Ranking "The World's Best Places to Retire" – Thailand and Malaysia Make the List

▲ Top 10 cities people aspire to retire in. Pictured here is No. 3, Mexico. (Photo / Provided photo, photographed by reporter Yout
u)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

Retiring and moving to your favorite city to live a leisurely life every day is the dream of many travelers. But where are the most coveted countries for retirement? The international lifestyle magazine International Living ranked the “World’s Best Places to Retire,” with Ecuador in South America taking the top spot, and Asia’s Thailand and Malaysia both making the list.

No. 10, Thailand

▲ Riding an elephant in the Thai jungle. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)

The content mentions that in Thailand, retirees can wander around uniquely gilded temples, cruise Bangkok’s canals, and ride elephants along jungle trails. They can also experience traditional handicrafts such as silk weaving and wood carving from mountain tribe villagers—all at affordable prices. Alternatively, one can spend time on white sandy beaches shaded by swaying coconut trees, serenaded by cicadas all night long.

The report also notes that retiring in Thailand offers many options—Bangkok offers a bustling atmosphere, northern Thailand provides a quiet and inexpensive lifestyle, and the southern region boasts beautiful seaside spots. Moreover, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low compared to many other countries, which is a major reason for its inclusion on the list.

No. 9, Portugal
Portugal is Europe’s smallest country. Its relatively low cost of living and nearly perfect climate are considered reasons for its inclusion. Many travelers enjoy playing golf or engaging in water sports there, and the locals are extremely hospitable, often making foreigners feel right at home.

If you dream of spending your retirement among golden beaches, almond groves, castles, or hilltop towns surrounded by lush forests, Portugal is the perfect place. Whether it’s ancient monasteries, castles, quaint cottages, or traditional fishing villages along the coast—full of culture, romance, and adventure—Portugal has it all.

No. 8, Colombia
Located in South America, Colombia is famous for its colonial cities. Along the Caribbean coast, there are many well-known resorts. More importantly, Colombia also has a relatively low cost of living. Flights from South America’s Miami to Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena take just three hours. Additionally, Colombia has a rich cultural vibe but is also a modern and advanced city. Whether it’s the contemporary urban landscape, a cabin in the desert, or a Caribbean seaside town, retirees can find their ideal pace of life.

No. 7, Spain
With sun-drenched white houses, cool courtyards, olive groves nearby, and deep blue seas, plus an abundance of sunshine—Spain is just such a beautiful place. Choosing to spend your retirement here is not unusual, as Spain is the country Europeans most frequently relocate to. Many retirees are drawn to Spain’s southern seaside towns, such as Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, where many foreigners reside.

No. 6: Malta
Malta consists of three islands located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. It takes about 90 minutes to reach by boat from Sicily in Italy, but it also has a modern airport—flights from Rome take just one hour. With only 3.1 million residents, Malta’s lush and pristine environment caters to a “secluded” lifestyle in retirement. Having been under British rule for 150 years, Malta has many traces of British culture, and English is an official language, so nearly everyone speaks fluent English here.

No. 5: Costa Rica
If you want to live the most genuine kind of retirement life, then consider Costa Rica. Many visitors come here for its emerald-green mountains and crystal-clear blue seas. With 60 years of democratic governance, Costa Rica is known as the most peaceful country in Latin America.

Costa Rica boasts undeveloped stretches of Caribbean and Pacific beaches, lush jungles teeming with wildlife, towering volcanoes, countless clear lakes and rivers, and waterfalls. Even more stunning are the mesmerizing sunrises, sunsets, and starry skies. This naturally abundant country enjoys a slow pace of life and a comfortable climate, even earning the title of “the greenest and cleanest country.”

No. 4: Malaysia

▲ Malaysia is rich in cultural characteristics. (Photo / Provided by the Malaysian Tourism Board)

Once a British colony, Malaysia, aside from the skyscrapers of its capital Kuala Lumpur, also features tropical beaches and lush rainforests. Influenced by its history, Malaysia blends a variety of cultures. From architectural features and traditional customs to clothing and cuisine, the integration of cultures has created richness. This makes it easy for foreign visitors to integrate, and the locals are very friendly, often happy to chat with tourists or introduce them to their homes.

English is widely spoken here, and the medical environment is on par with Western countries. Most healthcare institutions employ professionals with international certifications, and the cost of living is low.

No. 3: Mexico

▲ Mexico’s beautiful ancient mountain towns. (Photo / Reported by photographer Yout
u)

Lazy white beaches, rugged mountains dotted with ancient colonial towns, Mayan pyramids, and simple fishing villages—no wonder many choose to retire in Mexico. Whether shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, cycling, hiking, paragliding, or collecting crafts, Mexico has it all. The country’s innate beauty attracts travelers on its own.

With a Spanish colonial background, Mexico is immersed in Baroque architecture and elegant cafés. Mexico is the most popular country for those dreaming of a relaxed, romantic new life, and its affordable cost of living keeps travelers staying. The “small-town feel” enhances the sense of quality of life here.

No. 2: Panama
No matter what kind of lifestyle you lead, you can find a place in Panama that suits you. You can choose to live in a mountain town or on a tropical beach, or even enjoy organic farming life in a small countryside village. Panama offers an astonishing variety of landscapes. It is also a developing city where beautiful beaches and rolling green tropical mountains are everywhere, along with fertile farmland and tropical rainforests, allowing travelers to find a settlement that feels just like home.

1st Place: Ecuador

The weather in Ecuador is always comfortable and pleasant, featuring snow-capped volcanoes, dense Amazon jungles, or the famous Pacific beaches of the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador is suitable for everyone to live in and offers nearly perfect conditions for realizing your dreams.

Here you can choose between city life or a peaceful retreat in the mountains and forests. Reports indicate that Ecuador’s natural scenery is its biggest draw, but the cost of living here is incredibly affordable. Whether in the bustling capital or coastal towns, retiring on a low budget is entirely possible.