Southeast Asia forum

A year in just southeast Asia is plenty of time for the highlights and more. I'd probably pick an entry and an exit point and just work north to south or south to north, depending on when the year started and what the weather patterns are like that time of year.

You can pull together some general itineraries, with lots of good suggested routes right here on this website, but you won't need anything too rigid. One important thing to plan ahead, however, is visas and how much time you are allowed in each country. For Thailand, for example, you might want to get the 60-day tourist visa so you can stay longer without having to duck across a border. You typically get 30 days in Laos and the same in Cambodia with visa on arrival.

I also agree that getting a motor scooter wouldn't be worth it, except maybe in Vietnam where is seems to be more common, and I'm not sure I'd even bother then. As eastwest says, riding in southeast Asia is pretty dangerous. If you choose to ride, you can always rent them from time to time as you need.

Internet is generally available most everywhere and wi-fi is becoming more and more common in guesthouses, coffee shops, and other places. No problem there.

A year out sounds wonderful. I'd mix it up with some good on-the-road highlights and some mellow, stick-around-for-awhile time too. I'd love to just hang out in Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Bali, or Pakse, for example. Have a great time. Regards.

Other temples there are plenty of.

In the same category as Angkor and Borobudur is in my opinion only Bagan in Myanmar. Not because of a single temple but the sheer number of stupas/temples in 1 single area.

The most interesting sites per country you will find out quickly enough once you read up on them or when talking to other travellers.

That's (visa) the part of planning you really have to pay attention to besides insurance and money. It really pays off to spend some serious time on these things before you go. It will make your trip much more carefree.

You will have to read this site for requirements per country.
In most cases a return ticket to your home country will do. Even if it's a year later. You're not the first to travel for such a long time and in general they just want to be certain that that's what you really do. If you come on a 1-way ticket more questions will be asked in general.

For most countries visa can be had upon arrival and you usually get 1 month only and in most countries it can easily be extended at least once.
If you know you there is a good chance you will stay 2 months or so (Thailand or Indonesia) it's worth it to apply for a proper tourist visa at a regional embassy before you enter.

Do some extended research now and write it on a little paper so you can check once on the road.

I second what EW says about visas, particularly Indonesia. YOu can only get a 1 month VOA which can only be extended once. you can get a 60 day visa while in Malaysia or Thailand which can be extended up to 4 times. Visa runs from Indo are a real pain and can be expensive.