Vietnam is getting a lot of coverage and tourist numbers rising exponentially, and yes leaving Thailand behind in that respect...but is it a better option. I've visited 3 times in the past year or so, and I really enjoyed my time there, and only as a tourist. Visas are an issue, 90 days or 45 free entry for most countries, a simple 90 report on line is far better than a whole day travelling and costing upto 6k baht.

Language, well learn the basics and with translate apps etc isn't really a problem. The cost on accomodation in Vietnam is spiraling, you can't find anything now for under US$300 and a house with garden will be considerably more. Food, yes bahn mhi for $1 and a huda beer 60 cents but restaurants are typically priced the same as Thailand. Some great tourist attractions, you only really need to visit once. Internet on a par with Thailand. Health, haven't used in VN but have heard great reports especially on dental work. Scams and over charging is endemic in Vietnam unless you know the prices. It's Thailand for me but a change in the LTR visa for Vietnam may make me think again

Can retired expats own a car in Vietnam, or are there restrictions?

I went once, didn't strike me as a place i wanted to live long term, where as Thailand did straight away

Edited June 19Jun 19 by scubascuba3

37 minutes ago, Nemises said:

Can retired expats own a car in Vietnam, or are there restrictions?

Not sure..will check that

33 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

I went once, didn't strike me as a place i wanted to live long term, where as Thailand did straight away

Yes, Thailand offers everything, the whole package. If Vietnam changed the visa system would you maybe think about it

33 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

I went once, didn't strike me as a place i wanted to live long term, where as Thailand did straight away

Yes, Thailand offers everything, the whole package. If Vietnam changed the visa system would you maybe think about it

43 minutes ago, Nemises said:

Can retired expats own a car in Vietnam, or are there restrictions?

Apparently only with a WP or long term residency.

30 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Yes, Thailand offers everything, the whole package. If Vietnam changed the visa system would you maybe think about it

It's still the same Vietnam as it was back then, so no unless Thailand became a place to leave

Worked upcountry Vietnam for 3 years. The main tourist places (HCMC Dist 1, Hanoi, Danang, etc) are busy but probably ok to live, but get away from the main tourist places and upcountry Vietnam has very basic infrastructure and is years behind Thailand as a comfortable place to live.

Vietnamese didn't seem as nice as Thais. South Vietnamese definitely not as nice as north Vietnamese (funny how many countries have north or south nicer folk than the other).

For me there are a few reasons why I would never consider Vietnam.

1. From what I understand the retirement Visa is still an issue in Vietnam it's a fairly simple process here.

2. I find a lot of the people to be a bit like cold wet fish, very similar to the Chinese people on the mainland, not much humor, kind of heavy-hearted, they still have a bit of a chip on their shoulders, and it's never been my favorite country in the region.

3. I don't feel like the culture there is as welcoming for mixed couples as it is here in Thailand.

4. I don't like the government here and I never have, they keep on reaching towards the bottom of the barrel and the policy here is incredibly regressive, but I would not want to live in a country where I'm constantly having to deal with communist officials.

5. I've had some very positive experiences with the healthcare system here in Thailand, and I consider it to be on par or better than it is in the US for a fraction of the cost. Can Vietnam rival that?

The upside in Vietnam is the food is excellent, access to fine wine at reasonable markup, much higher quality beer, a highly varied topography, with stunning beaches and very clear water, high quality seafood, and stunning women.

I might be an exception as I see so many guys on here complaining about the Thai people, but I really like them. I find them to be quite delightful, light-hearted, humorous and fun to be around.

What am I missing?

Edited June 23Jun 23 by spidermike007

5 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

For me there are a few reasons why I would never consider Vietnam.

1. From what I understand the retirement Visa is still an issue in Vietnam it's a fairly simple process here.

2. I find a lot of the people to be a bit like cold wet fish, very similar to the Chinese people on the mainland, not much humor, kind of heavy-hearted, they still have a bit of a chip on their shoulders, and it's never been my favorite country in the region.

3. I don't feel like the culture there is as welcoming for mixed couples as it is here in Thailand.

4. I don't like the government here and I never have, they keep on reaching towards the bottom of the barrel and the policy here is incredibly regressive, but I would not want to live in a country where I'm constantly having to deal with communist officials.

5. I've had some very positive experiences with the healthcare system here in Thailand, and I consider it to be on par or better than it is in the US for a fraction of the cost. Can Vietnam rival that?

