It may not get as much attention as its neighbouring countries, but with luscious landscapes, ancient Buddhist temples, and welcoming locals, Laos is only growing in the TEFL scene.

Low English proficiency paired with a busy tourist sector creates a demand for teachers. But, this isn't reflected in the salary for, as most jobs come in the form of volunteer work. However, it’s possible to find paid work in the capital, Vientiane, with the right TEFL certificate and planning.

Read The TEFL Org’s guide to teaching English in Laos, from the teaching jobs, visas, salaries, top locations, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Teachers will need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate to find paid work in Laos, but volunteer positions are open to less qualified teachers.
• Non-native speakers and non-degree holders can also find English teaching jobs or volunteer work in Laos.
• The average salary for paid teaching positions in Laos ranges from ₭11–₭30 million ($500–$1,500 / £380–£1,135) per month depending on qualifications and experience.
• Most paid teaching jobs can be found in the capital, Vientiane; volunteer positions exist throughout the country.
• Teachers will need to obtain the LA-B2 work visa to teach English in Laos legally.

Requirements for Teaching English in Laos

Laos is working hard to improve English proficiency in the local community — which means qualified teachers are a priority.

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Laos?

While it isn't a legal requirement to teach English in Laos, it's highly recommended that you become TEFL certified before teaching in Laos. A 120-hour TEFL certificate is typically the minimum requirement for paid teaching work, especially in a popular destination like Laos.

If you want to increase your knowledge and employability, consider taking a Level 5 TEFL course, or top up your current TEFL training with advanced courses in teaching young learners or business English.

Can I teach English in Laos without a degree?

Legally speaking, you can teach English without a degree in Laos. However, schools and employers prefer teachers with university education, particularly at private language schools, international schools, or universities where the salary is higher.

Do I need teaching experience to teach English in Laos?

You can teach abroad without experience in Laos, especially if you have a degree and an internationally recognised TEFL certificate. Many schools welcome entry-level teachers as long as they have sufficient TEFL training, but positions at international schools often require a few years of teaching experience.

Visa requirements for teaching English in Laos

To teach in Laos legally, you'll need an LA-B2 work visa. This is a multiple-entry visa issued for 3–12 months and can be renewed.

Before applying for your work visa, you'll need proof of a job contract from a Lao employer. You'll need to submit official documents, including:

• Copies of your bachelor's degree or academic transcripts; legalised and authenticated
• A sponsorship letter from your employer
• A work permit
• Valid passport and passport photo
• A copy of your TEFL certificate
• A clear criminal background check

Some teachers enter Laos on a tourist visa and search for work in-person. However, this is technically illegal, regardless of whether your work is paid or unpaid. While not often enforced, this can lead to fines and deportation.

Important: Immigration rules can change; be sure to check the Department of Immigration of Lao PDR or the local Laos embassy in your region for official visa rules. The information above is not intended as legal, tax, financial, or visa advice.

Salary and Cost of Living

Laos is an affordable country, but you'll still need to weigh up your salary against the cost of living. So, what kind of lifestyle can you expect as an English teacher in Laos?

How much can you earn teaching English in Laos?

Excluding volunteer roles, the average English teacher salary in Laos ranges from ₭11–₭30 million ($500–$1,500 / £380–£1,135) per month. However, it's important to understand the different factors that influence teacher salaries in Laos:

• Experience and qualifications: Teachers with advanced TEFL courses, degrees, and teaching experience can earn a higher teaching salary in Laos.
• Job types: Jobs at public schools or small private schools may be unpaid or offer a low salary, whereas reputable private schools and international schools can offer teachers higher salaries.
• Location: The teaching salary is higher in cities such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Pakse. Schools in rural areas like Vang Vieng or Nong Khiaw will have lower budgets and positions will pay significantly less or be unpaid.

How much does it cost to live in Laos?

Laos has a low cost of living, but it's still important to research how much you'll be paying each month.

In the capital city, Vientiane, monthly rent for an apartment averages from ₭5.5–₭11 million ($250–$500 / £190–£380) per person or even less outside the centre. Excluding rent, teachers can expect to spend around ₭11–₭16.5 million ($500–$750 / £380–£570) depending on their lifestyle.

Here's a quick breakdown of your everyday costs in Laos as an English teacher.

