Thread: Hua Hin or Koh Samui job, which one?

Hey everyone! Seeking any advice or suggestions on living and teaching in either Hua Hin or Koh Samui.

Currently, I'm in the middle of my TEFL course in Hua Hin. Before I left for Thailand I received a job offer with a Hotel on Chaweng beach, Koh Samui. starts sept 5th, 1 yr contract, 25,000 B/month, a bungalow accommodation for only 100B/month, free food in staff canteen, and 2,000b food allowance, hlth insurance, and work permit, 5.5 days, split shifts. Of course, i jumped at the chance. Who knows what I would get when I got here, right?

I have experience with 5-7yrs kids in the USA. After giving my first teaching presentation for my course, my trainer pulled me aside and was impressed with my energy and confidence that she could foresee me working with kids. I agree. She was so impressed I guess that she "offered" in essence a long term kindergarten position for October with Somtawin school in Hua Hin which has international school status, soon to be a boarding school. Now of course this position will have the works with higher salary and benefits, but doesn't include housing and food.

My dilemma is, which one should I consider? I'm a 27 yr female with partner. I am into teaching TEFL longterm, not just a year. We like Hua Hin and are not big party goers, but Hua Hin is shy of some good nightlife compared to Koh Samui. We like the small town feel and still can find many things. On the the other hand, Koh Samui is an island with lots to do, but very touristy. It's not so homey and a little bit more expensive. I have a preference for the Hua Hin position because of the whole package, but would I be missing something on Koh Samui before I turn the position down. Who knows?

Anyways, any general advice on living, working, entertainment, conditions, etc would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Yeah, many people have commented that Koh Samui is much more expensive. Also, that it's more meant for a vacation place as opposed to working and living there. Thanks for the input!

Shuggy, thanks for the input again. Besides being very expensive, what did you think of the atmosphere and living/working there? Did you just vacation there or did you work there as well? I also hear that I would expect a lot more prostitution on Koh Samui. Did you come in to contact with more farangs or Thais?

Added after 3 minutes:

The housing is included with only having to pay 100B/month, food and laundry included. But 25,000 B is at the low end. Something to consider...

Nope, not a mistake. It's one of the benefits...one that isn't in Hua Hin. Good advice. The hotel is actually near the bottom/end/southern part of Chaweng beach. the last main hotel before Lamai. So it's away from the center of town, but still can get there. We are planning to check it out in two weeks to see what we think of it.

Go for it, the first thing to do there is to buy a bike for transport as not having any means of transport there will eat up your salary. 200 baht is what you would expect to pay in a taxi and 100 baht for a tuk-tuk. Eating out would be expensive, cooking and eating at the market is a must. Good luck and happy partying!