Thailand vs. Vietnam: Which Teaching Abroad Experience is Right for You?

So, you’re thinking about teaching abroad, huh? Maybe you've got your sights set on Southeast Asia but can't decide between two dream destinations: Thailand or Vietnam. Both are iconic in their own right, offering rich cultures, delicious food, and amazing travel experiences. But when it comes to teaching, living, and fully immersing yourself, which one’s the right fit for you?

We’ve got you covered! Let’s break down the major perks of teaching in each country… from travel opportunities and cost of living to cultural experiences and classroom life. Ready to find your perfect match? Dive in below.

1. Culture and Lifestyle: Beaches or Mountain Escapes?

Thailand: Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand’s lifestyle is all about balancing adventure with relaxation. Think crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, breathtaking temples, and a food scene that will blow your mind. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced energy of Bangkok or the calm, artistic streets of Chiang Mai, there’s a place for you here. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and the street food—don’t even get us started—is legendary! 

From bustling street markets to peaceful beaches, Thailand offers a mix of excitement and relaxation.

Vietnam: If you love the energy of bustling cities and dramatic landscapes, Vietnam might be the perfect choice. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are busy, lively places where motorbikes zoom through the streets and markets overflow with life. Beyond the cities, Vietnam offers stunning natural beauty—towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies, and pristine beaches. Plus, the food is incredible (pho, anyone?). 

Experience the energy of Vietnam’s cities or find tranquility in its beautiful countryside.

2. Public Schools or Private Language Centers?

Thailand:
In Thailand, most teaching placements are in public schools. Class sizes are typically larger, but the students are respectful and eager to learn. The schools are generally well-resourced, and you’ll have access to teaching materials and books, although you’re encouraged to bring your creativity into the classroom.

You’ll likely teach for about 4-5 hours per day, with the rest of the time dedicated to preparing lesson plans or participating in school activities. A typical workweek runs from Monday to Friday, with your day starting at 7:30 AM and ending around 4:00 PM. And if you’re a fan of cultural events, many schools host festivals, sports days, and other activities that you’ll be invited to join.

Vietnam:
In Vietnam, teaching placements are available in both public schools and private language centers, giving you flexibility based on your preferences and schedule. Let’s break them down:

• Private Language Centers: These schools operate year-round, and teachers typically work in the evenings and on weekends, leaving daytime hours free. You’ll find high-tech facilities and well-resourced classrooms, perfect for new teachers. Class sizes are around 15 students, and you’ll often have access to teaching assistants to help manage the class. Expect to work 5 days a week, though your days off may not always be consecutive.
• Public Schools: These placements usually run from September to May, with peak hiring in August. Teachers here work Monday to Friday, teaching at 2-3 different schools to fill up their schedules. Class sizes are larger, ranging from 40-50 students, and the workday typically includes breaks, meaning you may teach from 10 AM to noon, then again from 4 PM to 7 PM. While public schools may have fewer resources than private centers, you’ll reach a broader demographic of students.

Classroom comparison: Thailand’s structured public school schedule vs. Vietnam’s mix of public schools and flexible language centers.

Thailand - Key Points:

• Class sizes: Larger, typically 30-40 students.
• School Type: Primarily public schools.
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM.
• Classroom Support: Thai co-teacher in most cases.
• Holidays: Long school breaks in March-April and October.

Vietnam - Key Points:

• Class sizes: Public schools (40-50 students); Private language centers (15 students).
• School Type: Public schools and private language centers.
• Working Hours: Public schools (Monday to Friday); Private language centers (afternoons, evenings, and weekends).
• Classroom Support: Teaching assistant in language centers; not guaranteed in public schools.
• Holidays: No extended school holidays except for Tet holiday in February.

Teaching in Vietnam and Thailand both come with unique rewards.

3. Cost of Living: Ball on a Budget

Thailand: Thailand’s cost of living is highly affordable, especially if you’re coming from Western countries. You can grab street food for about $1, and renting a decent apartment will cost you around $300 to $400 a month. This means you’ll have plenty of cash to explore Thailand’s stunning islands, stock up on souvenirs, or indulge in Thailand’s wellness and spa scene. 

