Thinking about where to retire? I know it’s a tough decision. Southeast Asia has been calling a lot of retirees, and for good reason. Best countries to retire in Southeast Asia pop up in almost every conversation, and if you’re not asking, you’re missing out. What’s the catch, right? Let’s break it down, place by place, and keep it real.
Thailand: Phuket – Expat Dreamland
Phuket is a no-brainer for retirees.
Why? First off, it’s stunning. The beaches are postcard-perfect. Second, it has some of the best expat-friendly infrastructure in the region. Need international schools for the grandkids? Covered. Want healthcare that doesn’t break the bank? Bangkok Hospital Phuket offers top-tier private care, and it’s internationally accredited.
Now, let’s talk cost of living. Here, you can get by with £1,200 a month comfortably. That’s rent, utilities, food, and a few nice dinners out by the beach. Want to stretch it further? Look into Chiang Mai, but Phuket’s coastal vibe wins hands down for beach lovers.
Visa Options in Thailand
Thailand makes it easy for retirees with their Retirement Visa (O-A Visa). You need to be at least 50 years old and show some financial stability (like a pension or savings). Plus, you get access to affordable healthcare, which is a huge win for long-term planning.
I’ve met retirees who’ve been in Phuket for over a decade, loving every second. The strong expat community is a huge draw, and with meetups happening almost daily, you won’t feel alone. Just imagine daily coffee by the beach with a bunch of like-minded retirees. It’s like a club, but better.
Oh, and did I mention the property investment opportunities? Buying a freehold condo in Phuket could be one of the best decisions you make. Property prices are still reasonable, but they’re rising fast. Get in early, rent it out when you’re not using it, and you’re set for life.
Phuket, Thailand
Indonesia: Bali – Retire in Paradise
If Phuket’s too polished for your taste, Bali is calling.
Bali has an easy-going charm you can’t deny. You get the stunning tropical surroundings plus a rich culture that’s seriously magnetic.
Cost of living? £800 a month. That’s rent, food, and a decent healthcare plan. Want a more luxury-style villa? Push that budget to £1,200, and you’ll live like royalty. The catch? Healthcare’s not the best in Bali, but BIMC Hospital and Siloam Hospital in Kuta can cover most needs. Expats often fly to nearby Singapore or Thailand for anything serious. But for day-to-day stuff? Bali’s got you sorted.
Visa Options in Bali
Bali’s Retirement Visa (KITAS) is fairly easy to get. You must be over 55 and have proof of income or savings. That’s a no-brainer for most retirees. And while the government requires you to hire a local maid or driver, most expats see that as a bonus! Who doesn’t want someone helping around the house?
If you’re a bit spiritual, Bali’s the place to be. From Ubud’s yoga retreats to Canggu’s surf beaches, it’s all about balance. You won’t just retire—you’ll transform.
Property investment here? Not as straightforward as Thailand. Foreigners can’t technically own land in Indonesia, but there are leasehold options. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, Bali’s tourism scene means you could make a decent income from holiday rentals.
Bali, Indonesia
Malaysia: Penang – Affordable and Expat-Friendly
Penang is another gem, especially for those who want the best of both worlds: beach and city.
Cost of living in Penang is lower than Phuket or Bali. You can live here comfortably for around £800 to £1,000 a month. Healthcare in Malaysia is top-notch, and retirees love the fact that the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa offers great benefits. It’s a 10-year visa that’s renewable, and you don’t even need to stay in the country full-time to keep it.
Penang’s also got a strong expat community, and it’s not just retirees. You’ll find digital nomads, young families, and solo travellers all mingling together, creating an eclectic vibe that makes the place feel alive.
Penang’s property market is also worth exploring. You can buy property here as a foreigner, and prices are still relatively low compared to Kuala Lumpur.
George Town, Malaysia
Vietnam: Da Nang – The Up-and-Coming Retirement Haven
Da Nang is Vietnam’s wildcard, but it’s growing fast.
