Bangkok is a bucket-list city of epic proportions. It also happens to be the capital of a nation that’s up there with the biggest TEFL markets in Southeast Asia. Thousands of teachers will touch down in the town every single year, some to start new jobs, others to continue their EFL career. We’ll say this: If you’re one of them, you won’t be disappointed. Bangkok offers electrifying markets, otherworldly Buddhist temples, and nightlife streets to shame anywhere on the globe. Here’s a taster of just five things we think you should begin with…
Khaosan Road
First time in Bangkok? Everyone heads to Khaosan Road. This 400-meter-long strip that carves through the heart of the Banglamphu district along the river has gained mythic status in the backpacker world. A lot of that is down to its cameo in the 2000 Danny Boyle cult hit The Beach – Leonardo DiCaprio came here to start his Thai adventure. Anyway, expect to find a rambunctious run of ad hoc beer stalls, street-food sellers touting deep-fried insects, tailoring shops, and clubs. Grab yourself a Chang beer during the happy hour and settle in for some people watching. Who knows where the night will take you?
Wat Arun
Wat Arun – or Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, to give it its full name – is one of Bangkok’s most eye-catching religious sites. It looms large against the meanders of the Cho Phraya River, sprouting a colossal stupa at its center that’s clad in multicolored tiles and glowing white marble. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries to mimic the sacred Mount Meru of the Hindu myths, it’s now a Buddhist shrine replete with golden Buddha effigies and meditation halls. You can visit for 100 THB on the cross-river ferries. Or settle in one of the rooftop bars on the banks opposite to get the best view of the temple during the sunset.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Cue the biggest market in the whole of Asia. Yep – the WHOLE OF ASIA. Chatuchak Weekend Market spans a complete segment of the Chatuchak district in northern Bangkok. By some estimations, there are a whopping 15,000 stalls and sellers. We haven’t counted to verify that but will agree that there’s a lot. You can buy just about anything, from incense sticks to knock-off designer underwear to vintage candelabras and even puppies. The action starts on Thursday afternoon but the best night to visit has to be the Friday evening, when the whole place is abuzz with street-food cooks touting satay sticks off the BBQ and tamarind-laced pad Thai noodles.
The Reclining Buddha
The Reclining Buddha is just as its name implies – a statue of the Buddha that’s reclining. But it’s also a whole load more impressive than that, since this particular Reclining Buddha spans 46 meters in length and several meters in height. It also happens to have jade-inlayed feet and comes covered in glimmering gold leaf. The attraction is nestled in a huge hall in the Wat Pho temple complex, which is one of the most important temple complexes in the whole of Thailand. In fact, the site is said to be the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Entry is 200 THB per person and you’ll need to dress appropriately (no exposed legs and whatnot).
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of the most famous districts of Bangkok. It’s a huge area, spanning the whole length of its namesake road as it runs away from the historic center of the city in the west to the outskirts in the east. Some parts are forests of steel-glimmering skyscrapers with cocktail bars at their top. Others are gritty nightlife strips with rowdy sports bars aplenty. We especially love the area around Sukhumvit 23 – a hip and happening neighborhood with Japanese sushi restaurants and hipster coffee joints – and Sukhumvit 39 – where there are loads of authentic Thai food stalls spilling on to the street sides. It’s local Bangkok at its best.
If you can think of any more must-see things to add to this list of the top five draws you simply cannot miss in Bangkok, be sure to add them into the comments below. Or, if you’re interested in teaching in this amazing country, check out our Teach in Thailand program right now!
Thailand – the fabled Land of Smiles. There are few places on the planet that inspire the wanderlust like this. In the last 20 years, the country that sits right at the heart of Southeast Asia has become nothing short of a rite of passage for backpackers of all stripes. It’s also become firmly established as one of the go-to TEFL destinations of the globe. The reason? There are many…glinting white beaches and tropical islands where you can spend your weekends, arguably the tastiest street food around, and a fantastic balance between potential earnings and cost of living. Let’s delve a little deeper in this list of five reasons to be a TEFL teacher in Thailand…
The islands
TEFL teachers often come to Thailand with the dream of scoring a job on a paradise island and spending their evenings wandering coconut-strewn sands under the palms. Many are disappointed when they discover that they’ll actually be working in one of the bigger cities – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Trang. But there’s no need to be. The isles of Thailand aren’t just downright gorgeous. They are also super accessible. Most can be reached in a single morning from major towns, using ferries or flights or even buses. That means you should find it a cinch to escape on your weekends. Favorites of ours are Koh Phangan, a yogi and R&R isle of white-sand bays, and lovely Lanta in the Andaman, which strikes a good balance between nightlife and chillout beaches.
