Vietnam vs Cambodia: Where to Teach English

Thinking about teaching English in Southeast Asia but can’t decide between Vietnam and Cambodia? Both countries are welcoming, exciting, and full of opportunity — but they offer vastly different teaching experiences, career prospects, and lifestyles. Whether you're chasing fast-paced city energy or a slower, more relaxed vibe, choosing between these two destinations comes down to more than just salary or weather.

Vietnam is buzzing with economic growth, modern cities, and a booming demand for English education. It's a place where motivated students, structured schools, and the chance to build a long-term career meet incredible landscapes and world-famous street food. Cambodia, on the other hand, draws teachers who crave a slower pace, deeper cultural immersion, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. It’s often where teachers get their first break — especially if they don’t have a degree or traditional credentials.

Both countries are rewarding in their own right. But depending on your background, goals, and personality, one may feel a lot more like home than the other.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

If you’re new to teaching or don’t have a traditional academic background, Southeast Asia is one of the best regions to get started — and Vietnam and Cambodia each offer unique entry points.

In Vietnam, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree (in any subject), a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate, and a clean criminal background check to qualify for a work permit. Non-native English speakers can also find work, especially if they hold a proficiency exam like IELTS or TOEFL and demonstrate clear communication skills. A health check is required to complete the work visa process, and paperwork is taken seriously. While many schools assist with documents, you’ll need to meet the basic legal requirements to teach full-time.

In Cambodia, the door is much wider open. A degree is not required for most teaching jobs, and the visa process is far more relaxed. Many teachers arrive on an ordinary (E-class) visa and convert it to a work visa after finding a job — often without a background check or degree. A TEFL certificate is still strongly recommended, especially for better-paying positions, but it’s not legally required. If you're a native English speaker or fluent with good communication skills, you’ll likely find work quickly, even without prior experience.

Vietnam

• ✅ Bachelor's degree required
• ✅ TEFL/TESOL (120+ hours) required
• ✅ Clean background check and health check
• ✅ Non-natives can qualify with proof of proficiency

Cambodia

• ❌ No degree required (but helpful)
• ✅ TEFL/TESOL preferred but not mandatory
• ❌ No background check or health check needed for most jobs
• ✅ Very open to non-natives and career changers

Compare:
Vietnam offers a more formal path to legal, stable work — great if you’re in this for the long haul or want to build your credentials. Cambodia is ideal for those starting out, changing careers, or traveling without a degree. If flexibility is your priority, Cambodia is hard to beat.

Job Market and Hiring Landscape

Both Vietnam and Cambodia offer a variety of teaching opportunities, but the way you land a job — and what kind of schools are hiring — can differ dramatically.

In Vietnam, the majority of jobs are found in large urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and increasingly Da Nang. Most teachers work in private language centers, though public schools, universities, and international schools also hire foreign educators. The market is structured, with schools often posting job ads online and conducting formal interviews. While the competition is higher, so is the demand — especially for native speakers with a degree and TEFL certificate. Hiring happens year-round, but the busiest seasons are just before the new academic terms in August and January.

Cambodia takes a much more relaxed approach. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the main hubs, but opportunities exist in provincial towns and even rural areas. Language schools and NGOs are the biggest employers, while a few international schools exist for those with stronger credentials. In many cases, you can walk into a school with your CV and land a job within days — no long application process or formal screening. Jobs are available year-round, and flexibility is a major plus for travelers and new teachers.

Vietnam

• 📍 Jobs concentrated in big cities
• 🏫 Language centers, public schools, universities, international schools
• 📅 Year-round hiring with peaks before academic terms
• 💼 Formal application processes, contracts, and work permits

Cambodia

• 📍 Jobs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and smaller towns
• 🏫 Language centers, NGOs, international schools
• 📅 Year-round hiring — walk-in friendly
• 💼 Casual hiring, often without contracts or formal interviews

Compare:
Vietnam offers a more competitive and structured job market with long-term potential and stability, ideal for career-focused teachers. Cambodia, by contrast, is easier to break into, especially if you’re already in the country — making it a favorite for first-timers, backpackers, and flexible freelancers.

Salary and Benefits

Your salary — and how far it goes — will depend heavily on the type of school you work for and the country you choose.

In Vietnam, salaries are among the best in Southeast Asia for ESL teachers. Language centers typically pay between $1,100 and $1,750 per month, while public schools offer slightly higher rates for daytime work. International schools and universities can pay $2,000 or more with benefits, though these roles require experience and credentials. Teachers may also earn extra through private tutoring at rates of $15 to $60 per hour. Benefits vary by employer but may include housing stipends, flight reimbursements, health insurance, and performance bonuses. Most contracts are clear and professionally managed.