Vietnam: Vietnam is known for being even more budget-friendly than Thailand. You can rent a great apartment for as low as $250 to $300 a month, and food is incredibly cheap (a bowl of pho will set you back less than $2). With a low cost of living and a high teaching salary, you’ll have extra savings for weekend trips, motorbike adventures, and more.

Click the links below to download budget breakdowns showing average rent, food, and travel expenses in both countries.

• Thailand Budget
• Vietnam Budget

4. Travel Opportunities: Island Hopping or Mountain Adventures?

Thailand: Thailand is a traveler’s paradise. Whether you’re island-hopping in the south or exploring ancient temples in the north, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You can visit places like Chiang Mai for a cultural deep dive or head to Koh Phi Phi for some serious beach time. Plus, Thailand is a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. 

Vietnam: Vietnam offers a different kind of adventure. Imagine trekking through the misty mountains of Sapa, cruising through the towering limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, or exploring the Mekong Delta. If you’re into motorbike travel, Vietnam is a dream, with scenic routes connecting the entire country. And just like Thailand, it’s easy to travel to nearby countries, including Cambodia and Laos. 

Thailand’s island paradises vs. Vietnam’s majestic mountains—where will your next adventure take you?

5. Teaching and Placement Support: TravelBud's Got Your Back

Whichever country you choose, TravelBud ensures that your teaching experience is smooth and stress-free. Both Thailand and Vietnam offer our award-winning Peace of Mind Support, which means you’ll get help with everything from visas and housing to navigating your first days of teaching. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 in-country support from people who’ve lived and taught abroad themselves.

And don’t forget the Lifetime Placement Guarantee—once you’ve taught with TravelBud, you can always come back for more placements in either country (or a new one) without paying any extra fees!

Vietnam Program Quick Facts:  

• Salary: Earn $1200 – $1400 USD (32 – 35 million Dong) per month. May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
• Placement Types: Placements are mainly in public schools and private language centers teaching students of all ages but mainly children.
• Contract Length: 1 year contracts with private language schools and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach and travel.
• In-class Accreditation & Placement Only options: Get TEFL/TESOL certified in-class. If you already have an accredited TEFL/TESOL certification, our Placement Only option is best for you.

Learn more about our Teach in Vietnam program.

Thailand Program Quick Facts:  

• Salary: Earn $800 – $1000 USD (30,000 – 40,000 Thai Baht) per month. May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
• Placement Types: Placements are mainly in public schools teaching kindergarten, primary (elementary and middle) and high school students.
• Contract Length: Placements are for 1 semester (5 months) or for 1 year and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach for more than a year.
• In-class or Online Accreditation & Placement Only options: Get TEFL/TESOL certified in-class in Thailand or online. If you already have an accredited TEFL/TESOL certification, our Placement Only option is best for you.

Learn more about our Teach in Thailand Program

First-Hand Stories: What Our Teachers Are Saying

Meet Nydia (Thailand):  

“My experiences teaching and living abroad in Thailand through the TravelBud agency are continuing to shape who I am with each day! I have been working and living here since July 2023, am still here until at least March 2024, and would want to be no where else in this world. Want a sure way to test your grit, expand your mind, and build your mental capacity to understand and appreciate cultural differences? Go teach and live abroad!”

Meet Palvinder (Vietnam):  

”From Day 1, the support I received from TravelBud, and in particular Charlotte, has been outstanding. I honestly cannot thank her enough for what she did for me. I would not have been able to have reached Vietnam if it was not for her. Her responsiveness. Her attitude. Her demeanour. Her willingness to help/support. Her professionalism. Her re-assurances, and heart to hearts. Charlotte, you truly are an amazing individual and TravelBud, and myself, are so lucky to know an individual as yourself. Thank you so much. I will never, ever, forget what you have done for me.”

Final Thoughts: Thailand vs. Vietnam—Which One’s Right for You?

Whether you’re drawn to the serene beaches and temples of Thailand or the vibrant cities and mountains of Vietnam, both offer incredible teaching abroad opportunities. It’s all about what suits your goals and interests—do you want to chill by the beach or explore bustling city life? Whichever you choose, you’ll walk away with unforgettable experiences and stories to last a lifetime. So, where’s your next adventure?