The food
Ask 10 TEFL grads why they want to go to Thailand and there’s sure to be at least a mention of the gastronomy. This nation boasts one of the most distinctive and flavorsome cuisines on the globe. For lovers of all things lemongrass, ginger, soy, and chili, it’s just about perfect. The street food in particular is spectacular. Just mosey on down to Khaosan Road in Bangkok and you can taste your way through pad Thai noodles, chicken satay skewers, and even deep-fried scorpions! Also don’t miss the coconut curries of southern Thailand, which are packed with potatoes and zingy kefir lime leaves.
The people
They don’t call this the Land of Smiles for nothing, you know. Like Costa Rica and Bhutan before it, Thailand is famed for its good vibes and happy people. And they really are happy. From the moment you stroll out of the big arrivals hall at BKK airport, you’ll be greeted warmly by everyone from the immigration staff to the baggage handlers. The Thais are generally very hospitable and open folks, with a great sense of humor; quick to laugh, quick to joke. They are certainly one of the main reasons that this corner of Asia remains so popular with expats and teachers.
The cities
There’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself living and working in one of the larger towns or cities in Thailand, since they’re where most of the TEFL jobs are located. Granted, that does mean forgoing a beach bungalow on the sands of an idyllic island. But there are pros to being based in the urban jungle. Get ready to experience some of the most heady, frantic, and fun towns of anywhere on the globe. You’ll hop bazaars in Chiang Mai, taste unforgettable street food in Bangkok, and clink beers in rustic reggae bars up in Chiang Rai.
The life-work/money-spend balance
Last but not least, one of the main reasons that we think Thailand has remained up there with the most alluring TEFL destinations in the world for so long is the balance that it strikes between work and play, earnings and expenditure. First off, teachers here are typically contracted to work between 15-25 hours per week. That should leave loads of time to enjoy the jungle waterfalls and the sparkling sands. Pay wise, you’re looking at raking in up to 40,000 THB/month (just over $1,200 at the time of writing). That’s PLENTY to keep you going in this relatively cheap country, where a beer still costs $1.50!
Tempted to head to Thailand to do your TEFL teaching in 2023? You’re not alone. The good news is there are plenty of positions available. We offer guaranteed jobs as part of our Thailand program. Alternatively, you can complete a 120-hour TEFL course and get applying for positions there in your own time.
If you, like so many thousands of other TEFL grads each year, are planning on heading off to the fabled Land of Smiles, then be sure to read on. This guide has the ins and outs about one of the most important aspects of your new home in the depths of Southeast Asia: The cost.
Yep, it will ask how much money you will need to budget as a teacher in Thailand, to offer insights on what you can expect to be left with to spend on Chang beers and trips to the lovely Andaman Islands when school’s out for the holidays.
The cost of accommodation in Thailand
The largest expense for any English teacher in Thailand is likely to be a place to live. That’s the same of TEFL destinations all around the globe. However, the good news is that accommodation in the Land of Smiles tends to be very reasonable. Still, the mantra that you get what you pay for is very relevant. The bigger chunk of your wage that you set aside for rent, the more luxurious place you can expect to stay.
Here’s a rundown of the options, taking Bangkok as an example:
- 4,000 THB ($120)/month – You can still get a room in a shared home for this much in Thailand, but it’s likely to be very far from the central parts of the city and probably not all that nice.
- 12,000-17,000 THB ($370-500)/month – This is the sweet spot. It should get you a condo in one of Bangkok’s new developments, usually with access to a shared swimming pool and a gym, along with a small kitchen and air conditioning. Location wise, you should be on the outer belt of the city (Chatuchak, Ekamai), which is the best area since it’s quiet but also close to the Skytrain or MRT.
