Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China

Hi,

My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China between 27 Dec 2010-first week of Feb 2011. In your opinion, do you think between $5-7000 will be sufficient including airfares from Sydney, accommodation etc. Also, would you recommend travelling independently or with a tour group (preferably not Contiki)? I am not a fan of shared bathrooms and would like a 3* or preferably above standard of hotel, how much extra should we budget for this?

Also, how much per day on average would you estimate we would need to take as spending money for clothes, activities, food etc etc?

Also, any tips regarding luggage, what to bring, important items that we definitely shouldn't forget, etc would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Hi, I'm from Sydney and I have travelled to Thailand and Cambodia earlier this year and last. Next year planning to visit Cambodia/Vietnam/Thailand(Pattaya). As you have plenty of time before you travel I suggest you undertake some research through various websites eg this one, Tripadvisor, Virtualtourist, Wikipaedia, Travelfish, etc. Plan a rough itinerary including places you want to visit. Then google eg 'travel guides', 'accommodation', 'attractions', 'tours', blogs etc at places you intend to visit. Heaps of info available.
I would never travel as part of a tour group as I prefer flexibility. Also cheaper to travel independently. Given the time of year you intend to visit you may need to give consideration to prebooked accom. Certainly in Thailand as it will be 'high season' when accom. costs are jacked up. Maybe not so critical for Cambodia and Vietnam. Sorry, can't assist re China as I've only done a day trip from Hong Kong.
Researching accom., reading people's blogs etc will give you a feel for how much money you need to take. In any event, I always take my credit card to use in case of an emergency. Others solely rely on their credit card accessing their cash through ATM'S and banks or travellers cheques.
Tip re clothing: the less the better because like every other punter YOU WILL spend money on clothing.
My first requirement for a room is always aircon. Virtually every guesthouse/hotel I have stayed at has received positive reviews (in the main) by other travellers.
Anyway, after you have worked out a basic 'plan of attack' feel free to email me (refer my member profile for email address) with any specific questions. Questions of a general nature can sometimes be difficult to answer as everyone has different wants and needs. This advice also applies when posting on forum(s).
6 weeks to visit these 4 countries will require some serious research. My proposed trip to VN covers 21 nights and even though when I travel solo I see what I want to see and then move on I've still had to compromise here and there. Research away. Steve