Backpack South East Asia

Banana Pancake Trail

One of the world’s oldest most famous backpacking routes!

One of the world’s most famous backpacking routes, the legendary Banana Pancake Trail got its peculiar name from the once-ubiquitous breakfast dish served at cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants throughout Southeast Asia’s most picturesque destinations. Conceived by the hippy backpackers of the 1960s, who passed information, tips, and advice to one another via word of mouth, the route would famously inspire Lonely Planet’s first guide book ‘Across Asia on the Cheap’ (published in 1973), which inspired generations of adventurous travelers!

A network of routes and destinations rather than a set trail, it typically began in Bangkok (though today many travelers will start their trip in Singapore or one of SouthEast Asia’s other major international hubs) and encompasses many of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations, such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Vang Vieng in Laos, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) in Cambodia and Chiang Mai, and islands such as Koh Tao, and Ko Pha-Ngan Thailand.

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The Thai Islands

Explore Thailand's breathtaking islands!

Thailand is blessed with hundreds of picturesque islands, home to palm-fringed beaches, biodiverse jungles, and surrounded by clear, coral-rich waters that offer some of the best conditions for diving in all of Southeast Asia.

From well-known hotspots like Koh Samui and Ko Pha Ngan and the lesser-known Koh Phaluai in the east to Krabi, Phuket, and the breathtaking Similan archipelago in the west, there are a wealth of amazing options to choose from and to create the perfect, island-hopping backpacking route!

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Vietnam: from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam: an evocative and captivating blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and incredible natural beauty!

An evocative and captivating blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and incredible natural beauty, Vietnam is without doubt one of though most compelling destinations in Southeast Asia and indeed the world as well.

Start your trip on the maze-like streets of the capital Hanoi to discover striking landmarks and architecture, and some of the best street food on earth; head to the awe-inspiring UNESCO-accredited Halong Bay, and take a boat trip in its sparkling jade waters; marvel at the historic treasures of Huế and Hội An, relax on the sandy beaches of Nha Trang and finish your journey in the dizzying metropolis that is Ho Chi Minh, one of the most exciting cities in Southeast Asia!

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Northern Thailand and Laos

Rich in history, culture, and remarkable natural beauty, Northern Thailand is home to the fascinating city of Chiang Mai.

Once the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom, it boasts hundreds of ornate temples, monuments, and palaces, whilst the surrounding area is characterised by verdant highlands, punctuated with stunning waterfalls and traditional tribal villages. Cross the border into neighbouring Laos, and you will discover one of the region’s most scenic and tranquil nations, home to untouched mountain landscapes, charming villages, and historic cities like Luang Prabang and the capital Vientiane.

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Island hopping in the Philippines

When it comes to tourism, The Philippines may be less popular and less well-known than some of its neighbours.

This unique island nation is though, without doubt, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Comprised of some 7,640 islands, the country boasts all manner of picturesque scenery, from untouched alabaster-sand beaches, azure lagoons brimming with marine life, tropical forests, and verdant highlands, and is the perfect destination for an island-hopping adventure!

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Malaysia and Borneo

One of Southeast Asia’s most culturally diverse cities, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital, is a great place to begin your journey

Sample some of the history, culture, and delicious cuisine that this country has to offer. From there you can take a direct flight to Borneo, a vast, and intoxicating island in the Java Sea, fringed by miles of untouched beaches, and carpeted in endless pristine rainforest brimming with a diversity of wildlife including, orangutans, clouded leopards, tigers, elephants, and rhinos.

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