Every year, thousands of backpackers and travellers descend upon South East Asia to travel the famous Banana Pancake Trail. Over the years of travelling and living in South East Asia, I’ve realised that most backpackers have similar experiences to each other. After a day of adventuring and we gather around the hostel bar, sharing stories, we bond over these shared experiences. So, let’s spend this time to reminisce together.

1. Your wrists are chock-full of bracelets.

They aren’t just bracelets, they are physical memories. They remind you of a time and place. You probably got them at a market, gifted from someone or even made them yourself. Over the years, I’ve built a sizable collection of bracelets/anklets and now, they are kept safely in a box at home (can’t use them because of work).

They serve as a great conversation starter. While in Myanmar, on the circle line train, a local elder and I exchanged stories about our bracelets. Although, his were definitely classier. The conversation ended with him gifting me with one of his bracelets. It’s the first bracelet I’ve received from a stranger and holds the most meaning to me.

Next time you notice someone with something unique, why not ask them about it? You may be pleasantly surprised.

2. Shoes start being optional.

Honestly, what even are shoes?

We’ve all been there. Spending time on a tropical island, swimming all day or kayaking – shoes are barely required for most activities. Unless of course, you were doing something that requires shoes for safety. Who needs them when you’re on a beautiful island with sand between your toes? Life is simpler without them! Even on a night out, you’ll probably end up losing your thongs (flip flops) anyways.

3. Scars from something stupid you did.

Thailand Tattoo. Need I say more?

Thailand tattoo is now coined as the term when you get burnt on your leg by the scooter muffler. Surprisingly, I don’t have one! I do, however; have a smiley burn on my left forearm and I don’t recommend this. A smiley is essentially getting branded by a lighter head.

4. You’ve done the quintessential backpacker parties.

You know what I’m talking about – Full Moon Party (Koh Pha Nga, Thailand) and Tubing (Vang Vieng, Laos)
Let’s be honest here, your trip was probably planned around the Full Moon Party dates. You probably didn’t want to go to Thailand and not experience it at least once, would you? I feel ya. Every time South East Asia was on the books, I would check to see if the dates lined up. More often than not, FMPers are easily identified by a really loud shirt with the words written in neon Full Moon Party stuffed somewhere in their backpacks.

I was hard-core. I carried my bucket from the FMP around South East Asia and then to Norway.

5. You find your little slice of Paradise.

Koh Rong, Cambodia is my paradise.
The sad thing about South East Asia is that these “lost and unknown” paradises start picking up on tourism and all of a sudden, resorts and casinos are being built. In 2013, Koh Rong only had running electricity between 11 am and midnight. With really chilled island vibes and a slower pace of life, you could stop and smell the roses or go swimming with bioluminescence. Things would have undoubtedly changed by now. As much as I would love to go back and see it, I’m worried that my memory of paradise would be ruined by the changes.

Nonetheless, it’s stolen my heart and I’ll forever remember that Frank’s Burgers were probably the best I’ve ever had.

6. You’ve got an impressive collection of hippie pants/token shirts.

Not everyone would have been sucked into getting one of these bad boys… but you’re honestly missing out if you don’t have a pair.
Blue, green, white, purple, elephant design, flowers, mango motifs… Name it and you’ll probably find them in a market. They are extremely comfy, though not the most fashionable, definitely a handy item in your backpack. Visiting a temple and need to cover your knees? Why not wear them. Feeling a little cold? Chuck on those hippie pants. I own my fair share of these pants and absolutely love them so much, I have even submitted my thesis wearing one.

7. Those dreadful, long bus/train rides.

Buses are the cheapest way to get around. Feeling a little more adventurous? Hop on the train for not much more. More often than not, you’re trying to stretch your dollar as much as possible and jetting around isn’t really an option. It’ll take significantly longer but come on, think about the stories!

Once, in Vietnam, I was being an absolute cheapskate that I opted for a 26-hour bus ride from Hoi An to Saigon instead of a flight. Another time, I thought it’d be a brilliant idea to take a 18-hour sleeper bus from Vientiane to Don Det (Laos). The classic has got to be the overnight train and ferry combo from Bangkok to Koh Tao. Oh boy, those were the times.

8. You’ve gotten scammed or robbed.

3 years ago, my Cambodian travels were cut short after my wallet, cards, and camera were stolen. It may come as no surprise (especially to those who have been to the region) to hear that this happened in Sihanoukville. The Cambodian beach town is notorious for incidents like these.

I’ve had my fair share of countless scams in the region, unfortunately, many involving the homeless and little kids.

9. Visited an ancient monument and marveled at its beauty/you’ve been templed out.

South East Asia has countless sights with archaeological significance. You’re truly spoilt for choices. Despite having a reputation for being a party central, there are so many opportunities to get your nerd on. Top of everyone’s list is Angkor Wat, Cambodia but my personal favourite is Bagan, Myanmar. There is something about these sites and will leave you speechless. It almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

10. Getting up for sunrise.

What goes along with visiting an ancient monument? Probably seeing them at sunrise.

We always lie to ourselves and say it’s a good idea because our guidebooks and friends said so. Sometimes it’s absolutely worth it, other times it’s overrated. For the most part, if you’ve got any energy left, you’ll have the whole place to yourself once everyone else has left and before the late risers get there. Aside from visiting an ancient monument, sometimes a local tradition takes place at sunrise. Once such tradition is the Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang, where monks percussion down the road, gathering offerings.

11. You change your plans.

Constantly. I’m the sort of traveller who goes with the flow, I like flexibility, I like exploring and figuring it along the way.
I’m not suggesting that everyone should travel like this but it is my way of travelling. I’ve lost count the number of times my plans have changed. Might be because someone told me of a place or meeting someone and deciding to travel together. I don’t usually do much research into a place prior to getting somewhere. Some instances, I’ve been stuck at the station, figuring out my next move. However, If I had a set plan, I wouldn’t have gone to Moalboal, wouldn’t have gone to Don Det, or ended up travelling Myanmar with 9 other wicked travellers.

12. You’ve become a storyteller.

As cheesy and cliché as it sounds, travel really does turn you into a storyteller regardless of where you went to. Sure, maybe some people will feel that you are boosting about the good ol’ days but more often than not, you’ve just got a really funny experience.

I enjoy telling my stories, I hope that others will feel inspired by my adventures that they will set out on their own. I think travel makes you a better person – but I shall save that for another time.