Top Cities for ESL Teaching in Vietnam

Vietnam has become a top teaching destination for English teachers, offering an exciting blend of professional career opportunities and cultural experiences.

Choosing the right city to launch your teaching career in Vietnam can be tough if you are new to the local ESL teaching industry. Some may wish to feel the pulse of the modern big city life, while some may opt for the more tranquil and laid-back beachside experience.

Luckily, with its mix of rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and modern bustling cities, Vietnam has something for everyone.

In this post, we’ll explore the most popular cities for ESL teachers in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City — Big City Life

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis where East meets West! Being the largest city and a major economic and cultural hub in Vietnam, it offers an exciting blend of career growth, culture, and cuisine.

Career opportunities

For ESL teachers seeking career opportunities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a top choice. The demand for English language education is high, and there are numerous language centers, private schools, as well as public schools offering teaching positions throughout the year.

It can be good to keep in mind that the competition for teaching positions in Ho Chi Minh City can be quite high, as salaries tend to be on the higher end compared to other cities. This means that you’ll want to prepare well before you start your job hunt!

Lifestyle

Ho Chi Minh City is a place where you can experience the rich culture and history of Vietnam while enjoying the modern amenities of a big city. You can explore the vibrant street food scene via traditional markets like the Ben Thanh Market, stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or escape the big-city rush for some relaxation in parks like Tao Dan Park.

If you are interested in exploring historical landmarks, you have access to sites like the War Remnants Museum. When dusk arrives, Ho Chi Minh offers a vibrant nightlife with plenty of exciting opportunities to mingle with the local populace and create memorable experiences.

The city’s mix of career opportunities and dynamic lifestyles makes it a top choice for ESL teachers.

Hanoi — Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, the enchanting capital city of Vietnam, is where tradition meets modern city life. Hanoi is a fantastic choice for teachers who wish to grow their careers while exploring Vietnam’s rich history and traditional cuisine.

Career growth and culture

Thanks to the presence of foreign embassies, multinational organizations, and corporations, there is a growing demand for English teachers in Hanoi. The city’s charm lies in its mix of modern city life and historical sites like the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature. This provides English teachers with a unique blend of professional opportunities and cultural exploration.

Lifestyle

Hanoi offers a slightly more relaxed pace of life compared to Ho Chi Minh City. You can savor delicious street food at the city’s various night markets, explore ancient temples, and take leisurely walks around Hoan Kiem Lake. The city’s tranquil lakes and lush greenery create a soothing contrast to its bustling streets.

Da Nang — Work-life Balance

Da Nang, a coastal charmer and tourism hotspot in central Vietnam, is a popular destination for teachers who are looking for a unique mix of career growth and a relaxing lifestyle.

Work-life balance

Thanks to a thriving tourism industry, Da Nang experiences a steady demand for English teachers. This combined with beautiful beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the major cities, teachers can enjoy a slower pace of life and a more stable work-life balance. However, it can be good to note that the ESL job market in Da Nang can also be quite competitive due to its popularity among teachers.

Lifestyle

When you are not indulging in beachside relaxation, you can explore the many breathtaking local sights such as the Marble Mountains, or sample fresh seafood at the local markets. The city’s coastal charm and modern amenities make it a very desirable destination for ESL teachers.

Honourable mentions

If you are interested in pursuing a more off-the-beaten-track type of experience, Vietnam also offers plenty of other charming teaching destinations. While not as developed as the major cities, these honourable mentions offer a different perspective of Vietnam, allowing ESL teachers to explore the country’s diversity and rich cultural heritage.

It can be good to keep in mind that the smaller the teaching destination you opt for, the less developed it tends to be. This can affect things such as networking and career opportunities, as well as everyday practicalities such as transportation and essential services. On the upside, these smaller cities often provide a more authentic and unique Vietnamese experience.

What do you need to teach English in Vietnam?

To teach English in Vietnam, you must first obtain the necessary qualifications. This will not only ensure your eligibility for legal employment, but it will also improve your job prospects, making it easier to secure teaching positions at reputable schools and language centers across the country.

You should aim to obtain the following qualifications:

For the documents to be valid for the work permit and visa process, they also need to be authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy in the country they were issued. This process only needs to be completed once, and the authenticated certificate is valid for life.

Starting your teaching journey

Whether you prefer the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the historical charm of Hanoi, the relaxed atmosphere of Da Nang, or the unique experiences in smaller cities, Vietnam offers a diverse range of teaching opportunities for ESL teachers.

So, before setting out on your teaching journey in Vietnam, make sure that you’ve prepared your qualifications, and then spend some time thinking over your priorities and what type of experience you wish to pursue. Doing so can help you to get the best possible start to your adventure!

Are you ready to launch a new teaching career in Vietnam?

If you’d like to learn more about teaching English in Vietnam, feel free to explore our ESL teaching blog for useful tips and stories from our graduates:

🧑‍🏫 Teacher stories from Vietnam:

• Hicham teaching in Vietnam.
• Grace teaching in Vietnam.

If you have any questions about our courses and certificates, feel free to contact us via the website live chat or via our contact form.