- 25,000 THB+ ($750+)/month – This is the base level for a serviced condo apartment in the downtown of Bangkok. You can even pay over $2,000 for the most luxurious options with full maid service if you like!
We should reiterate: These rents are based on Bangkok. You will find that the cost of a place to stay will vary A LOT as you move away from the capital. We routinely see TEFL grads bag very nice flats in places like Trang or the Chiang Mai region for $200-300/month. On top of that, most TEFL jobs in Bangkok itself won’t be in the downtown core of the capital, but rather out in the quieter suburbs, which is where rent is generally way more affordable.
The cost of food in Thailand
Eating is CHEAP in Thailand. The street food here isn’t hailed as the best in the world for nothing, you know? Last time we were in buzzy Bangkok, we still managed to pick up a pad Thai down on Khaosan Road for less than $1 (30 THB). However, the usual going rate for a meal in a street-side stall is now in the region of 40-100 THB ($1-3).
Of course, you’ll probably want to cook for yourself if you’re going to be living here. That might mean shifting your eating habits a little, as not all goods that are on offer in the US or Europe will be on the shelves in Thailand, especially away from the capital. On the upside, food shops don’t tend to be overly expensive. In fact, most expats report spending in the region of $400-500 max on food for the whole month!
The cost of travel in Thailand
One of the great joys of upping sticks and moving to Thailand is that you’re going to get to see the incredible Land of Smiles. You’ll have to set aside some dosh to travel the country, though, as buses and trains don’t come free. Of course, this is an optional expenditure, but it’s one we think matters a lot – you simply can’t miss those white-sand beaches in Koh Lipe or the jungled hills of Chiang Mai!
If you make one trip per month, we’d say you’d spend around $200-300 maximum. That includes hotels away from your flat and the transport it takes to get there. That will go up if you want to fly to another destination in Southeast Asia, because short-haul connections from Bangkok to Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and others usually cost in the region of $100-200 return on their own.
The total budget you’ll need as an English teacher in Thailand
Adding up what it costs for a flat in Thailand, the price of traveling around the country when you’re off, and what you’ll spend on food and drink, we come out with an average of about $1,000 USD/month. But there are also some extras to factor in, like $100 for utility bills and $100 more for miscellaneous expenses. That means the overall cost of day-to-day living in this corner of Southeast Asia comes out at about $1200 USD per month, which is roughly the same as what you can expect to earn as an English teacher in Thailand.
If you’ve got anything to add to this guide to budgeting in Thailand, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Alternatively, be sure to check out our jobs package in the Land of Smiles and you could be munching on pad Thai in no time!
If you’re readying yourself for your first TEFL year in the wild and wonderful Thai capital, be sure to read on. We’ve slung together 10 of the top things you should know before you touchdown in the electrifying megacity that is Bangkok…
It’s huge
Bangkok is not a bite-sized city. You can’t stroll from one neighborhood to the next. It hosts a whopping 8.28 million people, which is just shy of London or New York. It’s going to take you a while to see the whole place, but that’s okay – that’s part of the fun!
Getting around can be a chore
Going from A to B in Bangkok is never a breeze. Yes, the tuk-tuks are wild and the MRT is uber-efficient, but traffic and a lack of metro lines can cause an issue. The key is to be creative in how you get from one place to another. Use the canal barges or the river boats, or summon one of those nifty scooter taxis if you’re feeling really brave.
The best food is on the street
There’s just no way around this. Bangkok might have Michelin-starred bistros and uber-chic sky bars, but there’s nothing that can beat the street food. In fact, we’d go one step further and say Bangkok is the street-food capital of the world! There’s much more than just the quintessential pad Thai (although they are lovely). You can also get fiery noodle soups, pork skewers, mango sticky rice – the list goes on!
The playing of the national anthem
It’s common for travelers to be caught unawares by the spontaneous playing of the Thai national anthem. It happens around key areas of the city, and in bus and train stations, usually in the morning and early evening. When it’s on, be sure to stand up, be still, and stay respectful.
Taxis can be as fast as walking
We remember being sat in a taxi on the way to a bar while the person we were meeting strolled alongside the car. They got there before us. That’s just Bangkok – a city where the traffic moves slower than the pedestrians. You can dodge the jams if you take a motorbike taxi, but they’re not for the faint hearted.
