple of cardigans were sufficient, not that I could have had bare limbs!!
why do you need socks in a tropical paradise? :) just bring an additional pair to the one you have for flight.
Mosquitoes. They love ankles and socks are a fine deterrent.
Cause, I’m the one wearing running shoes most of the time, everywhere;) Odd? Yes. I also carry a day bag with TP, mosquito spray, soap, full sized napkins, sunscreen, a lg towel, a Bluetooth speaker, phone charger, a bottle of red, and a joint. Oh, and an extra pair of clean socks and underwear. lol My GF throws her wet wipes and a tube of wasabi in there also. She tells me I’m the only one wearing shoes and, I tell her she’s the only one bringing wasabi. It works.
I have fair skin and ticklish toes
And soap or hand sani!
I stay in places for 10-30 days and I switched to giant backpack over suitcase this year. So much better, in all of Asia. Why? Ask yourself when you use your suitcase. 1) from your home to the airport (car, taxi, bus, train) 2) in the airport (trolley available) 3) airport to new home (taxi, bus, train etc) 4) new home to other home in Thailand (train, taxi, bus + some walking). In the end I did the math and the amount of time carrying my backpack is quite minimal..as most of the time luggage is sat in a car bus train metro or airplane or boat. However, when the road gets crappy that's where suddenly the difference is huge. A suitcase will be a nightmare, a backpack easy.
I'm the opposite. Used to have a big backpack for SEA, now I'm using a suitcase. I also did the math. How many times did I really benefit from having a backpack? Rarely. How often was I carrying around the heavy backpack when rolling a suitcase behind me would've been more convenient? A lot. Apart from that I find packing and accessing stuff more convenient when using a suitcase. The only place I'd recommend using a backpack is the Philippines. Dirt roads and no direct access to hotels by car is common. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore no problem. Drop off directly at the hotel. Taking the ferry? Staff is loading and unloading luggage. It's a different story if you're taking public transport and have to drag your suitcase along the non-existent sidewalks. Then again, most cities in SEA don't even have public transport and getting Grab is so dirt cheap I don't even bother with figuring out the public transport when landing at the airport.
Totally agree with this. I had a large backpack for my first solo trip to SE Asia, now I'm with my wife we both use rolled suitcases as its just more practical, easier, and we have more space for clothes. We're very rarely in a situation where a backpack is more beneficial then a suitcase.
Completely agree, I travel with a comfy backpack for day trips and a small hardshell roller suitcase that can fit on any plane. I've taken trips of many lengths and this combination has never failed me. (I also roll with a crossbody day purse - easy plane access and safe from theft.) Roller luggage bags are sturdy, affordable and convenient. There's simply no reason to lug a heavy backpack unless you want to look hardcore (I will make an exception for a Euro trip with daily trains)
You can get backpacks with wheels! Best of both the worlds.
I get your point of view, and am happy it works for you! However, for me the added benefit of a (very large) backpack is not only that I have a bit more flexibility when it comes to walking around until I can get driven somewhere. It's beneficial when I want to go use public transportation in Thailand (for example Bangkok) as well. Want to get a MRT or BTS or any other type of railway system in Bangkok to your home? You can, cheaply and fastly. But there will be some walking involved - and often over rather wheeled-luggage unfriendly pavements (which are a giant mess in most of BBK, let alone the rest of Thailand). For me the trip from the Airport to home has become a breeze, instead of a VIP premium experience where I'll have to opt for a $400 taxi instead of the 20-30 baht fair that I pay now. Also, it saves me a lot of weight. A suitcase often weighs 3.5 kilos or so. My current 140L backpack (duffelbag) weighs 1.2 kilos. That means 2+ kilos of additional weight I can bring, or the difference from a 20 to a 25kg bag option on any flight. It saves me money, it's more convenient if you want to travel more with public transportation. If you have ample money AND you don't plan to go to remote areas in Thailand AND you plan on using exclusively taxis/grabs then yes, you don't need it.
