For the explorer looking to find a paradise, purpose, and passion, there are many TEFL locations in Thailand for beginning your adventure! If traveling is your calling, obtaining your TEFL certification in Thailand could be your first step into being a global nomad with the resources and expertise to be successful.

Strap in — all TEFL locations in Thailand will bring you adventure!
Thailand TEFL opportunities are a great way to see southeast Asia — and they’re affordable too! The English language is imperative in the global economy and foreign-based English teachers increase access and engagement in various developing countries and their communities. With a variety of TEFL courses in Thailand, students will be able to live and study in a city that meets their individual interests.
With cities like Phuket and Krabi for beach lovers, or Bangkok for those who love mixtures of modern and ancient culture, Thailand has something for everyone. Ride an elephant, island hop, and connect with the local community; gaining TEFL certification in Thailand has never been easier or more affordable!
Obtaining a TEFL certification in Thailand offers a variety of support opportunities as well, including job preparation, salary negotiation, and visa/immigration assistance. Thailand TEFL instructors provide insight into teaching strategies and language-learning activities, and alumni of TEFL programs in Thailand become professionals in one of the fastest growing global workforces.
7 best cities for TEFL certification in Thailand
1. Bangkok

You’ll love the history and culture found around every corner in Bangkok.
In Thailand’s capital city, you will find one of the best TEFL locations in Thailand where participants will be able to explore a rich metropolis full of history, culture, and fellow travelers. As one of the number one hubs for backpackers from around the world, pursuing coursework in TEFL here will connect you to a large and diverse community of expatriates, as well as some of the best TEFL course providers in Thailand.
Enjoy street food, one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, and easy-to-navigate public transportation. Programs here are available in-person, online, or as a hybrid with guaranteed job placement upon graduation! Courses offer real teaching internships to help TEFL certification participants learn how to manage a classroom and provide unique and well-received coursework in the English language.
- Recommended Program: i-to-i TEFL
- Recommended Program: Asian College for Teachers
- View ALL TEFL programs in Bangkok
2. Chiang Mai
Head to the north and live in Chiang Mai, a city known for its beautiful architecture and large mountain ranges. TEFL course participants are able to engage in affordable programming with luxury amenities at prices that won’t break the bank. Programs offer on-site teaching experience ranging from classes for adolescents to adults, with classroom skills training to support the language acquisition of your target population.
Private feedback and counseling from TEFL instructors provides individualized support and an advanced assessment of course successes and areas of improvement. Be immersed in this truly unique community and learn valuable professional skills for future career pursuits.
- Recommended Program: Teacher Link
- Recommended Program: Greenheart Travel
- View ALL TEFL programs in Chiang Mai
3. Phuket

Trade in skyscrapers for sandy beaches in Phuket, one of the best TEFL locations in Thailand!
Live your best island life and gain certification in TEFL to make your island bungalow dream a reality. Phuket is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand and is known as a top destination spot for backpackers and expatriate vacations. This affordable oasis provides a priceless scenery and the courses provided here allow the opportunity to prolong any vacation and gain practical skills.
TEFL in Thailand certification programs in Phuket offer intensive coursework with teaching experience in local schools to provide an invaluable resource to the youth of the region. These programs help sustain the global economy and provide the host city with qualified instructors in a truly breathtaking city.
- Recommended Program: TEFL Heaven
- Recommended Program: TEFL Campus
- View ALL TEFL programs in Phuket
4. Chiang Rai
Small, intimate cities more your speed? Experience the quaint life available in Chiang Rai, Thailand and the highly-recommended TEFL certification programs offered at the foot of the White Temple. This remote location allows for more engagement with nature, an opportunity not available in larger cities.
As one of the more affordable options for TEFL locations in Thailand, you can easily make a sustainable wage and experience in a short amount of time. Chiang Rai TEFL courses offer international accreditation and cultural excursions to make the most of your time in the city.
- Recommended Program: Xplore Asia TESOL/TEFL
- Recommended Program: International TEFL Academy
- View ALL TEFL programs in Chiang Rai
5. Mae Hong Son
If nature, hiking, and interacting with different ecologies in remote locations is your thing, the small, remote town Mae Hong Son is your city! The city is surrounded by lush green forest and a calm lake that is able to show the connection Thailand has to other southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar.
This laid back city allows its residents and TEFL course participants to engage in various trekking excursions and boat trips with little-to-no tourist congestion. Mae Hong Son is home to world-renowned TEFL certification programs that offer TEFL internships and paid teaching placement in Thailand and abroad. With pre-arrival training and high quality professional instruction, a TEFL course in Mae Hong Son is great for the nature enthusiast and seeker of obscure paradises.
- Recommended Program: Premier TEFL
- Recommended Program: SEE TEFL Teacher Training
- View ALL TEFL programs in Mae Hon Song
6. Koh Samui

Maybe skip Thailand if you’re not into that whole beach vibe.
Thailand and its myriad of islands and beach resorts have a unique location just for you! That location may be the beautiful city of Koh Samui. Many gulf island tours are just a kayak trip away, allowing you to marvel at its beautiful waterfalls after a day of coursework. This city is known for its cuisine, wellness, and leisurely lifestyle; perfect for any beach bum!
Koh Samui has programs comparable to others in Thailand with an oceanic feature and community that is unique to other opportunities. Programs last between three and four weeks, with direct teaching experience and internationally-accredited certification available.
- Recommended Program: Samui TEFL
- Recommended Program: Global Nomadic
- View ALL TEFL programs in Koh Samui
7. Krabi
Words cannot do justice to the gateway to the Andaman Islands. Architecture, beaches, outdoor activities, and an expat community make this city and the programs in it one-of-a-kind! Programs in Krabi offer airport transportation, pre-arrival information, and job placement assistance.
Spending a month in Krabi mixing teaching and travel will provide all the photos for the ‘gram you need and an experience you will never forget. Teach in local schools and create connections to last a lifetime in the span of a month with the truly life-changing opportunities available in this beach community.
- Recommended Program: XploreAsia
- Recommended Program: globalU
- View ALL TEFL programs in Krabi
You’re ready for TEFL courses in Thailand!

Earning your TEFL certification in Thailand will be accompanied with a LOT of exciting memories.
Traveling the world does not only have to take money out of your pocket. By enrolling in a TEFL certification course in Thailand, you will be able to work and play daily, providing a valuable experience to a friendly, welcoming community, and helping them enter the global economy through English instruction. Regardless of the cityscapes that suit your unique desires, TEFL locations in Thailand provide the topography and geographical diversity to provide programming to meet anyone’s interest.
The need for TEFL instructors continues to grow as our world becomes more interconnected. Gaining certification in this growing profession can be the start to a forever career or a great side hustle. Make the choice to support developing countries and increasing access to quality language instruction as a TEFL-certified instructor. Your TEFL certification course is just a short plane ride away. Say yes to adventure and say yes to a new profession by completing a TEFL course in Thailand this year!
View ALL TEFL Courses in Thailand
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