Teaching English in Thailand vs Vietnam 2026: Which Country Should You Choose?

By TEFL Institute Elaine, Country Specialist

So, you’ve got your TEFL certificate in hand, and you’re ready to embark on the adventure of teaching English abroad. Thailand and Vietnam are both calling your name, but which one should you choose? It’s a bit like deciding between pad Thai and pho – both delicious, but entirely different experiences.

Both Thailand and Vietnam offer incredible opportunities for English teachers in 2026, but they cater to different preferences, lifestyles, and career goals. Thailand has long been the poster child for TEFL destinations, whilst Vietnam has quietly risen as a serious contender, driven by rapid development and increasing demand for English teachers. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of both countries to help you make the right choice for your teaching adventure.

Quick Comparison: Thailand vs Vietnam for TEFL Teachers

Teaching English in Thailand: The Land of Smiles

Salary and Cost of Living in Thailand

Thailand has been a TEFL hotspot for decades, and for good reason. The average salary for English teachers ranges from 30,000 to 45,000 THB per month (approximately £690-£1,035). Whilst this might not sound like a fortune, your money goes quite far when you’re paying £2 for a delicious street food meal and £250-£400 for a decent flat.

Bangkok offers the highest salaries but also the highest living costs, whilst cities like Chiang Mai provide a more relaxed lifestyle with slightly lower wages but significantly lower expenses. You won’t be saving thousands each month, but you’ll live comfortably with enough left over for weekend trips to those Instagram-worthy islands.

The Teaching Environment in Thailand

Thai students are generally polite, respectful, and eager to please, though getting them to speak up in class can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. The Thai education system values respect for teachers highly, which means you’ll be treated well, but it also comes with expectations of maintaining a professional appearance and demeanour.

Class sizes can be large (30-40 students), and you’ll likely be teaching in public schools, private language centres, or international schools. The work culture is generally relaxed, though lesson planning and marking can take up a fair bit of your free time. Most schools follow the Thai academic calendar with breaks in March/April and October.

Lifestyle and Culture in Thailand

Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is second to none in Southeast Asia. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene mountains of Chiang Mai, from party islands like Koh Phangan to quiet beach havens like Koh Lanta, there’s something for everyone. The expat community is massive, which means you’ll never struggle to find like-minded people, but it can also feel a bit too comfortable; you might find yourself in an expat bubble if you’re not careful.

Thai culture is warm and welcoming, though there’s a language barrier to navigate. Learning Thai is helpful but not essential, as many Thai people in cities speak at least basic English. The food is phenomenal (and cheap), the healthcare is excellent and affordable, and the weather is consistently hot, which is either a dream or a nightmare depending on your tolerance for humidity.

Teaching English in Vietnam: The Rising Star

Salary and Cost of Living in Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive TEFL destinations in recent years, largely because the maths works out better for your bank account. Teachers typically earn between $1,200-$2,000 USD per month (roughly £950-£1,580), and with a lower cost of living than Thailand, you can actually save a decent amount each month.

A comfortable flat in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi will set you back around £250-£400, and you can eat well for about £1-£2 per meal. The cost of living is noticeably lower than in Thailand, particularly for accommodation and transportation. Many teachers report saving £400-£700 per month, which is significantly more than what’s typically possible in Thailand.

The Teaching Environment in Vietnam

Vietnamese students are enthusiastic, hardworking, and genuinely motivated to learn English. The country’s rapid economic development has created a massive demand for English proficiency, which in turn has led students to take their studies seriously. Class sizes are generally smaller than in Thailand (15-25 students), and the teaching culture is more results-oriented.

You’ll find opportunities in public schools, private language centres, and international schools. Language centres are particularly popular in Vietnam, and many teachers work split shifts (morning and evening) to maximise their earnings. The work culture can be more demanding than in Thailand, with higher expectations for student progress and more rigorous assessment systems.

Lifestyle and Culture in Vietnam

Vietnam offers a more authentic, less touristy experience than Thailand, though this is changing rapidly as the country develops. The cities are energetic and chaotic in the best possible way, with millions of motorbikes creating a symphony of horns and engines. The expat community is smaller but growing, so you’ll likely integrate more into local life.

Vietnamese culture is fascinating and complex, shaped by Chinese, French, and American influences. The people are direct, entrepreneurial, and incredibly welcoming once you break through the initial reserve. The food is lighter and fresher than Thai cuisine (hello, fresh herbs and pho for breakfast), and the coffee culture is exceptional. Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, and it shows.

The country offers stunning natural beauty from Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice fields of Sapa, though the tourist infrastructure isn’t quite as developed as Thailand’s. This can make travel more adventurous but also more rewarding.

