You step out onto the white powder-soft sand, as beachfront palm trees sway in the breeze just behind you…
Traditional wooden longtail boats bob in the swell just offshore and beyond you can spot soaring craggy limestone towers topped with vegetation on smaller beach-fringed islands. Around you, vendors with wide-brimmed straw hats offer up fresh exotic tropical fruit like mangos, guavas, and the bright red rambutan covered in soft spines, as well as steamed buns and other savory treats.
It’s your tropical getaway in Asia. Exotic—a place of vibrant culture, delicious flavors, tranquil landscapes in a countryside of rice paddies and thick jungle, revered grand temples, and friendly, welcoming locals. Plus, you can live your best life with bargain prices for world-class food, drink, nights out on the town, spa treatments, entertainment…
And you can have your own luxurious home with all the modern comforts and high-end touches to enjoy the peace and seclusion, within earshot of waves lapping against the shore.
Traditional wooden boats are a great way to get around islands like Koh Samui in Thailand.
There are many locations around Asia that offer this enviable lifestyle. But where you land all depends on what type of experience you’re looking for: big city on the beach…lazy island life…a buzzing restaurant and nightlife scene…or some combination. No matter where you go, it won’t break the bank.
Across Asia’s most appealing destinations, you’ll find stunning beach homes for amazingly affordable prices…
I’m talking about an upscale condo with a panoramic view of the South China Sea, with the beach at your doorstep, for just $66,005. Or a luxurious open-air Balinese villa, decorated in folk art and intricately carved tropical hardwood furniture, with private plunge pool surrounded by lush foliage…for just $126,398.
And those are just a start of what’s available in appealing beach destinations across Asia, as you’ll see in the listings below.
If the bargain cost of living, tranquil lifestyle, stellar cuisine, and awe-inspiring natural beauty of this region appeals to you, they’re worth a closer look.
There are appealing destinations across Asia offering you the ultimate beach life.
First, though, a few things to keep in mind…
Many Asian countries have restrictive laws regarding foreign ownership of real estate. Many allow foreigners to own condos and apartments, and even homes, under certain conditions. However, land—even land a home sits on—is often off limits and must be leased. Moreover, sometimes while foreign ownership is technically allowed, you’ll find institutional resistance when it comes time to buy. You’ll find more details on these restrictions with the listings found below in this report.
Given these complications, not to mention the geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and fluctuating government policies, owning a home in Asia can come with complications. These factors can dramatically affect the security and value of real estate investments.
However, if you’re not looking for a significant return on investment, but rather a luxurious home in a seaside paradise—for as little as what you’d pay for a car or small RV back home—these destinations might be worth investigating…
Da Nang, Vietnam offers big city conveniences and beautiful beaches—the best of both worlds.
Koh Samui, Thailand—Easy Living on Coconut Island
At 88 square miles, Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island (after Phuket). It’s in the Gulf of Thailand and is well-known for palm tree lined white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the dense, mountainous rainforest that covers much of the interior.
Ang Thong National Marine Park, a group of 42 islands, is easily accessible from the main island of Koh Samui.
In Koh Samui, it’s always a good time to hit the beach, with temperatures averaging in the low 90s/high 80s F during the day and cooling off the mid-70s F at night. That’s throughout the year.
This used to be a somewhat grungy stop on the backpacker trail. But it has “matured” into a destination for discerning travelers with plenty of luxe accommodations, chic wellness spas, high-end shopping, and gourmet, Michelin-star level restaurants. Don’t fret though—budget meals (you can eat well for a couple bucks per meal) and low-cost leisure activities are still plentiful. Not to mention, you can always indulge in a “local” experience and visit traditional fishing villages, temples, jungle waterfalls, and more.
As its popularity has grown, some of Koh Samui’s beach communities have become busy. But never fear, with so much coastline, there are plenty of quiet stretches of sand where you can relax in the shade and enjoy a good book in quiet solitude as well.
Golden hour on one of Koh Samui’s breathtaking beaches.
This one-bedroom condo on Koh Samui is listed for $112,138. It offers a sea view from the terrace, which has a plunge pool, as well as the bedroom.
