Job Discussion Forums

Pakalolo · Joined: 28 Nov 2004 Posts: 6

I have a Bachelor's degree in English and will be taking a TEFL course before I head to Asia this coming summer, but I'm still deciding whether Vietnam or Thailand will be the better choice. I'm sure much is personal preference, but if any of you have had experience teaching in both places, or even have a strong opinion of one then I am all ears.

It seems that both places are polluted, a condition I try to avoid in the States, but I think I can put up with it for a year. Living by a swimable ocean would be nice to me, but is not necessary. Money is womewhat of a factor as I have some educational loans to take care of (about $250 US a month).

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Sheep-Goats right about Thailand. If you have any financial worries, forget it!

But in Ho Chi Minh City most teachers make between USD1200 - 1600/month so your 250 debt wouldn't be a big problem. But HCMC is a lot less sweet than Bangkok. There is work available in coastal towns between here and Hanoi, namely Nha Trang, Danang and Hai Phong.

Micro67 · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 297 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Definitely Vietnam. Thailand is a great place to visit, but Vietnam remains remarkably unspoilt.

Ajarn Miguk · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 227 Location: TDY As Assigned

I actually found Vietnam a little more expensive to live in than Thailand even when factoring in the supposedly higher salaries in Vietnam. This was especially true when buying products produced outside of Vietnam or otherwise readily obtaining "amenities." One of these "amenities" is decent housing which is far easier to obtain in Thailand than Vietnam, in terms of quality, cost and hassle.

Both countries are very much unspoiled once you get outside of the large metropolitan areas; but, all in all, life in Thailand is much sweeter, easier and a whole lot more fun 24/7. Cool

Micro67 · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 297 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

I re-read what I wrote and I didn't mean to sound like Thailand was 'spoilt'. I'm sorry for the poorly chosen words.

Ultimately, Vietnam just suits me better. I love Thailand and have had some great times there, but Saigon to me has a certain something that I like - I love visiting Thailand, but I'm always ready to come back.

lexpat · Joined: 23 May 2004 Posts: 56 Location: Meh

Ha ha ha. I just spent a half hour with a half dozen teachers at a bia hoi here in Hanoi...and every single one of us agreed we would rather be in Thailand. Weather, social life...no comparison. Every single person who wanted to stay here said it was because they found the local women here more attractive than their counterparts in Thailand.

I think the issue is MONEY. Less money in the Kingdom...but this is only true if you teach adults. Get a good 45,000 - 50,000 baht a month contract at a local school in Thailand and the life there is much better. Take me advice...contact schools - I mean Thai schools - directly and don't use a broker. You can make the same as you do in Vietnam.

Micro67 · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 297 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

It isn't a contest for me. I prefer Vietnam.