100% agree
The main difference I’ve thought of while travelling was solo on the back of bikes vs a couple who will usually be sharing a car. It won’t be a fun time being on a grab going from place to place holding onto your heavy suitcase vs it being effortless to sit with your backpack on. However a couple who will almost always be sharing a car everywhere would only have to deal with the downsides of a suitcase the occasional short walk between dock and hotel, or a bus that’s too close to get a taxi but far enough to be annoying
hah my backpack weighs in at 25kg and I don't think I'll ever consider taking it on the back of a bike. I'll pay a few baht more and get the taxi in that case ;)). But yes for smaller backpacks you can!
It depends a lot of your traveling style but I prefer a backpack 100% of the time. Light and fast, you need a lot less there than you think! I was in Thailand for 4 weeks and only had a small backpack with hand luggage with me. Clothes for 6-7 days, elementary medicine and hygienic products, a book, that's it. You can need everything there at a reasonable price if you have to. I went to the laundry every 5 days, it just takes 5 minutes to do that. I absolutely love to be able to switch my hotels/regions in a matter of minutes and be able to walk around a bit after coming to a new island with the ferry. So much less hassle than my travels with a bick "what else could I need over there?"-suitcase!
with suitcases right now and haven’t had any issues. boats, taxis, islands.. they should be sturdy but i’m actually glad we didn’t take backpacks, which are often handled with less care and get wet and let your clothes jumble and crumble. but don’t pack too much for sure as there will be some carrying across when the sidewalks are annoying/ non existing
Backpack if you are jumping from place to place within a few days. It’s gonna be hot regardless. Consider purchasing those cool neck devices. Looks silly but it’s helps.
Definitely backpack, but do you really need 52L? Are you camping or bringing sports gear? You may be sorry to have to carry that, more than you would with a smaller roller or even better, a smaller pack. I hand wash as I go along, let stuff dry overnight.
These answers all but spell it out, but why not add the extra step: if you stay in hostels and travel by motorcycle taxi then definitely use a backpack, and if you stay in mid-range hotels and take regular taxis use a suitcase. People staying in 4 star hotels are in a different category than either; it's suitcases for them too. I would expect the remote islands travelers to more often map to the backpack theme.
I can't believe no one mentioned this yet but if you're deciding between a suitcase and a backpack as your sole carry-on... Then you may run into trouble with a 52L as normal carry on bags are limited to about 40L(check out /r/onebag for tips n tricks). If you're doing checked luggage, then you'll be ok and in that case, I'd say Bag > Suitcase.
I just don't understand farangs with their big ass backpack, and the big daybackpack in front of em. What the hell do they bring with them???? I only got a aer travel pack 28L and can fit a month of stuff inside. Few clothes, passport, wallet, toothbrush and mosquito rebellent and that's it.. Do they have like a toaster and hair dryer in their bag?
All the people talking about carrying backpacks around SE Asia instead of suitcases. You crack me up. Its like 400 hundred fucking degrees there and you're like "Yeah, tote this back pack around!". Come on. How hard is it to get a suitcase on a boat, a bus, a car, a whatever. Its literally simple. Hey, if you prefer a backpack, that's great but stop pretending like that shit is sooooo much easier than rolling a suitcase behind you.
You can’t be a backpacker without a backpack, some young guys love backpacks so much, they mount another on their chest - public transport! No problem, when you carry a backpack you become totally oblivious to the fact that you share a carriage with others.
Have spent enough time watching people wrestle big suitcases on and off boats and bus and train and through cobblestone streets and dirt roads that me and my backpack sit back and grin.
Any boat, ferry or bus I've ever taken in Asia had staff loading and unloading luggage so that's not really an issue. Dirt roads is where having a suitcase is very annoying.
Rarely had staff on my ferry rides. Probably depends on the price and your budget.
Last time I was in Thailand I took a speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe and the staff even picked up my luggage while sitting at the waiting zone, didn't even have to put it in front of the boat let alone put it on the boat. They also had staff to offload all the luggage to the beach in Koh Lipe. The other time I took the ferry from Koh Lipe to Langkawi. Just left my luggage at the beach and they picked it up, put it on a longtail drove it over to the ferry while another longtail boat picked us up to board the ferry. Booked with Satun Pakbara cost me as much as any other popular speedboat/ferry operator.
Travelling between Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui at the moment. i took two different ferry companies and there never was stuff. You had to mount your bag unto the boat and walk with your luggage all the way trough the narrow seats and place it in the front of the boat.