This is the world’s hottest metropolis
Yep, move over Dubai, take a backseat Riyadh, it’s Bangkok that comes in as the world’s hottest city when you measure temperatures by the mean average. According to the stats, BKK is a steady 28 degrees throughout the year. That’s balmy to say the least, which is why it’s always nice to try and score a condo with a pool if you can, eh?
Durian, durian and more durian
Durian is unquestionably the most-hated fruit in the world. You can’t even eat the stuff in public down in Singapore. Thailand has no such qualms over the fruit, which is infamous for its sickly, rubbishy smell. That’s great news if you love the taste (but don’t ever eat durian with alcohol!) but not so good if, like most, you find the aroma a tad pungent!
Chinatown is massive
Bangkok boasts one of the biggest Chinatown districts on the planet. You’ll find it strung all along the Yaowarat Road. It’s not a drop-in-and-wander sort of place. It’s more of a city within a city, with spice stalls, seafood bazaars, noodle cookhouses, dim sum chefs, and all sorts running for mile upon mile. An amazing neighborhood, but take a map!
Cockroaches are common
Don’t fret: It’s normal to have a roach or two hanging around a street-food stall. You’ll have to get used to it in these tropical reaches. We even had a particularly feisty encounter with a big ole’ roach on our 17th-floor apartment. They can get anywhere!
Don’t stick to only Khao San Road!
This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re planning on adopting Bangkok as your new home, but you’d be surprised how many travelers get caught up on the classic backpacker mecca of Khao San Road and never leave. There’s so much more to this city than that heady mix of pubs and bars. Check out hipster-cool Ekkamai in the east, or try the market district of Chatuchak in the north – both offer something totally different.
There are LOADS of TEFL opportunities in Thailand and Bangkok. Check out our Thailand jobs or Thailand internship page for more information. Or, if you’ve got anything to add to this list of things that everyone heading to BKK should know, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below…
It’s no secret that Thailand is among the world’s most coveted teaching destinations. From the sugar-soft sands of Koh Lipe in the south to the karst bays of the Andaman Coast to the elephant-stalked mountains of the north, it’s an adventure from head to toe. Throw in millions of English learners and schools with ample job opportunities, and it’s easy to see why so many of our graduates look to this corner of Southeast Asia right away.
But it’s not just a case of waltzing over to Bangkok and straight into a job. Thailand has a few hoops that any budding teacher will need to jump through. From a TEFL qualification to native-level command of the language itself, there are all sorts of requirements in the mix. With that in mind, one query we get all the time is whether it’s possible to bag TEFL jobs in Thailand without a degree.
The simple answer? Yes. But there are a few caveats and nuances to get through. Read on for more information…
Do Thai schools require you to have a degree to teach English?
Nope. Thailand’s schools are currently seeing a huge swell in demand for TEFL teachers. Parents are trying really hard to get their kids into classes that will give them some experience of conversation with a native speaker, so there’s not really room for the institutions to be picky about degrees. That’s especially true if you’re looking for jobs in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where more and more positions are popping up each year. That said, loads of places will have it written into their job descriptions, and – more importantly – it’s not all about what the school itself wants…
The government and work permit requirement
The reason most people think it’s entirely impossible to get TEFL jobs in Thailand without a degree is because of the government’s current requirements on working permits. They essentially prohibit schools from sponsoring the documents of teachers who don’t have a BA or BSc from a recognized higher-education institution. Strangely, these relegations only seem to apply to the TEFL industry in Thailand, because other sectors of employment don’t have the same stringent laws.
So that’s that, right?
Not entirely. As with most things in the lovely Land of Smiles, the situation on the ground isn’t what you might expect from reading all the legal documents. There are a few exceptions to the rule that mean TEFL jobs in Thailand without a degree are still a possibility. They include:
- Jobs awarded through an agency.
- Jobs that aren’t “fully-fledged teacher roles”.
The first instance applies to applicants who go the route of getting a job through a third-party employment institution. This is basically what happens on our Thailand internship. It’s an opportunity for non-graduate TEFL teachers to get their foot in the door, all while ensuring they get the support, the experience, and the know-how needed to really make an impact in the classroom when they do finally start teaching. You can check out our Teach in Thailand page to see all the extra care that goes into making sure the professionalism and skills are there using teaching placements and hands-on training.
