Thanks everyone for all the input! Definitely some tips I will keep in mind. It's looking like my current project may end up a week or two longer than currently planned but we'll see. We did pay $145 for the freedom to change flight dates if needed. For each additional week of work I can stay about 5-6 weeks longer in Asia so it is hard to turn down. That being said, I've worked many contract jobs and this is the most poorly run/stressful job I have ever encountered, and the part of me that wants to giver them a big F U when they tell me they want me to stay longer is running pretty strong lol.
A rebelspy - I'll hit you up when we get there/gets closer. Chiang Mai is on our list of places, granted you'll probably be out by then. We plan to stay in Bangkok a couple weeks just to unwind from all my work and do a bit of exploring.
Here's our current list of places we'd like to go and a few notes my wife has made. Have no interest in trying to stuff A TON of travel in. Just want to relax and enjoy ourselves along the way. No real timelines.
COUNTRIES OF INTEREST:
Thailand
* Bangkok - Wat Po (Home of the reclining Buddha.), Chatuchak Market aka JJ Market (Easily the largest market in Thailand), Phallic Sheine (Penis Shrine) behind Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel
* Chiang Mai - Tiger Kingdom $15-$50, Grand Canyon aka Hang Dong Canyon,
* Phuket - Bang Tao Beach, Patong Beach (famous for parties but very touristy), Paradise beach, Nai Harn beach,
Laos
* Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls $2.50, Royal Palace, climb Mount Phousi (355 steps to panoramic view of city)
* Vang Vieng - Blue Lagoon, kayaking & caving (in tubes)$10
* Vientiane - Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park)
Cambodia
* Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (Largest religious monument in the world), Silhaoukville beach, yoga at Peace Cafe $6, Blue Pumpkin Bakery (pasteries, ice cream)