The upside in Vietnam is the food is excellent, access to fine wine at reasonable markup, much higher quality beer, a highly varied topography, with stunning beaches and very clear water, high quality seafood, and stunning women.

I might be an exception as I see so many guys on here complaining about the Thai people, but I really like them. I find them to be quite delightful, light-hearted, humorous and fun to be around.

What am I missing?

You ain't missing nothing, youre correct on your observations

On 6/19/2026 at 6:56 AM, Nemises said:

Can retired expats own a car in Vietnam, or are there restrictions?

www says: Expats with a valid visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) can legally purchase and register a car in Vietnam. As vehicles are heavily taxed, you can expect to pay 50–100% more than in Western countries. You'll need to use local cash or a personal bank loan, as auto financing isn't available to foreigners.

www says: Expats with a valid visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) can legally purchase and register a car in Vietnam. As vehicles are heavily taxed, you can expect to pay 50–100% more than in Western countries. You'll need to use local cash or a personal bank loan, as auto financing isn't available to foreigners.

Thanks. My question was specifically about retired expats. As Vietnam doesn’t have a retirement visa, can a retired foreigner who is legally residing in Vietnam permanently register and own a car in their own name?

This is what I found on the www:

• If you’re living in Vietnam on a series of short-term visas, owning and registering a car can be difficult or impractical.

• If you have a longer-term residence status (for example through marriage, investment, or another qualifying arrangement), owning a car is generally more feasible.

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

For me there are a few reasons why I would never consider Vietnam.

1. From what I understand the retirement Visa is still an issue in Vietnam it's a fairly simple process here.

2. I find a lot of the people to be a bit like cold wet fish, very similar to the Chinese people on the mainland, not much humor, kind of heavy-hearted, they still have a bit of a chip on their shoulders, and it's never been my favorite country in the region.

3. I don't feel like the culture there is as welcoming for mixed couples as it is here in Thailand.

4. I don't like the government here and I never have, they keep on reaching towards the bottom of the barrel and the policy here is incredibly regressive, but I would not want to live in a country where I'm constantly having to deal with communist officials.

5. I've had some very positive experiences with the healthcare system here in Thailand, and I consider it to be on par or better than it is in the US for a fraction of the cost. Can Vietnam rival that?

The upside in Vietnam is the food is excellent, access to fine wine at reasonable markup, much higher quality beer, a highly varied topography, with stunning beaches and very clear water, high quality seafood, and stunning women.

I might be an exception as I see so many guys on here complaining about the Thai people, but I really like them. I find them to be quite delightful, light-hearted, humorous and fun to be around.

What am I missing?

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.

I will still thoroughly enjoy holidays in the region, but I am happy to return to Isaarn and home.

Edited June 23Jun 23 by Scouse123

On 6/19/2026 at 1:40 AM, baansgr said:

Yes, Thailand offers everything, the whole package. If Vietnam changed the visa system would you maybe think about it

Apparently only with a WP or long term residency.

How about a motorbike? And can you rent one when you visit?

Somebody mentioned about nice beaches and clear waters, and another about health services.

I worked in Vĩnh Long, a province in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, a 4.5 to 5 hour drive south to HCMC - it's only a 180km drive but roads aren't great.

The beaches and water were awful.

One supermarket 1hr drive each way. Selection of goods for sale not great.

Any medical issues, we were sent to HCMC not local hospitals as they weren't considered very good. Helicopter ambulance to HCMC if a medical emergency.

People in south considered nicer in south compared to north.

Personally I think living in HCMC District 1 would be OK for a while. Hanoi seemed nice but weather poor. Danang touristy. 

For me Vietnam just doesn't compete with Bangkok or even upcountry Thailand on any level.

On 6/19/2026 at 6:56 AM, Nemises said:

Can retired expats own a car in Vietnam, or are there restrictions?

For reference Google

Yes, foreigners can legally drive a car in Vietnam, provided they hold a valid home-country driver's license paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.. However, you will also need to carry your original passport, and renting a car with a (Vietnsmese) driver is generally much more practical.

www says: Expats with a valid visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) can legally purchase and register a car in Vietnam. As vehicles are heavily taxed, you can expect to pay 50–100% more than in Western countries. You'll need to use local cash or a personal bank loan, as auto financing isn't available to foreigners.

