Thailand vs Cambodia: Where to Teach English

If you're dreaming of warm weather, vibrant cultures, and a chance to make a difference while exploring a new corner of the world, Southeast Asia has probably caught your eye. And for many aspiring or experienced English teachers, two names keep popping up: Thailand and Cambodia.

Both countries offer something magnetic — whether it's the golden temples and bustling night markets of Bangkok, or the slow-moving charm and untamed spirit of Phnom Penh. Thailand has long been a favorite for TEFL teachers, with its structured school system, reliable infrastructure, and endless travel opportunities. Cambodia, on the other hand, offers a more freewheeling experience — fewer rules, lower barriers to entry, and a rawer, more off-the-beaten-path feel.

Choosing between them isn’t just about salaries or visas — it’s about the kind of lifestyle you want, the kind of classrooms you see yourself in, and the kind of adventure you're ready for. Some people thrive in Thailand's relatively polished setup, others are drawn to Cambodia’s more flexible, spontaneous way of doing things. Both have their quirks. Both can be deeply rewarding.

Let’s take a closer look at how these two destinations compare — from job requirements and salaries to daily life, long-term potential, and what it's really like to live and teach there.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

Teaching abroad always comes with some red tape — but how much and how strictly it's enforced varies wildly between countries. Thailand has clear-cut government rules for work permits, while Cambodia operates with far more flexibility, especially for those just getting started or traveling without a degree.

In Thailand, a bachelor’s degree is required for legal teaching work and to secure a work permit. Most schools also prefer candidates who are native English speakers from countries like the US, UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland. Non-native speakers are not excluded, but they usually need to prove English proficiency through a test like IELTS or TOEIC. A 120-hour TEFL certification is often required or strongly preferred by employers — especially in private and international schools. You’ll also need a clean criminal background check and a basic health screening.

Cambodia is much more relaxed. A degree is not required by law, and many schools — especially language centers and NGOs — are happy to hire enthusiastic teachers without one. TEFL certification is usually appreciated, but again, not always mandatory. There’s far less red tape to get started. You can often enter on a tourist visa and convert it to a business or ordinary visa once you’ve landed a job. Requirements vary widely by school, but you’re unlikely to face the same formalities found in Thailand.

The biggest difference isn’t just what’s required on paper, but how those requirements are enforced. Thailand has tightened up over the years, especially in major cities. Cambodia, meanwhile, is still something of a frontier for foreign teachers — welcoming, unbureaucratic, and ideal for those who want to dive in without jumping through too many hoops.

Thailand at a glance:

• ✅ Bachelor’s degree required
• ✅ TEFL strongly preferred
• ✅ Background check and health exam needed
• ❗ Preference for native speakers
• ❗ More consistent enforcement of legal work requirements

Cambodia at a glance:

• ✅ Degree not required
• ✅ TEFL optional but helpful
• ❗ Visa can often be arranged after arrival
• ❗ Schools more flexible on nationality and background
• ❗ Informal job market with wide variation in standards

Job Market and Hiring Landscape

Thailand boasts one of the most established English teaching markets in Asia. Opportunities range from government schools and private bilingual academies to elite international institutions. In major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, competition is stronger, but so are the number of positions. Rural schools also regularly seek teachers, often offering a more immersive cultural experience — though sometimes with fewer resources. Most jobs follow a clear school-year cycle, with peak hiring seasons in May and October. Many positions are advertised online, but local walk-ins and referrals still play a role, especially outside the major hubs.

Cambodia’s hiring scene is far more relaxed. With fewer hoops to jump through, it’s easier to find a job simply by showing up in person — especially in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Schools range from small private institutions and language centers to NGOs and a handful of international schools. There’s no strict hiring season, which means you can find work year-round, and hiring is often quicker and more informal. Word-of-mouth and networking are major tools here, and many teachers land jobs within a few days or weeks of arriving.

Private tutoring is common in both countries, but especially so in Cambodia, where many teachers supplement their income by teaching students after hours or on weekends. In Thailand, private lessons are usually arranged on the side and often cater to students preparing for exams or professionals improving their conversational skills.

