Thailand vs Vietnam: Where to Teach English

Looking to teach English in Southeast Asia but torn between Thailand and Vietnam? You're not alone. These two popular destinations offer unique blends of adventure, affordability, and professional opportunity — but the lifestyle, teaching environment, and long-term prospects can differ dramatically.

Both countries have booming English education industries and attract teachers from all walks of life: fresh grads, remote workers looking to settle, or career changers seeking something more meaningful. Whether you're craving a slower pace under swaying palm trees or the electric buzz of motorbikes and iced coffee-fueled evenings, Thailand and Vietnam each have their own magnetic pull.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

Thailand and Vietnam both offer relatively accessible entry points for English teachers, but the requirements — and how strictly they're enforced — vary.

In Thailand, the official rules are clear: you need a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL/TESOL certificate, and a clean criminal background check. Most schools prefer native English speakers, especially those from the “Big 7” (USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa). Health checks are required when applying for a work permit, and the visa process can be bureaucratic — especially if you're not sponsored by a school that handles the paperwork.

However, enforcement is inconsistent. Many teachers work on tourist or education visas and hop over borders to renew, especially in less formal roles like tutoring or volunteering. It’s not technically legal, but it's been tolerated for years, especially outside major cities.

In Vietnam, the official requirements are similar — a degree, TEFL certificate, and clean background check — but the system is more flexible. Enforcement is lighter, and there’s a large gray area where schools hire teachers who are still “in process” with paperwork. Non-native speakers with strong English skills, especially from Europe or the Philippines, are commonly hired.

While both countries prefer teachers with degrees and TEFLs, Vietnam is noticeably more welcoming to non-natives and those still building formal qualifications.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: Requires a degree and TEFL; favors native speakers; stricter on visas and health/background checks.
• Vietnam: More flexible hiring; easier for non-natives; looser enforcement around paperwork and qualifications.

Job Market and Opportunities

The job markets in Thailand and Vietnam are both robust, but they function in very different ways — from where the demand is to how jobs are advertised and filled.

Thailand offers a wide variety of teaching roles: public schools, private bilingual schools, international schools, kindergartens, universities, and rural volunteer placements. Language centers and after-school academies are also common, especially in cities. Jobs are available across the country, including smaller towns and islands, not just in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

Hiring is often seasonal. The Thai school year starts in May, with a mid-year intake in October, meaning the best hiring windows are March–April and August–September. Many teachers find work in advance, but it's still common to land a job after arriving in-country.

Vietnam has explosive demand, but the market is heavily concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with Danang also growing. The majority of positions are in private language centers, especially for children and teens. Public school jobs exist but are often facilitated through agencies.

The upside? Hiring happens year-round, and turnover is high — schools are almost always looking for teachers. This makes it easier to get started quickly, especially if you’re already in the country.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: Wider variety of school types; jobs found nationwide; peak hiring tied to school calendar.
• Vietnam: Constant demand in major cities; easier to start fast; language centers dominate the market.

Salary and Benefits

When it comes to pay, Vietnam typically edges out Thailand — especially when you factor in savings potential.

In Thailand, salaries vary widely depending on the type of school. Government school teachers often earn around 30,000–40,000 THB/month ($850–$1,100 USD), while private bilingual and international schools can offer 50,000–100,000 THB/month ($1,400–$2,800 USD) or more, depending on qualifications. Language centers pay hourly, usually 300–500 THB/hour ($8–$14 USD).

Benefits can be hit or miss. Some schools offer housing stipends or free lunch, but it’s not standard. Paid holidays align with the Thai school calendar, and health insurance is typically basic unless you're in an international school. Contracts are usually 10–12 months, with some flexibility for extensions.

In Vietnam, salaries are generally higher, especially in major cities. Language center teachers can earn 35–50 million VND/month ($1,400–$2,000 USD), with international school or university roles paying more. Hourly rates for private centers are typically 400,000–600,000 VND/hour ($16–$24 USD).

Benefits in Vietnam can also be inconsistent, especially for language centers, but top-tier employers may offer completion bonuses, housing allowances, and health insurance. Many teachers supplement their income through private tutoring or online gigs — common and well-paid in both countries.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: Lower base salaries; some perks depending on school type; generally modest benefits.
• Vietnam: Higher overall earnings and hourly rates; more opportunities to supplement income; strong savings potential.

Cost of Living

Both Thailand and Vietnam are budget-friendly by global standards, but Vietnam often comes out cheaper — particularly for everyday essentials like food and transportation.

In Thailand, rent in Bangkok for a decent studio or one-bedroom apartment ranges from 8,000–15,000 THB/month ($225–$425 USD), while smaller cities like Chiang Mai or rural areas can be much cheaper. Street food is famously cheap and delicious, with meals for as little as 40–60 THB ($1–$2 USD). Transport (Grab, motorbikes, metro) is affordable, and utilities rarely exceed 2,000 THB/month ($55 USD).

Thailand also offers creature comforts — from well-stocked supermarkets and reliable internet to air-conditioned gyms and coworking spaces. Life can be as budget or bougie as you want it.

