5 countries in 6 weeks, with Laos and Thailand mountains in 2 weeks?? On a folder?? LOL. Get serious.
Yah take the flodder, LOL. Full size boxing/ unboxing/ taxis/ buses will take all day.
There's only one serious climb from Hanoi and it's right close before Da Nang, that will fill the mountain itch. Taiwan has way worse interior climbs and roads without shoulders. Korea has a bunch of MUPs I guess.
Vietnam has flaws, but the roads are as good as any. Far more good hotels for $40. Viet Air is safe.
My bike box was about 58 x 37 x 9 and 55 lbs I think. I don't know who would allow that now. Had another one with tools 39 lbs. Still had to cheat with a carryon panier.
In 2014 I flew to Vancouver, Hong Kong and Saigon. Was supposed to be all on a 25 hour stretch, but going the flight got delayed by snow and pilots timing out. LOL So had a beautiful layover day in Vancouver, on a free hotel bike ride to Stanley Park. . Cathay Pacific/ Dragon Air is my first choice.
Here is my 2 boxes at Hong Kong, my bike is not normal at all.>>>