Visa and Legal Requirements: What You Need to Know

Working Legally in Thailand

Thailand requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) and a TEFL certificate. The work permit process is relatively straightforward if you’re working with a reputable school, though it involves quite a bit of paperwork and several visits to immigration offices. Your school should handle most of this for you.

The Non-Immigrant B visa is required for teaching, and you’ll need to do visa runs or extensions every 90 days. In 2026, Thailand tightened regulations on teaching qualifications, making a legitimate TEFL certificate more important than ever.

Working Legally in Vietnam

Vietnam also requires a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate for teaching. The work permit process has become more streamlined in recent years, though it still requires document authentication and background checks from your home country. Many teachers arrive on tourist visas and then convert to work permits once they’ve secured employment.

Vietnam has recently introduced stricter regulations on English-teaching qualifications, requiring TEFL certificates to be at least 120 hours. Some provinces also require degree certificates to be notarised and authenticated, which can be time-consuming if you’re not prepared.

Which Country is Right for You?

Choose Thailand If…

You want a well-established expat community and proven TEFL infrastructure. Thailand is the safer choice if you’re new to teaching abroad and want that safety net of familiar faces and extensive support networks. The relaxed lifestyle, incredible travel opportunities, and developed tourism sector make it ideal for teachers who value leisure time and want easy access to world-class beaches and islands.

Choose Thailand if you prioritise work-life balance over saving money, prefer a more laid-back teaching environment, and want the comfort of a large expat community.

Choose Vietnam If…

You’re looking to save money and don’t mind a more intense teaching environment. Vietnam offers better financial prospects and a more authentic cultural experience. The motivated students, lower cost of living, and rapidly developing cities make it perfect for teachers who want to advance their careers whilst building up savings.

Choose Vietnam if you’re comfortable with greater independence, want to immerse yourself in local culture, prefer motivated students, and are focused on your financial goals alongside your teaching experience.

Thailand vs Vietnam in 2026

There’s no wrong answer here; both countries offer fantastic opportunities for English teachers. Thailand provides the classic TEFL experience with unbeatable travel opportunities and a relaxed lifestyle, whilst Vietnam offers better savings potential and a more dynamic, developing environment.

If you’re torn between the two, consider doing a year in each! Many teachers start in Thailand to get their feet wet in a more comfortable environment, then move to Vietnam for better earning potential. Others fall in love with one country and stay for years. The beauty of teaching English abroad is that you’re not locked in – your TEFL certificate opens doors across Asia and beyond.

Whichever you choose, make sure you have a legitimate TEFL qualification. Both countries have tightened their requirements in recent years, and schools are increasingly selective about who they hire. A quality 120-hour TEFL course will prepare you properly and ensure you meet the legal requirements in both destinations.

Ready to start your teaching adventure? The hardest part is just making the decision; after that, it’s all pad Thai, pho, and the incredible experience of making a real difference in your students’ lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach English in Thailand or Vietnam without a degree?

Legally, both Thailand and Vietnam require a bachelor’s degree for work permits. Whilst some language centres may hire teachers without degrees under the table, this puts you at risk of deportation and leaves you without legal protection. It’s strongly recommended to obtain your degree first, or consider countries with more flexible requirements if you don’t have one.

Which country is better for saving money?

Vietnam offers better savings potential for most teachers. With similar teaching hours but lower living costs and often higher salaries, teachers in Vietnam typically save £400-£700 per month compared to £150-£300 in Thailand. However, Thailand’s lifestyle benefits and travel opportunities may be worth the trade-off for many teachers.

Do I need to speak Thai or Vietnamese to teach English there?

No, you don’t need to speak the local language to teach English in either country. All teaching is conducted in English (using immersion methods), and many schools prefer teachers who don’t speak the local language to ensure students practice English. However, learning basic phrases will greatly enhance your daily life and show respect for local culture.

Which country has better opportunities for career advancement?

Both countries offer career progression opportunities, but in different ways. Thailand has more established international schools with higher salaries (£2,600-£4,100/month) for experienced teachers with teaching licences. Vietnam’s rapidly growing English education sector offers opportunities to move into management roles at language centres. Vietnam may offer faster advancement due to its developing market, whilst Thailand provides more structured progression through international schools.

Is it safe for solo female teachers in Thailand and Vietnam?

Both Thailand and Vietnam are generally very safe for solo female teachers. Violent crime against foreigners is rare in both countries. Standard precautions apply – avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, watch your drinks in bars, and be aware of petty theft in tourist areas. Both countries have large communities of female expat teachers who report feeling safe and welcome. Vietnam’s cities can feel safer than Bangkok due to lower tourist-related crime, though both are considerably safer than many Western cities.