If you want a low-cost retirement with beachfront views, this might be your spot. Cost of living is dirt cheap compared to Phuket and Bali. I’m talking about £600 a month—yes, that’s rent, food, utilities, everything. It’s a no-brainer if you want to retire somewhere affordable.
What’s the healthcare like? Vietnam’s private hospitals have been catching up in recent years. Vinmec International Hospital is one of the most trusted facilities, but it’s nowhere near what Thailand offers. Still, for day-to-day care, it’s perfectly fine.
Visa Options in Vietnam
Vietnam doesn’t have a formal retirement visa, but the business visa route is still open. It’s not as streamlined as Thailand or Malaysia, but many retirees don’t mind the extra paperwork because of the low costs.
If you’re into a quieter vibe and don’t mind a little adventure, Da Nang’s going to be your perfect match.
Property investment? Yes, it’s possible in Vietnam. Foreigners can buy 30-year leaseholds, and Da Nang’s property market is set to grow.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Philippines: Makati – English-Speaking Retirement
If speaking the local language worries you, Makati in the Philippines is your best bet.
English is everywhere. Healthcare is decent—better than Bali but not on par with Thailand. St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila is a top choice for expats. Cost of living in Makati? £900 a month gives you a decent apartment, daily necessities, and a few dinners out.
Visa Options in the Philippines
The Philippines offers an SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa), which is pretty flexible. No age limit, no strict income requirements, and you get permanent residency. It’s hands-down one of the easiest places to settle down in Southeast Asia for long-term expats.
When it comes to property investment, Makati in Metro Manila has experienced steady growth year after year.
Makati, Phillippines
Cost of Living Comparison: Phuket vs. Bali vs. Penang vs. Da Nang vs. Makati
- Phuket: £1,200/month – Ideal for retirees wanting high-end living and world-class healthcare.
- Bali: £800/month – Perfect for a spiritual, nature-centric lifestyle with basic healthcare.
- Penang: £800-1,000/month – A balanced mix of city and beach life, with great healthcare.
- Da Nang: £600/month – Best for budget-conscious retirees who want beachfront living.
- Makati: £900/month – The go-to for English speakers, offering solid healthcare and city living.
Lifestyle in Southeast Asia
If you’re looking for a place that blends adventure with comfort, Southeast Asia has got you covered. But each location offers something a little different.
Phuket, Thailand, is known for its laid-back luxury. You’ll find beachfront villas, high-end restaurants, and an expat community that makes integration easy. Expats love the chilled vibes in Rawai and Patong, where there are always meetups happening. Bali, on the other hand, offers a more spiritual, nature-focused lifestyle. If you’re into yoga or just want to unwind, Ubud in Bali is the spot. Both Phuket and Bali attract retirees for the sun and sea, but there’s a clear difference in energy between the two.
Penang: The Cultural Hotspot
I can’t leave out Penang, Malaysia. It’s known as a cultural hub with a mix of old and new. You’ve got George Town, a UNESCO heritage site, offering colourful streets and affordable living. If you like the idea of being in a bustling city with the beach a short drive away, Penang’s perfect.
With a diverse population, you’ll fit right in. Retirees in Penang appreciate the fusion of food, the affordable healthcare, and the relatively low cost of living. It’s not just about retiring—it’s about experiencing a whole new lifestyle.
Da Nang: The Budget Choice
Now, if you’re budget-conscious, Da Nang, Vietnam, is a hidden gem. It’s cheaper than Phuket, Bali, or Penang, but the quality of life isn’t compromised. Imagine living by the sea for under £600 a month—that’s rent, food, and more! Retirees are flocking to Da Nang for its peace, growing expat community, and stunning beaches. It’s less developed than Phuket or Bali, so if you’re into more tranquil surroundings, it’s a great choice.
Makati: Manila’s Urban Playground
If you’re after city life in the Philippines, Makati is the place to be.
It’s the financial centre of Metro Manila, but it’s not all about work – it’s a mixture of business and city lifestyle. I like it because everything’s close by – Shops, restaurants, and cafes are everywhere. If you want a good night out, this is the place to be.
