Best Place To Retire In Southeast Asia In 2024

If you’ve ever thought about retiring in Southeast Asia and you are looking into the topic of the best places to retire in Southeast Asia, you have landed on the perfect place. Throughout today’s article, we will be exploring the pros and cons of retiring in Southeast Asia.

Like every country globally, there are always the good and bad sides, and some areas may be more suitable for you than others. Still, whatever Southeast Asian country you decide to retire in, it’s always essential that safety is the number one priority. Thus, we recommend seeking assistance from your embassy or local travel authorities.

Table of Contents

Best Place To Retire In Southeast Asia

This section will cover the best places to retire in South East Asia by introducing some unique information about each country. This is followed by a small list of pros and cons regarding retirement options and lifestyles in each country.

Retirement Option 1: Burma (Myanmar)

Until recent times Burma, AKA Myanmar, was known as a safe and pleasant hotspot for tourism and an excellent option for retirees. However, many embassies have warned against traveling to Burma during this troubling time.

Burma might be one of the best places to retire in southeast Asia previously, but during this time, we recommend against travel until the current situation improves.

Pros Of Retiring In Burma As A Foreigner

Low cost of living across Burma
Close to other southeast Asian countries

Cons Of Retiring In Burma As A Foreigner

Ongoing conflict with local and government officials
Most travel authorities warn against any travel to Burma
Uncertain future for those wishing to retire to Burma

No retirement visa. Long term stays must be under another visa type
The visa process can be complicated and lengthy

Retirement Option 2: Cambodia

Cambodia shares its borders with two other contenders from the best places to retire in the South East Asia list: Thailand and Vietnam. Cambodia itself is known for its beautiful landscapes, mountains, and history. Some travelers are surprised by the level of English spoken in Cambodia, but despite this, English is still in high demand across the country.

Cambodia might be the best place to retire in Southeast Asia if you are looking for a cheaper way of life. Cambodia also offers fantastic weather throughout the year.

Pros Of Retiring In Cambodia As A Foreigner

Fantastic history and scenery across the country
Overall low cost of living across Cambodia
English is spoken in many cities, including stores and malls

Opportunities for investors, especially in real estate
Straight forward retirement visa process
Annual Retirement visa extension is only $290

Cons Of Retiring In Cambodia As A Foreigner

Cambodia offers a different lifestyle than other countries and may not be for everyone
Some areas can be very quiet

Some areas are known for frequent power cuts
Poverty is visible across the larger cities such as Phnom Phen
Hotel prices can be much higher than the quality given

Reports of corruption but not as high as other southeast Asian countries

Retirement Option 3: Indonesia

Indonesia has increased in popularity over the last several years, especially with expats (digital nomads) who have decided to live and work in Indonesia. Prices for Indonesia can range depending on your location and your overall lifestyle. Nonetheless, Indonesia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and remains a popular hotspot for retirees living in Asia.

Indonesia has become the best place to retire in Southeast Asia for some expats and has become the home for many retirees. Therefore, it may be the best place to retire in Asia if you are looking for a expat community, stunning beaches, and enjoy a low-cost way of life.

Pros Of Retiring In Indonesia As An Expat

Indonesia has some of the most beautiful retirement places in southeast Asia

Indonesia is affordable for many expats looking to retire in Southeast Asia
Locals are amicable and warm
There is a large expat community in Bali and other areas

Easy lifestyle for many retirees living in Southeast Asia

Cons Of Retiring In Indonesia As An Expat

Traffic can be a big problem, especially during peak times

In major cities, noise can be an issue for some retirees
Prices are generally low but can quickly add up in Indonesia
Beer, Wine, and spirits can be very expensive in tourist areas

Fewer investment options compared to other Asian countries

Retirement Option 4: Laos

Laos is on the border of several countries, and as a result, Laos is classified as a landlocked country, meaning that there are no beach resorts in the country. The language of Laos is very similar to Thailand, which will be useful to you if you have previously learned Thai. Nevertheless, English is a high-demand service across Laos.

The country of Laos might be the best place to retire in southeast Asia for you if you enjoy city vibes and a quieter way of life. Laos also has some traditional laws regarding erotic activity between a foreigner and Laos citizens, which may be good to read about if you are looking at the best places to retire in Asia and you are a singleton.

Pros Of Retiring In Laos As A Foreigner

Locals are known to be welcoming and friendly to foreigners

Prices in Laos, especially for local food, can be very cheap
Laos has many quiet areas
Great retirement country for those looking for a city life

Thai and Laos language is similar

Cons Of Retiring In Laos As A Foreigner

No retirement visa. A retiree must obtain another visa type, such as a business visa

The Laos government prohibits erotic relationships between foreign and Laos nationals, except when the two parties have been married
Inadequate internet speed in many areas
No access to beaches or seaports as Laos is a landlocked country

Public transport is very poor and can be nonassessable

Retirement Option 5: Malaysia

Malaysia has fantastic culture, and it’s most known for its beaches and rainforests. Malaysia is not the cheapest country in South East Asia; nonetheless, there are more affordable options for those looking to retire in Southeast Asia cheaply. Statistically, the English proficiency level spoken in Malaysia is higher than in other southeast Asian countries.

Malaysia might become the best place to retire in Southeast Asia if you are looking for a unique experience living in Asia. However, the country has many cheap and expensive living options for retirees and has some cons, which will be discussed below to give a clearer picture of retiring in Asia.