Thanks. My question was specifically about retired expats. As Vietnam doesn’t have a retirement visa, can a retired foreigner who is legally residing in Vietnam permanently register and own a car in their own name?

This is what I found on the www:

• If you’re living in Vietnam on a series of short-term visas, owning and registering a car can be difficult or impractical.

• If you have a longer-term residence status (for example through marriage, investment, or another qualifying arrangement), owning a car is generally more feasible.

11 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

For reference Google

Yes, foreigners can legally drive a car in Vietnam, provided they hold a valid home-country driver's license paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.. However, you will also need to carry your original passport, and renting a car with a (Vietnsmese) driver is generally much more practical.

Thanks but was asking about owning a car, not driving.

On 6/19/2026 at 6:15 AM, baansgr said:

Vietnam is getting a lot of coverage and tourist numbers rising exponentially, and yes leaving Thailand behind in that respect...but is it a better option. I've visited 3 times in the past year or so, and I really enjoyed my time there, and only as a tourist. Visas are an issue, 90 days or 45 free entry for most countries, a simple 90 report on line is far better than a whole day travelling and costing upto 6k baht.

Language, well learn the basics and with translate apps etc isn't really a problem. The cost on accomodation in Vietnam is spiraling, you can't find anything now for under US$300 and a house with garden will be considerably more. Food, yes bahn mhi for $1 and a huda beer 60 cents but restaurants are typically priced the same as Thailand. Some great tourist attractions, you only really need to visit once. Internet on a par with Thailand. Health, haven't used in VN but have heard great reports especially on dental work. Scams and over charging is endemic in Vietnam unless you know the prices. It's Thailand for me but a change in the LTR visa for Vietnam may make me think again

On 6/19/2026 at 6:15 AM, baansgr said:

Vietnam is getting a lot of coverage and tourist numbers rising exponentially, and yes leaving Thailand behind in that respect...but is it a better option. I've visited 3 times in the past year or so, and I really enjoyed my time there, and only as a tourist. Visas are an issue, 90 days or 45 free entry for most countries, a simple 90 report on line is far better than a whole day travelling and costing upto 6k baht.

Language, well learn the basics and with translate apps etc isn't really a problem. The cost on accomodation in Vietnam is spiraling, you can't find anything now for under US$300 and a house with garden will be considerably more. Food, yes bahn mhi for $1 and a huda beer 60 cents but restaurants are typically priced the same as Thailand. Some great tourist attractions, you only really need to visit once. Internet on a par with Thailand. Health, haven't used in VN but have heard great reports especially on dental work. Scams and over charging is endemic in Vietnam unless you know the prices. It's Thailand for me but a change in the LTR visa for Vietnam may make me think again

You visited 3 times, for how long? Probably not for very long, because your post smacks of ignorance.

Scams and overcharging are endemic in Vietnam. I must have spent 7 years in a different Vietnam, a parallel universe Vietnam, because in my Vietnam overcharging is as rare, if not rarer than in Thailand, it was endemic 30 years ago, but with the exception of Hoi An, and maybe Hà Nội it isn't anymore.

Cost of accommodation is spiralling? Where in Vietnam? Certainly not hotels, they are 30% to 40% cheaper than in Thailand. Bánh mì is 50 cents, not 1$ in most places. Fruit and vegetables are a lot cheaper in Vietnam.

And visa policies are better, too unlimited, back to back, 90 day visas.

Thailand, on the other hand, changes their visa policies twice a year,

7 hours ago, thecyclist said:

You visited 3 times, for how long? Probably not for very long, because your post smacks of ignorance.

Scams and overcharging are endemic in Vietnam. I must have spent 7 years in a different Vietnam, a parallel universe Vietnam, because in my Vietnam overcharging is as rare, if not rarer than in Thailand, it was endemic 30 years ago, but with the exception of Hoi An, and maybe Hà Nội it isn't anymore.

Cost of accommodation is spiralling? Where in Vietnam? Certainly not hotels, they are 30% to 40% cheaper than in Thailand. Bánh mì is 50 cents, not 1$ in most places. Fruit and vegetables are a lot cheaper in Vietnam.

And visa policies are better, too unlimited, back to back, 90 day visas.

