Are you starting to plan your retirement and have made the decision that you want to spend your golden years in South East Asia? Maybe it’s the culture, the history, the people, the weather, and the scenery that draws you, or you just want to experience a different kind of life in your retirement years. Regardless of the reason, there are some countries that have really set the bar in South East Asia for those looking to retire. Let’s take a look at some of the countries you’ll want to consider.
Thailand
Arguably the most popular place for people to retire in South East Asia is Thailand. If you’re all about the beach in terms of a retirement home, there are no better beaches than what Thailand has to offer. These are some of the most pristine, tropical, and stunning beaches in the world.
Thais believe in a life that combines harmony with pleasure, and what better way to spend your retirement? It seems as though everywhere you look in this country, you can find beauty, interesting people, a rich and diverse culture, history, and some of the best cuisine the world has to offer.
In terms of cost, this is another thing that Thailand has going for it. While it has risen in price over the past decade thanks to popularity, it is still seen as a very affordable place to travel to, and purchase property in. You’ll find that your money stretches quite far, not just with property, but with the general cost of living – including dining, shopping, entertainment, and even transportation.
Narrowing down the list of potential places to retire in Thailand, you may want to look at such places as Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. Each has its own list of benefits and has its own ‘flavor’ if you will, so be sure to investigate them all before making a decision.
Vietnam
Another really intriguing destination for those looking to retire in South East Asia is Vietnam. This country has really started to establish itself on the world scene for offering a vibrant and enthusiastic energy that visitors find quite welcoming. What this means is that you can have a laidback retirement life if you like, but Vietnam also offers plenty of excitement and activities if you so choose.
A huge pro for Vietnam is that it is one of the cheapest in terms of affordability. Newcomers are often shocked at just how low the prices are, and how much real estate they can get for their money here. What this means is that your retirement savings will take you far and you’ll be living a very comfortable life in Vietnam.
So, where should you purchase property in Vietnam? That really comes down to your personal tastes and how you envision spending your retirement. If you like the idea of being near a beach, you’ll appreciate that there are over 2,000 miles worth of coastline in Vietnam, giving you lots to choose from.
Then again, if you like more of the city life and being part of the action, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City would make more sense. Keep in mind that city living will be more expensive than that of the more rural and less urbanized areas, but it is still very low.
Malaysia
While Malaysia may not be the first country to come to mind, it really should be on your short-list of options. Not only is Malaysia a stunning country filled with natural beauty, it also has its own rich culture, history, architecture, attractions, cuisine, and people to get to know.
What makes Malaysia so spectacular is the blend of traditional with modern. Sure, you’ll find all those traditional homes, sites, and architecture, but you can also find very high-tech and urban cities such as Kuala Lumpur. And if a city location isn’t for you, you can check out the areas that surround the mountains and line the beaches, as well as the rainforest and more.
In terms of retiring here, you’ll appreciate the fact that there are a lot of different types of properties to invest in. You can visit the PropertyGuru site for the most recent listings as you scroll through the many options such as the popular axis residence. Use the filters to find specific features like a bungalow, terraced house, apartment, condominium, and more. Your retirement home can be anything you want.
Other standout features in Malaysia include the fact that property is relatively affordable, as is the cost of living, there is no tax on income that is repatriated from outside of Malaysia, and there is no inheritance tax. Malaysia is perfect for those who want an exotic location that can give you a bit of everything making sure you never feel bored or lacking in culture and activities.
So, if you’re looking to retire to South East Asia, these countries are ones that should definitely be on your short list of contenders.
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