Country guide

Teach English in Vietnam

Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.

Vietnam has become one of the most popular ESL destinations in the past five years. Demand outpaces supply in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Most teachers work at language centers in the late afternoons and evenings, with international schools and public school placements available for credentialed teachers.

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.

Common questions about teaching in 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.

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.

What about online teaching from Vietnam?

Many teachers in Vietnam combine in-person classes with online teaching to global students. The time zone overlaps well with East Asia and parts of Europe.