How to Travel Southeast Asia: The COMPLETE Guide (Route, Budget, Tips)
Planning to travel Southeast Asia? – Don’t forget to download the Klook app or visit http://www.klook.com and use the code PADDYDOYLE at checkout for exclusive discounts on available products.
In this video, I break down everything you need to know about this classic backpacker trail that connects some of the most popular destinations across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond. From must-visit cities and islands to hidden gems, this guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your trip.
Having traveled the Banana Pancake Route multiple times, I share my honest budget tips, travel hacks, and real experiences to help you avoid common mistakes and save money along the way. Whether you’re curious about daily costs, the best route to take, or how to meet other travelers, this guide is packed with practical advice from an experienced traveler who’s been there and done it.
By the end of this video, you’ll have a clear idea of how to plan your own Southeast Asia adventure. I’ll cover everything from routes and transport to accommodation, food, and activities—plus a few insider tricks you won’t find in a typical travel blog. If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia in 2025 and want to travel smarter, cheaper, and better, this is the ultimate guide for you.
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Chapters:
00:00 – 00:39 – South East Asia
00:40 – Today’s Plan
1:30 – The Route
4:00 – The BIG Choice
5:09 – Flexibility is KEY
6:16 – Getting around
6:54 – Don’t Over Plan
7:17 – How Long?
8:03 – Be FLUID
9:00 – Book Using Klook
10:41 – Budget Breakdown
12:07 – Save Money Tips
13:57 – Travel Insurance
14:44 – Splurge Days
15:25 – Save Time Not Money
17:14 – Timing is KEY
17:50 – Pack Light 40L
18:59 – eSIM
19:14 – Scams
19:45 – Cash is King
20:10 – Travel Day Mistake
21:06 – Biggest Mistake
22:37 – Overwhelmed?
23:53 – Next Steps
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🧳 These itineraries are perfect for a 2 – 4 week trip!
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23 Comments
Planning to travel Southeast Asia? – Don't forget to download the Klook app or visit http://www.klook.com and use the code PADDYDOYLE at checkout for exclusive discounts on available products.
Paddy, getting drunk on any road is detrimental for our health.
January BKK, Chang Mai, Pai
February Railay, Phi Phi, BKK
March Himalayas in India (Himachal Pradesh)
April BKK, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangnon
May Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal
June Bali — (border hop to Malaysia back and forth to renew the visa until the money runs out)
thank you! I have been consumed with travel videos trying to sort out our trip this winter- this has helped me organise our plans in a logical sequence! now to figure iut what I need to book in advance and what can and should wait.
Oh yes another tip, this video applies to the whole of Southeast asia except singapore HAHAHA. Singapore is not so backpacker-type of destination. It is reliable, efficient, clean, very safe. But, it is expensive, less thrilling and has little nature and has weak cultural heritage.
Seemed a bit of a struggle this video… banana pancake rubbish 😂 this video was a million miles an hour, complete confusion 😕 scraping the barrel there…
Agree on all ear all eye while travel.
I'm sorry Paddy…since I heard you talking about "mountain coriander" I just can't w/ you anymore
I totally agree with your advices. And don´t forget International Drivers Licence – if your renting a scooter or a vehicle.
Thanks for the very informative video! Great content! Keep going 😊
Absolutely fantastic for the novice traveler and for the experienced traveler’s this is a very educational guide to help travelers in south east Asia and beyond. Very well done Paddy .
Thanks paddy. Good advice. I am retiring in 2.5 years. Planning to visit italy, Switzerland, Austria. Hope it have enough money lol.
I did not know there is a name called the banana, pancake route
I saw your video first time how i can't see your videos its very motivational please visit India i am coming from your video how to vlog in public
I only have two weeks and I am a nature lover and hiker, which section of the pancake will satisfy me.
so do you recommend klook or airalo for esims? 🤦♂️
Why do you have 2 silver play buttons?
The Mrs and me are going, next Febuary, South East Asia here we come. Love your vids Paddy, we have learnt a lot from them. We are starting in Thailand, for 2 months, then Laos, 2 months, Vietnam 45 days I think, Cambodia 2 months, and on wherever we end up. Just starting our channel, we will be doing food and travel. We cant wait.
@22:20 what a quote man.
Faire payer des itinéraires (dans la description) franchement 😂 sans parler de la publicité pour klook qui est un gros voleur 🤮
Certains vlogs sont sympa mais l’a c’est abusé de faire de la propagande pour des voleurs qui te payent une blinde aucune conscience et considération pour tes followers
All true. You know your stuff Paddy 😉
Watching this over coffee with my partner and we keep laughing because all the little side commentary is so relatable. Sometimes the bus does just stop for gas, or to pick up a package, or to pick up people from the side of the road. 😂 Sometimes the bus is actually a minivan and now you're going to Battambang with a family and a monk.
Vet of travel in South East Asia
Moving full time in November to kampot this video is gold
Paddy all you vids are amazing you such a chill guy
Keep up the good work
And next time your in Kampot I'd like to shout you a beer
Myanmar? There's a civil war ongoing. Probably not the best idea right now. Great video though