The 20 Healthiest Places to Live in Asia
Some parts of Asia are healthier places to live than others. When trying to find a place to set down roots with a healthy environment to encourage your continued or enhanced well-being, we factor in the living environment, the cleanest possible air with low pollution, safety from crime, and affordability with access to fresh and healthy foods that are affordable. Affordable healthcare services are another consideration we’ve included. We’ve done the research and pored over the statistics to find the 20 healthiest places to live in Asia for your consideration.
20. Taipei, Taiwan
According to Live and Invest Overseas, Taipei is one of the most efficient and high tech metropolitan areas in all of Taiwan. The city is quickly becoming a place of outstanding innovation in light rail and mass rapid transit, as well as touchless technology such as smart devices used for many homes. The city is rich in its culture and history, but the leaders have come to value the health of the environment. Taipei has taken steps to ensure that the city is safe, clean, and well-organized, giving residents access to wholesome amenities and comforts. The cost of living is affordable and ample supplies of freshly grown fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods are in good supply. Taiwan is one of the healthiest places to live in Asia.
19. Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin is a city that has been developed for people to easily retire in. The city is ideal for people of all ages with ample outdoor recreational activities available to all. Backpacking is popular in the Hua Hin area, with long sheltered beaches on its west coast and temperate weather all year long. The cost of living is affordable with plenty of fresh agricultural products available for a healthy and tasty diet of nutritious foods that are within the reach of people on any budget. The medical care is good in the area and the environment is clean and healthy. It’s brimming with golf clubs, cycling clubs, soccer leagues, wineries, reading clubs, and everything a person could hope for to maintain good physical and mental health.
18. Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat is situated along with Lang Biang Plateau. It is a former 19th-century French colony that provided relief from heat and humidity, making it ideal for physical comfort in the region. The landscape is beautiful with greenery everywhere, lake views, and Alpine skiing as a big attraction. The contemplative and tranquil atmosphere is healthy for the body, mind, and spirit. It’s known as Le Petit Paris because it features a miniature iteration of the Eiffel tower, rose gardens, churches, and grand hotels. The architecture is impressive and it draws honeymooners from around the world. There are plenty of healthy fresh foods available along with opportunities to get out and get some healthy exercise.
17. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
This is one of the most livable beach cities in the world today. The city is meticulously organized, peaceful, safe, and clean. This is quite a feat with a population of 800,000. The vibrant and lively city is modern featuring ample amenities including entertainment, brand name products, and a huge selection of foods available. The cost of living is low, the cost of health care is low and the standard of living is high in Kota Kinabalu. Water sports are also highly rated with a city that ranks high in snorkeling and scuba diving. You can walk the distance of the city that is 2 miles from one end to the other to stay in shape.
16. Udagamandalam (Ooty), India
Ooty is a city in India that features cool and temperate weather with wooded hills, and ample fresh water. It was a British colonial outpost for years because of its temperate weather and natural beauty. It’s cooler and more refreshing than cities in India’s southern regions, and the air is also much cleaner at its 6,000 ft above sea level elevation. The city offers a golf course, lakes, parks, and botanical and rose gardens for walking and enjoyment of nature. Fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods are in good supply for affordable prices. It’s one of the healthiest cities to live in in the Asian country of India. It’s India’s hidden gem for those who value a healthy and peaceful lifestyle.
15. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a modern and forward-looking city in Vietnam, that has passed on large fast food joints in favor of small family-run eateries. Traditional lifestyles are valued in this city, and so is consuming a healthy diet. This city is reminiscent of old films because it has remained free of the taints of modern culture and big-name brands. There are modern amenities nearby with hustle and bustle that metropolitan areas are known for, but living in the countryside gives you access to affordable nutritious foods, hiking, walking and exploring opportunities, and affordable medical care if you venture into Da Nang,’s metropolitan area.
14. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the land of lush green jungles, volcanoes, and some of the most beautiful views in the world. The coastline is picture-perfect, and the quality of life is at its very best here. The cost of living is affordable, and there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do. Bali offers plenty of activities to help you stay in shape, including diving, snorkeling, parasailing, surfing, and tons of other water sports. There are plenty of places to walk or hike, and the array of nutritious and healthy foods is immense. The tropical climate is ideal for evening walks. With affordable medical care available, it’s one of the healthiest places to live in Indonesia.
13. Georgetown, Malaysia
Georgetown is a former British Empire outpost. It’s known as the “Pearl of the Orient” because of its high ranking for livability. The cost of living is ridiculously low with excellent healthcare available, a stable and safe economy and political scene, and plenty of things to do for residents. There is ample entertainment along with a rain forest and sandy beaches to get outside and enjoy healthy exercise in the lovely surroundings.
