And everything else
This is my pile of important documents. Passport, duh. Foreign expert certificate to aid my easy return to China. Chapstick, necessary. Bank of America VISA card. ICBC Union Pay Card, which is widely accepted in Thailand and also necessary for buying those train tickets during the super busy Spring Festival. Health insurance card, just in case. Beijing public transport card for return to Beijing. The last three, driver’s license, Beishida student cards, and Beihang faculty card, are all in attempt to get student discounts.
Then I have my emergency kit below. Top left: assortment of medicines including sudafed, ibuprofen, benadryl, and a Chinese medicine patch in case my knee hurts. Top right: survival bag. Bottom right: first aid kit. The white paper: passport copies and extra passport photos for those pesky at the border visas. Bottom left: feminine hygiene products, minimal makeup, and a second pair of earrings in case I’m feeling glamorous.
Courtesy of Philippine Airlines, we have this great toiletries kit with tiny toothbrushes, toothpaste, and eye masks. The ear plugs are my own, but they all fit nicely into the bag.
Coincidentally, we are flying Philippine Airlines (again) to Bangkok. We flew them from Hawaii to Beijing and we delighted with their wonderful service and wonderful food despite being in the “Fiesta” class, which might sound cool, but it is below economy.
Some extra things that I packed, just because I had the room: tissues, razor, deodorant, facial wipes, comb, string, and head lamp.
And that concludes my Thailand/Vietnam backpacking trip packing list.