Unlike early explorations, backpacking today seems less about exploring the unknown than heading smack bang into the well-known and the highly celebrated! The well trodden trail of South East Asia, sometimes referred to as “The Banana Pancake Trail” is one of themost popular routes for backpackers today and there’s no denying its wicked fun. The Khao San Road, made even more famous by Alex Garland’s novel ‘The Beach’ has become the most well known travel hub in South East Asia. Team that with renowned backpacker boom areas like Vang Vieng (Tubing), and Koh Phangan (The Full Moon Party) and you’ve got a pretty good taste of just how distinguished this route is! Nevertheless it is still easy enough to get off the beaten track in this amazing part of the world and it’s very often just a few timorous steps away from the main path…