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The Southeast Asian region sees millions of tourist arrivals each year, flocking to the tropical beaches and rapidly expanding metropolises.
With some of the fastest growing economies in the world located just a few hours from us, these are the best cities in the region to combine business pleasure.
1. Johor Bahru
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Our northern neighbour has come a long way, and the Iskandar region in Johor will be in its tenth year soon. Since its inception, Iskandar has become an industrial hub, with many local businesses relocating their manufacturing or heavy industry activities across the Causeway, thanks to cheaper rents and labour costs.For business travelers with families in tow, Iskandar is also a great place for a quick getaway, with theme parks like Legoland and a Hello Kitty Theme Park. Johor Premium Outlets also provides bargain hunters brand label clothing and accessories at lower prices. |
2. Bangkok
| While technically an emerging market, Bangkok is a cosmopolitan and vibrant metropolis with a relatively young, savvy workforce. In particular, Bangkok’s media and creative industries are renowned internationally for their output. Think back to the last viral advertisement you saw, and chances are, it’s a Thai commercial.Aside from being a great business destination, Bangkok is a popular tourist spot as well. Thai food culture reflects its pride in its local food, from fragrant curries and savoury Pad Thai, to fusion interpretations of different international cuisines. Chatuchak Weekend Market and Asiatique Market are really fun shopping experiences where tourists get to put all their bargaining skills into play (hint: start at a quarter of the asking price and work your way up). You’ll likely get some of the best massages of your life in Bangkok to soothe away those business stresses. For most tourists, just spending a few days in Bangkok is almost never enough. |  |
3. Penang
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The state of Penang in Malaysia is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Typically known more for its food culture and tourism, the Penang state government has pushed economic development through infrastructural development, building more transport links between the island of Penang, where most activity is concentrated, to the rest of the mainland. This has attracted international players like Ikea to move to Penang.Tourism remains a large part of Penang’s economy. Historic Georgetown in Penang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its iconic shophouses and their murals. Popular with tourists, these sights often feature heavily in social media, continuing to draw even more crowds to the area. Old school shops selling sundries are juxtaposed with chic cafes, simultaneously conveying a rich sense of history and progress. |
4. Ho Chi Minh City
Emerging from years of Communist rule, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the region. With a young and highly literate work force, and lower operating expenses, many business have made the move to Ho Chi Minh City. With the Vietnamese government rapidly building infrastructure to speed economic development, it is likely that Ho Chi Minh’s boom will continue for the foreseeable future.
Ho Chi Minh’s plethora of tourist sites reflect its rich history. Popular sights include the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral, reflecting both Chinese and French influences on Vietnam’s culture. For the intrepid explorers, a visit to the dark and cramped Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Vietcong hid in and fought against American forces, is an unsettling reminder of the sacrifices of war, and the terrible waste of human life.
5. Singapore
| Of course, we need to acknowledge that our tiny red dot is one of the best places to combine business and leisure. Consistently rated as one of the best places in the world to do business, Singapore is an open economy with a strong rule of law, relatively low corporate tax rates and a highly trained workforce. It is for this reason that many businesses have set up their regional corporate headquarters here, despite higher costs for manpower and office space rentals.At the same time, we’re a great place for business travelers to extend their stay for a whirlwind weekend, with some of the best food and shopping in the region. We know people who claim to have put on a few kilos after a weekend in Singapore, thanks to the irresistible local food, and an endless variety of international cuisine. Walk off those calories at Gardens by the Bay, where the impressive SuperTrees and the Cloud and Forest Domes provide a cool respite from the heat. |  |
For busy international travellers looking to take an extra day or two to spend at their destinations, look no further than Wego.com for the best travel deals.
This article was written by Chang Hui Chew, Content Marketing Manager for PropertyGuru. To contact him about this or other articles, email him at chang@propertyguru.com.sg