Vietnam, on the other hand, offers even lower day-to-day costs. Rent in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi for a furnished apartment can start as low as 6 million VND/month ($240 USD), and local food is even cheaper than Thailand, with full meals for 30,000–50,000 VND ($1.20–$2 USD). Coffee, taxis, SIM cards — it’s all impressively affordable.

That said, some comforts (especially imported goods or Western-style housing) may be slightly harder to come by, depending on the city.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: Mid-range costs, especially in bigger cities; higher comfort and convenience level.
• Vietnam: Lower everyday expenses; ideal for saving or living simply without sacrificing lifestyle.

Work Environment and Culture

The classroom experience in Thailand and Vietnam differs not just in formality, but also in how students interact, how schools are managed, and how much support teachers receive.

In Thailand, expect a laid-back atmosphere where fun is encouraged — sometimes at the expense of academic focus. Students tend to be friendly, respectful, and eager to please, but not always highly motivated. Class sizes in public schools can reach 40–50 students, while private and international schools are usually smaller and better resourced.

Lesson planning is often up to the teacher, especially in public schools where curriculums can be vague or outdated. You’ll have freedom to get creative, but also limited guidance or feedback. It’s a great environment if you’re adaptable and independent.

Vietnam, by contrast, places a stronger emphasis on academic achievement. Students — especially in cities — are generally more focused and hardworking, though still polite and easygoing. Class sizes are more manageable, typically 15–30 students in language centers.

Schools in Vietnam often have set curriculums and structured materials, particularly in centers and international schools. You’ll still have room for creativity, but you’re expected to follow specific guidelines. Many teachers appreciate the balance between autonomy and support.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: Relaxed classrooms, big class sizes, minimal oversight — great for creative types.
• Vietnam: More structured and goal-oriented, with motivated students and clearer expectations.

Lifestyle and Free Time

Whether you’re into beaches and backpacking or coffee and culture, both countries offer plenty to do outside the classroom — but the vibe is quite different.

Thailand is known for its easygoing pace and iconic tropical lifestyle. You can spend your weekends island-hopping, exploring temples, or lounging in a hammock with a coconut in hand. Bangkok offers world-class food, nightlife, and shopping, while smaller towns like Chiang Mai are beloved for their artsy vibe and mountain air.

Thailand also has a large and well-established expat scene, especially in tourist hubs. Dating can be hit-or-miss depending on your expectations, but it’s generally easy to meet people, both locals and foreigners. Domestic travel is cheap and efficient, and neighboring countries are just a short flight away.

Vietnam has a faster rhythm, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The café culture is strong, the food is bold and fresh, and there’s a palpable energy in the streets. You’ll find a growing number of young professionals, creatives, and digital nomads — especially in Da Nang, which blends city life and beach vibes.

Nightlife is buzzing, travel within the country is scenic (and cheap), and the local culture is welcoming yet curious. It’s a place where things are changing fast, and being part of that momentum can be exciting.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: Laid-back lifestyle, strong expat support, and easy travel — perfect for slow living and exploration.
• Vietnam: High-energy cities, strong café and social scenes, and great for those craving growth and immersion.

Long-Term Viability

If you're thinking beyond a year or two and hoping to build something longer-term — whether it’s a teaching career, a remote work setup, or just a comfortable base in Asia — both Thailand and Vietnam offer different kinds of possibilities.

Thailand has a love-hate relationship with long-term foreigners. On one hand, the lifestyle is easy to fall in love with: great infrastructure, friendly locals, and a well-developed expat scene. But visas can be a headache. Most English teachers are on one-year renewable work permits tied to schools. Freelancing legally is tough without jumping through significant legal and financial hoops.

That said, many long-term expats “piece things together” through border runs, visa agents, and extended tourist visas — especially if they work online or switch jobs frequently. Thailand doesn’t offer a straightforward path to permanent residency unless you're investing heavily or marrying a local.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly expat-friendly, especially for those who want to teach, freelance, or run online businesses. Work permits tied to schools are still common, but many expats operate in a gray area — either with the help of business visas or through flexible hiring arrangements. Enforcement varies by city, but Vietnam tends to look the other way if you're not causing trouble.

While permanent residency is still rare, long-term stays are more attainable than they once were. Cities like Da Nang and HCMC are becoming digital nomad hubs, with coworking spaces, online communities, and even immigration services geared toward remote workers.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand: A fantastic place to live — if you’re okay navigating vague or restrictive visa systems.
• Vietnam: Looser regulations, lower costs, and a growing infrastructure for long-term, location-independent lifestyles.

Which Country Is Right for You?

Quick Comparison Table

You might prefer Thailand if:

• You value a slower pace and want a stress-free workday.
• You love beaches, temples, and exploring at a relaxed rhythm.
• You’re looking for a place with strong tourist infrastructure and creature comforts.

You might prefer Vietnam if:

• You're seeking fast-paced growth and a buzzing city life.
• You want to save money while building a remote career or business.
• You thrive in places where creativity and ambition are on the rise.

Still unsure? Explore the full breakdowns here:

• Teach English in Thailand
• Teach English in Vietnam