Heat, sweat, rain, repeat.

Phuket: Volunteering, Sweating, and rain

Next up on our world tour: Phuket, Thailand. Known for its stunning beaches, colourful nightlife, and you guessed it, heat so intense you could fry an egg on your forehead. But we weren’t here to sip cocktails on the beach (although that sounds nice now). No, we were here to volunteer at the Soi Dog Foundation because apparently, we enjoy sweating profusely.

Phuket

Home Sweat Home

We booked a condo with a pool, which sounded luxurious until we realized the WiFi wasn’t working. Nothing like being internet-less to test a marriage. Water also did not run for the first 24h. But hey, at least the pool was nice. And why use a shower when you can just put on some shower gel and shampoo, go outside, do a little rain dance and voilá, rain.

Our backyard

Life at Soi Dog

Let's do this

Soi Dog Foundation

Volunteering at Soi Dog was both fulfilling and chaotic in the best way possible. 

Our duties were straightforward yet meaningful, walk the dogs and spend time socializing with them. It sounds simple, but the impact of these tasks was profound. There are over a thousand dogs at Soi Dog. Many of the dogs had little experience with human affection or trust. Our job was to help change that, one walk and one cuddle at a time.

Most of the dogs liked Laura more than me..

Each morning, we’d clip on leashes and head out. There were big dogs who’d pull us eagerly down the path and tiny ones who preferred a slow stroll, sniffing every blade of grass. We’d explore the nearby paths, walk under the harsh sunlight, and let them feel a sense of freedom and companionship.

Older doggies were all about socializing. We’d sit, play, and let them experience human interaction in a chill way. Some dogs were ready from the start, jumping into our laps and licking our faces. Others were shy, approaching with caution but slowly warming up. Our goal was to help each dog feel safe enough to open up, preparing them for a possible family life.

And let’s talk about the weather. Mornings? Boiling. We were basically walking the dogs in a sauna. Afternoons? Monsoon. Imagine being soaked to the bone while holding onto a leash for dear life as the dog decides this is the perfect time to chase after an oversized lizard. 

Wild one, this one was more like a Kangaroo than a dog

Lessons in Humility

By the end of our four days, we were sunburned, rained on, and possibly 7 kilos lighter from sweating out our body weight. But honestly? It was worth every mosquito bite and soaked shoe. The dogs were pure joy, and knowing we were helping them get one step closer to finding forever homes made it all worthwhile.

Phuket, you were a mix of heat, rain, and barking chaos, but we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Well, maybe for working WiFi.

I mean, it's dangerous to lose too much weight right

Airport beach

Before heading to Phuket Town, we enjoyed a friday at a beach near Phuket Airport. This wasn’t your average relaxing beach Day. This beach is famous for planes flying so low overhead you can practically wave to the passengers.

Boy was it loud and windy

We stood there, pretending to look cool while dodging sand tornadoes every time a plane screamed by overhead. It was like being in an action movie, except the only danger was getting a mouthful of sand or being hit by someone’s poorly aimed selfie stick.

Was it terrifying? Yes. Was it awesome? Also yes. Nothing like dodging jumbo jets to make you feel alive.

We walked everywhere during our stay, because who needs tuk-tuks when you have two working legs? Thankfully, the food made it all worth it. Pad Thai became our official fuel, and honestly, it was so good we almost forgave the universe for the heat. Almost.

A lot of red in this photo

Phuket Town

After wrapping up our sweaty, dog filled adventure at Soi Dog Foundation, we decided to treat ourselves to a night in Phuket Town. We found amazing looking michelin restaurant, but it was full so we could not get in. Instead we tried a random local place and boy was it good!

Now, what we didn’t realise was that we’d booked a hostel that was less “cool and cozy” and more like “Satan’s sauna.”

At least 45 degrees Celsius. Proof? Lauras face.

A Night in the Oven

This hostel must’ve been designed by someone who genuinely hates comfort. The air conditioning was practically a decorative item, and the fan only worked if you stood directly under it and prayed. I spent the night debating whether to sleep on the floor, the bed, or just outside in the street because honestly, the street seemed cooler. 

Truthfully I don't think it was that bad. I guess the point in what I am trying to say is, I would trade a huge portion of other comfort items into a working air conditioner.

Phuket town during sunset

Next up: Krabi

The next morning, we escaped our portable oven and boarded a speedboat to Krabi. Let me tell you, this boat was alright. Comfortable seats, a breeze that didn’t feel like dragon breath, and even views that almost made us forget the night before. For a moment, we felt like we were living our best lives, like proper travelers, not just over packed wanderers sweating through Southeast Asia.

Krabi was quite an adventure. And I will share everything that happened in the next post.

Final Thoughts

Phuket Town roasted us alive, and volunteering was actually a job, who would've guessed, but honestly? That’s the beauty of traveling. You never know if you’re going to get a tropical paradise or a sweat lodge. Either way, you’re left with a story to tell. Onward to the next adventure!

Now, I bet Laura already posted dozens of photos about these little beasts. But here's more!

Other photos of Phuket

Art and sweaty faces

I gotta say. We have seen some unreal Restrooms.

Tired but happy