Best Places to Retire in Southeast Asia
Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and more: every Southeast Asian retirement destination ranked by RetireScore. Cost, visas, and lifestyle compared honestly.
Southeast Asia offers the lowest cost of living of any retirement region, with tropical climates, world-class healthcare in major cities, and some of the most welcoming retirement visa programs in the world. Thailand's retirement visa, Malaysia's MM2H, and Vietnam's long-stay options make the region accessible.
The trade-off: the climate is hot and humid year-round with a pronounced rainy season, and English proficiency varies significantly. But for retirees on a fixed income, the value is unmatched.
The ranking
#1
Malaysia
Asia
Malaysia
78/100
#2
Thailand
Asia
Thailand
75/100
#3
Philippines
Asia
Philippines
74/100Some axes rest on partial data
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#4
Indonesia
Asia
Indonesia
71/100
#5
Sri Lanka
Asia
Sri Lanka
67/100Some axes rest on partial data
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#6
Cambodia
Asia
Cambodia
65/100
#7
Vietnam
Asia
Vietnam
62/100Some axes rest on partial data
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#8
Laos
Asia
Laos
45/100Some axes rest on partial data
Explore Laos