Bangkok or Chiang Mai? Choosing where to teach in Thailand

Most international school jobs in Thailand are in Bangkok. Chiang Mai has far fewer schools but attracts many teachers for its pace of life. Here is how the two compare on the points teachers ask about most.

Number of schools

Bangkok has the largest concentration of international schools in the country, covering British, American, IB and other curricula. That means more vacancies, more choice when you want to move schools and a wider range of pay. Chiang Mai has a smaller group of international and bilingual schools, so openings come up less often. The Chiang Mai listings on International Schools Database give a sense of the options before you apply.

Getting to work

In Bangkok, the BTS and MRT train lines make commuting predictable if you live and work near them. Otherwise traffic can make a short distance a long trip. Chiang Mai is smaller, and most teachers drive a car or a motorbike, so a licence and road confidence matter more.

Cost of living

Rents are generally lower in Chiang Mai than in central Bangkok for a similar size of home, though the gap narrows if you live in Bangkok's suburbs. Salaries at schools in Chiang Mai are often lower too. Compare the full package, not the rent.

Air quality

Northern Thailand has a seasonal haze period, roughly from February to April, when agricultural burning and forest fires push air pollution to high levels. Bangkok also has poor air on some days in the cool and dry season. Teachers with asthma or young children often weigh this heavily. Air purifiers at home are common in both cities.

Life outside school

Bangkok has more of everything: international food, events, flights and hospitals. Chiang Mai is quieter, closer to the mountains and easier to get around once you have transport. Partners looking for work usually find more options in Bangkok.

Other places

Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Khon Kaen also have international or bilingual schools. They are worth considering if you want a smaller city, but vacancies are fewer again.

Written by the Charlie House editorial team. Last checked October 2026. Thai rules change often. Check with the school, the immigration office or the agency concerned before you act on anything here.