Vietnam
Growing fast and impossible not to love. Vietnam is one of the most in-demand destinations for English teachers right now, vibrant cities, incredible food, and a cost of living that makes your salary go further than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia. It lacks the established expat infrastructure of Thailand but that is part of the appeal. Vietnam rewards people who are adaptable, curious, and willing to figure things out as they go. Those who do consistently say it surprised them in the best possible way.
- One of the fastest growing markets for English teachers in Asia
- Incredibly affordable cost of living even by Southeast Asian standards
- Vibrant street food scene and a culture that rewards curiosity
- Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi both offer strong teaching opportunities
- Warm and sociable locals make settling in faster than you expect
- Growing expat community particularly in the major cities
- Easy access to incredible coastline, mountains, and countryside
- A country that surprises almost everyone who teaches there
Growing fast and impossible not to love. Vietnam is one of the most in-demand destinations for English teachers right now, vibrant cities, incredible food, and a cost of living that makes your salary go further than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia. It lacks the established expat infrastructure of Thailand but that is part of the appeal. Vietnam rewards people who are adaptable, curious, and willing to figure things out as they go. Those who do consistently say it surprised them in the best possible way.
- One of the fastest growing markets for English teachers in Asia
- Incredibly affordable cost of living even by Southeast Asian standards
- Vibrant street food scene and a culture that rewards curiosity
- Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi both offer strong teaching opportunities
- Warm and sociable locals make settling in faster than you expect
- Growing expat community particularly in the major cities
- Easy access to incredible coastline, mountains, and countryside
- A country that surprises almost everyone who teaches there
Salaries and Cost of Living
Teaching salaries in Vietnam typically range from £800 to £1,800 per month depending on your qualifications, school type, and city. International schools and private language centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi pay at the higher end, particularly for teachers with a degree and recognised TEFL qualification. Cost of living is genuinely low. A comfortable monthly budget runs around £400 to £600 covering rent, food, transport, and socialising. Street food costs almost nothing and eating out daily is completely normal and affordable. The gap between salary and living costs in Vietnam is one of the most favourable of any teaching destination, meaning you can save meaningfully even on a modest income.
Requirements
Vietnam has tightened its requirements in recent years. A degree is increasingly expected and in some cases legally required for a work permit. A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is standard. A clean criminal background check is required and must often be apostilled which means officially certified for international use, so factor in the time and cost of obtaining one before you travel. Requirements vary by employer and region and enforcement has been inconsistent historically, but the trend is clearly moving toward stricter compliance. Going in fully documented gives you access to the best positions and protects you legally.
Best cities
Ho Chi Minh City in the south is the largest city and the one with the most teaching opportunities, highest salaries, and the most developed expat scene. It is fast, loud, chaotic, and completely addictive once you adjust. Hanoi in the north has a different character entirely, cooler climate, more traditional feel, and a slower pace that suits people who want something more authentically Vietnamese. Da Nang is an increasingly popular middle ground, a coastal city with beaches, a manageable size, and a growing number of teaching positions as demand spreads beyond the two main cities.
How to find your first job
Vietnam Teaching Jobs and VietnamWorks are the main job boards worth checking regularly. The Facebook group “Teaching English in Vietnam” is active and has a dedicated jobs section where schools post directly. Most teachers arrive and find work within one to two weeks, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City where demand is high year round. Arriving with your documents in order including your degree certificate, TEFL certificate, and background check puts you in a strong position to negotiate and move quickly. Many schools will also conduct a short demo lesson as part of the interview process so come prepared.
Ready to get your TEFL certificate? Compare every accredited course and find the right one for your situation.