Chapter 15Southeast AsiaExotic and Affordable
KNOWN FOR ITS PERFECT BEACHES, low prices, and excellent scuba diving, Southeast Asia usually conjures up images of young, globetrotting backpackers and sultry nights spent at a beach bar.
But this region is also a vast cultural melting pot with something to appeal to everyone, especially adventurous retirees on a budget. You’ll find night markets, floating markets, jade and pearl markets . . . fish markets with things you never imagined existed. You can ride tuk-tuks and cyclo-rickshaws, and take longboat journeys on meandering riverways through the jungle.
At your fingertips, you’ll also have sophisticated cities, lush hill towns and rainforests, and some of the best beaches in the world . . . talcum-white sands, swaying coconut palms, and an evening chorus of cicadas. These tropical seascapes far surpass any travel agent’s poster.
If you love to explore exotic, offbeat places, play golf or tennis, swim, dive, surf, go fishing or sailing, or dine out frequently—and you never want to think twice about being able to afford any of it—Southeast Asia may be the perfect place for you. The good life here, in fact, can be almost unbelievably inexpensive.
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