The Truth About Teaching in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam: Costs, Visas & Life Abroad (2025 Guide)

Everything you need to know before moving to Southeast Asia to teach English.

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Introduction: Why Southeast Asia Is the #1 TEFL Destination in 2025

For many new and experienced teachers, the dream of teaching abroad starts in Southeast Asia — especially Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Why?

Because these countries offer:
✔ Warm weather
✔ Low cost of living
✔ Friendly local communities
✔ Strong English demand
✔ Beginner-friendly jobs
✔ Great salaries (especially in Vietnam)
✔ Incredible food and culture

But each country is very different when it comes to lifestyle, visas, and teaching requirements.

This guide gives you the REAL, honest truth so you can choose the right destination for your goals.

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Teaching in Cambodia (2025)

The easiest place to start teaching in Southeast Asia

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✔ Why Cambodia Is a TEFL Hotspot

Cambodia is one of the only countries in Asia where you can teach without a degree, making it perfect for beginners.

Why teachers choose Cambodia:

• Extremely easy hiring process

• No degree required for most jobs

• Visa is simple to obtain

• Jobs available year-round

• Very friendly locals

• Very low cost of living

• Flexible schedules

• Many schools prefer native speakers but also hire fluent non-natives

This is the ideal country for anyone who wants to start teaching immediately.

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✔ Salary in Cambodia

• $900–$1,500 USD/month (language centres & schools)

• $1,200–$2,000 USD/month (international programs)

Not the highest in Asia — but the cost of living is extremely low.

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✔ Cost of Living

• Rent: $150–$300/month

• Food: $2–$3 per meal

• Transport: $50/month

• Lifestyle: very affordable

You can live comfortably on a small salary and still save money.

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✔ Visa Overview

• Easy business visa (E-class)

• Long-term extensions available

• Minimal paperwork

Cambodia has the simplest visa process in Asia.

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✔ Teaching Requirements

• TEFL highly recommended

• Degree NOT required

• Experience NOT required

• Native and non-native speakers welcome

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✔ Lifestyle & Culture

• Warm weather

• Laid-back lifestyle

• Strong expat community

• Low pressure teaching jobs

• Affordable everything

Ideal for beginners or digital nomads who want flexibility.

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Teaching in Thailand (2025)

Beautiful beaches, structured schools, and balanced lifestyle

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✔ Why Teachers Choose Thailand

Thailand is famous for:

• Beaches

• Night markets

• Great food

• Friendly culture

• Strong TEFL demand

It’s also very beginner-friendly — but slightly more structured than Cambodia.

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✔ Salary in Thailand

• $1,000–$1,500/month (public schools)

• $1,200–$2,000/month (language centres)

• $2,000–$3,000/month (international schools)

Savings are moderate, lifestyle is excellent.

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✔ Cost of Living

• Rent: $250–$400/month

• Food: $2–$4 per meal

• Transport: cheap

• Entertainment: affordable

Thailand offers one of the best lifestyle-to-income ratios in the world.

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✔ Visa Overview

Visa rules change often.
Expect:

• Non-immigrant B visa

• Work permit

• Some paperwork

• More structured process

Most schools assist with visas.

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✔ Teaching Requirements

• Degree usually required
  But rural schools sometimes hire without one.

• TEFL required

• Good classroom management needed

Thailand expects professionalism, especially in government schools.

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✔ Lifestyle & Culture

• Relaxed but respectful

• Friendly locals

• Huge expat community

• Excellent travel

• Great food scene

Perfect for teachers who want structure but still enjoy freedom.

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Teaching in Vietnam (2025)

The highest-paying option with massive growth

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✔ Why Vietnam Is Exploding in Popularity

Vietnam offers the best mix of:

• High salaries

• Low cost of living

• Beautiful landscapes

• Fast-growing English market

• Beginner-friendly schools

It’s rapidly becoming one of the top-paying TEFL destinations in the world.

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✔ Salary in Vietnam

• $1,400–$2,200/month (language centres)

• $1,500–$2,500 (international schools)

• $20–$25/hour part-time or freelance

Many teachers save $500–$1,000/month easily.

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✔ Cost of Living

• Rent: $300–$500/month

• Food: $2–$3 meals

• Transport: cheap

• Nightlife: active and affordable

Vietnam is perfect for people who want to earn well AND save.

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✔ Visa Overview

• Work permit required

• Schools often assist

• Degree preferred — but exceptions exist

• TEFL needed

• Paperwork slightly strict but doable

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✔ Teaching Requirements

• Degree preferred

• TEFL required

• Experience helps but not necessary

Vietnam is very accessible for new teachers.

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✔ Lifestyle & Culture

• Fast-paced cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh)

• Friendly communities

• Expat-friendly

• Affordable healthcare

• Top-tier food

• Stunning landscapes

Perfect for teachers wanting high income and modern lifestyle.

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Cambodia vs Thailand vs Vietnam: Quick Comparison

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Which Country Should YOU Choose?

Choose Cambodia if:

• You want to start fast

• You don’t have a degree

• You want low cost of living

• You want flexible work

• You want an easy visa process

Choose Thailand if:

• You want a balance of lifestyle + structure

• You have a degree

• You love beaches and culture

• You want moderate savings

Choose Vietnam if:

• You want the highest salary

• You want to save money

• You like modern cities

• You want a fast-paced environment

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners teach in these countries?

Yes — especially Cambodia and Vietnam.

Do I need a TEFL?

Cambodia: recommended
Thailand: usually required
Vietnam: required

Can non-native speakers teach?

Yes — especially in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Is the cost of living cheap?

Very. Southeast Asia is one of the most affordable regions in the world.

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Conclusion: Southeast Asia Is the Best Region to Start Your TEFL Journey

Whether you want high income, lifestyle, flexibility, or adventure, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam offer something for everyone.

✔ Cambodia = easiest entry
✔ Thailand = best lifestyle
✔ Vietnam = best pay
✔ All three = great TEFL careers

And with an accredited TEFL certificate, you’ll have everything you need to start your journey with confidence.

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Ready to teach in Cambodia, Thailand, or Vietnam?

Get your internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification and start applying today.

✔ No experience needed
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👉 Enroll today and begin your Southeast Asia teaching adventure.