Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

We already know that both Thailand and Vietnam are popular destinations for teaching English as a foreign language. They offer many job opportunities for English teachers, especially for those who are native speakers or hold teaching qualifications. 

Thailand and Vietnam have different cultures and lifestyles. Thailand is known for its friendly and welcoming people, beautiful beaches, and rich Buddhist culture. It is also famous for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife. In contrast, Vietnam has a more reserved culture, a complex history, and a diverse cuisine. Both countries offer unique experiences and opportunities to immerse yourself in a new culture but have different vibes and lifestyles that may appeal to different people.

The salaries for English teachers in Thailand and Vietnam can vary depending on your qualifications, experience, and the type of school you work at. In general, Vietnam tends to offer higher salaries than Thailand with the exception of international schools. In Thailand, only the super-qualified can secure employment at reputable top-tier international schools commanding incredible paychecks. Overall, the salary, remuneration package, and work conditions for English teachers in ordinary schools in Vietnam can be more attractive than in ordinary Thai schools.

I think that both Thailand and Vietnam offer a variety of teaching opportunities for English teachers, ranging from private language schools to public schools and universities. However, Thailand has a more developed and organized education system, with more opportunities for experienced and qualified teachers at a number of schools. Vietnam is still developing its education system, and the demand for English teachers is higher in certain regions.

Vietnamese students are generally more motivated to put in the extra effort to learn than their Thai counterparts. On the flip side, Thai students are more fun to teach and will therefore respond better than Vietnamese students to the more humorous, “less serious” relaxed fatherly/motherly type of teacher, who engages his/her students through fun and games. Not to say that Vietnamese learners do not enjoy fun and games in the classroom, they do, but a little less.  

To work legally as an English teacher in Thailand or Vietnam, you will need to obtain a work permit and a visa. The visa requirements and application process may differ between these two countries, and it's essential to check the latest regulations before you make your decision. One thing is certain, both countries require you to have a degree to be eligible for a residency and a work permit.

With the exception of international schools, few schools in Thailand and in Vietnam offer benefits such as housing or housing allowance, flight allowance and professional development opportunities. Most Thai and Vietnamese schools will provide visa assistance and free health insurance.

English teachers in Vietnam and Thailand typically work around 20-24 hours per week. Some schools may require more or less teaching hours, and additional time may be spent on lesson planning and grading.

Expat teachers in both countries usually have paid national holidays as well as summer and winter breaks.

Thailand is more tourist-centric and has many more Western elements than Vietnam. Some think that Vietnam is also more authentic and has a history of wars and colonization, I don't necessarily agree as Thailand has Sukhotai and Ayuthaya and thus a rich and also very authentic history.

I consider Work/life balance in Thailand generally better as there is so much more to do in my free time. Vietnam is economically less developed. It is also a little less modern than Thailand. The entertainment industry is also less developed in Vietnam. So apart from traveling the country and seeing the sights, there are fewer things to enjoy there in general, well at least for me.

Both countries are interesting places to teach. Personally, and probably because I love Thai food plus the fact that I’m the more relaxed type of guy I prefer to teach in Thailand over Vietnam even though I was saving more money in Vietnam. For me, Thailand wins hands down.

In summary, whether you choose to teach in Thailand or Vietnam depends on your personal preferences, experiences, and goals. Both countries offer unique experiences, opportunities, and challenges. It's essential to research and consider your options before making your decision.

Thank you for reading my blog.

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Blog by Teacher Jamie @ St. Dominic Bilingual School Bangkok

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Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.