Set on the hills above the beach, it is a few minutes’ walk down to the sand.
This one-bedroom condo in Koh Samui lists for $112,138 and features fantastic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
This one-bedroom condo listed for $99,403, recently built, is close to beaches, entertainment, and dining options. The community features a swimming pool, garden, gym, and sauna.
This studio condo, close to the beach and featuring sea views, is available for $114,435. This luxury unit comes furnished and the community features a swimming pool, sun deck, and fitness center.
This studio condo has a sea view and luxury amenities and lists for $114,435.
Da Nang, Vietnam—Historic City Turned Bustling Beach Resort
A former French colonial port, Da Nang has evolved into a modern, booming metropolis on Vietnam’s central coast, with gleaming condo and office towers facing the South China Sea lit vividly with neon at night. The city, and a lengthy stretch of coast to the north and south, is home to many luxury beach resorts catering to visitors from around the world.
Da Nang offers breathtaking beaches along several miles of stunning coastline.
Da Nang is said to have the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. One of the best-known is the famed My Khe beach (many know it as China Beach, used for R&R during the Vietnam War).
Whether you want to simply relax in the sun, catch some waves, or go for a swim, you can find your spot in Da Nang. And if you are interested in culture, you’re spoiled for choice. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the ancient town of Hoi An and the My Son Sanctuary, are close by for day trips. And you’ll find breathtaking Buddhist temples in town and the surrounding countryside.
The famous Lady Buddha temple outside Da Nang.
Clean and modern, safe and friendly, with top shopping, a lively restaurant scene, a pleasant riverside promenade, good transportation links to the rest of the country, and more…Da Nang offers big-city convenience but also seaside relaxation. It is no wonder that it’s an increasingly popular expat destination.
This two-bedroom apartment with a sea view and walking distance to the beach—and all the fun in the sun it offers—is listed at $141,729. Enjoy panoramic views of the water and city from the balcony. And there is a community pool on site.
This two-bedroom sea view condo in Da Nang is listed for $141,729.
Close to My Khe beach, in the heart of the action near restaurants, shops, and other seaside fun, is this one-bedroom condo for $66,005. It’s also close to the city center.
This one-bedroom condo, set on My Khe beach and featuring an expansive sea view, is available for $89,046. It is set within a luxury resort community.
Within this luxury community, you’ll find a condo listed for $89,046 with an expansive sea view.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia—Beach Hopping and Wildlife Watching
Set in Cambodia’s southwest, on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville, once a sleepy seaside town, has turned into an internationally known destination. Still, it retains a laidback beach town vibe and has affordable prices—not just for real estate, but also meals out, groceries, medical care, and other cost of living expenses.
Blue skies, azure waters, golden sands…Sihanoukville is an ideal tropical beach escape.
In terms of beaches, it has some of the most beautiful in the country, including Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach, and there are islands nearby—like Koh Rong—worth a visit too for a more remote, traditional experience. Just a hire local boat to get you there. No matter where you go the locals are friendly and welcoming.
The 52,000-acre Ream National Park just outside of town is a protected area of mangrove, estuary, and undeveloped coastline well worth a visit to glimpse exotic wildlife, including 155 species of birds.
Real estate here is remarkably affordable…
This studio condo, built in 2020, with mountain and sea views from the seventh floor balcony is listed for $50,000. It is in a luxury building, with a rooftop lounge, infinity pool, and fitness club.
Listed for $195,000 is this two-bedroom condo with an expansive sea view, best enjoyed from the balcony. This condo, which is close to several beaches, also comes furnished.
Set in a community with a pool is a two-bedroom sea view condo. It’s listed for $195,000.
Another two-bedroom condo, this one is listed for $145,000 and is a corner unit on the 20th floor of a community, giving you panoramic views over the city and coast. The upscale community it’s set in offers a swimming pool, garden areas, gym, and on-site shops. You can walk to everything Sihanoukville has to offer, including vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine.
Even as Sihanoukville develops, there are plenty of pristine places left to explore.
