SE Aisa HELP!!

[PotterHead1985]

Ok so as the title sez I need help.

Looking at going in Jan 2020.
Not doing China as I believe that will be a trip all on its own.
Looking at going for 4 weeks.
Would doing, in no particular order: Japan, S. Korea,Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and possibly Indonesia be viable in that time frame?

I cannot miss out Japan as I am obsessed.

However, I have life limiting conditions which will increase over time, and have increased in recent years. This is why I am trying to see all bar China in one visit. Which just means I have to go back for China. Leaving Europe for when I can't do as much and go as far.

I am afraid though, that although I might be able to 'dip my toe' in the countries, I won't really experience them properly if I am looking to do so many.

If I can't do them all what are your must see/do/suggestions?

As I said Japan is a must for me.

I am a crazy foodie who would have been a chef had illness not taken hold, so experiencing the food the way it should be - not shite westernised takeaway as here - is a massive draw for me.

Thanks.

Feel free to ask any questions necessary to help in answering my questions. I'll answer all honestly.

I live in Asia and I think that is too much to cover in four weeks. Also bear in mind that Chinese New Year is early next year (25th January or around there) and a lot of places will be very busy as more and more Chinese are travelling over the holiday period. Vietnam also celebrates the lunar new year (tet) and this will also impact travel plans in January. I think weather is also a consideration. Vietnam, for example the weather in January in Hanoi, Halong Bay, hoi an etc will be a bit chilly in January, but HCMC and Phu Quoc will be hot, so it really depends where you want to go.

Personally I would divide the trips - Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam together and then Japan and South Korea together. If you want to see a lot of China then I agree a separate trip is probably a good idea.

My favourites from your list are:

Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Siem Reap, Bangkok with day trips to Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya and I would also add in Singapore as it easy to add to your itinerary if you are planning on going to Indonesia.

Cont. Vietnam is my absolute favourite of all the countries you have listed - food is fabulous and it's good value.
Must sees - Hue, Hoi An, HCMC, Hanoi, Sapa - I have heard mixed reviews about Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta is okay for a couple of days, Halong Bay is worth the trip but there are also limestone karsts at tam coc (day trip from Hanoi) if time is limited and if you are coming to China then Guilin has similar scenery.
If you are a UK citizen you don't need a visa for Vietnam (think this is valid until July 2020) but you can only stay 15 days and cannot reenter the country for 30 days after you exit, which may be a consideration when booking your flights. Viet Jet is a decent budget airline as is Air Asia.

Looks like a fabulous list, but too much.
7 countries in 28 days is 4 days in each. Take off some travel time, and you are looking at 3 days in each.

If you can stretch to a third trip, I agree Shanghai's split is good, with the remaining trip to China.

Enjoy!

I agree with the others- I spent 2 months in Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos and ran out of time!
If Japan is your top priority (bear in mind it will be very cold and snowy and not necessarily the best time to be there except for skiing) then go there but I think SE Asia is awesome and has so much to do

Ooh thank you all for your replies. So much to think about.

I am a dual citizen of both Ireland and the U.K. with passports for both (handy with all this Brexit stuff going on!! Currently living in Ireland.

Ooh I hadn't thought of Japan being cold in Jan. Drat. Yea so I am thinking three trips would be best. Leaving Japan and S. Korea for when it is warmer and then China a trip of its own.

I think 4 weeks is perfect for Vietnam and Cambodia. We went in January a few years ago and whilst the north of Vietnam was cooler and a bit drizzly, it was still great to explore. The central and south of Vietnam was hot, and Cambodia was lovely weather.