Cambodia offers more modest pay — around $800 to $1,200 per month at language centers or public schools, and up to $1,500 at international schools. NGOs and volunteer programs often offer stipends rather than salaries, though some include housing. Private tutoring is common and can supplement income, typically at $10–$25 per hour. Benefits are rarely formalized; most schools expect you to arrange your own housing, insurance, and visa.

Vietnam

• 💰 $1,100–$2,300/month (higher for licensed teachers)
• ✍️ Paid contracts, bonuses, some housing or insurance
• ⏰ 20–30 hours/week teaching + prep time
• 💼 Extra income through tutoring

Cambodia

• 💰 $700–$1,500/month (rarely more)
• ✍️ Few benefits; teachers cover own housing/visa
• ⏰ Flexible hours, often part-time or informal
• 💼 Tutoring helps boost income

Compare:
Vietnam clearly wins in earning potential and benefits, especially for qualified teachers seeking financial security. Cambodia trades income for freedom — the pay may be lower, but so are expectations and pressures, and you’ll spend less just living your life.

Cost of Living

Both Vietnam and Cambodia are known for being budget-friendly — but each has its own flavor when it comes to everyday life and expenses.

In Vietnam, the cost of living remains low by Western standards, but it’s creeping up as cities modernize. Rent in cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi ranges from $250 to $700 for a decent one-bedroom apartment, depending on location and quality. Street food is cheap and delicious, with meals averaging around $2–$3, while Western-style restaurants and imported groceries cost more. Transportation is affordable, with motorbike rentals or Grab rides costing just a few dollars a day. Utilities, internet, and gym memberships are also inexpensive, and you’ll find a strong infrastructure supporting a modern, comfortable lifestyle.

Cambodia is even cheaper — especially outside of Phnom Penh. You can rent a furnished one-bedroom apartment for as little as $200, or even less in smaller towns. Local meals cost about $2–$4, and markets offer fresh produce at bargain prices. Utilities are modest, internet is reliable, and many expats get around by bicycle or tuk-tuk. It’s a simple lifestyle, but you won’t lack the basics. That said, if you crave Western comforts or upscale experiences, your options may be more limited and pricier than in Vietnam.

Vietnam

• 🏠 Rent: $250–$700/month (urban)
• 🍜 Street food: $2–$3/meal
• 🛵 Grab/motorbike: $1–$3/ride
• 💡 Utilities + internet: $60–$80/month
• 🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle: Wide range of gyms, cafés, co-working spaces

Cambodia

• 🏠 Rent: $150–$500/month (lower in rural areas)
• 🍲 Street food: $2–$4/meal
• 🚲 Local transport: Tuk-tuks, bikes, or walking
• 💡 Utilities + internet: $50–$70/month
• 🌿 Lifestyle: Simple, slower pace, more limited variety

Compare:
Vietnam offers better infrastructure and variety for those seeking a more comfortable or modern lifestyle, while Cambodia is ideal if your priority is stretching your money and keeping things minimal. Both countries offer a great quality of life — it just depends on your taste and pace.

Teaching Environment and School Culture

The teaching experience in Vietnam and Cambodia can feel worlds apart — not because of what you’re teaching, but because of how classrooms operate and what’s expected of you.

In Vietnam, students tend to be respectful, diligent, and highly motivated, especially in urban areas. Parents often invest heavily in their children’s English education, which adds pressure to deliver results. Class sizes vary — public schools can be large and energetic, while private centers keep things more manageable. Curriculums are often provided, and schools may have clear expectations and formal evaluations. While you’ll get support, you’re also expected to meet certain standards and sometimes handle administrative tasks like grading and lesson reports.

In Cambodia, classrooms are more relaxed. Students are friendly and eager, but English levels can vary widely, and school discipline may be looser. You’ll often have more freedom in how you teach, but you may also face a lack of structure or resources. Many schools provide minimal materials, leaving you to create your own lessons or adapt to changing situations. That can be a challenge — but also a chance to get creative and build strong personal connections with your students.

Vietnam

• 🎯 Motivated students, especially in cities
• 📘 Structured curriculum with clear goals
• 👨‍🏫 Supportive teams but higher expectations
• 📝 Regular assessments, some admin duties

Cambodia

• 😊 Friendly students, less academic pressure
• 🧑‍🎨 Flexible teaching style, limited materials
• 🧘‍♂️ Laid-back environment, less bureaucracy
• 🔄 May need to adapt quickly or improvise

Compare:
Vietnam suits teachers who prefer a bit of structure and like working toward clear goals, while Cambodia appeals to those who enjoy flexibility and don’t mind going with the flow. Your classroom style — and your patience level — will help you decide which system feels like the better fit.