The second way that schools award TEFL jobs in Thailand without a degree is by creating different sorts of roles. They’re often not very different from the normal teacher positions. They still see workers planning lessons, supporting other teaching staff, and managing classrooms, only with a different job title – things like ‘teaching assistant’ or ‘educational support officer’ are common.
If you’d like more information on getting TEFL jobs in Thailand without a degree, we’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below the line or get in touch via email. Alternatively, head over to our Teach in Thailand page to consider joining an internship program on the ground in the Land of Smiles itself.
So, you’re off teaching in Bangkok? Fantastic! This is one bucket-list cityscape. It pulses with life. It’s gilded with golden Buddhist shrines. And it has some of the most taste-bud-tingling food on the globe! What’s more, the markets and bazaars of Bangkok can rival any on the planet. There are oodles of them across the Thai capital, but we think just a few are totally unmissable…
Wang Lang
Hop across the Chao Phraya River after a day’s teaching in Bangkok and you’ll find the vibrant bazaar of Wang Lang tucked between a medical university and the rises of the gold-plated Wat Rakhang. Tight-knit and narrow, it’s like a rabbit warren of bustling thoroughfares that you’re sure to get lost in. Look one way and there are noodle cooks sizzling up beef broths and ginger. Look another and bubble tea outlets are crammed with customers. In the heart of the market is a large used clothes warehouse – a mecca for those looking for stylish vintage!
Chatuchak Market
Reigning supreme with the title of the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak Market sprawls through the northern districts of Bangkok with a whopping 15,000 individual stalls and sellers. It’s known as a weekend market, because it swings into action on Friday evening and winds up on Sunday afternoons. What is there to buy, you ask? Why…oodles! From vintage threads to retro light fittings, kids’ toys to curious Asian antiques, there’s enough to keep any bargain hunter on the go. Of course, you’ll need to bring fine haggling skills to get the best prices.
Ratchada Train Market
Just a short walk from the nearest BTS station, Ratchada Rot Fai Train Night Market is an accessible bazaar that’s perfect for getting a taste of local Thai life in the evening. The core of the market is a cluster of lively bars and eateries. They often pulse with music and bands, with crowds of folk devouring sizzled pork, spicy noodles, and cold beverages on the long al fresco tables. Beyond the eateries are rows of art shacks with caricature painters, manicure stands, massage parlors, coconut touts – you name it!
Artbox Bangkok
Anyone who’s been teaching in Bangkok for more than a couple of months will surely have heard of the Nana area. It’s here that wild beer bars and clubs erupt after dark on the weekends, with oodles of expats and locals mingling over Changs in speakeasies and sports bars. More recently, the sleek Artbox Market has brought another dimension to the neighborhood. It’s a cool and creative rendition of a clothes and craft bazaar, where the stalls are housed in repurposed shipping containers. Expect everything from electronic gizmos to global street food to be in the offing!
Talat Kao
Hidden deep in the maze of lanes and covered alleys that is the Bangkok Chinatown, Talat Kao is a hazy dose of Canton in the midst of the Land of Smiles. As you stroll, the scents of five spice and lemongrass twist and turn in the air. Huge emporiums brim with Yunnan teas and Sichuan pepper. You’ll catch dubious butchery stalls (are those shark fins?) and strange stacks of veg (cucumber or carrot?), all punctuated by eateries where Tom Yum and Peking duck is the order of the day. Talat Kao never seems to sleep, and things get downright lively after dark on nearby Yaowarat Road.
If you’ve fallen in love with any other markets when teaching in Bangkok, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below! Or, if you’re ready to explore the Land of Smiles and get shopping in the above bazaars, be sure to check out our jobs in Thailand page.