Bali, Indonesia—Find Bliss on the Island of the Gods
Bali is among the world’s most enchanting destinations…
One of Indonesia’s 18,000 or so islands (no exact count is known), it is unique for its majority Hindu population. The unique Balinese-Hindu culture here, which manifests itself in everything from temples to constant festivals to daily life, has received multiple UNESCO World Heritage designations.
Despite its popularity as a vacation destination, Bali still has plenty of “wild” areas to explore.
A tranquil yoga haven, world-class surf spot, center for folkloric arts and crafts, and major beach vacation destination…Bali has much to offer.
You’ll experience a laidback lifestyle amongst iconic rice paddies, busy beach towns, and mountainous, forested interior. And the coral reef just offshore is known worldwide for its diversity of sea life—perfect for scuba and snorkeling. And if you’re a fan of fine or folk art, you couldn’t pick a better spot. Be sure to check out the markets in Ubud and Sukawati for low prices on traditional crafts.
Bali is known for its unique folkloric arts and crafts influenced by Hinduism and other beliefs.
On the south end of the island, the resort area of Seminyak, set in one of the island’s most popular expat and tourist areas, is known for shopping, restaurants, and more. And don’t miss sunset on the beach, which faces the Indian Ocean, at one of the sleek beach clubs.
Prices in Bali are higher on average than in the destinations above…given its long-term popularity as a vacation hot spot. Still, they can be quite affordable given everything on offer.
This two-bedroom villa, with open-air living room looking over tropical gardens and a private pool, is listed for $239,000. It comes fully furnished. You can walk to shops, cafés, and restaurants in five minutes—the beach in 10.
This airy Balinese villa is listed for $239,000.
Nearby is a similar one-bedroom villa in the heart of the action for $126,398. It blends Balinese and modern design elements and features a mix of indoor and outdoor living spaces. It is sold furnished and decorated. The private plunge pool is surrounded by lush foliage and blooms.
Live in Balinese luxury in this one-bedroom villa for $126,398.
This fully furnished two-bedroom villa has some truly next-level touches and is listed for $205,000. The upstairs and downstairs each have a kitchen and living room for the convenience of visitors—or paid guests if you ever decide to make some extra money. There is a large terrace on the rooftop, as well as a large private pool.
This two-bedroom villa with large private pool and rooftop terrace is listed for $205,000.
Boracay, Philippines—White-Sand Beach, Deep Blue Sea
The powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the island of Boracay are the perfect setting for a relaxed, romantic getaway in the Philippines.
It is a tiny island, just 4.5 miles long and 1,600 feet at its widest. But it packs in a lot…
Boracay’s famed White Beach, lined with beach clubs and eateries, is the most popular among visitors.
The famed White Beach is a 2.5-mile stretch of powdery sand. The perfect place to enjoy daytime lounging and swimming in the clear azure waters and then watch sunset over dinner and drinks at a beachside eatery—there are many to choose from. After dark, enjoy live music and dance the night away.
If you prefer a quieter time head to Diniwid Beach, which is tucked away in a cove down the shore a bit. If you like to get out on the water, you could hire a paraw, a type of small sailboat with an outrigger, or you can check out Bulabog Beach for kite boarding. Visitors to Boracay also enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, windsurfing, and horseback riding.
Swaying palms, powder-soft white sand—that’s Boracay.
Being a tiny island, there are limited properties available. Still, you’ll find some interesting options…
This studio condo close to shopping and dining, as well as multiple beaches, is listed for $92,945. There is a lush garden area and shared swimming pool.
This oceanfront one-bedroom condo, with panoramic sea view best enjoyed from the expansive terrace, is available for $212,700.
The community has a pool and is conveniently located to all the island has to offer in terms of recreation, shopping, and dining.
This oceanfront one-bedroom condo on Boracay is available for $212,700.
In a new sustainable community, which offers a shared pool, boardwalk, jogging path, private marina, and other amenities, there is this two-bedroom condo listed for $218,600.
The condo, which comes partially furnished, also has a maid’s quarters that could be a small third bedroom or office space. Both balconies overlook the 18-hole golf course; as an owner, you can join the golf club.
At only four square miles, you’re never far from a pristine tropical beach on Boracay.
