Have you ever thought to experience the Banana Pancake Trail?

An adventure in East Asia that will make you want to travel

Have you ever heard of the Banana Pancake Trail? No, it's not a culinary journey in search of the best variants of the eponymous sweet treat, although the name itself does have something to do with the popular breakfast staple.

How many times have you dreamed of leaving for a whistle stop tour of Asia? For any self-respecting backpacker, the continent is a must on many bucket lists. Maybe you feel like taking a gap year from the stresses of working life, or maybe you've just had enough with the daily grind of 9-5, bills and the usual humdrum of the western world. If you feel like time is passing you by, now's the perfect time to stop what you're doing, fish out your passport, and give the Banana Pancake Trail some serious food for thought.

WHAT IS THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL?

Now you're entertaining the idea of an escape, it's time to delve a little more deeply into just what the Banana Pancake Trail is. The name itself refers to a host of favourite routes of backpackers trough some of Southeast Asia's most popular countries for backpackers.

The trail itself was first christened as something of a joke, referring to the fact that wherever backpackers would stop to rest, eat or sleep, banana pancakes were an unusually common sight on the menu. Whether you're stopping at a cheap and cheerful hostel, or indulging yourself with more luxurious accommodation, chances are these popular pancakes will crop up on menu cards or dining options. It's no surprise really. The original Southeast Asian backpacking route became an instant hit with western travellers, and their love of banana pancakes came with them.

THE MAJOR CITIES OF THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL

Nepal: Pokhara, Thamel in Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp

India: Goa, Pushkar, Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kerala, Dharamkot / Upper Bhagsu, Old Manali / Vashisht

Myanmar: Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Hpa-An

Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, Kanchanaburi, Krabi and its islands

Laos: Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Bolaven Plateau, Si Phan Don (The 4000 Islands)

Cambogia: Siem Reap (where the Angkor Wat is), Sihanoukville e le sue isole Battambang, Phnom Penh, Kampot

TIPS FOR FACING THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL

1. If it's your first time undertaking this popular trail, pay special attention to the widespread proliferation of scooters. They're amongst the most popular form of transport in Southeast Asia, largely due to their portability and inexpensiveness. But bear in mind that traffic here isn't like it is back home. If you've never tried riding one before, it's probably best you don't start now.
2. Be aware of the sun and cover you head!
3. Avoid the attention of the authorities, so ensure you keep well within speeding limits, follow traffic rules and regulations to the letter.
4. Keep your eyes open for pickpockets and ensure your valuables are always on your person, whenever possible. A snap hook backpack is always a good idea, and never let your backpack or luggage out of sight when you stop for a pick me up.
5. Be careful about what you eat. Street vendors and fast food stalls can be incredibly tempting, but without knowing what you're eating, you're tempting fate. The last thing you want to contend with when you've got miles ahead of you is an upset stomach!

WHERE TO STAY ALONG THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL

The most popular and most travelled route involves passing through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, with direct passage through popular cities including Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the Mekong Delta.

There's countless variations, but if you're serious about seeing the best of the trail, this roadmap is unbeatable. Unless you intend to root yourself in each place for a considerable amount of time, you'll want to scour out the best places to sleep as soon as you get into each city. Thankfully, we've put together a few unmissable suggestions to save you precious sightseeing and party time:

BANGKOK

One of Bangkok's best new hostels is the Bangkok Hub, just a 2 minute stroll from the Sathorn Pier. The Link Corner Hostel is another one worth your consideration, boasting a charming boutique decor and enviable location in the heart of the city. If you want to stay close to the centre of everything, the Orchid Hostel is another one worth checking out. If yuo are looking for a loft-style hostel the CAZZ Hostel is the one for you.

HO CHI MINH CITY

When you get into Ho Chi Minh City, head straight to the Saigon Backpackers hostel @ Cong Qunyh. Just a short stroll from the famous street, Pham Ngu Lao, it's frequented by fellow backpackers, offering a relaxed atmosphere, modern amenities and classy boutique stylings.

SIEM REAP

If you're after a prime location in this city, the Ta Som Guesthouse is an ideal choice, located just a few minutes walk from the heart of town, the old markets and the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. The Adan World Hostel is another worthy contender, offering comfortable hostel accommodation for as little as 11 Euros per night, with free airport shuttle transfers to help you save even more money.

PHNOM PENH

By now you should have reached the end of this famous trail, so a good night's sleep is essential. We suggest Me Mates Place, a friendly guest house with a central location, but located out of earshot of the noisy main streets and night club districts. If you're after something more eclectic, give the Aura Thematic Hostel a try, offering one of a kind interiors and a stunning roof terrace so you can soak in the cityscape and sunrise in style.

So...found your passport yet?