There are a few features that location-independent tutors will look for in the crème-de-la-crème of destinations for online TEFL teachers. Internet being quick and accessible is numero uno, of course. But then there’s cost of living, climate, local cuisine, café culture – the list goes on. The curated selection below reveals a just few of the hottest spots to hit the laptop and teach right now…
Canggu, Bali
The star of Canggu has risen and risen, and this bustling quarter of the Bali south coast is now nothing short of legendary on the digital nomad circle. Fast web? Zingy fibre optic lines will mean you don’t miss word on those Skype lessons. Good accommodation options? How does a private Balinese villa with a tropical garden laced with orchids and its own swimming pool sound? Those combine to make this a corker of a destination for online TEFL teachers, but that’s still not mentioning the crashing surf swells, the beach bars, the excellent boho coffee shops.
Bangkok, Thailand
There was a time when it would have been Chiang Mai and not Bangkok flying the flag for the Land of Smiles on this list. But the sheer number of online workers who’ve flocked to Thailand’s northern hub might just have pushed things over the edge. That gives the capital its chance to shine. Score yourself a swish penthouse in Bang Rak with its own infinity pool overlooking the cityscape. Enjoy the lightening-fast net. And prepare for weekends of trawling hawker markets, sipping Chang beers with backpackers down Khaosan Road, or hiking the green Tenasserim Hills.
Budapest, Hungary
Bubbling bathhouses and steaming spas pepper the Hungarian capital, while long boulevards with a Parisian vibe run this way and that around the snaking Danube. The place is a looker, no questions. And it’s cheap, with beer prices lower than many of its Central European compadres. On top of that, there’s a great balance between quick internet and local transport connections – you could be skiing in Austria in a matter of hours or taking selfies outside the castle of Bratislava.
Lisbon, Portugal
When it comes to great destinations for online TEFL teachers that have it all, Lisbon surely comes darn close. The Portuguese kitchen sets the food a-rolling in a medley of sizzling sardines and sugary pastel cakes. Cobbled lanes weave around Alfama and the Bairro Alto (two gorgeous neighborhoods) like a web, showcasing a town that’s indelibly handsome with its blue-tiled churches and open plazas. There’s al fresco living everywhere. There are festivals. And just down the coast? Get ready for golden bays of picture-perfect sand and surf.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you can handle the seasonal crowds of red-in-the-face spring breakers and college partiers, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit that extends to the north of it makes a darn fine place to settle. That’s especially true if you’re a fan of lovely Pacific beachfronts, surfing weekends, and spicy food. On top of that, Mexico is relatively easy to get around (check out those VIP buses) and has modern internet links. Think about settling in the Romantic Zone or heading north to little surf villages like Sayulita and San Pancho for something quieter.
Taipei, Taiwan
The city where everything works and everyone’s happy, Taipei is on the rise as a destination for online TEFL teachers precisely because of how well-planned, how efficient, and how easy it makes life. The internet is some of the fastest in the whole world. There are affordable, clean flat rentals in vast suburbs. And you get that infusion of mysterious East Asian culture thrown in the mix. A hop down the street and you’re in a soy-scented food court. A hop on the train and you’re in holy mountain ranges that steam with hot springs.
The Canary Islands, Spain
Long associated with package holidays and sunburned Europeans, the Canary Islands have undergone a bit of an image change in recent years. They’re now being listed alongside the best adventure travel destinations of the planet. It’s easy to see why. There’s Lanzarote – the so-called Hawaii of Europe – with dusty volcanic cones, trail running, and wild surf breaks. There’s Fuerteventura, a land of white-sand beaches and blue lagoons. What’s more, any intrepid online TEFL teacher will still benefit from the built-up infrastructure that made vacations here so easy in the past, from good roads to quick internet connections.
If it’s time you got qualified and thinking about teaching in some of these amazing destinations for online TEFL teachers, be sure to head over to our courses page for more information. If you’ve got somewhere great to add to this list, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below…
Last weekend we invited all our paid Thailand internship participants in buzzing Bangkok and vicinity to a cultural tour and dinner on the riverside event. Over 20 people came and together visited the Museum Siam, which mingles relics of ancient Thailand with artifacts related to the country’s revered monarchy. Everyone learned a little about their new adopted home and the mysteries of Thai religion and tradition.
Culture done and dusted, we sipped coffee in the museum café and then made our way down to the banks of the Chao Phraya – the snaking waterway that carves Bangkok in two. As the evening set in, we watched as it was illuminated by the city skyscrapers and the spotlights of ancient temples.
