Then that day comes. You are no longer an ambitious career-oriented person and hope to live your life to the fullest. Thinking about when to retire is very personal, but when the question of where you should live when doing so perhaps a more interesting matter to discuss. Let’s explore the Southeast Asian cities to retire!
1. George Town, Malaysia
If you want to live affordably in one of the best countries to retire to, choose George Town! But if you haven’t heard even a wee bit of information about this city, you better do your own research, because actually there is more to Malaysia than a vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.
George Town is the UNESCO World Heritage City and chosen as one definitely not without specific reasons. The city seriously preserves its colonial structures with Chinese old houses remain the almost 100% the same as they were once built.
As a couple, you need around US$1,5000 – US$2,500 to live in Penang Island in general—including George Town. But if you adopt the local-styled way of living, you surely would cut the budget effectively. Another big draw is the cost of healthcare is inexpensive even though the medical practitioners and doctors were once trained in a number of Western countries.
2. Ubud, Indonesia
Too many good reasons to retire in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia! Bali, in general, is very beautiful and scenic even though some parts of the island are a bit too touristy—like Seminyak, the heart of amazing beaches and nightlife.
If you plan to retire in Bali, we suggest you choose Ubud. Like other cities in Bali, almost everyone in Ubud can speak English. What separates Ubud from the rest of Balinese cities is you can find serenity with artsy culture and practice meditation with a beautiful view everywhere. And oh, not to mention its affordability that would allow you to live luxuriously with way cheaper price compared to best cities in the world with similar facilities!
3. Malang, Indonesia
Malang has been named as one of the cleanest and coolest cities in Indonesia. A plus point if you plan to retire while still watching your children grow because some of the best Indonesian universities are located in Malang.
To ease the boredom during your retirement, opt for Mount Bromo to experience the picturesque golden sunrise or take a two-hour drive to Surabaya for a more urban experience.
The layout of the city is very similar to Bandung’s, West Java. Especially years ago, one might mistake Malang for Bandung at a glance and vice versa, because these cities used to have similar weather and atmosphere—way before Bandung was invaded by more pollution, so to speak.
4. Laguna, the Philippines
Take 1 until 2-hour drive from the capital and welcome to the best place to retire in the Philippines! The city really pays a great attention to the future of potential retirees by holding a retired-oriented program, not to mention its proximity to Manila—making it more favourable. Scenic landscape, growing housing developments, and accessible public transportation is amongst the aspects which attract more retirees to live here.
5. Cebu, the Philippines
Standing at the crossroad, choosing where to go for between the urban lifestyle or a more modest way of living? You better stay there, as Cebu lies right at the equilibrium between those two—no, you don’t have to choose one! Retirees can live comfortably too due to its status as a popular medical tourism destination. In other words, access to more innovative healthcare systems can easily be found everywhere in the metropolitan city.
6. Nha Trang, Vietnam
Popular as the Riviera of the South China Sea, this tranquil city in Vietnam offers charming coastline and a myriad of interesting activities. During your free time, you can rent a bike to stroll around the coastal city to enjoy great ancient structures—such as Po Nagar Temple, Phap Vien Thanh Buddhist Institute, Nha Trang Cathedral, etc. at the same time.
Retire in Nha Trang, according to sources we gathered, would give you a very relaxed atmosphere and many of the retired people choose an ocean-view home as the shelter. Do not have to worry much about home maintenance because hiring a regular cleaner would only cost less than US$50 per month per eight cleaning sessions.
7. Hoi An, Vietnam
A Vietnamese city of Hoi An is famous for its dense mixture of Chinese, Japanese, and French Colonial. So, if you are into arts, history, and culture, with sultry air and view of pagodas paving your sight every time you enter the road, Hoi An is no doubt a great option to retire.
Like many cities in Southeast Asia, the disturbance that you might encounter when living in Hoi An is most likely the loud distraction on road caused by ceaseless honking and a high number of motorcycles and scooters here and there. However, there are many options for a weekend getaway to escape from the hustle bustle of the main road. Head west to savour deserted scenery and charming villages under the mountains of the Central Highlands. More of a beach person than mountain seeker? Go east and you would have sun, sea, and sand in your eyes.
8. Da Lat, Vietnam
There is a peaceful town of Da Lat in the Central Highlands. Da Lat is less touristy compared to Hoi An. Once you stay in Da Lat, Alpine-styled structure, emerald pine forests, fresh spring-like climate, beautiful lakes would certainly be your daily scenery; and these are the big draws for a retired family.
Even compared to other cities in Vietnam, Da Lat is considered relatively a low-cost town to live in. In early 2017, a couple admitted they only spend less than US$500 per month to rent a house that has a well-equipped kitchen, huge bathrooms, and wood floors for bedrooms. The same source also conveys, Da Lat provides European feel as you can sip your tea by the lake that is paved with flowering shrubs.
9. Siem Reap, Cambodia
The combination of rice paddies with ancient temples are the main features you would spot in Siem Reap. Some people go for Phnom Penh to have a cooler atmosphere and longer dry season. But nothing beats the loveliness and thriving culinary choices in Siem Reap, and locals here mostly are able to speak English; making this dynamic city a place with a solid base for networking.
Yet, issues to consider when living in Cambodia should also be anticipated, such as inconsistent electrical power flows, slow internet connection, and slim access to healthcare in more rural areas in Cambodia. However, as the tourism grows rapidly here, so does its infrastructure. Many progressive developments have marked the country’s attainment annually. Thus, make sure you choose the housing area where supporting infrastructure and services work more properly.
10. Krabi Town, Thailand
Krabi is located on the west coast in southern Thailand and famous for its classic virgin beaches. The remarkable advantage is this town allows you to be whoever you want to be—a super adventurous one or a calm seeker, and the best part is you can be both at a time! Light up your adventurous self by trying kayaking, sailing, and snorkelling or enjoy the view of its main national parks, Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bokk- horani.
Housing options would be a bit tricky in Krabi. We should not insist on ourselves to find a permanent house online for one strong reason: the limited sources. It is better to rent a temporary accommodation and find the permanent one once you arrive in Krabi. The long and short terms accommodation in Krabi usually would cost around Baht 3000-30,000 monthly. As for the entertainment, you have to familiarize yourself with small bars instead of luxurious clubs.