Thank you all so much for your info and insights! I think if we did do Bangkok/Cambodia we would fly, due to our short time frame.

Travel dates are flexible in winter/spring, any month/ dates.

In terms of what we're looking for, we really just want to experience the Asian country or countries we visit and get the most out of our short time. We are all very much into yoga and it would be cool if our trip involved some type of yoga experience (but definitely not necessary). We would want to combine a city with a more country like/nature focused area. We definitely want to see ancient monuments/temples and we're very into adventurous activities if there are any recommendations.

I know this may not be some people's cup of tea, but our outlook on this trip is the flight is long and expensive and while we don't have a ton of time we want to try to experience as much as possible. So regardless of where we go we would have a pretty ambitious itinerary.

I still have lots of research to do, so I know this is very broad! Thank you all for your help!

Try to avoid April as it is the hottest month, and these are hot places even in "cool" weather. February would be a good month.

Be aware that you have to slow down to experience these places - if you move too fast, you'll miss it all. More places just means more time in transit, not more time doing/seeing/experiencing. So I recommend you experience a lot in just two places.

Bangkok and Angkor would be a good combination, but I think you should also consider Bali, maybe just Bali alone or maybe in conjunction with Singapore.

Bali would be better March onward to avoid the heaviest rainy period. You could spend a few days in Ubud and a few days at the beach. I think you could cover everything on your wish list: Lots of culture, lots of nature, lots of shopping, eating and lots of yoga.

I don't know your budget but a few places that I'd recommend you look at just to give you an idea

The Colony Hotel http://www.thecolonyhotelbali.com/
Desa Seni http://www.desaseni.com/
Uma Ubud http://www.comohotels.com/umaubud/about

i agree with Kathie; don't underestimate the negative effects of jet lag, heat and humidity. Asia is a take it slow kind of place.

Flying to Thailand from NYC means a change of planes. I don't think the planes can carry enough jet fuel to get all the way there. So right off the bat your trip there will be much longer and more tiring.

If you are thinking of Thailand - consider spending a couple of nights in Bangkok and then FLY - to somewhere else.

for instance........

1 - Islands - Koh Samui or Phuket - over-developed but both destinations still have beaches and coconuts etc etc. OR......Koh Chang nearer to Bkk but still has nearby airport on the mainland.

2 - Chiang Mai or Pai in North Thailand - no beach but culture and some jungle or een hot springs.

3 - Laos - capital Vientiane (very small - need trips out) or fly on to Luang Prabang. World heritage centre - French colonial houses,temples monks and mountains with very poor people living outside the towns. both offer great coffee and baguettes.

may be allow one night in Bkk on your return.