Thailand has had two of its cities ranked in the top ten of best places to retire.
Hua Hin (in seventh place) and Chiang Mai (in eighth) were the only two Asia cities to make the top ten list published by Live and Invest Overseas, an online resources for people looking to retire overseas in its annual list of the 21 Best Places to Retire Overseas 2015.
Publisher Kathleen Peddicard said: “There is no one way to determine the best place to retire for every person, and that’s why our 2015 Index rates the top destinations around the world that are each special for their own reasons.
“Not everyone wants to retire to the beach. Some want the amenities offered in big cities, while others want the tranquility of a mountain retreat.”
Top of the Index for the second consecutive year was Algarve, Portugal, which already boasts a strong expatriate community, beautiful climate and both quality and affordable healthcare.
The top ten list was as follows:
1. Algarve, Portugal.
2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
3. Cayo, Belize
4. Languedoc, France
5. Abruzzo, Italy
6. Medellin, Colombia
7. Hua Hin, Thailand
8. Chaing Mai, Thailand
9. Cuenca, Ecuador
10. El Valle, Panama
Other Asian cities to make the top 21 list were
11. George Town, Malaysia
20. Cebu, Phillippines
21. Da Nang, Vietnam
Why is Hua Hin so attractive for retirees? We asked Gregory White, a long-time resident of Thailand and owner/broker of Re/MAX Harmony real estate agency.
He told Dot Property Group: “My family and I chose to make Hua Hin our home for many reasons.
“Hua Hin is the original beach get away town for aristocrats, dating all the way back to the 1920’s when His Majesty King Rama Vll, King Prajadhipok, built his summer residence here to escape the sweltering heat of Bangkok.
“The town has the perfect balance of a small city, with the charm and ambiance of a quaint beach town, with just enough of a cosmopolitan flair.
“It also features, white sandy beaches and one of the oldest outdoor fresh markets in Thailand, as well as night markets, floating markets, and the newest edition – coming in early 2016 – The Blue Port mall with many international brand shops.”
White also added that for the sport enthusiast, there are numerous international golf courses, water sports, including the Vana Nava water jungle park, and of course the sea with kite-surfing, kayaking and sailing to name but a few.
“The town also enjoys an international blend of events, from jazz festivals, to vintage auto shows and even has a vast amount of groups, for women, children, artist and more to enjoy and share similar interest.
Perhaps one crucial factor that attracts retirees, and puts Hua Hin into the list of best places to retire globally, is the first class healthcare services with English speaking doctors and nurses.
White concluded: “The town has international schools and universities, plus an endless selection of dining from local Thai sea food, and a great selection of European and Western restaurants, from street vendors to 5-star dining.
“Hua Hin is a nice blend of international resorts, boutique hotels and beach bungalows that provide relaxing accommodation for everyone.”
He ended by inviting everyone to come and enjoy the magical seaside resort town of Hua Hin, and you will understand why we chose Hua Hin as our home.
Image: Hua Hin hotels – panoramio” by Andreas Hörstemeier. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.