Koh Samui on Chaweng (the busiest of the 30 beaches) yesterday. It’s not ever gonna be Benidorm. And Phu Quoc is far, far worse than Samui for bad development. Add in the Chinese over influence, fake Venice and it’s a mess.

I can understand the BKK experience being annoying. But getting the right visa is easy enough. And that is not possible in Vietnam. And oversaturation of Russians and Chinese in places like Nha Trang is much more like Benidorm.

Vietnam is great, but miles behind in infrastructure, high quality, tourism medical care, visas, beaches, weather, tranquility and fun.

But give it a run. It will become more clear as you go.

@Dave *********

always takes a senior person to deny

@Dave *********

me neither. But you compared Thailand to Benidorm and Ibiza. Which, as you know, is beyond ludicrous. Naive at best. Lots to like about Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia for retirement. But none are as good as Thailand. Thailand is the clear winner.

Even Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos have potential. But miles to go.

@Julian ******

that’s an absolute fact

@Dave *********

if Vietnam were nicer, I would live there. Unfortunately it’s far from it. And immigration isn’t even close. The only way you can stay is border bounces every 90 days to Cambodia or China. Sounds fun. Meanwhile Thailand has easy access

10 year visas for dirt cheap. Thailand is never turning into Benidorm or Ibiza lol. But do try to get out past Pattaya and Phuket.

@Dave *********

I go often. It’s been ‘imminent’ for the last few years. Dont hold your breath. Thailand has a 10 year LTR, 10 year O/X, Thai privilege and a variety of annually renewable retirement visas for decades. Vietnam has nothing. It’s pretty clear who the winner is

@Dave *********

Vietnam only wants them for 90 days. And Cambodia requires using an agent also. If you are concerned about your next entry (i wouldn't be) just get FastTrack services. But for legit tourism, you are fine. All they did was ask questions.

@Andy ********

no, Vietnam does not have a retirement visa.

@Jay *******

wrong. They want big spenders to come and do what they do best.

And the precise ‘visa’ for his situation is visa exempt

@Mma ******

they didn’t refuse him