For me, there are a few reasons why I wouldn't personally choose Vietnam over Thailand. The retirement visa situation in Thailand is much more straightforward, whereas Vietnam still doesn't have a clear, long-term retirement visa option. That's a significant factor if you're planning to settle permanently. I also think people sometimes paint Vietnam with too broad a brush. I actually found the people in places like Can Tho and Phu Quoc to be genuinely warm and welcoming. They do tend to be a little more reserved at first, but after you've spoken with them a few times they really open up, and honestly, I think that's perfectly normal. Every culture has its own way of building trust. They certainly know how to party when they get going. That said, I still find Thai people easier to connect with on a day-to-day basis. They generally have a lighter sense of humour, are quick to smile, and I enjoy their relaxed outlook. I know plenty of foreigners complain about Thailand, but my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I genuinely enjoy being around Thai people, although it can get a tad boring up in the sticks, but nothing is perfect. Likewise, I also feel that Thailand is a more comfortable environment for mixed couples. I have a couple of friends in business in Vietnam in mixed relationships, but they are married, with children and living happily. They have complained that their parents-in-law are pushy for success and material trappings, but that;'s true of Thailand as well. I've never felt out of place here, whereas Vietnam struck me as a little more conservative in that respect. Politically, Thailand certainly has its frustrations, and I haven't always agreed with the direction the government has taken. Even so, I wouldn't particularly want to live somewhere where I'd be dealing with a one-party communist system and the bureaucracy that comes with it. There is a lot of corruption in Vietnam, but I bet if there was an unavoidable sticky situation, I'd rather take my chances in Thailand. Healthcare is another big plus for Thailand. I've had consistently excellent experiences here. The quality has been outstanding, the costs are remarkably reasonable, and in many respects I'd put it ahead of, what I've experienced in the UK. Vietnam certainly has some huge advantages. The food is fantastic, the beer is arguably the best in Southeast Asia, wine is much more reasonably priced, seafood is exceptional, and the country's geography is incredibly diverse, from mountains to stunning beaches with crystal-clear water. It's also a gorgeous country with a lot to explore. The reality for me, though, is that I've been settled in rural Thailand for nearly 30 years. My partner is Thai, we've built our life together here, we own our home, have cars, and our roots are firmly planted. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate Vietnam for what it offers because I absolutely do, but moving countries at this stage would mean giving up a life that has taken decades to build. If someone chose Vietnam, I'd easily understand why. It's a great country with plenty going for it. For me personally, when I weigh up visas, healthcare, lifestyle, the people, and the fact that this has been my home for three decades, Thailand still comes out on top.