Compare:

• Thailand’s organized job market and seasonal recruitment cycles
• Cambodia’s flexible, walk-in-friendly hiring with year-round demand

Salary and Benefits

Thailand offers a tiered salary structure depending on the type of institution. Government schools typically pay between ฿25,000–55,000 ($700–$1,540 USD) per month, while private schools pay slightly more. International schools and universities pay the highest — sometimes exceeding ฿150,000 ($4,200 USD) per month — but require top qualifications. Language centers often pay by the hour and may involve evening or weekend shifts. Benefits like paid holidays, health insurance, and housing stipends vary widely, but are more common at private and international schools.

In Cambodia, salaries are generally lower, but so is the cost of living. Public schools and NGOs might offer 2.8M–4M KHR ($700–$1,000 USD) per month, while language centers and private schools can go up to 4.8M–6M KHR ($1,200–$1,500 USD). International schools pay more, but jobs are limited. While housing allowances and bonuses aren’t as common, the low daily expenses make up for it. Teachers who live simply can save a decent amount — and often more than expected, given how affordable life is in Cambodia.

Many teachers in both countries take on private tutoring or teach online to supplement their income. In Cambodia, especially, tutoring can be an essential income stream, with hourly rates around $10–$25 USD. In Thailand, tutoring is more of a top-up but is readily available in cities.

Compare:

• Thailand’s clear salary tiers and stronger benefits at higher-end schools
• Cambodia’s more modest pay balanced by ultra-low living expenses

Cost of Living

When it comes to affordability, both Thailand and Cambodia offer an attractive lifestyle for English teachers — but Cambodia takes the lead in sheer budget-friendliness.

Thailand sits comfortably in the middle range. Rent in cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai varies from ฿6,000–20,000 ($170–$570 USD) per month, depending on whether you opt for a studio apartment, shared housing, or a modern condo. Local street food is famously cheap (often ฿40–80 per meal), while international restaurants and Western groceries will push your budget higher. Utilities, transport (like motorbike rentals or BTS in Bangkok), and mobile data are all affordable but add up depending on your lifestyle.

Cambodia, on the other hand, is one of the cheapest countries to live in Asia. Rent in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap ranges from $150–$400 USD per month for decent, central apartments — often fully furnished. Eating out costs as little as $1–$3 USD at local eateries, and Western food is also cheaper than in Thailand. Utilities, Wi-Fi, and transportation (mostly tuk-tuks and motorbikes) are incredibly affordable. It's not uncommon for teachers to live well on $700–$1,000 USD/month while still saving a bit or traveling regularly.

That said, comfort levels vary. Thailand’s infrastructure — hospitals, internet, public transport — is more developed and reliable, especially in big cities. Cambodia’s services are improving but can still feel inconsistent outside urban areas. If you're okay with a little rougher edge, your dollar will stretch much further in Cambodia.

Compare:

• Thailand: Mid-range cost of living with more developed infrastructure and comfort
• Cambodia: Ultra-low daily expenses and room to live well on a modest salary

Lifestyle and Cultural Fit

Cultural atmosphere plays a huge role in your experience abroad — and Thailand and Cambodia offer very different vibes.

Thailand is polished, organized, and famously welcoming to foreigners. Daily life runs smoothly in most cities, with tons of amenities for expats — co-working spaces, gyms, Western supermarkets, international schools, and reliable public services. Thai people are polite, indirect, and place high value on "sanuk" (enjoyment). You'll find a vibrant food scene, fun nightlife, and easy domestic travel via buses, trains, or cheap flights. That said, while Thailand is very foreigner-friendly, it can also feel a bit impersonal in big cities, and deeper social integration takes time.

Cambodia offers a more raw, unfiltered experience. Life here feels slower, more community-driven, and less polished — but also more intimate. Locals are friendly and curious, and expats often form close-knit networks. Cultural norms are a bit more relaxed, and while Khmer isn’t as widely taught as Thai, many locals speak at least basic English, especially in urban or touristy areas. Phnom Penh has a surprisingly strong cafe culture and growing digital nomad scene, while Siem Reap offers temple-hopping, riverside bars, and a strong NGO presence.