Pros Of Retiring In Malaysia As An Expat

The food is highly accessible and is delicious

Fantastic weather and warm climate
Locals are known to be friendly and welcome to visitors
Lots of historic places and beautiful beaches

Opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs

Cons Of Retiring In Malaysia As An Expat

Corruption is known to be frequent in Malaysia

Safety concerns are real across some areas of Malaysia
Traffic can be a significant issue, especially in the capital during peak times
It can be unclean in several regions across the country

Driving is unsafe, and traffic rules are extremely relaxed

Retirement Option 6: The Philippines

The Philippines is a developing country that has seen an increase in tourism over the last several years. Still, despite its growth, neighboring countries such as Thailand receive up to five times more tourism levels than the Philippines (Pre Covid-19). The Philippines has a rich culture, including American culture, which may lead to one of the best countries to retire in South East Asia for an American.

The Philippines is one of the best places to retire in Southeast Asia for many, English is high, and lifestyles for retirees in the Philippines are excellent. However, one should pay close attention to potential scams, which are unfortunately common in the Philippines.

Pros Of Retiring In The Philippines As A Foreigner

Filipinos have the highest level of English across Asia

The islands of the Philippines are diverse and offer many retirement options
The people are known to be open and welcoming with visitors
Many opportunities if you wish to volunteer and help the country grow

There are many investment opportunities for foreigners retiring in the Philippines

Cons Of Retiring In The Philippines As A Foreigner

Traffic is terrible in many areas, including Davao, Cebu, and Manila.

Scams are common in the Philippines
The Philippines is still developing, so some significant issues remain
Many parts of the cities are dirty with rubbish and half-finished building sites.

The Philippines can be more expensive than other southeast Asian countries

Retirement Option 7: Singapore

Singapore is a country that is often not discussed as it’s usually not a retiree hotspot compared to cheaper retirement options in South East Asia. Still, it remains one of the best places to retire in South East Asia for foreigners if your budget allows for this. Singapore is also well known to be a tax haven for entrepreneurs.

In other words, Singapore may be the best place to retire in Southeast Asia if money is not an issue. However, if you are looking for a less expensive way of life, Singapore may not be the best place to retire in Asia.

Pros Of Retiring In Singapore As A Foreigner

Tax haven for entrepreneurs and business tycoons

Much cleaner and safer compared to other Asian countries
There are many hospital facilities across Singapore
A unique quality of life

The local people and their kindness

Cons Of Retiring In Singapore As A Foreigner

Much more expensive than retiring in other southeast Asian countries

Many parts can be exceedingly busy
Transport and other retirement living expenses can be high
Singapore feels more Weston than other southeast Asian countries

Retirement Option 8: Thailand

One of the most popular areas to retire in Asia as a foreigner in Thailand. Thailand offers a very relaxing and various lifestyle for those looking at the best places to retire in South East Asia. Thailand can also become one of the cheapest destinations to retire. If you retire and live in the North of Thailand, prices are often much lower than in the South.

Is Thailand the best place to retire in Southeast Asia? For many, it has been and still is. Many things have changed in Thailand, but it still remains one of the most popular and best places to retire in southeast Asia for foreigners.

Pros Of Retiring In Thailand As A Foreigner

Easy lifestyle for a retiree in Thailand
Low cost of living

The Thailand retirement visa process is straightforward
Investing and starting a business in Thailand is possible
Accessible areas across the country

Cons Of Retiring In Thailand As A Foreigner

Low levels of English proficiency in some areas
Corruption is typical and frequent in Thailand

More visa requirements in Thailand company other Asian countries
Living in areas such as Chiang Mai can be difficult during the burning season

Retirement Option 9: Vietnam

Another retirement option for South East Asia is Vietnam. Vietnam has dramatically changed since the war, and those who stayed in Vietnam during that time to later revisit are often shocked at how contemporary the country has become. Among a few other areas, Da Nang is well known for foreigners looking to retire in Asia due to its beautiful beaches and low rental prices of accommodation.

For many foreigners, the best place to retire in southeast Asia is Vietnam. The people, food, and beaches are some of the most common positives to this beautiful country.

Pros Of Retiring In Vietnam As An Expat

More upbeat and modern lifestyle in the bigger cities
Gorgeous and award-winning beaches
Low cost of living for retirement in Asia

Many major expat communities across Vietnam

Cons Of Retiring In Vietnam As An Expat

Noise is a significant issue on Vietnam roads

Crime is very high in certain areas
Reports of police corruption
Health care is below Weston standard

What Is The Best Place To Retire In Southeast Asia?

The best place to retire in Southeast Asia depends on what kind of lifestyle you are looking for in your retirement. Each country we have spoken about today has a host of cities that offer diverse retirement options for those looking to retire in South East Asia.

Based on the data gathered, if you are looking for a quieter, less touristy area, you may find a country such as Laos to be the best place to retire in Asia for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more modern way of life, regions such as Thailand may be suitable. But if you are looking for hospitality and friendly locals who speak English fluently, then the Philippines may be the right option.

When deciding what is the best place to retire in Southeast Asia, one fact to remember is that you do not need to stay permanently. Many retirees who move to Southeast Asia have a base but frequently visit other countries. This allows them to restart their visa in the original country and not overstay their visa.

This is important to note as some countries do not offer retirement visas for foreigners, and thus, on some occasions, such as Laos and Burma, you will need to obtain other visa types such as a business visa.

When you decide where to retire in Asia, what is recommended is to first take a trip to each country you may be interested in. Visiting each country will allow you to feel the country’s vibe. Some retirees prefer countries with a high level of expats, and some prefer more remote countries. Fundamentally the lifestyle you are looking to obtain will be an essential factor when deciding the best place to retire in South East Asia.