Bangkok Vs Saigon ? English teaching rates + safe place to stay?

Hi, Mel,

Your posting caught my eye as we are in a similar situation. I'm in Saigon, too (4 years now) and with residency card expired, have started thinking about a physical change. I've seriously considered BKK, like you and have been wondering what it might be like to find tutoring/teaching part-time work.

I have taught 2 years here at an int'l school and then 2 years at a local university (combined with tutoring here and there).

Recently, I was in BKK for vacation and in the middle of crossing the street, I got stuck at a barricade and there was bus barreling down towards me and you know what happened??? The driver stopped so I could safely cross the road. I just thought this was hilarious (and so kind) compared to my life here. Right now, I'm in the middle of giving up my apartment as I will spend a few months in US and then in France (studying the language). After that, I have thought about BKK as well as returning to Saigon but I feel like I'm really at a crossroads.

I've only just started a little research on living in BKK but I think in order to work at all (even tutoring and volunteering) requires some official paperwork. Do you know anything about this? I'm over the age of 50 and Thailand offers a great retirement visa-which I might consider but I don't think I would be allowed to work/volunteer with this. Have you traveled to other areas of Thailand? What do you think of Chiang Mai? Seems to be at the top of many people's lists for places to live. I find it quite touristy, lots of traffic, and their french center didn't have as many possibilities as the one in BKK.

If you're interested in corresponding, that'd be great! I'm at [email protected].  Best of luck, Sheila