Top 5 Resources for Teaching English in Vietnam (Lesson Plans, Tools, and Apps)

Teaching English in Vietnam is an exciting opportunity for foreigners to make a difference, experience a rich culture, and earn a good living. Whether you're a new teacher looking to enter the classroom with confidence or a seasoned educator aiming to level up your lessons, having the right resources is key to success. With Vietnam's growing demand for English education, it's more important than ever to be well-prepared and professionally equipped.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 resources - covering lesson plans, digital tools, and mobile apps - that will help foreign teachers in Vietnam deliver effective, engaging English lessons. Whether you're working in a public school in Hanoi, a private language center in Ho Chi Minh City, or tutoring online from Da Nang, these tools are tried, tested, and tailored for the Vietnamese classroom environment.

1. Teach This - Ready-Made ESL Lesson Plans and Activities

Website: www.teach-this.com

Best for: Structured lessons, grammar drills, speaking games.

Teach This is a treasure trove of ESL worksheets, lesson plans, games, and interactive activities for all levels of English learners. Many Vietnamese schools and language centers follow a grammar-heavy curriculum, and Teach This offers resources that balance structure with communicative practice.

Key Features:

• Materials for speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Levels from beginner to advanced.
• Printable PDFs and editable documents.
• Activities tailored for groups, pairs, or whole-class dynamics.

Why it works in Vietnam:
Many Vietnamese students are used to passive learning. Teach This encourages interaction through role-plays and discussion-based tasks, helping students speak up in class. It's especially useful for new teachers who need structured support or substitutes looking for quick, effective plans.

Pro Tip: Pair Teach This worksheets with local topics like Vietnamese food or travel to make your lessons more culturally relevant.

 

2. Vietnam Teaching Jobs Facebook Groups & Google Drive Repositories

Best for: Community-shared lesson plans, job leads, and local teaching insights.

Many expat teachers in Vietnam generously share resources in teaching groups on Facebook or Google Drive folders. These grassroots networks often contain lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, flashcards, and classroom tips adapted to the Vietnamese context.

Popular Facebook Groups:

• Vietnam Teaching Jobs (90K+ members)
• HCMC Teachers’ Community
• Teachers in Vietnam – ESL Resources & Jobs

Benefits:

• Download free lessons tested in Vietnamese classrooms.
• Learn what works with specific age groups (e.g., Grade 3 in public schools).
• Find apps, phonics videos, and even Vietnamese-English translation aids.

Why it works in Vietnam:
These groups provide insider knowledge that no global ESL site can offer. You’ll find guides on handling 50+ student classes, working with teaching assistants (TAs), and adapting to Vietnam’s public school expectations.

Pro Tip: Search the groups using keywords like “phonics lesson”, “speaking game”, or “primary school activity” for fast results.

 

3. Kahoot! – Game-Based Learning App

Website: www.kahoot.com

Best for: Review games, quizzes, and interactive student engagement.

Kahoot! is an online game-based learning platform that turns quizzes into exciting competitions. Vietnamese students, especially younger ones, are highly responsive to interactive technology and love the competitive edge of Kahoot games.

Key Features:

• Easy to create or access pre-made quizzes.
• The multiple-choice format is ideal for reviewing vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.
• Works with projectors, tablets, or students’ smartphones.
• Real-time scoreboards keep students engaged.

Why it works in Vietnam:
In a country where rote learning is common, Kahoot! introduces dynamic, student-centered interaction. It’s great for reviewing lessons in public or private classrooms, and it helps break the ice with shy students.

Classroom Tip: If internet access is slow, use a mobile hotspot or preload the quiz on your device. Students can also work in teams to encourage collaboration.

 

4. Breaking News English – Current Events Lesson Plans

Website: www.breakingnewsenglish.com

Best for: Reading comprehension, discussion topics, and advanced learners.

If you're teaching adults or higher-level teens in Vietnam, Breaking News English is a go-to source for real-world, up-to-date lesson content. The site offers hundreds of news-based lesson plans, each available at multiple difficulty levels.

What You Get:

• Fully editable lessons based on global news stories.
• Listening and reading exercises, discussion questions, vocabulary tasks.
• MP3 audio files for listening practice.
• Lessons are updated weekly.

Why it works in Vietnam:
Adult learners in Vietnam—whether university students or business professionals—appreciate practical, real-world English. These lessons connect them with international news while building fluency, comprehension, and speaking confidence.

Teaching Tip: Select news stories that resonate with Vietnamese interests, such as tourism, technology, or education reform. Encourage students to compare local news with global coverage.

 

5. Cambridge One & British Council Apps – Official Curriculum Tools

Websites:

• Cambridge One
• British Council: Learn English Apps

Best for: Supplementing coursebooks, independent student practice, and exam preparation.

Many language centers and schools in Vietnam use textbooks from Cambridge or the British Council. Both institutions offer free and premium online platforms that align with their printed materials.

Cambridge One:

• Used for books like “Kid’s Box” or “Unlock.”
• Digital activities, progress tracking, and teacher accounts.
• Works well for homework or blended learning.

British Council Apps:

• “LearnEnglish Grammar,” “Johnny Grammar,” and “LearnEnglish Kids.”
• Ideal for mobile practice on the go.
• Great for reinforcing classroom learning at home.

Why it works in Vietnam:
These tools are often integrated into formal syllabi. Students and parents trust reputable education brands, and many schools already include login access for these platforms.

Teacher Tip: Use the teacher dashboards to track student progress and assign specific grammar or vocabulary topics after class. It’s a great way to boost engagement outside of classroom hours.

 

Bonus: Local Classroom Essentials

Alongside digital and online tools, teaching in Vietnam also means adapting to the local classroom environment. Here are a few additional tools and habits that will make your life easier:

Flashcards & Props:

Young learners in Vietnam love visuals. Keep a set of alphabet flashcards, animal pictures, or realia (e.g., fruits, toys) for interactive lessons.

Mini Whiteboards:

Perfect for quick assessments and group activities. Many Vietnamese classrooms have limited tech access, so low-tech tools are very effective.

Translation Apps (Google Translate or SayHi):

Great for communicating with co-teachers, TAs, or lower-level learners who struggle with instructions. But use sparingly—always prioritize English immersion.