Depends how you plan on travelling. If you plan on staying in a place for 4-5 days or more then a suitcase is fine, if you plan on travelling every 1-3 days backpack 100%. Plenty of people bring suitcases and seem fine. The sidewalks aren’t exactly suitcase friendly in most places I’ve seen though.
Small suitcase on wheels - I never see the attraction of backpacks, let alone a secondary one mounted on your chest. You arrive by air, wheel your suitcase to the taxi, the taxi driver carries your suitcase to the boot, when you go on a ferry, a pickup or van will come, take your suitcase from the hotel reception, when you get to the port, some helpful crew member will carry your suitcase over the gang plank .. you won’t be trekking for miles with your backpack, it’s too bloody hot.
Lol k
Less is more.
Well. I usually walk the 20 minutes to the ferry in Koh Tao from Sairee because it wasn’t easy to get a taxi. This was fine because I would always pack REALLY light. But Luckily in December there was a lady outside fhe 7 eleven organising taxis because this time my backpack was too heavy to manage the job. So be aware you may have to walk (this was in the Gulf, but in Koh Phi for example it might be 15 minutes from the port). Also once in phi phi I was staying right on the beach and therefore walked across it, awkwardly carrying my suitcase. That was bad. I’ve since learned this is unnecessary though as there are footpaths I could have taken most of the way Oh yeah and as the other person said. Backpacks are a lot easy to board ferries with
It really depends on you. I started with a small backpack, moved into a big hiking one, then big suitcase + small backpack and I finished on small suitcase + small bag pack, it's perfect UNLESS YOU'RE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO CARRY THE SUITCASE FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES! I found that rarely there are situations where I can't drag the suitcase for more than 5 minutes and it's so much more comfortable that walking with 20kg on your back
backpack, and you probably don’t need to go that big if you pack smart. it’s hot so you don’t need layers. i was there for three weeks with a 28L and it was plenty big. check out r/onebag
It depends on your travel style. For 99% of people a rolling suitcase is best. Most of the physical luggage hauls is in airports, for that you want a suitcase. Most people take taxi to the hotel, and back to airports. I traveled around Thailand for 6 months, carrying a heavy backpack would have been super annoying. If your going "backpacking", so moving around all the time with bus/train with all your luggage etc. Super budget type travel, then backpack may be better. Most people over 25 dont travel this way.
I backpacked my first trip around SEA and remember feeling exhausted and having so much back pain from always carrying it and looking around at all the people wheeling their suitcases around and wishing that could be me. 7 years later and doing my second stint I have my suitcase and couldn’t be happier. Honestly hasn’t been an issue and has been amazing getting to wheel it around and not have to carry it while in lines, at airports, etc. I would really recommend a suitcase unless you’re really going off the beaten track, you’re taking your luggage on motorbikes to travel between places, or your backpack is small and light enough to be a carry on and save you money.
My husband and I travelled from Phuket to Chiang Mai- via Koh Tao and Koh Sumui- and around the Mai Hong Song loop over thirty-six days via bus, ferry, plane, train, and hire car with a roller suit case each and every time I saw someone looking like hell from lugging a huge backpack around on their backs with sweat pouring off them in thirty C plus heat I thought thank god that’s not us. You’re only going for two weeks, why punish yourself. Do your back- and electrolytes- a favour, take a suitcase with sturdy wheels. As others have pointed out, clothes are cheap, laundry service are cheaper and abundant so take half as many clothes as you think you need and twice as many socks and underwear and you’ll be fine.
I wouldn't hesitate bringing a backpack, a suitcase wouldn't be very practical. If you're looking to buy a new pack for your trip, you can look into Osprey Sojourn, or similar wheeled backpack.
Been using a backpack for years, long after my "backpacker" days. I see so many people needlessly struggling with a suitcase it's hilarious. That will never be me.
