Laundry while traveling
 

Since we'll be traveling for 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, and not spending more than 2-3 nights in any one place, i'm wondering what my best option for clean clothes is.
We're going to pack light, so we'll definitely need to do some cleaning. I've heard some people just wash stuff in the bath tub or sink, but i'm wondering if it'll dry in time.

Any other ideas? Is having the hotel do it a good plan? We're staying in 3-4 star hotels, so quite nice.

Should i just bring a sink stopper, a rubber clothes line and soap packets?

thanks
jason

Look, you can always get laundry done for a reasonable price. First check the hotel's price, if it's ok, I use that. Otherwise, look around side streets close to your hotel for a local laundry. Typically, they offer same day or next day service. The local laundries are really, really cheap.

Thanks Kathie. Maybe we wont bother bringing the clothes line and detergent. 1 less thing to carry

Most hotels charge outrageous prices for laundry because they think they have you trapped. If you can find a place outside it will be much less expensive. They will charge you by weight.

In any event you won't have to "bring" any detergent with you! Even in Thailand you can find detergent for washing clothes in most Seven Eleven stores or other similar type places!

Like the other msg said, use the hotel laundry list as a guide and check out some of the other places nearby. By the way, usually cheap hotels have cheaper laundry prices!

Stick with clothing that will wash easy and dry quickly. Cotton is pretty good. If you have T-shirts and shorts they will be easier to wash than long pants and heavier materials. Socks can be washed in the bathroom, you can squash them flat between the folds in a towel to remove excess water.

I always stay in cheap places and it is normal for me to have one of those rubber disks that acts a sink stopper. String will do for a clothesline if you want one.

Have fun.

"n any event you won't have to "bring" any detergent with you! Even in Thailand you can find detergent for washing clothes in most Seven Eleven stores or other similar type places!"

*

Probably better said that even in Vietnam or Cambodia you can find detergent in small stores.

Hey, they like clean clothes too!

First of all, most hotel prices for laundry in Cambodia and Vietnam are VERY reasonable compared to the Western world. Secondly, I never carry "laundry soap" - just use the hotel or your soap or shampoo. Clothes will get clean. Thirdly, I just put my underwear on the shower floor while I'm showering and washing my hair, hang it up and it's dry by the next day or so. I often travel for weeks with just 3 or 4 pair of undies, done that way. Cuts down on the packing space.

Thanks for the tips.
We'll probably end up using the hotel laundry then. We won't be carrying shorts, as i've read that we'd stand out like a sore thumb:)
We'll have skirts and as light long pants as we can find.

cmenoni - that's gross! why don't you just turn your undies inside out so that the skid mark is on the outside and you can wear it for another day!

I haven't taken to wearing my skivvies in the shower yet, but don't think that hasn't crossed my mind!!

I have no problem washing clothes in the sink or tub. I use shampoo and rinse very thoroughly. Tshirts and light fabrics dry quickly. Heavier materials pose a problem so I might use hotel laundry for those if time might get tight.

I'm also male, so I can get by with a simple wardrobe while traveling.