6-week China + Southeast Asia itinerary – looking for feedback

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6-week China + Southeast Asia itinerary: seeking feedback and recommendations

Planning a roughly 45-day backpacking trip through China and parts of Southeast Asia between January and February, with a budget around $2,500 USD. I’d love input on a rough itinerary, including suggestions on destinations, activities, and practical considerations before finalizing plans.

Planned route and stays by country

China
– Xiamen: 2 nights
– Yunshuiyao / Tulou region: 1 night
– Chaozhou: 2 nights
– Shenzhen: 2 nights
– Guangzhou: 3 nights
– Yangshuo: 2 nights
– Nanning: 1 night (overnight or transit)

Vietnam
– Cao Bang: 2 nights
– Hanoi: 3 nights
– Ninh Binh: 2 nights
– Hue: 2 nights (over Tet Eve)
– Da Nang: 2 nights
– Hoi An: 2 nights
– Ho Chi Minh City: 3 nights

Cambodia
– Phnom Penh: 2 nights
– Siem Reap: 3 nights

Thailand
– Bangkok: 3 nights
– Khao Sok: 1 night
– Phuket: 3 nights

Current bookings: only the flight into Xiamen and the flight out of Phuket are confirmed.

What I’m hoping to get from the trip
– Focus areas: culture, nature, markets, off-the-beaten-path experiences, nightlife, and food
– Preferences: less touristy experiences where possible, with authentic local flavor
– Practical concerns: transport logistics, Tet period in Vietnam (closures, pricing, advance bookings), and general tips for booking transport and logistics in advance
– Destination ideas: feedback on whether to cut, add, or extend time in any location
– Activity suggestions: must-do experiences across the itinerary and recommendations for each stop

Key questions
– Does this route feel cohesive and realistic in 45 days, given travel times and visa considerations?
– Which places could be shortened or removed, and where might it be worth spending longer?
– What transport options and sequencing would minimize backtracking and maximize efficiency, especially around Tet in Vietnam?
– Are there specific cultural, nature, market, or culinary experiences you’d recommend prioritizing in each location?
– Any tips for budgeting, accommodation strategies, or booking windows for high-demand periods?

If you have suggestions, alternative routes, or insight based on recent travel conditions, I’d greatly appreciate it.