i do 6 months in Thailand and Vietnam
Thailand miles ahead in quality accomodation, but i think more expensive.
Mold is very common in Vietnam accom, its very difficult to find a room without it.
Road traffic is dangerous in Thailand, but a fraction of the level of danger in Vietnam, and the constant horn blowing can drive you crazy.
Food is fifty fifty........with Thailand slightly better if i was to make a choice.
Hygiene in Vietman, not great.........spitting in the streets is very common and disgusting. Yes the thais do it, but not like Vietnam.
Da Nang is not cheap, but i would not say expensive.
Beaches are fifty fifty.
Visa in Vietnam, extremely easy, very cheap, be it the 45 day stamp, or the 90 day e visa.
Thailand visa, not hard, but more of a pain in the arse, and no 90 day reports in Vietnam
both have a lot going for them...........medical care, a lot cheaper in Vietnam, and i found it to be of extremely high quality, both from the staff and the medical facility.
I am buying my meds I need from Vietnam now, half the price of Thailand (anti coagulants, beta blocker).
all in all, Thailand still gets my vote for quality of life, but time will tell