We have been telling you for gazillion times that Southeast Asia is the perfect region to travel to. With the not-so-expensive living cost, tasty food, cultural festivals around the region, no region in the world can provide all these facilities in one shot. The route you will follow while traveling across Southeast Asia is known as the Banana Pancake Trail.
Banana Pancake Trail is actually a name for the growing routes across Southeast Asia. If you think the name is given this way because you will encounter too many banana pancakes as the region’s delicacy, you are partially true. As more foreign tourists visit Southeast Asia, it affects the local eating habits to some extent. Nowadays, foreign travelers in the region will be served with western foods in hotels or restaurants, like yoghurt or pancakes to provide a taste of home they left for the journey.
Despite your spare time, if you are ready to follow the Banana Pancake Trail, here we suggest itinerary ideas here for you to explore magnificent Southeast Asia!
5 – 7 Days
No need to worry, this timeline is still possible for you to get a glance of Southeast Asia.
- Thailand and Cambodia are the perfect countries for an adventurous you! Visit Bangkok, Thailand and stroll around the city. On weekends, you can explore its night markets that offer many cheap stuffs while enjoying the street food. In such a short time, you may want to witness its magical temples too, right? We suggest you go to Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Saket in Bangkok. After three days, be ready to Cambodia. You can go by plane or train, just plan it carefully! Opt for Siem Reap to experience its mighty Angkor Wat and scenic sunset in its temple complex.
- Singapore and Malaysia would be great for a city person. Window shopping through Orchard Road in Singapore before heading to Clarke Quay. A week’s time will be so enjoyable moment to spend by practising an easy life in a busy Singapore—be it the most hygiene street food in the region or Michellin-starred restaurants, you have to get the best of your culinary journey here!
You can continue your journey to Malaysia. Plan a trip to Penang for a cultural experience or stay in the city of Kuala Lumpur, both are equally fun for your short vacation.
2 Weeks
If you want to ambitiously explore more Southeast Asian countries in just 2 weeks, our advice is, just do not burden yourself with so much pressure. Because doubtless to say, you will only scratch the surface and get the highlights, you can get a glimpse of the real life of the region of course, but do not expect to experience it too deeply. But if you can do your best with just a week frame, then you can achieve much more fun in two weeks!
- Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia or Singapore. Go with the same plan as the previous itinerary listed above, but you can do it with more variations, such as visit the beautiful Thai beaches and islands before heading to Cambodia, or you can add more countries on your list like Vietnam—where you can choose whther you want to go to Mekong Delta, Ha Long Bay, Sapa or Hanoi—and end your hectic but fun journey in less adventurous countries like Malaysia or Singapore. If you still want to have more adventures in the last country, you may go for diving options in Tioman and Kappas Islands of Malaysia or be prepared for thrills and excitement in Singapore’s amusement parks.
3 Weeks
With this time frame, you have a flexible room to combine both adventures and city-styled traveling. Using the 2-week itinerary, you are allowed to add Indonesia and Philippines on your list here but be mindful of the journeys as it will possibly eat into your time—good for you if you are fine with this!
- Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia or Singapore, and Indonesia. Just like the previous itinerary but the remaining one week can be used to explore Bali and Lombok Islands in Indonesia—you will thank us later! Yet, if you are not of a city person, Indonesian cities of Bandung or Malang can be your alternatives too.
- Indonesia. No joke, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, so doubtless to say you need more time to visit this country. Such a rare case for travelers to choose Jakarta as the destination but if you are curious enough to experience the portrait of socioeconomic inequality—a typical characteristic of a metropolitan city in Asia—then you get to be in Jakarta for two or three days before leaving for Bali and Lombok islands.
Three weeks in Indonesia will be filled with more beaches, trekking, and vibrant nightlife. If you are into trekking and hiking, head to Ijen Volcano or Mount Bromo in East Java. But who says you can combine trekking and diving in one place? Komodo National Park in Flores will provide you with this combo—oh, and a very scenic view as the bonus!
1 Month
According to the popular trend, Thailand is where the journey starts. Travelers wanting to explore Southeast Asia mostly start from Thailand. With one month time frame, you can give yourself more relaxed time in between. Why don’t you try the best Thai massage in town?
- Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As you have already been introduced to all countries listed in this time frame besides Laos. Let’s see what Laos has to offer! Laos is the best place to have outdoor activities packed in cheap price, really a heaven on earth for young travelers. Do not have enough time to explore Krabi Island in Thailand? Van Vieng in Laos offers similar view and atmosphere. Add more magical journeys in your itinerary by including Buddha Park, the Plain of Jars, and Wat Phu when in Laos.
- Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. This itinerary allows you to get the highlights of five countries in Southeast Asia with less exposure to city life. But what is life without adventures anyway?
Myanmar will certainly add more amazement in viewing this region as your destination. Complete your list with breathtaking sites in Myanmar such as Taung Kalat, Golden Rock, and Bagan.
- Indonesia and the Philippines. Consists of many islands, these countries will be suitable to be explored in one month in total. Enjoy your first 2 weeks in Indonesia and get excited for Cebu and Boracay in the Philippines!