Chiang Mai, Thailand: Returning as a Yoga Teacher at the Yard Hostel

Published on 15 January 2025 at 21:00

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After spending a week in Mae Wang, I traveled back to Chiang Mai city center to explore the city as I only spent a night in Chiang Mai on the very first day I arrived from Vietnam and didn't get to explore much. I was browsing through the Worldpackers website to see if there is any volunteer work that I could do, and I was so lucky to be matched with the Yard Hostel again to volunteer as a yoga teacher. I stayed at the Yard Hostel in Bangkok a couple of months ago (see below to read my previous post about my experience) as a yoga teacher and volunteered to teach mornings & evenings for hostel guests. The second branch of the Yard Hostel opened in Chiang Mai in November so I was excited to be part of the Yard Family team again to volunteer as a yoga teacher. 

**Want to read my previous posts about volunteer experiences with Worldpackers? Click below!

  1. Mexico City, Mexico 
  2. Antigua, Guatemala
  3. La Fortuna, Costa Rica
  4. Bangkok, Thailand
  5. Nam Dinh, Vietnam
  6. Mae Wang, Thailand

Hours and Duties

I stayed 2 weeks in Bangkok last time, but this time, I decided to spend 3 weeks in Chiang Mai as a volunteer. The hosts were very flexible and I could plan out my own yoga schedule. Based on my previous experience at the Yard Bangkok, I realized that more people come to yoga classes at 7 am right before people have breakfast (which is served from 8 am) considering that the class runs for about an hour. Afternoon classes were at 5 pm. It seemed like a good time just before the sun set and it is still lit outside but not too hot. I switched off days between 7 am and 5 pm so people can join whenever they are available. Sign-up was available at the reception but people could drop in even if they didn't sign up.  I had two to three days off per week and had time to explore Chiang Mai city center. 

Sign-up was always available at the reception. 

Hostel guests signed up for the classes :) 

My breakfast each morning at the Yard. 

Overall Experience

I had another great experience with the Yard Hostel. I was able to connect with other volunteers (they volunteered for reception work, kitchen help, and night shifts), other backpackers, and even locals! It was so nice to reconnect with people I've met in Bangkok at the Chiang Mai location and I felt at home the moment I stepped into the hostel. I hope to come back to either Bangkok or Chiang Mai branch to meet all the people I've met. I felt extremely grateful to be back to teach yoga in Thailand! 

Thank you everyone for coming and practicing with me :)

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