Hi everyone,
I am planning a trip to Asia from December 28th to February 1st.
Our plan is to start with Japan (1.5 weeks), then go to Thailand (1.5 week), Cambodia (1 week), and either Malaysia or Indonesia (1 week)
My first and most important question is whether anyone has any advise as to the cheapest way to travel. I know that flights to Japan are quite expensive, and there may be cheaper alternatives by either not flying direct or making Japan technically just a really long layover.
Secondly, from people that have been to all of these places, which do you recommend more - Malaysia or Indonesia?
And lastly, does my timeline make sense based on how much there is to do in all of these places? Or would you spend more/less time in some of these?
Thanks so much in advance for any advice!
I don't know very much about this part of the world and am pretty overwhelmed with the whole trip planning stage!!

Personally, I really loved Indonesia, but I think the extra distance and need for flights would create a very tight itinerary for you. Choosing one spot to explore such as Bali and possibly nearby islands could be possible, but still, you will be restricted by definitive flight dates. The Malaysia option would allow for overland travel which builds in flexibility- if you decided to spend extra time in Thailand because you really loved it or met someone who told you about a great place that you want to see, then you would have the option to extend your time there (and there really is so much variety within the country that 10 days will seem short unless you choose just 2 or 3 specific places ie. Chiang Mai and a couple of islands).
For flights within Asia, Air Asia has some great deals, so it's worth watching their prices.

Thanks so much Melissa! The points you bring up about Malaysia and Indonesia are definitely worthwhile to consider.
And I will make sure to keep an eye out for Air Asia deals

I would personally spend more time in all those places! I did a month in Thailand a month in Vietnam and 3 weeks in Cambodia and even that was no where near enough.

I've done tight timelines like this before. I would say overnight train travel will be a great benefit. You won't lose time by traveling to your destination& you save in hotels. Air Asia is a cheap airline I used a lot in SEA. As for the choice of Malaysia vs. Indonesia. I would say Malaysia simply due to time constraints. Good luck & safe travels!

I enjoyed Indonesia more, Bali,Ubud & Gili Islands, but if you do go to Malaysia, there are lovely locations as well. Remember that travel between these places is a total day's worth of time as you are going between different countries. You might consider choosing 2 places to visit in each country or you will feel like your entire time is travel. Have fun!!!

We flew Air Asia and they are cheap.

Thanks so much everyone for your advice! I think I will be staying in Malaysia based on everyones comments. I want to see lots but not so much that I miss out on the actual experience.
Of course I would love to go for longer, but unfortunately the job thats allowing me to even pay for this trip isn't letting me go off for too long!
Any other suggestions with regards to cheap flights? Has anyone ever tried to prolong their layover in order to save on flights?

Depends where you are planning to go in Indonesia and/or Malaysia... Hard to generalize.

It seems the earlier you book with air Asia the cheaper it is. Cambodia is one of my favourite places in the world. The island of koh rong saloemn was my fav. Its hard since you are there for short periods of time but booking transportation while you are there is so much easier. SEA is the best place for planning as you go. You are going to have an incredible time regardless where you go, so try not to stress it to much!!