Ready-made routes

🍜 Banana Pancake Trail: Southeast Asia

The classic route that has been the backpacker backbone for decades. A cheap hostel network, easy transport and a dense traveler community; ideal for a first long Asia trip.

42Days
6Stops
$40Per day
$1680On the ground

Visa status for this route

The itinerary below is the same for everyone. What changes is how your passport enters these countries.

Pick your passport to see your visa status

The route, night by night (25 nights)

  1. 01

    Bangkok (Thailand)

    4 nights

    Khao San Road, temples, street food. The region's gateway; set up Grab and your eSIM here.

  2. 02

    Chiang Mai (Thailand)

    5 nights

    Mountains, temples, cheap courses, a digital nomad hub. Elephant sanctuaries (pick the ethical ones).

  3. 03

    Siem Reap (Cambodia)

    3 nights

    Angkor Wat sunrise, the temple complex. Get the 3-day pass.

  4. 04

    Ho Chi Minh & the Mekong (Vietnam)

    4 nights

    War history, the Cu Chi tunnels, a Mekong delta boat tour, coffee culture.

  5. 05

    Hoi An & Hue (Vietnam)

    5 nights

    The lantern-lit old town, tailors, the beach; the Hai Van pass by motorbike.

  6. 06

    Luang Prabang (Laos)

    4 nights

    The morning alms ceremony, Kuang Si falls, the slow boat on the Mekong. A calm finale.

Best season

November–February (dry season); rainy season June–October

Getting around

Night buses, sleeper trains and domestic flights (AirAsia/VietJet). Tickets bought in advance via 12Go.

What to know before you go

  • —Get visas in order: apply for the Vietnam e-visa only via the official evisa.gov.vn.
  • —Get online the moment you land with an eSIM (Airalo/Saily); Grab solves transport + food in every country.
  • —A night bus/train saves one night's accommodation; pick the sleeper class and keep valuables on you.
  • —Street food is safe but be careful with water; drink bottled water and be picky about ice.

Important: this content is general information

Visa rules can change without notice. Always confirm your situation with an official source before you travel: Also check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country in your own country. The information on this page is guidance, not legal advice.