Lifestyle and Daily Life

Your day-to-day life as a teacher abroad isn’t just about the classroom — it’s also about who you meet, what you eat, and how you spend your free time. Vietnam and Cambodia each offer rich, rewarding lifestyles, but they cater to different personalities and paces.

Vietnam is buzzing with energy, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The expat scene is large and diverse, with plenty of cafés, live music, co-working spaces, and international restaurants. Dating apps are active, nightlife is vibrant, and there’s always something going on. You can escape the hustle with a quick trip to the mountains or beaches, and domestic travel is cheap and easy. Vietnam is also quite safe, though big cities come with the usual urban cautions. If you love variety and motion, Vietnam will keep you stimulated.

Cambodia, on the other hand, moves more slowly — and that’s its charm. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have growing expat communities, but things feel more intimate. Social circles are tight-knit, and it’s easy to form deep local friendships. The dating scene is more relaxed, the pace of life is gentler, and your days might involve quiet cafés, sunset strolls, or weekend trips to Angkor Wat or the coast. Cambodia is generally safe, and locals are warm and welcoming. You’ll likely find yourself known by name at your favorite market stall or café.

Vietnam

• 🌆 Fast-paced urban life with endless variety
• 💃 Big nightlife and dating scene
• 🍜 World-class street food and regional cuisine
• 🧳 Easy domestic travel and weekend adventures
• ☕ Modern comforts with local flavor

Cambodia

• 🛵 Slower pace and simpler routines
• 🤝 Tight-knit communities and local connections
• 🍲 Affordable, home-style meals
• 🧘 Peaceful, reflective lifestyle
• 🏖️ Close to nature and historical treasures

Compare:
Vietnam is ideal if you thrive in fast-moving environments with modern amenities and a global feel. Cambodia is better suited to those who want to slow down, build deep local ties, and enjoy a more relaxed rhythm of life.

Long-Term Possibilities

Planning to stay for more than a year? Whether you're thinking about building a life abroad, freelancing on the side, or even settling down permanently, the long-term landscape in Vietnam and Cambodia plays a major role.

Vietnam offers more formal pathways for long-term residency, especially for those employed legally or exploring freelance and remote work options. Visa renewals are possible, though they require paperwork and occasional patience. Major cities have strong digital nomad infrastructure, and if you build the right qualifications, you can move into higher-paying roles, management, or even open your own language center. Language learning is very doable, and a basic grasp of Vietnamese goes a long way in feeling integrated.

Cambodia is incredibly easygoing when it comes to visas — you can often extend business or tourist visas with minimal hassle. It’s also popular with freelancers and remote workers because of its no-fuss approach to residency. There’s less red tape, but also fewer structured career growth opportunities. While it’s harder to “climb the ladder” in education, Cambodia is great for teachers looking to live simply, build side hustles, or stay flexible. Khmer is harder to pick up and less commonly studied than Vietnamese, but locals generally appreciate any effort.

Vietnam

• 🛂 Formal visa renewal options with long-term paths
• 📈 Career progression in education, remote work, or business
• 💼 Side gigs possible with the right paperwork
• 🗣️ Language learning helps with deeper integration

Cambodia

• 📅 Easy visa extensions and fewer restrictions
• 🧳 Great for digital nomads and flexible living
• 🚫 Fewer structured career paths, more casual gigs
• 🌍 Integration depends more on mindset than language

Compare:
Vietnam is the better choice if you want to grow your career, put down roots, or transition into other opportunities. Cambodia suits those who value ease, freedom, and low-pressure living — even if it comes with less structure in the long run.

Which Country Is Right for You?

Still torn between Vietnam and Cambodia? Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh the key differences and see which country better aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and teaching aspirations.

At-a-Glance Comparison

You Might Prefer Vietnam If…

• You want clear professional pathways and career growth
• You’re excited by fast-paced cities and a dynamic expat scene
• You plan to teach long-term or build toward remote work
• You prefer more structured schools and consistent pay
• You value access to modern comforts, cafés, and big-city living

You Might Prefer Cambodia If…

• You don’t have a degree and want to start teaching right away
• You enjoy a slower pace and a more relaxed lifestyle
• You’re looking for a low-cost base with flexible visas
• You want to make a meaningful impact in smaller communities
• You’re less concerned with structure and more open to spontaneity

Whether you’re drawn to Vietnam’s energy and earning potential or Cambodia’s ease and simplicity, both countries offer unforgettable teaching experiences. The best choice comes down to what kind of life you want to create — and where you feel most at home.

Explore further:

• Teach English in Vietnam
• Teach English in Cambodia