12. Marikina, Philippines
According to Gulf News, Marikina is one of the healthiest cities in Asia. The World Health Organization gave the city recognition of its healthy environment for children because of the city’s proposal for integrating a plan that includes physical activity and diet in its urban planning in programs directed at making it a healthier place for kids to live and grow up.
11. Chiang Mai, Thailand
According to Chiangmaicitylife, Chiang Mai is one of the most health-centric cities in Asia. It not only offers exceptionally affordable healthcare, but the hospitals are numerous, professionally staffed, and well equipped. In 2019 it was rated as the sixth-best in the world with services and care that are top-notch and second to none.
10. Hanoi, Vietnam
According to Nomad Capitalist, Hanoi is one of the top ten healthiest cities in Asia. This is the capital city of the country and it has the highest livability scores. There are still remnants of colonialism in Hanoi and the culture is warm and inviting. It’s a fast-growing city with a strong economy, excellent medical care, and an affordable cost of living. You have your choice of fresh and nutritious foods to choose from and plenty of opportunities to get out and exercise while enjoying the natural surroundings of select parts of Hanoi.
9. Hong Kong
Hong Kong has some of the most beautiful accessible beaches in the world. If you’re into water sports, there are plenty available. The weather is moderate, the air is clean and there is ample greenery around the outskirts of the big city to give you the best of both worlds. Business is thriving in Hong Kong, but some neighborhoods are exceptionally affordable to live in. You can find affordable fresh foods that are healthy and nutritious, and healthcare is not only affordable, it is also high in quality and accessibility.
8. Manila, Philippines
manila is one of the best places in the Philippines to live if you are looking for a place to lad a healthy lifestyle on a budget. The people are friendly and there are many English-speaking residents. Some neighborhoods are better than others. there are metropolitan areas that offer decent nightlife, gyms, entertainment venues, and fine dining, but Manila also offers good and affordable healthcare, plenty of opportunities for eating healthy, getting exercise, and living a healthy lifestyle.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a diverse city with an international flavor. Certain neighborhoods in the city offer an escape from the hubbub of the metropolitan areas. There are plenty of things to do in the city. You can find good medical care, live on an affordable and healthy diet, and get out for exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature. Although it’s the largest city in Thailand, parts of it are serene and peaceful, offering a laid back and healthy lifestyle. You can stretch a small budget a long way in Bangkok.
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Min is another Vietnamese city that offers a ton of amenities for those who want to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s big n backpacking and technology. While it has its share of unhealthy temptations, the cost of living is low here, and the quality of fresh agricultural products is high. You can choose from the modern amenities of the city or live outside of the hustle and bustle and retire to a traditional and laid-back lifestyle. Healthcare is excellent and affordable, the food and culture are also exceptional.
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is among the top 5 healthiest places to live in Asia. This city has a top rating for livability. First of all, it’s very affordable. You can buy anything you want to eat from vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options. It’s a big city, but there are peaceful and tranquil parts to get away from the business of the metro areas. Every kind of food you can imagine is available, the people are friendly, healthcare is affordable and plenteous and there are a lot of outdoor activities available. What more do you need to live a healthy and happy life? It’s also worth mentioning that the vendors maintain high standards for hygiene.
4. Mangalore, India
According to Health Fitness Revolution, Mangalore is one of the healthiest cities in all of Asia. They rank it as the fourth healthiest. Residents appreciate exceptional gyms, with a high air and water quality, plenty of green space, a low rate of obesity, a high life expectancy, and a population that overall encourages and lives a healthy lifestyle.
3. Tokyo, Japan
With a 10 ranking at number three, Tokyo is one of the best places to live if you prefer a healthy lifestyle. It gets a rating of 10 out of 10 for a good life expectancy it gets. Obesity rates are low, air and water quality are acceptable and the diet is rich in fish with omega-3 fatty acids. Other foods such as seaweed, tofu, and others are known for their anticancer properties.
2. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is the second healthiest city in Asia. The city offers plenty of green space for exercise and relaxation, above average air and water quality, a high life expectancy, and low obesity rates. Strikingly, this city has the least number of fast food outlets of all the cities on this list. This is likely the reason why obesity numbers are so low.
1. Singapore, Singapore
Singapore has been rated as the healthiest and fittest city in all of Asia. Life expectancy is high because of the exceptional quality of lie here. Medical care is of good quality and affordable. The air and water quality are high. Obesity is at a minimum and people who live here enjoy plenty of green space, along with healthy diets and exercise. Both physical and mental health is easier to achieve when living in Singapore.