Pros: Friendly people. Cheap housing and low cost of living, great food, good public transportation, world-class shopping and dining. Low crime if you aren't into drugs or antagonizing people. Close to beaches and national parks (jungles). Easy to visit all of SE Asia. Relatively wealthy for the region (though not Singapore-level wealthy or clean).
Cons: Dirty, crowded, terrible traffic. Sidewalks challenging for walking in some areas. Difficult to learn the language, impossible to actually integrate (always a farang -- foreigner -- no matter how long you live here).
I would choose Singapore if I didn't mind paying crazy money to live there. I would choose Osaka if I could get a long-term visa for Japan (and I may do that eventually). I would maybe choose HCMC/Saigon over Bangkok except the motorbikes make me crazy in Vietnam.
Do you want a big city? You mention Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore.
But if you like Vietnam and can have a smaller city, and dislike motorcycles, try Hoi An. It is beautiful, far fewer motorbikes especially on the outskirts (you can cycle on a bike!), and close to Da Nang if you want a semi-large city (a million people.)
I like Da Nang and Hoi An for a short holiday, but it's not big enough for my tastes. I do like Vietnam, but I like Thailand a little bit more. Thanks.
Pros: Friendly people. Cheap housing and low cost of living, great food, good public transportation, world-class shopping and dining. Low crime if you aren't into drugs or antagonizing people. Close to beaches and national parks (jungles). Easy to visit all of SE Asia. Relatively wealthy for the region (though not Singapore-level wealthy or clean).
Cons: Dirty, crowded, terrible traffic. Sidewalks challenging for walking in some areas. Difficult to learn the language, impossible to actually integrate (always a farang -- foreigner -- no matter how long you live here).
I would choose Singapore if I didn't mind paying crazy money to live there. I would choose Osaka if I could get a long-term visa for Japan (and I may do that eventually). I would maybe choose HCMC/Saigon over Bangkok except the motorbikes make me crazy in Vietnam.