Thanks for all the replies, some very good info.

We are still unsure where to go, one big factor is flights - it seems very expensive to take the bikes with some airlines and free with others (virgin airlines).

Northern thailand sounds good, but I would really like to go to a muslim country. I've travelled in a fair few and Iran has been the best along with rural Turkey, folk seem to be so friendly.

Cleanliness of water should not be an issue as we plan to take a small filter (i got poisoning from the bacteria in egyptian water last time and had a month in hospital with 2 operations, so not taking any chances!)

Can any one recommend bike friendly airlines?