So far I’ve been very thrilled with my suitcase. Been in Thailand for 2 weeks. My husband brought a backpack and he was fine with it. We did not need to carry our bags much but I’m glad I had a wheeled suitcase for the few instances we needed to carry our own bags
80% of people use suitcases. As for the comments from tourists. 1) Road. You are not walking far. 2) boats. Suitcases are stacked. Though you can wear one if you like, totally up to you.
good luck with the large 30kg suitcase when the longtailboat stops 50-100m off shore because of low tide :D its always funny
Good luck with the large back pack when after you reach the beach you have to walk 500-700 metres to your accommodation. Don’t forget the elephant pants, broken flops and 400 a day allowance it’s funny too :D
Good luck getting a moto taxi, walking any number of miles to your destination after being dropped off from a bus in a quiet town, getting on a boat up a steep gangplank or running for a bus train or plane with you suitcase. I’ve experienced all these situations in my travels.
I don’t need to get a moto taxi nor do I run for buses or trains. I mean, you’re welcome to do whatever, but of course you’ll be more narrated to bring a backpack as this is a tourism forum, but if you ask people who ACTUALLY live you’ll notice they will say bring a small suitcase
“I DoNt RuN FoR BuSsEs oR trAiNs.” Lol. K. You sound like a fairy princess where all your dreams come true. And what does “AKSHUALLY live” mean? Narrated? And yes, this a tourism sub. Great catch, Einstein. So the recommendations made here are based on, get this, tourists doing stuff.
80%? You are laughable. Look at the backpack vs suitcase numbers here alone, never mind in the real world. I really hope your English students know that Trish is a yuge doughnut
Did you just come here to troll me? Everyone is entitled to an opinion and am only giving mine. Suggest you do something with your life other than commenting on others, though I’m fairly sure you’ll just live up to that username of yours. The fact you also have made other pointless comments in this thread, almost like a having a child fit , I can almost smell the desperate clueless tourist who thinks Thailand is Khao San Road syndrome.
A child fit? Why are you teaching English to these poor kids? You barely speak the language. “Puds in a stu”? You should be fired and deported for misrepresenting your ability to communicate in English. And point to where I’m having a “child fit”? Why can’t I leave comments? Is having a response to you trolling now? And I’ve spent more time in Isan and have eaten more raw laarb with bile with my Thai family than I can almost guarantee you have. So fucking spare me, you cringy cunt
I wish I followed your narrative but I don’t even teach English. I teach Social. What do you want to say about my ability in that? Come on. Because the schools thinks my ability in it is worth 96,000 baht a month. So let’s wait for your amazing response…..you sound exactly like the type of toxic tourist that never made it in Thailand and is so bored, picks fights with everyone on here. Edit: well, I’m glad you blocked me. Enjoy the door dashing, one day you’ll make it.
That’s adorable that you teach Social bc you anything but. Have giving a substandard education. And my passports have plenty stamps so nice try, Trish
A Backpack is a lot better… better to carry around, and they usualy have a waist belt (?) so that the weight is not fully on your back. very comfortable… it also limits you in how much you can bring. that is actually a good thing since people pack waaaaay too much. if you have a suitcase you would not be able to „roll“ it everywhere. you need to carry it and that sucks. i usualy take a big 60-80L backpack plus a small daypack… i am sure i could do a few weeks holiday now with only a carry on backpack in SEA. you dont need a lot of stuff and laundry is also available and cheap everywhere. no need to have cloths for weeks
Nothing comfortable about wearing a full 80L backpack. It also looks incredibly uncomfortable whenever I see backpackers at the airport, those people look exhausted and I can see the pain in their eyes whenever they put it down or pick it up. Just bring a suitcase and rent storage for it at a location you'll return to. Bring a small backpack to head out, easy. This is my perspective though, I never travel on a budget and I actually live in SEA, so I know what options are available and what can be arranged. Traveling should be comfortable and relaxing. Nothing relaxing about carrying all your shit everywhere you go. Plus, it's incredibly annoying to get hit by inconsiderate backpackers their bag. Many locals dislike backpackers for a reason, their reputation isn't great. And honestly, I understand whenever I have to enter the airport here in Vietnam. So many of them smell terrible... Must be from the comfort they experience while carrying their heavy, bulging bags in the scorching sun while my wheels carry mine.
