The Cuckoo's Nest Hostel & Bar
Hoi An is a magical place with so much to do and see around. It is almost unanimously traveler's favourite place in Vietnam, if not SEA.
The Cuckoos Nest Hostel has just been awarded the "Best New Hostel In Asia" meaning that working here allows you to be part of something special, and know you are part of the best experience traveler's are creating.
Having spent 12 years of my life traveling, and spending most of that time living inside hostels myself, I understand the desire to volunteer. I understand that sometimes its nice to put down your backpack for a little longer than 3 days and really get to know a place and its people. I understand the importance of volunteers and the role they play in creating atmosphere, setting a friendly welcoming tone, fostering connection and ultimately providing a home away from home for so many people.
I also understand that this experience needs to be beneficial to my volunteers. They need to be learning skills, learning about themselves, have a safe and welcoming environment, feel important to the hostel and above all need to be enjoying themselves.
I am above all a traveler myself, who after over a decade of traveling decided to hang up my backpack and create the kind of place that I always would have loved to stayed in myself.
The hostel is run in two distinct parts. I have full time Vietnamese staff (who are the best staff i could ever ask for) who help me run the reception, bookings, check in's, cleaning, laundry and all other matters of "official business". And then I have the bar and social area where we run events and games each night. The bar and even area is run by myself and my wonderful volunteers. I have anywhere between 3 and 5 volunteers at a time (depending on schedules and people leaving and going and overlapping). By nature, all of my volunteers must be friendly, welcoming, fun and inclusive people.
My volunteer's can be expected to be treated with respect, and in a true sense that we are in this together. I listen to my volunteers and often seek out advice on things.
I also understand that living and working and drinking in the same space over long periods of time can be a daunting or uncomfortable thought for some. Be assured that I take bullying, sexual misconduct, harassment, or uncomfortable behaviour from other volunteers, or guests very seriously. You should, and always will feel safe and looked after here.