36F. A month across Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia taught me I’m not a one-bag traveler.
Our take
In a world where the mantra of "less is more" often dominates travel discussions, the recent article detailing a traveler’s month-long adventure through Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia serves as a refreshing counterpoint. The author candidly shares their experience of preferring to check a suitcase, rather than adhering to the popular one-bag philosophy. This perspective resonates with many who have faced the challenges of multi-country travel, and it raises essential questions about practicality versus the ideals often perpetuated in travel communities. As we delve into this narrative, it parallels insights shared in pieces like Washington is a special place and Hack for getting refunds from false advertising AC in hotels, which highlight the importance of adapting our travel strategies to fit personal preferences and the realities of various situations.
The author’s journey through diverse landscapes and climates underscores a crucial aspect of travel: adaptability. With stops ranging from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Luang Prabang, each destination necessitated a different approach to packing and clothing. The traveler’s acknowledgment of the challenges presented by varying weather conditions, cultural expectations, and activities like visiting an elephant sanctuary illustrates that a one-size-fits-all packing solution may not cater to every adventure. It highlights a broader truth that resonates with many wanderers: while minimalism can be liberating, it can also lead to discomfort and frustration if not thoughtfully applied.
Moreover, this article serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked logistics of travel, particularly with multi-country itineraries. The author’s reflection on the physical demands of moving through airports, bus stations, and boats with luggage reveals the reality that many travelers face. This insight is especially relevant for those planning similar journeys, encouraging them to consider their unique travel style rather than conforming to a trend. The notion that checking a suitcase can enhance comfort and enjoyment during longer trips is a valuable takeaway for readers who might feel pressured to downsize their belongings in favor of a more "authentic" travel experience.
As we embrace the spirit of exploration and adventure, it’s important to recognize that travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The author’s insights prompt us to ask ourselves: what does our travel style say about us? Are we prioritizing comfort and practicality, or are we allowing online travel culture to dictate our choices? This exploration of personal preferences can lead to more enriching experiences, where travelers feel empowered to carve their own paths, much like the individuals featured in 4 Days in Austria is wonderful with clear skies.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how travel trends evolve as more voices join the conversation around what truly makes for a fulfilling journey. Will we continue to see a shift away from minimalism in favor of a more personalized approach to packing, or will the one-bag philosophy regain its prominence? As travelers navigate their adventures, they may find that embracing their individuality is the ultimate key to unlocking the joy of exploration.
I know the one-bag people are going to hate this, but after 31 days across Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, I realized I genuinely prefer checking a suitcase for longer trips like this.
Route:
- Bangkok (4 days)
- Chiang Mai (5)
- Luang Prabang (4)
- Vang Vieng (3)
- Phnom Penh (3)
- Siem Reap (5)
- Bangkok again (2)
Approximate budget:
- Flights LAX ↔ BKK: $820
- Accommodation: about $640 for 31 nights
- Food: around $390
- Regional flights: $180
- Transport: about $120 between Grabs, tuk tuks, and the Mekong slow boat
- Activities: around $220 including Angkor Wat, a cooking class, and the elephant sanctuary
- eSIM: $18 for 20GB
For luggage, I used a 30" level 8 suitcase that was around 40 lbs fully packed, which ended up being enough space for everything without feeling ridiculous to move around with. I was able to carry stuff that was enough and yet..laundry.
The thing people always say is “just do laundry.” And yes, laundry is everywhere. I used it four times and spent less than $30 total.
But what got underestimated was how many different situations this trip covered. Monsoon rain, temple visits with freezing AC, nicer dinners in Bangkok, overnight transit days, and the elephant sanctuary where I wanted clothes I genuinely did not care about ruining. After a while, trying to make the same tiny set of clothes work for all of that started sounding exhausting.
I also forgot how rough multi-country travel can be on luggage. Flights, buses, boats, uneven sidewalks, and random hotel transfers mean everything gets dragged around constantly. By the end of the month, I was pretty happy I hadn’t forced myself into an ultra-minimal setup just because travel internet culture celebrates it.
The Mekong slow boat was the one time I questioned my decisions a little.
You still carry your own luggage on and off the boat, and I definitely would not want to do that with an enormous overpacked suitcase. Keeping it reasonably sized mattered. Still worth it though. Those two days through northern Laos were probably the highlight of the trip.
A few Siem Reap tips:
- Get to Angkor Wat around 4:30am if you want the sunrise without standing behind hundreds of phones.
- Ta Prohm is better later in the day once the big tour groups move through.
- Hiring the same tuk tuk driver for the full day ended up being one of the smartest decisions of the trip. They know the temple timing way better than Google Maps does.
What I’d change:
- I packed three “elephant sanctuary outfits.” One would have been enough.
- I should have brought a small dry bag for the Mekong boat days. Keeping your passport in a damp backpack pocket is stressful.
- I brought too many “just in case” clothes and not enough convenience items.
The people doing this exact route with a single 40L backpack honestly have my respect. What are you all leaving behind that I clearly couldn’t?
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