Malaysia. It’s a country that makes all the “Top 10” destinations, especially when it comes to retiring overseas. Today’s article explains why I think this is a bad idea and how most of these lists miss the country’s major downsides.
Keep in mind that this whole article is just my opinion. However, I have met numerous people who’ve had similar experiences in Malaysia.
So that’s why I’m writing this.
International Living ranks Malaysia as the 7th best country to retire to. The list features like the low cost of living, inexpensive medical treatment, air-conditioned shopping malls, and friendly locals who always ask “Have you eaten yet?”
A lot of other blogs, newsletters, and YouTube channels rank Malaysia highly for the same reasons.
Now, here’s the problem…
Malaysia Is Boring
People brag about how developed Malaysia is. But the country is also very artificial.
Visiting urban Malaysia, like capital city Kuala Lumpur, is like visiting Des Moines, Iowa or Springfield, Illinois. Everything is very planned and much of the country feels like you are in a meticulously designed, fake city.
There’s big malls. Lots of traffic. And tons of fast-food joints or chain restaurants.
The countryside isn’t much better.
Most of Malaysia’s natural beauty has been destroyed to make way for tree farms and other agricultural ventures.
While you’re looking at rows of hand-planted palm trees, not corn, the Malaysian countryside has a similar artificial farm feel as driving through Kansas or Nebraska.
If you’ve never lived in a tropical place before, this might be cool at first. But it will get old, very quickly.
Speaking of fake, a lot of people are charmed by the “local” Malaysian expression “Have you eaten yet?” This is actually a common Chinese greeting, and it’s used here because a huge percentage of the population is actually Chinese.
The country is divided into three ethnic groups: Chinese, Indian, and local Malaysians.
And there’s a lot of tension between these three.
A friend who visited Malaysia told me that he felt very uneasy sometimes. Because you’d have people “mean-mugging” or getting super aggressive with you as you walked down the street. Unlike many Asian countries, there’s a lot of ethnic resentment here and hostility to any outsiders. Indian people don’t like anyone who isn’t Indian, or the Chinese think less of non-Chinese. That sort of thing.
A lot of these issues might not seem super obvious at first. And it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever actually be in serious danger here. But it is worth mentioning this tension, because most Asian countries are friendly and open to outsiders.
Malaysia Is One Of The Most Expensive Countries In Southeast Asia
While Malaysia is less expensive than the United States or Western Europe, it’s actually not that cheap. A lot of retirement blogs or international lifestyle YouTube channels will note that you can live here for around $2,500 per month. Again, that is far less expensive than most of the US.
But it isn’t really that much of a bargain when you compare the country to its neighbors.
Vietnam is significantly less expensive. And you could have an incredibly comfortable lifestyle there for under $2,000 per month.
In a city like Ho Chi Minh, you can easily rent a luxury serviced apartment (laundry and housekeeping included) for well under $1,000 per month. And a lot of nice restaurants (we’re talking places wealthy Hong Kong residents fly in specifically to eat at), are way under $100 for two people.
Vietnam also has some of the best coffee and café culture in the world.
And many of these fantastic coffee shops charge less than $2 a cup.
Not to mention all the different little activities like water puppet shows, boat rides, plays, etc.
All of these are very affordable, and there’s western style shopping malls and grocery stores too. Plus, things get even cheaper if you go outside of the major cities. Places like Da Nang or Nha Trang (both beautiful seaside resort towns), have apartments and rental houses well under $500 per month.
But this isn’t going to be an article all about how awesome Vietnam is. Instead, I want to share another developed, Asian country that’s inexpensive and where people speak English. This is also a place with affordable, quality healthcare. And there’s a lot of rich culture and history that you can enjoy as well.
Drumroll please…
The #1 Asian Country For Retirement
Thailand is the best Asian country for expats looking for something exotic and fun, while still being comfortable and safe.
The country is reasonably prices, and its capital city, Bangkok, can go toe-to-toe with any international city. There’s everything from luxury shopping and western grocery stores, to family-run street food vendors and ancient Buddhist temples. Yet, the prices remain very affordable. And the city is incredibly safe.
Just to give you an example, you could rent a room at the gorgeous Hotel Clover Asoke Bangkok (pictured above) for less than $30 per night.
You also have access to some great medical care, plus some amazing tourist destinations all over the country. There’s Khon Kaen which is a quiet, relaxing city that’s surrounded by nature. Hua Hin is a neat little beach town. And southern Thailand’s cities like Krabi are absolutely beautiful.
All of these places are absolutely fantastic. And Thai people are super friendly and nice, no matter where you go.
If you’re looking to retire or live aboard someplace exotic, Thailand is a far superior choice. You have all the same modern comforts of Malaysia, but the country has more to do and the people are much friendlier.