Southeast Asia forum

As posted earlier, I am travelling from Apr.30 to June11 (backpacking) with one other to Thailand (Bangkok), Cambodia(Siem Reap, Phnom Penh), Vietnam (Saigon, Hanoi, Halong Bay), Laos (LP, Vang Vieng, Vientiane) and back to Southern Thailand. We will be travelling for 6weeks total and I was wondering what the best way to bring money down there is, or what is recommended for that timeframe. I was thinking putting it aside in my bank account and stopping at banks for cash advances on my Visa that I could pay off along the road in Internet Cafes, and bringing some Baht with me on the flight in. Or should I bring all cash and exchange depending which country I am in? Never travelled for longer than 2weeks before.
Second, how much would you recommend for Backpackers (we are both students.. so money isnt too plentiful) for the 6week timeframe. I was going to bring $4000.. We want to do a few tours and visit temples, but aside from that fairly basic accomodation and some money for a few drinks more nights than not ;)
Thanks in advance!