Hey all, I was wondering if you guys could give us some input on some backpacking we have decided to do in june. We intend on heading out of Vancouver and travel around asia for 4 months. Our Budget is 20K for all expenses. We would like to last the whole 4 months. We want to goto Japan for 2 weeks and Thailand for the most part... Id like to show my wife the surrounding coutries as well. I have backpacked in Thailand before however, this would be the first time my wife would leave the confines of a sheltered life. If you have any suggestions on where else we should explore, it would be greatly appreciated. We may take advantage of the all asia pass by Cathay.

With 20K, you should don't have to backpack! Given that this is the first time that your bride is leaving "a sheltered life" you can vastly increase the chances that she will have a good time and will want to travel again if you go a bit more upscale. Yes, Japan is more expensive, but SE Asia is very reasonably priced, even for luxe accommodation.

Carefully consider whether the Cathay Pacific Pass is useful to you. You typically have to connect through Hong Kong for your intra-Asia flights (not all of them, but most) so you can end up spending a lot of time in airports. Also, such airpasses encourage you to visit lots of places ("to get your money's worth&quot which is not the best way to travel in Asia.

If Thailand and the surrounding area is your main objective, consider Luang Prabang, Laos and Siem Reap, Cambodia as possible destinations. Of course, there is lots to do in Thailand itself. Within SE Asia, it may be that Bangkok Air's Discovery Pass will save you money, as they are the only carriers to several places, like Siem Reap, Luang Prabang and Koh Samui.

You might find that an open-jaw ticket, into Tokyo and out of Bangkok, and buying a separate ticket between Tokoyo and Bangkok may be best price-wise, ot the multi-stop itinerary may work out better. You'll need to spend time online, then you may need to call the airline to book the optimal tickets.

I agree with Kathie that $20,000 for 4 months is plenty for two people to travel in Asia in some comfort. Traveling solo in SE Asia I've averaged around $50/day for ground transport, food and lodging (more expensive for solo travelers), staying in guesthouse type places with AC and en-suite bath. In general I prefer not to fly, taking trains where available and some buses and boats. Japan will, of course, be more expensive.

I'd suggest spending some time in Cambodia and Laos, which, besides being fascinating places, are also cheaper and will bring your average down. I've also enjoyed Vietnam and Malaysia. You might consider taking in some of China on your way south from Japan, although that will mean another visa. There are lots of useful threads here from people visiting these places, and you could also take a look at Lonely Planet's Thorntree. Certainly, spend some time in your local library or Barnes and Nobles with Lonely Planet or Rough Guides, then come back and ask some more specific questions.

you might look at bali also....also myanmar and laos....

malaysia is reasonable also and interesting....

To add to Borhkkmk) and other's advice I would like to suggest Yunnan, China. We were in Lijiang and Shangri La(Zhongdian) a couple of months ago and there were a lot of backpackers as well as very nice inns and hotels that are geared toward backpackers. Prices are very reasonable and it would be quite a nice contrast from Thailand.

I have some photos of Lijiang and Zhongdian and if you're interested the link is - http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/