Here's how you can make the most of your salary as an English teacher in Vientiane and other areas of Laos:

• Eat Laotian food: Local food is always cheaper than imported food and western restaurants. You can find traditional Lao food like Larb or Khao jee pâté for as cheap as ₭50,000 ($2.25 / £0.17).
• Take public transport: Laos has improved its public transport infrastructure in recent years, with significant investment going into the China–Laos railway. You can board the train from Vientiane, and get off at Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, or even Kunming in China!
• Rent a bike: If you have a valid licence and international driving permit, you can rent a motorbike in Laos. This can be significantly cheaper — and more convenient — than taking taxis.
• Take advantage of cheap activities: Whether you visit Kuang Si Waterfalls or visit the temples of Luang Prabang, there are plenty of inexpensive or free activities to embrace in Laos.

English Teaching Jobs in Laos

Teaching jobs in Laos can come in a range of different forms — here are the most common ones teachers can find based on their experience and qualifications.

Public schools

Teaching at public schools in Laos is usually found by volunteering with non-profit organisations. At a public school, you'll support classroom activities and language development with a local Lao teacher. Classrooms are typically larger than in other schools, and students are generally very enthusiastic to see foreign teachers volunteer at their school.

What to expect teaching at a public school in Laos:

• Volunteering with non-profit organisations
• Teaching conversational and spoken English to larger classrooms
• Working alongside a local Lao teacher

Private language schools

Teaching at private language schools in Laos involves working evenings and weekends to cater to student and adult schedules. Students join private language schools to supplement their education, and topics range from general English, grammar, business English, and exam preparation.

What to expect teaching at a private school in Laos:

• Teaching smaller classes
• Evening and weekend work
• Presenting lessons on a range of topics depending on the students
• Average monthly salary of around ₭11–₭22 million ($500–$1,000 / £380–£755)

International schools

International school teaching jobs offer the best teaching environment, with small classroom sizes, excellent facilities, and reputable international curricula. Students at international schools come from Laos and other countries, and these students typically have a higher level of English than those at public schools.

What to expect teaching at an international school in Laos:

• Teaching from Monday to Friday
• Delivering an international curriculum to smaller classrooms
• Higher requirements and expectations from English teachers — a degree, advanced TEFL certification, and previous teaching experience is often needed
• Average monthly salary of around ₭22–₭33 million ($500–$1,500 / £380–£1,135)

Private tutoring

Teachers on a valid work permit can supplement their income through private tutoring in Laos. This may involve teaching adults or young learners who want to learn English an hour or so a week, whether they're preparing for exams or seeking to improve their English in the workplace. Teachers can earn around ₭220,000–₭440,000 ($10–$20 / £7.50–£15) depending on their experience.

Teaching English in Major Cities

Here are some of the best places to teach English in Laos, based on job opportunities, lifestyle, and more.

Teach English in Vientiane

Based along the Thai border, Vientiane combines cultural French colonial charm and Buddhist temples with economic opportunities. From the Mekong River, golden temples of Pha That Luang, and vibrant night markets, the city offers a slow pace of life for an Asian capital.

While it's not the first place that people have in mind when they travel to Laos, Vientiane is the financial and political centre, creating a range of opportunities for English teachers. It's home to the largest number of international schools, language institutes, and universities, making it the most accessible city for new and experienced TEFL teachers.

Teachers can also find opportunities through private tutoring outside of their regular working hours, with many young professionals and undergraduates looking to improve their English in the workplace.

Teach English in Savannakhet

Savannakhet, Laos' second-largest city, is ideal for teachers seeking a slower pace of life with a rewarding experience. Set along the Mekong River, it's a culturally diverse city, home to Buddhist temples, Chinese temples, Catholic churches, and mosques.

While there are fewer teaching roles than in Vientiane, demand remains strong, particularly in international schools, NGOs, and volunteer programmes, with opportunities growing as new schools open. With its peaceful atmosphere, strong traditions, and unique landmarks like That Ing Hang Stupa and the Dinosaur Museum, teaching in Savannakhet offers a memorable experience.

TEFL Org Teacher Stories

Want to see what Laos looks like on-the-ground? Check out Katie's video on her travels through Laos:

Ready to Teach English Abroad in Laos? Get TEFL Certified Today

Before you book your flight to the land of Buddhist traditions and natural beauty, you'll need to complete your TEFL course. With an in-person or an online TEFL course, you could find yourself earning a higher salary and landing a better job teaching English in Laos. A TEFL course isn't just an addition to your application, it helps you become a more skilled and confident teacher in the classroom.

Get started with our 120-hour course now.