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    How to Travel Southeast Asia: The COMPLETE Guide (Route, Budget, Tips)



    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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    the THAI TRAILBLAZER Itinerary – https://tinyurl.com/j4p5m9z7
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    the NORTHERN MONKEY Itinerary – https://tinyurl.com/38jmb4xk
    🧳 These itineraries are perfect for a 2 – 4 week trip!

    🇹🇭 My Southern Thailand Guide – https://tinyurl.com/82r9hnv7
    🇹🇭 My Northern Thailand Guide – https://tinyurl.com/4wrzmsar
    🇹🇭 The COMBO North+South Thailand Guide – https://tinyurl.com/3k24dtmm

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    #PaddyDoyle #travel #adventure

    45 Comments

    4. @Mental1993 on

      Great, useful, compact, all-in-1 video 🙂

      I did a 1-month trip to Thailand/Vietnam recently – working remotely 3 days a week while traveling. I pre-booked all flights including the Thailand → Vietnam connection.

      Planning another SE Asia trip soon with more countries this time. I'm thinking of NOT pre-booking the internal SE Asia flights since they're relatively cheap even when booked last-minute. But what about the return flights to Europe? Should I follow the same logic or book those in advance?

    5. @Colopsal on

      I’ve been saving my money this year and have booked a flight to Bangkok in October with my girlfriend! Currently planning the route but definitely wanting to do the classic banana pancake trail and then go down to Malaysia and fly back from Singapore. Just want to ask is there anywhere you would recommend where not many people go. Somewhere not too hard to get to or dangerous but a place you like that is a bit off the beaten track. Thanks!

    6. @cheriemiller669 on

      Hey, thanks for the wonderful video. I've been following you for years and I'm wondering if you have made a guide for this itinerary that you just talked about today. Cheers!❤❤

    8. @blakedott9295 on

      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)

    9. @kentalbertawrex on

      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.

    10. @tanzongyuan8702 on

      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.

    11. @James-rl7ll on

      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…

    16. @PaulandAff on

      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 .

    17. @keangwooichoo6138 on

      Thanks paddy. Good advice. I am retiring in 2.5 years. Planning to visit italy, Switzerland, Austria. Hope i have enough money lol.

      I did not know there is a name called the banana, pancake route

    18. @ezunegi on

      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

    22. @The_Hungry_Nomads_UK on

      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.

    24. @jojoetjessS17 on

      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

    26. @stephdantravel on

      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.

    27. @Steve-zc3rg on

      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

    29. @rocchinosz on

      Paddy I love all your content and creativity. However, if you allow me I would not say "falling from motorbike drunk we have all done it". A lot of Northern European tourists who have never touched a motorbike before rent a scooter in SEA and have nasty falls or even die on motorbikes. I would have recommended safety and highlight the high risks of accidents! all the rest of your content is beautiful as always ! hope you take my comment seriously.

    33. @susanbruce757 on

      In the late 1990's there was a hotel in the terminal of the Bangkok airport. It was brilliant. You cleared customs and went up in a lift to your room. It was the Amari Hotel. Wondering if there is still a hotel in the terminal and if so it's name. Congratulations on your engagement, all the best Paddy. Love your work.

    35. @azlanhuzeifa on

      Looking forward to see you spending more time in Malaysia 🇲🇾 and enjoy the food and nice people.

      Probably a bike tour looping around peninsular Malaysia. We always welcome you 🎉🎉

    37. @marcustulliuscicero9140 on

      Great video Paddy – I think some of these things are a style choice too. I'm headed to Thailand next month, I'm still only 27 but because I graduated uni at the start of Covid, I missed out on the whole post uni backpacking trip, so hostels aren't my style to stay in. Managed to get a 4* serviced apartment in Chiang Mai for £26 a night, even got a free upgrade to one bed apartment, and a free transfer from the airport. Flights from BKK to Chiang Mai were £30 with luggage on VietJet, I think it can be cheaper than the train! Ofc, train and hostel more social

    39. @TanksYouVeryMuch on

      Definitely get travel insurance people. I was very inspired by Paddy two years ago and quit my job and flew off in Thailand on our third day. I crashed my motorbike and blew up my knee during my ACL and another ligaments. Had to cancel pretty much everything and come home and get surgery. I leave in a month to give it a second chance.

    43. @realworldbackpacker on

      Hi Paddy. Hope you are well. I am starting a crazy madcap backpacking trip from October travelling from England to Bali overland without flying, ( the furthest points one can travel around the world just by land). A rough estimate of 4 months.
      I've got my breakdown costs for travel and accommodation roughly at £2,000 plus daily expenses (food, drink, excursions or a car hire) of £30 per day.
      Oh, and I will be filming every part of the challenging journey.

    44. @bart-m on

      I would not recommend going to Myanmar at the moment 👍 This year, I traveled together with my 80+ year old father to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and HCMC within 2.5 weeks. Highly recommended for the elderly travelers 😉

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