When it comes to backpacking, the heart of Southeast Asia lies in the Banana Pancake Trail. Banana Pancake Trail is a great spot for first-time backpackers and long-term budget travellers, opening them up to a whole different tapestry of culture compared to the Western world. Stealing the beauty of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it takes you through the sparkling smiles, welcoming embrace, and savory cuisines that you’ll never forget.
If you are going to Southeast Asia, the Banana Pancake Trail is the way to go. If it’s your first time backpacking overseas, then this route is a great kickstarter to get your feet wet and experience all the thrills of life on the road.
So roll up your sleeves and let’s explore all that the Banana Pancake Trail has to offer!
What exactly is the Banana Pancake Trail?
The Banana Pancake Trail is a well-known path for backpackers on a budget that leads to exciting destinations in Southeast Asia. The trail primarily covers four countries: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, but it also expands to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Some even like to cover a few places in China, India, and Nepal.
Every day, new spots are added, but the universally accepted original route remains the same. Every country has something unique to offer. If you gather the courage to step off the beaten path, many enjoyable opportunities will come your way. Hence, going to Southeast Asia can become an unforgettable memory, especially if you’re on the Banana Pancake Trail.
Banana Pancake Trail itinerary: The Trip Plan
There are tons of activities to do and numerous must-see sites you can visit on the Banana Pancake Trail. Let’s have a closer look at the most basic version of the Banana Pancake Trail Itinerary. Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to backpack this trail. Here is our suggested sampler to get your creative juices flowing and ready for your next adventure:
Thailand
Start from the Khaosan Road, Bangkok, and enjoy the vibrant city life. Catch a train to Chiang Mai and a bus North to Chiang Rai, three popular spots and cities. When you travel to Thailand, the land of smiles is full of temples, buzz, and history.
Laos
Taking a two-day slow boat ride over, landing in Pakbeng overnight, and next in line is Laos, a hidden jungle paradise that makes you feel like you have teleported back in time by 30 or 40 years. There are various fun activities to see and do in Luang Prabang and the adventure capital of Vang Vieng. Taking a bus ride over to the relaxing Vientiane to observe the cities history and cultural charm awaits
Vietnam
Take a flight or bus to Hanoi, Vietnam, and this country is all about natural wonders and world heritage sites. You will be mesmerised by the non-stop, perfectly working motorcycle traffic as you sit down and eat a bowl of delicious pho. There is so much to see and do here in Vietnam. From the postcard landscapes of Sapa to the views of Halong Bay or the mossy mountains of Ninh Binh, the beaches of Da Nang and Hue, the lanterns of Hoi An, and hustle and bustle of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, there are bucketloads of things to do here.
Cambodia
Lastly, in Cambodia, an underrated country full of bleak history and proud Cambodian faces, the nightlife of major cities—Phnom Penh and Siem Reap—will steal the show. Exploring the ancient temples of Angor Wat is not to be missed. From Siem Reap, you can catch a bus or plane back to Bangkok, Thailand, and that is the classic Banana Pancake Trail.
If you want to extend your backpacking journey to other countries as well, go ahead. Explore off-the-beaten paths, make memories, and go explore!
Why do they call it the Banana Pancake Trail?
Well, it’s no secret that the Banana Pancake Trail didn’t get it’s name based on the geography of Southeast Asia. The trail is said to have gotten it’s name from the sweet syrupy banana pancakes that are offered to Western tourists, by the various street vendors and guesthouses along the route.
Apparently, an old folklore story from a wise old backpacker in the day said that no Banana Pancake Trail is complete without first trying a banana pancake on the route.
Truthfully, though, many travellers love having banana pancakes for breakfast. Restaurants, cafes, and guesthouses in the region are well-versed in the art of preparing the sticky, sweet banana pancakes. We ate these in most cities around Asia, and it’s more like a crepe style than a traditional pancake. But hey, it still tasted damn good, so we are pretty sure you don’t want to miss out on it.
The best ones we had were easily found at Sunny Riverside Homestay in Hoi An, Vietnam. We had these every morning for four days straight and would recommend them to everyone. This family-run homestay cooked up a storm every day for their guests.
Book your stay at Sunny Riverside Homestay in Hoi An
How long does the Banana Pancake Trail take?
Well, how long the Banana Pancake Trail takes can depend on the route you take, how many countries you go to, and the type of traveller you are. Whether you want to go fast or travel slowly, all of these things need to be taken into consideration. However, a good rule of thumb is to allow at least two months to tackle the banana pancake trail. Three months is even better as you will be able to see everything without having to rush.
For those that are short on time, we suggest picking one to two countries to explore properly.
You can always come back onto the trail at a later date. Each time you are here, the experience will unfold into new spots, destinations, and a rich tapestry of culture.
So in short, two months is the bare minimum, three months if you have more time, and for those who are time poor, pick one or two countries and focus on those!
How much does the Banana Pancake Trail cost?
Your budget largely depends on the country you are living in and your style of travel. In a nutshell, all costs fall into four categories for backpackers. They are;
Food & drink
What you will eat and drink from day to day. Living in Southeast Asia can be quite cheap. For countries, your daily spending can vary between $45-$75 AUD | $30-$50 USD per day. Food and drink costs can be anywhere from $1 to $3 AUD | 0.50-$2 USD per meal, or $3 to $9 AUD |$2-$5 USD for 3 meals a day.
Accommodation
Where you will sleep and rest. For accommodation, you can expect to pay $15-$30 AUD | $10-$20 USD per night.
Transport & travel
Flying on an airplane, taking a bus, boat ride, tuk-tuk, taxi, or walking on foot to get from A to B.
Activities & experiences
These are your tours, culinary food adventures, and day trips booked via operators such as Klook, Kayak, and so on.
If you go with the hardcore option of travelling as in living on a shoestring budget, you can expect to pay around $1500–$2300 AUD | $1000–$1450 USD per month. This means you are living frugally, spending money sparingly, and making smart choices to get the best bang for buck.
However, if you are more into the flashpacker travel then $3000 AUD | $1900 USD per month will cover you. This option means you can be more flexible and stress-free in your experiences, food & drink, and accommodation choices. You just make purchase decisions when you feel like doing something.
Neither style of backpacking is wrong or right; it entirely comes down to you as a backpacker, your finances, and how you like to travel. So if you want to do this frugally, go the hardcore option, and you’ll be able to manage your daily expenses. Just make sure you have saved some dosh before you go on your trip!
| Country | Average Daily Backpacking Budget | Average Weekly Backpacking Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $70 AUD | $45 USD | $490 AUD | $315 USD |
| Laos | $40 AUD | $26 USD | $280 AUD | $182 USD |
| Vietnam | $50 AUD | $32 USD | $350 AUD | $224 USD |
| Cambodia | $48 AUD | $30 USD | $336 AUD | $210 USD |
Bottom line
The bottom line is that if you are planning to visit Southeast Asia and are seeking a new experience, then the Banana Pancake Trail is one of the most jam-packed, fun, daring, and adventurous routes to take. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you come from; as long as you bring along your spirit of adventure and go in with an open mind, you will have a blast.
The good news is that it’s fairly cheap, safe to travel between countries, and you will have a trip of a lifetime. Building new friendships and connecting with different cultures all contribute to making this an epic adventure you will always remember!
So, are you excited for this trip? Read on for the best travel tips for Southeast Asia.