Makati isn’t the beachside retreat some other parts of the Philippines offer, but if you like a fast-paced, city lifestyle with plenty of options, you’ll feel right at home.
Healthcare in Southeast Asia
Now, let’s get real. Healthcare is essential, especially as you get older. Southeast Asia has some strong options for retirees.
Phuket, Thailand, stands out for its world-class healthcare. You’ve got Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Mission Hospital providing quality care at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home. Whether it’s routine check-ups or more serious procedures, you can get top-notch treatment.
In Bali, the healthcare is good, but most expats head to BIMC Hospital and Siloam Hospital Denpasar or fly to Singapore for anything major. Keep that in mind if you have specific health concerns.
Penang? Now that’s a healthcare hub. Penang Adventist Hospital and Island Hospital are go-tos for international retirees. It’s one of the reasons retirees pick Malaysia—they know they’ll be in good hands.
Da Nang has its limitations in healthcare. While Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital is improving, most expats in Vietnam still rely on private insurance for international care.
Healthcare in Makati is decent. It’s better than what you’d get in Da Nang, but not quite at Thailand’s level. St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila is the go-to for expats. It’s known for good care and modern facilities. If you need basic treatments or check-ups, you’re covered. For anything more serious, you might need to head to bigger hospitals abroad.
Visa Options in Southeast Asia
We can’t talk about retirement without talking visas. You don’t want to get stuck in a country where it’s hard to stay long-term, right?
- Thailand offers the Retirement Visa (O-A), which is pretty straightforward. You need to be over 50, show financial proof, and renew it annually. It’s one of the easiest routes to living in Thailand for the long haul.
- Bali offers the Retirement KITAS, which requires you to be over 55. The catch? You also need to hire a local helper, but hey, most expats are happy to do so.
- Malaysia’s MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) is a killer deal. It’s a 10-year visa, renewable, and you don’t need to live in Malaysia full-time. Penang becomes a no-brainer when you consider how flexible this visa is.
- Vietnam doesn’t have a specific retirement visa, but many expats go down the business visa route. It’s a little more paperwork, but for a life in Da Nang, it’s worth the effort.
- The Philippines offers the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), which is great for expats looking to settle in Makati. You can apply from age 35, and there are flexible options depending on whether you want to deposit funds or invest in property. It’s a solid option if you want to enjoy Makati’s urban lifestyle long-term.
Expat Communities and Social Life in Southeast Asia
Moving somewhere new is daunting, especially if you’re retiring. The good news? Phuket, Bali, Penang, and Da Nang have thriving expat communities.
In Phuket, you’ll find large groups of retirees organising meetups, events, and dinners. Rawai is a popular area for this. It’s like an instant social network.
Bali has a more diverse crowd—yoga enthusiasts, digital nomads, and retirees all mix together in places like Canggu and Ubud. If you want a retirement filled with meditation and surfing, Bali’s community has your back.
Penang offers a blend of older retirees and younger digital nomads. There’s always something happening in George Town, and you’ll find international clubs and activities galore.
In Da Nang, things are quieter but still buzzing. The community’s growing, with more retirees flocking to this affordable haven. It’s not as developed socially as Phuket or Bali, but that’s part of the appeal.
Makati is the centre of expat life in Metro Manila. It’s packed with professionals, retirees, and digital nomads. You’ll find networking events, international clubs, and plenty of social activities. From business hubs to trendy bars, Makati makes it easy to connect with other expats and locals.
Best Countries to Retire in Southeast Asia: Where Should You Go?
It’s all about balance, really.
If you want luxury, healthcare, and a strong expat community, Phuket wins. If you’re after spirituality and a laid-back vibe, Bali is unbeatable. For culture, affordability, and world-class healthcare, Penang is hard to beat. But if budget is the bottom line, you can’t ignore Da Nang. If you’re into city life then Makati is a great place to be. Each country has its own vibe, its own set of pros and cons, and trust me, you’ll find something that fits your dream life.
When I first looked into the best countries to retire in Southeast Asia, I had these same questions.
