Comparison
Teach English in Vietnam vs Thailand
Lifestyle-focused teacher choosing between Southeast Asia's two most popular destinations.
Vietnam pays roughly 30 to 50 percent more than Thailand for similar roles. Thailand has stronger lifestyle pull and more vacation. Vietnam's hiring is hotter right now; Thailand's market is mature and steady.
Vietnam
Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.
Salary
Language centers: 1,400 to 2,200 USD per month. International schools: 2,500 to 4,500 USD. Pay is hourly for most center jobs, in the 18 to 25 USD per hour range. Cost of living is low enough that most teachers save 600 to 1,000 USD per month.
Visa
Work permit and temporary residence card. Requires bachelor's, 120-hour TEFL, criminal record check, and a health check. Native speaker preference but non-native teachers with a bachelor's in English or education are increasingly hired.
Best for
Teachers who want flexible hours, a strong expat community, and a low cost of living. Hanoi and HCMC are very different cities — pick deliberately.
Thailand
Lifestyle-first teaching with lower pay and lots of vacation.
Salary
Government schools: 30k to 45k THB per month. Bilingual schools: 45k to 70k THB. International schools: 80k to 150k THB. Language centers pay hourly, 400 to 700 THB per hour.
Visa
Non-Immigrant B visa converted to a work permit. Bachelor's required. TEFL certificate strongly preferred and required for the teacher license. Many teachers start on a tourist visa and convert after hiring.
Best for
Teachers prioritizing lifestyle, climate, and travel access. Not optimal if your goal is paying off student loans fast.
Open positions, side by side
Vietnam
English Teacher - Language Center
Saigon Global Language Institute · Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hiring ESL TEACHERS in VIETNAM – over 70 centres and 30 years of experience
ILA Vietnam · Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Binh Duong, Can Tho and more!, Vietnam
Teach English Abroad 2026 – Paid Jobs in Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Indonesia & More | Housing + Visa Support
TEFL UK · Various
English Teaching Jobs in Vietnam with VUS
VUS · Vietnam, Vietnam
Full-time English teachers needed in Hung Yen Province, VietNam
Educare Vietnam JSC (POLO Language Center) · Various
ESL/MS Teacher - Vietnam - HCMC (Public Schools)
Vinalearn English · Various
Thailand
English Teacher - Bilingual School
Bangkok Bright Bilingual School · Bangkok, Thailand
Secondary English Teacher Needed in Uttaradit , Thailand
MediaKids Academy · Various
Secondary English / Social Studies Teacher Needed in Udonthani, Thailand
MediaKids Academy · Various
Secondary English Teacher - Sakonnakhon, Thailand
MediaKids Academy · Various
Looking for a new challenge & experience a new culture Well why not be an ESL Teacher in THAILAND!
Openbook Teachers · Various
Common questions
Vietnam
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
HCMC is hotter, busier, and has more job openings. Hanoi has four seasons, more historical character, and a tighter expat community. Pay is similar in both.
Vietnam
Are non-native English speakers hireable?
Yes for many language centers, especially with a CELTA or strong references. International schools still strongly prefer native speakers.
Thailand
Can I teach in Thailand without a TEFL?
Some agencies will hire you without one initially, but you cannot get the formal teacher license without TEFL coursework. Get certified before or shortly after arrival.
Thailand
Is Bangkok the best place to teach?
It has the most jobs and the highest pay, but Chiang Mai has lower cost of living and a stronger expat community. Beach towns have fewer jobs and lower pay.