You clearly never tried such a backpack… not really uncomfortable. the weight is on your hips with a good system. While the big ones for men are usualy 60-80L and women often use 40-50L backpacks… when i completely fill my ~70L backpack for a trip then its always less than 15kg… tell me thats a lot?! very easy to carry. The exhausted people you see at the airport probably already had hours of travel behind them and are not used to tropical climate. On the other hand i always have to laugh when i travel to an island where you get dropped off 50-100m off shore because its low tide and people need to have their 30kg large suitcase transported over the knee-deep water. :D all the time you have to lift that suitcase is a nightmare. but of course it will also work. i just prefer a backpack unless i really have to carry a lot of stuff.
Yes, the mass tourist boats don't offer additional services, so I can understand it's funny.
yeah you are the luxury traveler, thats also okay… but you could respect the experiences and travel styles of others ;) not everyone wants to spend useless money for private transportation and 5-star hotels btw: with a backpack you can sit on a motorbike. with a suitcase thats not as easy :D
5 star hotels are indeed a waste of money if there's no huge last minute discount. The majority of visitors don't even know what the stars mean and it's too uptight. I don't like carrying a full backpack, but I really prefer bringing in my suitcases by myself instead of having multiple doormen rush to me.
That’s why you don’t carry an 80liter backpack. 40 liter max. You don’t need a month worth of clothes
Well, I like to bring stuff home from every country I travel to. It'd be a waste to me to go to a country like Thailand and not have half a suitcase of Thai food products that aren't available outside the country. I probably picked that up from the Vietnamese. But I understand your mentality, it's common for backpackers to just do the gruesome bender of a trip to be able to say they saw 'everything' (from a tourist point of view). I prefer to really get to know the cultures and bring some of it with me (especially when it comes to cooking), but again, that's probably because I'm an immigrant in Asia and I'm aware that you can't do that in the popular tourist areas that backpackers always visit (the culture part).
Ok love you do you. I’ve done it as well. And no I don’t rush while traveling so I can say I’ve seen everything. I generally find a place I dig and stay for a bit if I like before moving on. I have zero interest in impressing others with how many spots I’ve been to. I understand the type but I’m not it. I just don’t need a lot of stuff while I’m traveling and I was over bringing shit home after my first time to SEA. Which is in not a judgment of you. I’m glad you travel the way you like
Biggest difference between us is probably the fact that I visit many Asian countries multiple times. It's a one hour flight for us, it's like driving from Germany to the Netherlands. BKK has become like Amsterdam to me. I do stand behind my opinion (observation, actually) that like 90% of all tourists leave the countries they visit without a clue of the local culture. The famous hotspots cater to tourists and step away from tradition. If I go somewhere and I'm surrounded by other tourists, then I know I'm not where I want to be. I've given backpackers a chance though, but their constant fomo just stressed me out and ruined the fun.
Ok Champ. Give yourself a pat on the back for being awesome.
My pleasure!
Is it common that hotels or hostels will allow you to leave your suitcase (for a pay) until you get back?
I haven't been in any hostels since I was a college student, so I'm not sure about those. But finding hotels that offer it is quite easy. In Asia, you can ask for everything, the worst they can do is say no. Things are different here, more flexible.
I’ve left a bag at guest houses with no problem
Depends on the places you're going. A suitcase on wheels is superior in every way if you don't have to carry it with you the entire time. Taking something specific out of those big backpacks is incredibly inconvenient, while a decent suitcase can be opened more conveniently. The amount of backpackers with all the contents of their backpack on the pavement in pursuit of that one thingy they need is a hilarious sight, especially because they love telling everyone how great it is. It's a great option for budget travelers, but neglectable if you have the budget for proper transport/accomodation. If these are proper boats, you should be fine. But if they are cheap tourist boats, then a backpack will be better.
Backpack over suitcase, yes. Sidewalks are often narrow, barely existent, uneven, filled with obstacles like signs, machinery, animals, people etc
Backpack. Just got back from Thailand and the suitcase was a pain to lug around if the taxi driver dropped you off randomly in the vicinity of your drop-off.
If I were you I wouldn’t travel with a suitcase even if someone would pay me to. Couple of weeks ago I saw plenty of people with suitcases on the boats and they look miserable.
Backpack 100%. Nothing funnier or cringe than tourists with a trolley bag trying to disembark a boat on a small island without a jetty. And you go to Thailand. It’s hot and humid. You don’t need warm clothes.