From there, we hopped a water taxi to Yok Yor restaurant where even more EFL teachers were waiting to dine. It was a chance for would-be English tutors to meet and mingle with successful alumni of our program. Everyone found time to introduce themselves and share some stories about what makes teaching in the Land of Smile so special to them.
Then food. A sizzling mix of spicy seafood and curry dishes was enough to prove again that Thailand’s kitchen is among one of the very best in the world. After dining, we played trivia games and tested our knowledge of Thai culture and history. A birthday celebration (one teacher was clocking up another year) and bouts of sticky mango rice later and the evening came to a fun-filled end.
At myTEFL we host cultural evening tours and diners all the time. It’s great for building professional relationships between our teachers, offering opportunities to bond and share stories, but also to relax and unwind.
If you’re interested in exploring the Land of Smiles and tasting fine Thai food with like-minded English teachers, you can join our Thailand Internship, too. Just follow the link for information to get started.
Hurtling tuk-tuks, clanging prayer wheels, tooting horns and the wafts of lime, chili peppers, and soy all combine to create the heady haze that is downtown Bangkok. Meanwhile, away from the bazaars, there are slick skyscrapers topped with elegant cocktail bars with panoramic views and infinity pools. Then come leafy parks and the meanders of the Chao Phraya River. It all adds up to an urban patchwork that entices thousands of Bangkok English teachers every year to such a bucket-list megalopolis. But which area will be your favorite?
Khaosan Road and Banglamphu
This is the Bangkok everybody knows – the Bangkok of The Beach and the Banana Pancake Trail. Butting up to the Chao Phraya River, it’s an area that fizzes with life 24/7. Winding roads that brim with souvenir touts and knock-off fashion hawkers start things swinging. Then, you pass through the food bazaars, where steam twists and turns over sizzling woks, issuing the pungent aromas of prawns and peanut into the sky. Then come the neon lights and rowdy bars of Khaosan Road. It’s long been hailed as one of the world’s most hedonistic strips, with massage parlors converging on Chang-doused Irish bars and DJ-spinning dance halls.
Rattanakosin
Although it’s just a few blocks away from the bars and markets of Banglamphu, Rattanakosin is an altogether different place. Cross the lizard-speckled canals into its old heart and you’ll soon find yourself gawping up at gold-plated stupas and temple spires writhed in incense smoke. This is the historic and cultural epicenter of the Thai capital. And it’s the revered home of the Thai king. That’s where the Grand Palace comes in, hosting oodles of landmarks that include the Wat Phra Kaew and its holy Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, with its reclining effigies. Put simply, Rattanakosin is a must-visit for all Bangkok English teachers.
Yaowarat
Smell the five spice, watch the red lanterns dangle and delve into sprawling marketplaces in Yaowarat. This is Bangkok’s Chinatown, where dim sum and tech sellers replace the Thai noodle shops and Chang touts. To really get a flavor for the unique sort of energy that pulses through the blocks, navigate to Soi Wanit 1 and dodge the stacks of bags and hats and umbrellas on offer there. At night, it’s all about sampling the food. Culinary tours can herald of peppery Asian broths and bird’s nest soup to name just two popular dishes.
Wang Lang
When it comes to markets, Wang Lang is surely up there with the best in the whole of Bangkok. The surest way to arrive is on a water taxi, which purr up and down the river before pulling into Prannok Pier. The area is roughly delineated by Wat Rakhang to the south and a large hospital to the north, which makes it strikingly small. Though there’s loads wedged inside, from plumbing warehouses to make up emporiums, tailoring workshops to garages brimming with vintage threads. Wang Lang’s street food is also refreshingly honest, which might be why so many Bangkok English teachers head here to enjoy pad Thais and sticky rice cooked by local chefs after work.
Sukhumvit
The district of Sukhumvit straddles the Bangkok end of what’s often hailed as the longest road in the Land of Smiles (follow it and you’ll eventually come to Trat on the Cambodian border!). In the capital, however, it’s known for its commercial vibrancy and wealth. The blocks are peppered with exclusive spas and gyms. Overhead is dominated by soaring apartments and city-view restaurants. Between it all, you can seek out traces of old Bangkok at the Kamthieng House Museum, which still sits on teak pillars and has timber-framed architecture.