Festivals and traditions are rich in both countries, though Cambodia’s religious customs and village celebrations feel more deeply tied to everyday life. Thailand leans more toward mass tourism and spiritual pageantry. For weekend escapes, both countries offer beaches, mountains, and cultural sites — though Cambodia's infrastructure makes domestic travel a bit more unpredictable.

Compare:

• Thailand: Modern, accessible, and great for comfort-seekers and solo expats
• Cambodia: Slower, more personal, and ideal for those seeking authentic cultural connection

Teaching Environment and School Culture

What your day-to-day teaching life looks like depends heavily on school culture — and Thailand and Cambodia offer two very different rhythms.

Thailand tends to have a more organized and formal education system. Most teachers work in government schools, private bilingual schools, or international academies. Class sizes can range from 30 to 50 students, and the teaching approach is often textbook-driven with a clear syllabus. There’s a strong emphasis on uniforms, respect, and rote learning — especially in public schools. While resources like projectors and teaching aids are hit or miss, you’ll usually have access to a set curriculum and at least some support from Thai co-teachers. Discipline is generally good, but student motivation varies, especially in lower-income areas.

Expect some red tape. Schedules can be inconsistent, admin can feel inflexible, and you may be expected to be on-site even during non-teaching hours. That said, once you understand the expectations, the environment becomes manageable — and many teachers appreciate the predictability.

Cambodia is much more flexible, for better or worse. Class sizes tend to be smaller, especially in private language schools or NGO-run programs, and there's often more room to shape your lessons. In many cases, you're the lead teacher with full control — which can be empowering, especially for creative or independent educators. But this also means dealing with a lack of structure, unclear expectations, or even teaching without formal materials.

Student behavior is generally friendly and informal, though motivation and attendance can be inconsistent — particularly in lower-income or rural areas. Some schools are improving fast, but don't expect high-tech classrooms or rigorous systems unless you're at a top-tier international school.

Compare:

• Thailand: Structured and organized with set curriculums, but often rigid
• Cambodia: Informal, flexible, and often under-resourced — great for adaptable teachers

Long-Term Living and Visa Options

If you’re thinking beyond just one school year, visa rules and long-term possibilities matter — and again, Thailand and Cambodia take very different approaches.

Thailand has a more formalized visa system. Most English teachers enter on a Non-Immigrant B visa, which is tied to a school contract. You'll also need a work permit, and both documents need regular renewal, often every 12 months. Schools usually handle the paperwork, but the process can be bureaucratic. Overstays, visa runs, or working illegally can lead to blacklisting. Permanent residency is technically possible, but the requirements are strict, and few teachers pursue it.

For digital nomads, Thailand is popular — but the government has cracked down on “working remotely” without a proper visa. That said, many freelancers still operate under tourist visas or short-term education visas while flying under the radar.

Cambodia, by contrast, offers one of the easiest visa systems in Asia. Many teachers enter on an Ordinary (E-class) visa and extend it with a 6- or 12-month work visa extension. The rules are looser, enforcement is more relaxed, and schools are less likely to micromanage the process. There’s no requirement to tie your visa to one employer, and visa agents can help you renew without much hassle. While there's no real path to permanent residency, people often stay for years by simply renewing the visa.

This flexibility also makes Cambodia a haven for digital nomads, part-time teachers, and entrepreneurs. Starting a business, launching a blog, or teaching online from a riverside cafe? Totally doable.

Compare:

• Thailand: Clear legal structure with school-sponsored visas, but strict enforcement
• Cambodia: Visa ease and flexibility, ideal for freelancers or those staying long-term without formal PR

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might prefer Thailand if:

• You want a more structured teaching experience with a clear syllabus
• You value infrastructure, fast Wi-Fi, and modern conveniences
• You're looking for vibrant cities or well-established expat hubs
• You prefer clear (though sometimes rigid) legal and visa frameworks

You might prefer Cambodia if:

• You don’t have a degree but want to start teaching quickly
• You like independence, flexibility, and a more relaxed lifestyle
• You want to save money or live on a modest income with ease
• You're open to unconventional paths like online teaching or volunteering

👉 Learn more:

• Teach English in Thailand
• Teach English in Cambodia