my brother just came back, i asked him and this is the response i got....hope its of use

" you wanted some names of places to crash in Asia, these were all pretty cool

Bangkok - Lub D hostel (best place i stayed all year in Asia)
Chiang Mai - IMM Eco (f*ckin awesome pool - although a bit quiet)
Phnom Penh - OK Guesthouse (best full english in Asia - all day everyday)
Kuala Lumpur - Hostel Cosmopolitan
Singapore - The Inn Crowd
Siem Reap - 2dragons guesthouse (owner will sort out border crossing/visa/transport from Thailand)

there are loads others in vietnam/Laos, but they tend to be more hotelly and all fairly similar."

he hasnt shut up about this 'Lub D' place since he got back so i reckon thats a decent shout. also go tubing in Laos.....sounds amazing.