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5 Unique Adventures You Can Only Have When Teaching in Thailand or Vietnam

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate adventure, teaching in Thailand or Vietnam is the golden ticket. Beyond the classroom, these destinations offer bucket-list experiences that most travelers can only dream of. Think spontaneous road trips through emerald rice fields, weekend escapes to hidden temples, and authentic cultural immersions that can only happen when you’re living and working abroad. Sound good? Here’s what makes teaching in Thailand and Vietnam with TravelBud an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

1. Discover Hidden Temples in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, often called the cultural heart of Thailand, is teeming with temples. But beyond the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, there are lesser-known gems tucked away in the mountains, waiting to be explored. As a teacher in Thailand, you’ll have weekends and holidays to head out on spontaneous temple-hopping adventures. Imagine walking barefoot through ancient ruins, guided by locals who share their stories and invite you into their cultural traditions. It’s not something you can experience on a quick vacation—this is slow travel at its finest.

Why this is a must-do: Teaching abroad gives you time to really immerse yourself in these sacred places. By living in Thailand, you have the flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path temples, without the rush.

Chiang Mai, Thailand.

 2. Cruise Through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

Picture this: it’s the weekend, and you’re drifting down the Mekong River in Vietnam, surrounded by floating markets, lush green islands, and tiny stilted villages. On your teaching days off, you can join fellow teachers on boat tours through this breathtaking landscape. Mornings start with fresh coconut juice and chats with locals, and afternoons are spent discovering secret mangrove paths.

Why this is a must-do: As a teacher living in Vietnam, you have the time to experience the Mekong Delta beyond just a day tour. Stay overnight in a homestay, eat traditional meals, and truly connect with the people who live in this fascinating ecosystem.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

3. Take Epic Road Trips with Fellow Teachers

Both Thailand and Vietnam offer some of the most scenic road trips in Southeast Asia, and as a teacher, you’ve got the freedom to hit the road whenever the teaching week ends. Set off with your fellow teachers on winding roads that cut through vibrant landscapes, from the lush mountains of northern Thailand to the pristine beaches of Vietnam’s coastline. Who knows where the next stop will be—an untouched waterfall? A quirky roadside café? The beauty of teaching abroad is the space to explore at your own pace.

Why this is a must-do: Spontaneous road trips are the ultimate freedom, and teaching in either country gives you regular breaks to go adventuring. Plus, you’ll meet fellow teacher-travelers just as eager to hit the road as you are.

Y Ty village, located in the far north of Vietnam, lies well beyond the usual tourist paths.

4. Live Like a Local with Cultural Festivals

Living and teaching abroad means you’re not just a tourist. You’re part of the community, and that means you get to experience local festivals from the inside. In Thailand, there’s Songkran (the world’s biggest water fight), where you’ll celebrate New Year by splashing water with friends and strangers alike. In Vietnam, you’ll find yourself swept up in Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), joining your students and their families for feasts, fireworks, and traditional dances. These aren’t the kind of celebrations you can just drop in on—they’re moments you need to live to fully appreciate.

Why this is a must-do: Cultural festivals take on new meaning when you’re living in the country. You’re not just a spectator; you’re an active participant, building deeper connections with your community.

Songkran festivaln, in Thailand (the world’s biggest water fight).

5. Teach, and Then Trek Through Untouched Landscapes

In both Thailand and Vietnam, some of the most stunning hiking trails are just a short trip from the cities where you’ll be teaching. Spend a Saturday trekking through Thailand’s misty Doi Inthanon National Park, or hike up Vietnam’s Fansipan (the highest peak in Indochina). The best part? After the adrenaline rush of the hike, you’ll have time to sit back and enjoy the view, knowing this won’t be the last adventure.

Why this is a must-do: Having a home base while teaching abroad means you can plan epic treks whenever the mood strikes. No need to cram everything into one whirlwind trip—you’ll have plenty of time to tackle those bucket-list hikes at your own pace.

Hang Mua Cave, Thành phố Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Fansipan, Sapa, Vietnam.

Why TravelBud Makes These Adventures Possible

TravelBud isn’t just about finding you a job abroad, we’re about setting you up for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s why you should start your journey with us:

– Guaranteed Job Placements: Forget the stress of job hunting abroad—we guarantee you a job placement in vetted schools, so you can focus on exploring and teaching.

– Peace of Mind Support: With TravelBud, you’ll get 24/7 support with our team of experts. We have all taught abroad before, so when we say we know what we’re talking about, me mean it. Plus, you’ll have someone to call for everything, making your time abroad stress-free.

Community of Like-Minded Travelers: Meet fellow teacher travelers who are just as excited about spontaneous road trips and weekend adventures as you are.

Extended Authentic Travel: Teaching allows for long-term, meaningful travel. You’re not just passing through—you’re part of the culture, making these unique experiences even richer.

Download Our Free Bucket List Guides for Thailand and Vietnam:

Ready to start planning your own adventures? Download our Thailand & Vietnam Bucket Lists packed with must-see spots for epic weekend trips. Teaching abroad is your gateway to real, unfiltered travel, and we’ll help you make the most of it.

Teaching in Thailand or Vietnam offers a life of adventure that goes beyond the tourist hotspots. It’s about slow travel, deep cultural immersion, and creating lifelong memories with new friends. So why wait? With TravelBud’s support, your teaching journey will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can’t be missed.

About Franci

Franci, our Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager, brings a unique blend of creativity to TravelBud. She holds a degree in Humanities from Stellenbosch University and is currently completing her postgraduate studies in Sustainable Development. Born and raised in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa—a beautiful coastal town nestled in the heart of the Garden Route—Franci is an ocean and mountain lover at heart. When she's not crafting captivating visuals and managing the social media accounts for TravelBud, you can find Franci frolicking in the mountains, trail running, or swimming in the ocean.
Filed under  Thailand • Vietnam 

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With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your life-changing experience.
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