If, at the end of my days, the sum of what I've taken exceeds the sum of what I've given, then I have lived in vain.

Also Ho Chi Minh City is broken up into districts so it's much like little cities within the city, in your home district folks take the time to smile and wave as you pass by or even try to have a little chat.

Overall the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is cheap and if you can stay away from Western restaurants and use just local products in your everyday life it's really cheap.

Why Ho Chi Minh City? It is crowded, noisy, scruffy, crazy, but always interesting and things are happening all at a break neck speed.

Indochina gets into your blood and once you have a taste you'll find it's impossible to stay away.

Thailand has good medical care and even though I haven't tried it, Singapore is said to have high quality care also.

For the most part Ho Chi Minh City is safe but like any large city you need to pay attention to what's going on around you.