No, I didn't find Japan expensive at all. I paid $10NZ a drink but they were free pours, so I didn't need many! Food (takeaway and restaurants) was a bit disappointing, but home cooked food which we experienced was different and delicious.
Re Vietnam all I can say is do the visa process right because if you don't, like I saw some people do (they thought it would be quicker to do there), you can add hours and hours on to getting through immigration.
It does take a bit longer to get through immigration than other countries, but like I said, if you get the paperwork right it's easier.
Well I loved Sth Korea. The food is amazing, lots to see and do, people are lovely, easy to get around. Very safe too.
Japan is also amazing, one of the only countries to have kept a lot of it's culture. Again lots to see and do, great people, lots of bowing 😁, I loved it there because there were things there you would only see in Japan.
Singapore is always a good place to visit for a short time. Hope that helps.
Well that's a good question. I did enjoy Ho Chi Minh city, great art galleries, lots to see and do. The experience crossing roads with 100's of motorbikes going around you either side was definitely up there! Would I go back... probably not. The reason I was put off Vietnam mainly was the dishonesty, almost everyone without fail tried to shortchange me. I do say tried, because they didn't get away with it. But it made my experience tiring....