[ThanhPhero]

Same in Việt Nam. I don't live there but pass 4-6 weeks there yearly now. The government discourages immigrants. There is an American community but they have to leave the country when their visa renewals run out even if it is just a bus trip to the Cambodian border where there is a government office that will issue a new visa in a few minutes.

Being able to speak the language while not a diplomat or businessman has got me over several rough spots easily- that and when I see that a uniform has taken an interest in me I walk straight to him and address him by rank and tell him what a wonderful country it is. I wind up drinking coffee with him and/or getting our picture taken together to show his friends and family. Do learn some of the language, at least the meet-and-greets and "sorry, sir, but that is all the Thai I know. I am studying." It will be appreciated that you are trying.

[tsowellfan]

I understand the english spoken in Vietnam much easier than that of Thailand (more British vocab in Thailand)

[Fai Mao]

Thai sounds similar to German to me. It’s all hard consonants and no vowels.

I have profound hearing loss in both ears. Even with hearing aids, spoken language is not really my thing.

[ExpatCanuck]

Da Nang is one of our target destinations during the burning season. Other places are Eastern Europe, India and Sri Lanka. All $100-$500 USD return flight.