Volunteering in Thailand

Mar 24, 2023 | Peter Thallas

Gap year, Solo Backpacking, Volunteer Stories, Volunteering In Hostels

It was a crazy experience volunteering at Wet Hostel with Wild and Wandering in Thailand. The hostel was situated on Koh Phangan, a stunning island renowned for its lush jungles, pristine waters, and legendary full moon parties.

I had a lot of free time to explore the island when I initially got to the hostel because it was empty. I spent my time hiking through the jungle, enjoying the native cuisine, and tanning on the beach. Also, I got to interact with other travellers and learn about their travel experiences.

When the Full Moon Party week arrived, everything was different! The mood was electrifying as the hostel started to bustle with activity. The majority of my volunteer exchange involved party promotion and assisting guests check-in, both of which were simple and entertaining tasks. The hostel had exciting pool parties every evening. I socialised a lot, played games, and danced the night away, it was a dream come true. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’ll never forget it. 

Starting the full moon party early with some Thai buckets.
Me handing out free shots during one of the many pool parties at Wet hostel (free accommodation in exchange for partying every night, sounds like a great deal to me).

The hostel itself was another standout aspect of my trip. It had a stunning design that was both fashionable and practical, with a contemporary, minimalist style. The amenities, which included a sizable pool, a bar, and cosy common rooms, were excellent.

But what truly caught my attention was the hostel’s emphasis on community. A close-knit team, the employees and volunteers made sure that everyone participated in the enjoyment. It was obvious that the hostel wanted to create an inclusive and inviting atmosphere because everyone was invited to take part in the activities and events.

Posing with fellow volunteer Suzana from Brazil and Mama. All of us would go to Mama for advice or a shoulder to cry on when we were feeling homesick, she gave the best hugs.
Another volunteer Nicole from Germany. I was feeling very homesick during this stage of my travels, Nicole would never let me feel sorry for myself and always put a smile on my face.

Helping out at the hostel was more than simply a way to have fun and see the island. It also gave me the chance to help others and have a positive influence. I was able to contribute to the hostel’s efficient operation and the enjoyment of the visitors as a volunteer. I was also given assignments to do things like serve drinks at the bar, clean the common spaces, and assist guests with check-in and check-out. Despite the fact that these chores might seem insignificant, they were crucial to the hostel’s operation and had a significant impact. I always felt like I was making a genuine contribution because the local staff were so thankful for my assistance.

The experience of working with the other volunteers was wonderful as well. Our shared passion for travel and desire to aid others brought us together despite the fact that we were all from various nations and backgrounds. I gained a lot of knowledge about many cultures and lifestyles during my stay at the hostel and met friends from all over the world. I will always treasure the memories I made with my fellow volunteers because of the sense of community we actually built.

I grew personally and made friends through volunteering, and I also picked up useful skills that will help me in the future. Working at the hostel helped me understand the value of collaboration and communication as well as how to remain composed and professional under pressure. My capacity for problem-solving and quick thinking also increased. These abilities will come in very handy for both my profession and my upcoming travels.

The beautiful sunset at Haad Rin beach.

It was a truly life-changing experience to volunteer at the Wet hostel run by Wild and Wandering in Koh Phangan, Thailand. I learned so much throughout my time there, making friends for life, acquiring useful skills, and making priceless experiences. The island of Koh Phangan was incredibly stunning, and the hostel had a lovely and inviting setting. Anyone seeking an adventure and the chance to attend the Full Moon Party should definitely consider participating in this exchange, in my opinion. Volunteering at Wet Hostel will provide you with an experience that you won’t forget, whether you are an experienced traveller or a first-time backpacker.

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