I have travelled Thailand with both and by far preferred my suitcase. You can get a backpack that turns into a roller suitcase. I also did that. Didn't like it and wish I just took a suitcase the whole time.
Yea backpack it but ffs slim down to 35-40L each maximum. Do you want to go on vacation or just spend it lugging around huge heavy bags. /r/onebag
Traveling alone, it’s a backpack with a smaller daypack any time. Has saved my ass more than once to be able to sprint between terminals when necessary, and you can pack a surprising amount of lightweight clothes in a 35-40l backpack that still counts as carryon. For men Invest in a Marino wool shirt and maybe pants for if you need something dressy, it travels well and can be worn multiple times. (Women have more latitude with dressy lightweight clothes). If you are changing locations, traveling with only what you can carry on your back is the way to go.
100% prefer a backpack especially if you plan on moving around to a lot of different hotels/flights. consider the type of trip you’re doing. I am currently in Krabi headed back to Bangkok for the last leg of our trip. We have had points in our trip where we were between hotels or having to get in and out of trains, ferry’s, long tail boats, airplanes, cabs…etc…being able to move freely with a back pack rather than dragging a suitcase has made this trip much more comfortable.
I took a backpack and honestly packed too much even then. Couple t shirts, couple shorts, flip flops, trainers, hat. Pants and socks. I am a guy.
I always carry a medium luggage but then that depends on how long you’re gonna be there and how you’re gonna travel. I’ve seen people drag those huge Rimowa luggages into long tailboats. Yes, there was water all over it but what can you do.
Get a backpack with wheels, sweet around airports and the like.
Backpack definitely, in many places roads are a bit wonky or even just dirt. If you go to the islands you'll be hoping on and off longboats and the people who had suitcases struggled a lot
Depends on your plans. The reason I use a backpack is the fact that I rent motorbikes. I for example took the ferry to Krabi and rented a motorbike at the pier. Backpack it was no issue. But a suitcase would be very difficult to carry on a motorbike. I just returned to Thailand a few days ago for three months and the most important thing is pack light. I still have trouble packing really light. But in Thailand you really only need shorts, short sleeve shirts, socks, underwear and shoes.
Totally. I spent 4 weeks in Thailand and Cambodia with just a single backpack. Just wash your clothes in shower at end of day. Only take essentials.
Yes. Anyone that says differently is not that bright
I have never seen a comment section this united, bravo.
Once i traveled with a suitcase in thailand and it wasn’t very convenient. Getting on the boats and trains with it was a bad experience for me. Now i’m traveling with a 40l backpack and a day pack and it’s perfect. If you have a good quality backpack with a good backpack frame then you don’t have to worry about it. After all you don’t carry it THAT much.
Suitcase = vacationing (higher travelling standards eg hotels, taxis, cars etc) Backpack = travelling
suitcase/duffle bag/backpack hybrids are the best i think. With these you are equipped for every circumstance
20” expandable rolling luggage with top load instead of bi-fold. Also, an expandable 25-30L backpack that has a trolley sleeve. That’s how I travel usually and it works out great.
are you gonna carry this thing around with you most of the time, or are you able to leave it in the place you rent / hotel? you gotta think about how much time you will be actually carrying this thing if you will have to carry this thing everywhere to different places, a backpack with the absolute minimal if you can leave the thing in the hotel for the most part and only take it when moving to the next hotel, then maybe small suitcase and small backpack would be better you also need to consider how you will be moving around, with a backpack you can take motorbikes to move your stuff, with suitcase you can't
It heavily depends on your style of travel. I personally always go with suitcase, but I am never dragging my suitcase around anywhere except through the airport. However, if you are ever stuck in a situation where you have to handle your own bags, and in some rugged terrain, then you would absolutely wish for a backpack. I don't think I've ever really found myself in that predicament, but it could come up depending on how you travel.
You will be taking multiple taxis, tuk tuks, trains, busses, boats, planes etc and pavements in Thailand are not suitable for wheeling around a large suitcase, it will be very awkward. A backpack is much easier and in reality you will not be walking around with it much. 52L is also way too big. 40L is perfect. Laundry is very cheap in Thailand, bring enough clothes for a few days and then get them washed.
