The Banana Pancake Trail has become a key rite of passage for backpackers looking to explore Southeast Asia. On this route, you'll be sure to experience cultural immersion, all while meeting other likeminded travelers. This unofficial network of destinations, named after the banana pancakes served at hostels & cafes in its various locations, is a good way to discover SE Asia beyond just Bali and Bangkok. To help you plan your journey, we've put together a quick guide.

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What is the Banana Pancake Trail? 🍌🥞

The Banana Pancake Trail is inspired by the plethora of guesthouses, hostels, and restaurants serving fried banana pancakes and other westernised treats to backpackers in Southeast Asia.

The trail became increasingly popular in the 50s/60s, when Westerners began exploring the 'other side of the world'. Over time, the number of locations on this trail, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, began to increase and rack up more stacks of pancakes.

Whilst each spot dishes up the popular and increasingly iconic banana pancakes, there is also a series of activities and places that will impress you and make you fall in love with backpacking and travelling.

Where Is The Trail? 👣🗺️

The trail takes you on a scenic and exploratory trip of Southeast Asia through 9 beautiful countries, each with its point of difference, stunning sites, iconic landmarks and welcoming cultures. Depending on budget and time availability, the length of trips can vary from backpacker to backpacker.

The foundation of the trail is commonly agreed to include...

• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Laos and Cambodia

...but other variations of the route include...

• Myanmar
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• The Philippines

Why Banana Pancakes? 🍌🥞

Sticky, sweet banana pancakes are literally the idea that inspired the name of this trail. Enjoy stacks, and stacks of the delicious delicacy often served by street vendors and in guesthouses that offer free breakfasts as you make your way around Southeast Asia.

Despite not being a local delicacy, the southeast is not short of bananas to help the creation of this yummy treat. Considering the origin of bananas is placed in Southeast Asia, in the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia or the Philippines, it makes sense to pair the tastes of the travelling westerners with the natural fruits of the southeast.

The Popular Spots of The Banana Pancake Trail 👀

While backpackers like to shape their own adventure, there are a number of popular spots that backpackers tend to enjoy the most when they are on this trail. The trail does not have a clear and agreed-set route, so explore as you wish and enjoy the spots at your own speed.

Thailand 🇹🇭

Bangkok - Khao San Road: A colourful and vibrant part of Bangkok home to the best bars and clubs in town and various shopping bargains. In addition to all of this, tourists can enjoy the delights dished up by multiple street vendors every single day, from westernised dishes such as banana pancakes to more traditional plates.

Laos 🇱🇦

Vientiane - Explore the city: Known for its laidback atmosphere, the capital city is a great spot to enjoy and explore centuries-old Buddhist temples and museums displaying thousands of artefacts dating back to prehistoric times.

Vietnam 🇻🇳

Hanoi - Halong Bay: Tick off a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the beauty of the stunning limestone mountains rising from emerald waters that formed from thousand years ago. Perfect for every nature lover who wants to experience the wildlife on the other side of the pond.

Cambodia 🇰🇭

Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Temples: Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Visit this iconic spot and take in the beauty and culture of traditional Cambodia. The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia and a source of fierce national pride.

Myanmar 🇲🇲

Bay of Bengal - Ngwe Saung: An upmarket beach resort with a seemingly endless stretch of silvery coastline on the Bay of Bengal. A gorgeous get-away experience with beautiful white sand and brilliant blue ocean edged by palm trees for those with a slightly bigger budget who want to indulge in a little luxury on the road.

Malaysia 🇲🇾

Pahang: Cameron Highlands - The perfect spot for those who enjoy trekking and enjoying the best of what nature has to offer. It is a collection of peaceful townships perched 1500 meters high on a nest of serene mountains.

Singapore 🇸🇬

Outram: Chinatown - A tapestry of cultural diversity. Lovers of culture looking to immerse themselves in Singapore's rich, multi-ethnic culture will find no better place than Chinatown.  From cheap but tasty dishes where you’ll find the infamous banana pancakes to great shopping destinations like Pagoda Street.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Lombok: Kuta Beach - From lazing under the sun to watching it set or participating in water sports, Kuta beach has it all. Kuta has been a favourite surfing coast since the 1970s and is popular with surfers that can enjoy the best waves in Kuta during the dry season.

The Phillippines 🇵🇭

Palawan - Boasts white sand beaches and islands, clear blue waters, a spectacular variety of marine life and shipwreck sites, and majestic towering limestone cliffs. Take a moment to kick back and relax after days on your feet, travelling around the rest of what this majestic place has to offer.

Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:

• Banana Pancake Trail | Trip Savvy
• Southeast Asia Backpacking Route | The Classic Itinerary
• Banana Backpacks | Trail Guide
• A Backpacker's World | What is the Banana Pancake Trail?

If you want to learn about other Digital Nomad destinations to explore take a look at our guides here!