A traveler on a Thailand-Laos-Vietnam trip describes being "seriously considering moving" after experiencing vibrant public spaces, easy social connections, and genuine community life. The post explores whether it's rose-tinted vacation goggles or a real quality-of-life difference that makes so many travelers contemplate relocation after Southeast Asian trips.
"Back home it's so hard to meet people and can be hard to even make plans with my friend group, but here I've met large expat communities that are so friendly and seem invested in meeting people," the traveler wrote from Saigon. "Locals and tourists always seem to want to enjoy themselves in simple interactions."
The Park That Changed Everything
A visit to a park in Saigon crystallized the feeling: "There were tons of people exercising, playing volleyball, soccer, badminton, pickleball, riding bikes, walking and it was so surreal seeing such a true community place where people just come to hang out."
The contrast with home hit hard: "Back home we don't have 3rd places. The closest you can get is a bar and it's mostly closed off groups enjoying each other."
This observation about "third places" - spaces beyond home and work where community happens - captures a key element of what draws travelers to Southeast Asia beyond beaches and cheap pad thai.
Is It Real or Vacation Mode?
The traveler wrestles with this directly: "A part of me knows I'm in vacation mode and basically living at my happiest, friendliest and most outgoing mode, but it seems so much easier to build a social network here."
This self-awareness is critical. Yes, you're more outgoing on vacation. Yes, everyone seems friendly when you're spending money and don't have work stress. Yes, the weather is better than "constant year-round drizzle" back home.