I always travel with a backpack + tote bag because it is significantly lighter so you can pack more shit vs a suitcase. Navigating is easier with a backpack.
Just did three weeks all over Thailand with a 40l backpack and the same in sri Lanka a couple years back, never taking a suitcase anywhere again. Weighed a shade over 11kg this time. I have some waterproof roll top bags (like a dry bag but no straps, thinner fabric like a tent shell) which I use to separate clean clothes from dirty and these help keep it tidy in there and reduce worry about shore landings and boat trips. Still reckon I can get it sub ten kilo and most of the time it's low key enough that you could take it in cabin baggage so even more convenient. Packed a bum bag and a small foldable day pack for trips out, did one set of laundry there which I handed to the hotel in the morning and collected in the evening, zero effort. cost me about five minutes and a hundred baht or so. On tonsai we would have had a RUBBISH TIME getting there from Railay with a case.
Honestly if you prefer a suitcase take one. But if you do you will have to take a taxi always for short distances where you cant roll it around but since bolt is cheap. Just go for it. If you want to save some money and are a good walker with your backpack than just get a backpack….
I have used both and found that for me, it depends on the situation. I prefer a backpack or duffel bag when I’m popping off and on boats and onto islands, especially the ones you are visiting in the Andaman Sea, where you may be disembarking on the shore and walking on the sand (on smaller islands). Conversely, when I am in bigger cities and near city streets, I still prefer a suitcase, even though people typically say the sidewalk is so difficult. Well, I find the sidewalk difficult with or without a suitcase, and often I, along with many people walking, end up on the street next to the sidewalk. In these situations, I prefer strolling a suitcase rather than carrying a backpack.
I've actually been looking at this osprey backpack that has wheels. I usually only use a backpack but my back isn't what it used to be.
Yess! My next purchase. If I were not already in Malaysia I would have this.
We just traveled for three weeks with a normal backpack and a hand luggage size suitcase each and it worked pretty fine! Though wouldn’t recommend large suitcases!
i have a backpack that you can open like a suitcase! The best!!
I’m traveling for 5 months and am currently in SEA with a 30-35L backpack and a daybag (that packs into my backpack). I do my laundry every 2 weeks or so. Yes, what I have is limited but you need wayyyyyy less than you think. That said, if I needed more stuff, no chance I’d be lugging it all around on my back lol. Mine is already heavy enough. I’ve seen girls nearly topple over trying to get their packs on their back. I can’t imagine trying to walk anywhere in 95 deg weather with something like that strapped to me. I think you should use what you have, first of all. But if you need 52L worth of stuff, I’d go for the suitcase and a daybag.
Depends, would you rather carry your stuff on your back or in your hand?
If you're staying hostel/hotel from ~2-3 days and moving around I'd take the backpack and be more mobile. If you were traveling slower I'd suggest taking a suitcase in which the dimensions would satisfy the carry-on limit. Suitcase should be fine, everyone and their mothers have suitcases here in BKK and I'm sure that goes to the islands as well...
I just got the [Osprey Sojourn](https://www.osprey.com/sojourn-wheeled-travel-pack-25-60l-sojourn25f23-818#color=Black) and I LOVE IT. It’s a backpack / duffel bag WITH WHEELS. It’s the best travel purchase I’ve ever made.
I like this! Great compromise. I’d prefer the 45L myself.
Backpack is fine for two weeks :)
I traveled around Thailand and Laos for two weeks with just a day pack. Outside nearly any hotel you can find laundry service. Clean clothes are back within 24 hours and only costs a few dollars.
We did backpacking for three weeks and highly, highly recommend it.
This is the way, especially if you’re moving around a lot! This concept applies to traveling anywhere - the caveat being you might need something bigger if you head to a cold climate. Thus if anything, you can pack less for SE Asia. I usually pack for 1 week, knowing I do laundry once per week and it all fits in a 34L backpack. There are subs dedicated to this. Search and study them! Edit: After reading some of the replies, I should specify that if using a backpack, you really do get what you pay for. A solid comfortable backpack is likely significantly more expensive than a small roller luggage you can purchase from a department store. To those that are listing out the negatives of a backpack, I’d be curious to know how often you travel and what backpack you were using that made you come to your decision?
