Riding in Asia - Thailand and Vietnam - Advice please!

I don't know yet. These LTW are like paper bags - I can always have them as spares, quick access ones for spare socks and kickers.
They're not big enough to use as rear ones on a long trip.

They're rather small, although they will open up more (they're about 2/3 of the total size folded at the moment).

i reckon definitely go for something more durable for a big trip, if they are that thin/light will they not be more prone to damage. can't imagine anything worse than a pannier splitting in the middle of nowhere, and the difficulty there would be i replacing it in some regions. i do like your idea of having some back up/additional storage. That's where my front rack and bungees will come in.

^ Yes, but on your trip I think you will always be near somewhere you can get stuff sewn up pretty easily.

That trip sounds like it wwill be amazing - that part of the world is incredible and that's why I will be moving there in a year or so!

So my brother finishes his a levels next year and for his gap year he has announced to me that he is going to cycle from Somerset to Vietnam.

First of all is he crazy?
Second he needs a bike and all the other equipment.
Oh and he has never ridden more than 40 miles in his life.
Answers on a postcard please.
Bike recommendations etc...

First of all is he crazy?

Far from it.

Touring Cyclist tend not to be cyclist in the first place, they chosen such transport as it's the cheapest and quickest way to get from A to B.

Im sure he will be able to do it. Hes very fit. Just worried about him doing it on his own with not a huge bike knowledge and mechanical skills.
Ed, what bike would you recommend?

Surly Long Haul Trucker.

XH, you know what to do - if he doesn't have such knowledge and skill, you can always get him some.

Gus posted this in my Round the World thread. Lots of excellent info including kit reviews.

http://travellingtwo.com/

Thanks all. The plan is im going to teach him everything I know, then be taught by someone properly as my knowledge is probably wrong.

Highly, highly, highly recommend him to get this book before he start looking;

http://www.adventurecycle-touringhandbook.com/

Just chipping in on XH's question.

I think the cycling aspect is going to be the least of his worries. If he's not travelled before there's more general tips to pass on about dealing with language and cultural barriers, budgeting, safety/security, hygiene, nutrition, health and so on.

He's quite young (presumably 18) but I don't know how savvy he is about all that stuff.

I'd recommend a book like First Time Around the World: A Rough Guide Special for general stuff to start with.