Love it.

Have done the backpacking buzz around many of the countries you mention and with a big backpack.

In fact I was on crutches for the last two months in Thailand, laos, Cambodia.

Backpacks and crutches are not good bedfellows!

I gifted them to a disabled man in Cambodia, when my foot felt better. He needed them more than me and I still remember the hug and appreciation in his eyes.

It's the simple things in life...

I love the pack light mentality. We do this for family holidays to Spain. My wife, three kids and I pack small carry on bags and wash clothes while we are there. The advantages are many.

No heavy bags to lug around.
No lost bags.
No wait for baggage on arrival.
No need for a bigger rental car for luggage.

Absolute game changer.