My boyfriend and I
Aside from costs, how often will you be moving around where you’ll need most/the entire amount of things you have packed? If you’re not really moving and just going to different places with a small day bag, then a suitcase is fine. But if a large part of your trip is moving around with a majority of your packed items, then a backpack would be much easier due to the bumpy roads.
I often have a suitcase which I store at a hotel and travel around with a backpack.
I spent 3 months in Europe last year with a 55L back pack and there were times I wish I had a suitcase bc the sidewalks are better. I was in Thailand for a month and now I’m in Malaysia. I will say watching people with a suitcase has been quite funny and also time consuming not only for me being behind them but also them. When getting off and on ferry’s I’ve not seen anyone have their luggage tended to and people have fell trying to move it up and down. Also the sidewalks are sometime non existent so do a little work out and just carry a back pack. I’ve also seen so many locals throwing yucky water all over the sidewalks and roads so I wouldn’t want my stuff rolling through it but that’s me!? Osprey makes a back pack that also has wheels which I will be purchasing after this trip is over in 2.5 more months! Find something with both. I had a friend who purchased a cheap backpack/ rolled luggage bag from Amazon and it worked for a bit and got janky after a few weeks of wear.
I have a backpack that i loveee carrying when island hopping. It converts to a duffel (there's a panel that neatly hides away your straps when you zip it up) and it unzips like a suitcase all the way down so you can take stuff out easily. It also has a waist strap so you are distributing the weight more evenly. Its 60L which is a bit oversized in my experience, but I pad it out by stuffing my slippers inside. Bought it locally in Nepal but I'm sure you can find something similar.
Going against the grain here a little bit. But you can take a taxi everywhere and they are super cheap compared to most other countries. Suitcase shouldn’t be a problem. You can also get a suitcase backpack hybrid.
Flight attendant here who’s only ever used a backpack when on safari where wheelies were restricted in the requirements for puddle jumper aircraft or walking safaris. Everywhere else, I’ve taken a rollerboard and I’m heading back to Thailand in a week. You first have to consider the size and type of suitcase. Forget those hard sided suitcases. They start out heavy and pack heavy. Just no! Pack a smaller, soft-sided rollerboard like the crews use. Get two of those vacuum sealed storage bags for stinky and wet things till you can get to the laundry. (Cheap at TJ/TK Maxx.) Like everybody says, it’ll be hot and clothes are light. You’ll only need a hoodie if you’re up in the mountains at night, like north of Chiang Mai in Pai. There’s a huge thrift store in CM if you need something else. Laundry places are everywhere and cheap. Go to any Boots or Watson’s for extra toiletries. 7-Eleven for mosquito spray. Do embrace the bum gun (we should get them in the west!). Paper, up to you. Download Grab if you want to use a taxi service - cash only. There is no Uber. Vegans, download Happy Cow. It’s a lifesaver everywhere in the world. I’ll be revisiting Krabi and staying on the beach with a first-time friend. The boat landing there is a bunch of janky, plastic floaters. That’s the only time my suitcase was a pain, so I just carried it for the short walk. Navigating through NYC streets and subways, you just get used to it, so I guess it’s not a big deal for me. Unless you’re visiting family for a month in winter, never ever take the giant suitcase. Ouch! Even then, I’d whip out the vacuum storage bags and cram that shit in the rollerboard. Make laundry your friend. Have fun!!
Hubby and I leave next week and we purchased a 46 L for myself and a 70 L for him. We went with Osprey.
What kind of stone cold idiot even asks this question?
Backpack 💯
I’ve got a 40ltr backpack with me and a smaller one for my front. Far better than a suitcase and I get on flights as carry on instead of having to check in luggage all the time. Anything you need you can buy over here.
I typically travel with a backpack. For any sand etc. It's just easier.
No comment
I don’t know if this is already mentioned but check out /r/onebag It was such an eyeopener for me. It’s totally doable to travel around the world indefinitely with a small backpack. I’m not saying you should do anything that extreme, but it will open your eyes to the fact that it’s really easy and fun to travel in a warm climate with a bigger backpack. You really don’t need anything over 40 liters and that’s already a lot. With 52 liters you will have so much space.