I went VISA exempt in 2018, 2019 and 2020, that's 7 years back.
Was part of a boozie sexpat group that wandered around the tourist hotspots of Asia, got a phone call, "we're in Saigon you don't need a VISA", hopped on a plane 2,500bht return direct from Chiang Mai, had a great time and after that trip did all my Non O bounces and VISAs from there until COVID. Those were the best of times!
Morning exercise group, September Park, Saigon, 2018.