Thailand, on the other hand, changes their visa policies twice a year,

You are correct, only a week or so at a time. May be because it was Hoi an Da nang and Hue that I visited and not other places. I've never see bahn mi for 130,000 but great if you get it that cheap. Yes scams/overcharging were prevailent, starts as soon as out of the airport, they even have loud speakers telling you!!!..markets, shops without pricing are the same get as much as they can. I think you have misunderstood me, I like Vietnam, my question was would people leave Thailand if they made it easier for visas in Vietnam, I and many others are not interested in renewing every 90 days, too much hassle and expense but if it suits you, that's fantastic. I have to disagree on accomodation, hotels with a balcony are priced similar to Thailand but it was more long term accomodation I was interested in, 8k baht gets me a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house close to the beach, is that possible in Vietnam. Thanks for your thoughts and views, always good to hear from people that have been there so long.

It's a bit strange, some members here prefer the people in the North and others definitely the South of Vietnam.

I found Phu Quoc to be the most outgoing and friendly, but maybe they are different on the islands.

I do have Vietnamese friends in both the North and South.

14 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

For reference Google

Yes, foreigners can legally drive a car in Vietnam, provided they hold a valid home-country driver's license paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.. However, you will also need to carry your original passport, and renting a car with a (Vietnsmese) driver is generally much more practical.

Who in their right mind would want to drive in Vietnam?

1 hour ago, baansgr said:

You are correct, only a week or so at a time. May be because it was Hoi an Da nang and Hue that I visited and not other places. I've never see bahn mi for 130,000 but great if you get it that cheap. Yes scams/overcharging were prevailent, starts as soon as out of the airport, they even have loud speakers telling you!!!..markets, shops without pricing are the same get as much as they can. I think you have misunderstood me, I like Vietnam, my question was would people leave Thailand if they made it easier for visas in Vietnam, I and many others are not interested in renewing every 90 days, too much hassle and expense but if it suits you, that's fantastic. I have to disagree on accomodation, hotels with a balcony are priced similar to Thailand but it was more long term accomodation I was interested in, 8k baht gets me a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house close to the beach, is that possible in Vietnam. Thanks for your thoughts and views, always good to hear from people that have been there so long.

Highlands coffee always used to have Bahn Mi and Coffee for 120,000VND.

But that was a few years back.

I always found hotel/guesthouse accomodation to be more expensive in Vietnam, but there were private AirBnB bargains to be had in Saigon.

17 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Highlands coffee always used to have Bahn Mi and Coffee for 120,000VND.

But that was a few years back.

I always found hotel/guesthouse accomodation to be more expensive in Vietnam, but there were private AirBnB bargains to be had in Saigon.

I may go Hanoi and North later this year, will see there.

6 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Who in their right mind would want to drive in Vietnam?

Thanks, and I totally agree.

During my many tours of Provinces in Vietnam, my tour guides used motorcycles and minibuses. Cars, other than taxis, were a rarity. At all times I was driven by a Vietnamese. My scariest recollection was a white knuckle drive on the back of a motorcycle in the Hanoi rush-hour, fortunately being able to wear a crash helmet and grip the pillion seat! We arrived safely at our destination.

43 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

Thanks, and I totally agree.

During my many tours of Provinces in Vietnam, my tour guides used motorcycles and minibuses. Cars, other than taxis, were a rarity. At all times I was driven by a Vietnamese. My scariest recollection was a white knuckle drive on the back of a motorcycle in the Hanoi rush-hour, fortunately being able to wear a crash helmet and grip the pillion seat! We arrived safely at our destination.

All part of growing up and good fun 😊

I stayed in Da Nang for a few weeks, and honestly was bored.

There is also alot of construction going around the place, and it really wears you down.

Alof of people recommend it due to budgetry issues. It can be cheaper.

4 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

I stayed in Da Nang for a few weeks, and honestly was bored.

There is also alot of construction going around the place, and it really wears you down.

Alof of people recommend it due to budgetry issues. It can be cheaper.

I liked Da nang, airport, fantastic clean beach and great walking in evening and morning, the older part over the bridge was interesting also....but yes definitely lots of construction.

It's easier to live in Thailand. My Thai wife though feels the average Vietnamese can speak English better than Thais. Vietnam is a great place to visit - and very economical compared to Thailand. But for reasons others have pointed out, as for a place to call home, Thailand gets my nod quite easily. Da Nang gets my thumbs up, and is probably the best airport to arrive at to avoid the huge queues at immigration in Hanoi and HCMC.

BTW - on visas - UK and EU passport holders can arrive visa-exempt. Americans, Canadians, Australians need a visa before travel. I think they also need to enter and depart from the same airport.