Bang Rak
Bangkok at it’s chicest and most happening awaits in Bang Rak. Taking front-row seats before the sprawls of Banglamphu and Chinatown, the skyscrapers here rise on the south-eastern edge of town. They cast their gaze over the temples and rooftops in grand style, offering plenty of swish apartments with infinity pools and high-perched drinking bars for those uber-cool sundowners. The area that clings to the side of the Sirat Expressway is the anchor of it all. It’s host to all sorts of chichi drinkeries and international gastronomy, from rustic Tuscan trattorias to Parisian souffle houses – not what you might expect of Southeast Asia.
Bangkok English teachers reading this with something to add? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Or, if you’re determined to make the Land of Smiles your next TEFL escape, be sure to check out our online courses or onsite Thailand internship.
So, you’ve chosen to go teaching English in Bangkok. Great decision. We love this city, and so do most folk who settle between the sleepless blocks of Banglamphu and the soaring skyscrapers of Sukhumvit. But BKK isn’t the sleepiest of cities – that’s for sure. In fact, there always seems to be a hurtling tuk-tuk, a sizzling pad Thai seller, or a suit-touting hawker in your face. To escape the fray, be sure to check out this list of places to go for rest and relaxation in the capital of the Land of Smiles.
Wat Saket
Just a stone’s throw from the buzzing backpacker hub of Khao San Road (a party there is a must!), the gleaming spires of Wat Saket stand high above the Bangkok skyline. At the center of the religious complex is the Golden Mount. It dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when rubble from a previous temple construction was converted into an artificial hillside and topped with a shimmering chedi. These days, it’s one of the most recognizable Buddhist shrines in the Thai capital, and affords sweeping 360-degree views of the metropolis – look south-east to see the skyscrapers of Bang Rak towering through the clouds. Around the temple itself is a series of stepped walking paths, all shrouded by clusters of palm trees, ferns, Buddhist carvings, and rotating prayer wheels.
Lumphini Park
Everyone in Bangkok loves a little stroll through Lumphini Park. A breath of fresh air and swaying palm trees create a place that’s truly worthy of being the namesake of the Buddha’s birth town. It’s all anchored on an artificial lake that’s peppered with drifting paddleboats when the weather’s good. Meditation classes, yoga workshops, and picnics are the name of the game on the lawns. And there are lovely sitting spots shrouded by myrtle flowers and gabled pavilions – a fine spot for that sticky rice and mango lunch.
Benjakitti Park
A little off-the-radar compared to its compadre in Lumphini, Benjakitti Park rolls out off the traffic-clogged artery of Ratchadapisek Road. A manicured place of pristine flower beds and perfectly-positioned palm trees, it’s popular with morning commuters who prefer two wheels to four. On its western side, there are bike parks and playgrounds, while the piece de resistance is surely the large water feature that reflects the surrounding skyscrapers.
Kanchanaburi
A two-hour bus ride is all it takes to transport you away from the hustle of the big capital to the sleepy climbs of little Kanchan, as its affectionately known. Straddling the River Kwai between the low ridges of the Tenasserim Hills, this spot has long been a favorite retreat for those teaching English in Bangkok. On Friday and Saturday nights, dives like Sugar Member Bar and Jolly Frog fill with EFL folk and cold, clinking beers. The sunsets over the water are enough to take the breath away, glowing pink and red and ochre on the horizon. And the day after? How about oodles of WWII history and a dip in the cascading waterfalls at Erawan?
Romaneenart Park
Once a prison, now a park, Romaneenart is an interesting little clutch of greenery on Maha Chai Road. It’s perfectly located for lunchtime breaks for anyone teaching English in Bangkok center, close to the Grand Palace or the canals of Ban Bat. Because it’s not so well known as other mainstay parks in the capital, you can usually find a corner to yourself here. There are clusters of flowerbeds and some babbling fountains, all watched over by the dilapidated ruins of a disused correctional facility.
Tempted by teaching English in Bangkok? The buzz of the big city joins with its serene parks to create somewhere that’s a perennial favorite in the world of EFL. Don’t miss out. Be sure to read all about our internships in Thailand and jobs in Thailand to get started. Or, if you just have something to add to this list, we’d sure love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.