Don't cut them out just because of a few haters!!
There will ALWAYS be people who dislike just about any single destination you can possibly think of on the planet.
I say screw the "reviews" and go anyway. Take a peek around here, do a search on the countries you're considering skipping-- there are several people who have been to Laos and Cambodia and all of the others on your list and loved it.
Here's some perspective: A
female friend of mine just got back from three weeks in Kabul, Afghanistan. She went with a women's human rights organization. Outside of Iraq, I'm not sure there are too many places in the world where it's quite as dangerous for a very pretty, VERY caucasian woman to travel. The verdict: she loved it and has plans to go back. And, um, it's almost certain that Afghanistan is at least on the Top 10 of "Risky" Travel Destinations, whatever the criteria for "risky" may be.
Keep your wits about you and you'll not only be fine, you'll have an amazing time off the beaten path. Good luck and take tons of photos!!