Japan was too expensive for my meagre pension to afford. Hua Hin/Cha Am area has grown on me over time. I have tried a number of condos in Jomtien and Na Jomtien in recent years. View Talay 2B, Laguna 2 behind Rompho Market, Seven Seas Cote d'Azure and Lumpini Park Beach. Each had its pros and cons, but LPB was a good all round fit.
May through end of September, France, Vietnam and Thailand flexible. This year, my time in Vietnam will be split between Phu Quoc and HCMC. My time in Thailand split between Koh Chang, Hua Hin and Jomtien.
I have been restoring this French farmhouse for the past 20-years. I go there to avoid the worst of the rainy season in South East Asia. In Vietnam and Thailand I have explored different locations, typically renting apartments or condos via Airbnb for the duration of my trip. I have a storage unit in Thailand where I store my personal household items, this allows me to travel lightly, yet turn any new condo into a comfortable home.